Blaireau
04-10-07, 09:39 AM
Who do you think will win this year's Tour de France (assuming Ullrich is out).
View Full Version : What's your pick for this year's TdF?
donrhummy
04-10-07, 10:36 PM
I think it'll be Basso but I want it to be Leipheimer.
I saw Elvis
04-11-07, 02:41 AM
I think it will be Basso, I'd prefer someone else, but looking at the list I find myself thinking, I hope it's not, I hope it's not....
gabdy
04-11-07, 06:35 AM
Cadel Evans will surely win. :D
Blaireau
04-11-07, 07:35 AM
I think Vino has a sporting chance -- after all, he did win the vuelta...
It is sad that after all teams agreed not to hire riders implicated in the Puerto blood scandal, Disco went ahead and hired Basso before the investigation was halted for procedural reasons. Actually caused quite a rucus in the cycling world that controversial disco move, though one wouldn't know it looking at BF or US cycling mags....
I put Levi almost as a joke, as the oddsmaker rightly consider him a rank outsider, but I somehow knew that he would get a bunch of votes regardless.... Patriotism...or wishful thinking, I guess.
It is sad that after all teams agreed not to hire riders implicated in the Puerto blood scandal, Disco went ahead and hired Basso before the investigation was halted for procedural reasons. Actually caused quite a rucus in the cycling world that controversial disco move, though one wouldn't know it looking at BF or US cycling mags....
I put Levi almost as a joke, as the oddsmaker rightly consider him a rank outsider, but I somehow knew that he would get a bunch of votes regardless.... Patriotism...or wishful thinking, I guess.
adamastor
04-13-07, 01:09 PM
Frank Schleck
dagna
04-13-07, 03:46 PM
I'd say Basso, but I suspect the tour organizers are going to do their best to keep him from starting the race.
staehpj1
04-13-07, 06:35 PM
It is sad that after all teams agreed not to hire riders implicated in the Puerto blood scandal, Disco went ahead and hired Basso before the investigation was halted for procedural reasons.
I thought it was a horrible injustice that they kept so many from starting the tour based on not all that much evidence. I personally would like to see one of the riders kicked out last year win this year.
I thought it was a horrible injustice that they kept so many from starting the tour based on not all that much evidence. I personally would like to see one of the riders kicked out last year win this year.
Madoner
04-14-07, 07:50 PM
I think that Discovery wants Leipheimer and Basso on the final podium. Discover is flippin stacked this year.
Catalium
04-15-07, 04:19 AM
ha ha,adamaster.you'r nobody,and nobody is perfect,so,you'r perfect.--get down to the business,i think Ullrich or Pereiro will win the race,meanwhile,i won't refuse to admit if there would be a "black horse".:rolleyes: Frank Schleck
Blaireau
04-17-07, 06:44 PM
I thought it was a horrible injustice that they kept so many from starting the tour based on not all that much evidence. I personally would like to see one of the riders kicked out last year win this year.
A "horrible injustice"? Laugh out Very loud on this one! The reason why the riders implicated in the puerto affair got away with it, was because the law that made doping a crime in Spain was not passed before the investigation began... So they got off on a technnicality, no more, no less.
On the facts, no question that they were guilty. Its just that until recently doping was pretty much legal in Spain (Hence all the pro-cycling trainning camps in Spain, not to mention the US cyclist residences there whilst trainning....Floydd, Lance and others weren't there instead of France (which has tougher laws) just because of the tapas... :-)))))
A "horrible injustice"? Laugh out Very loud on this one! The reason why the riders implicated in the puerto affair got away with it, was because the law that made doping a crime in Spain was not passed before the investigation began... So they got off on a technnicality, no more, no less.
On the facts, no question that they were guilty. Its just that until recently doping was pretty much legal in Spain (Hence all the pro-cycling trainning camps in Spain, not to mention the US cyclist residences there whilst trainning....Floydd, Lance and others weren't there instead of France (which has tougher laws) just because of the tapas... :-)))))
varian72
04-18-07, 09:14 AM
What about Lloyd Flandis?
-VELOCITY-
04-18-07, 10:43 AM
Basso. He's got the best team support.
-VELOCITY-
04-18-07, 10:43 AM
What about Lloyd Flandis?
Who's that?
Who's that?
Blaireau
04-18-07, 02:48 PM
Who's that?
Dunno.
Dunno.
dagna
04-20-07, 09:09 AM
I'd say Basso, but I suspect the tour organizers are going to do their best to keep him from starting the race.
As I was saying...
http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/12087.0.html
As I was saying...
http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/12087.0.html
Blaireau
04-20-07, 09:17 AM
As I was saying...
http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/12087.0.html
Darn :-( This means I am going to have to post another pool....:D
http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/12087.0.html
Darn :-( This means I am going to have to post another pool....:D
Blaireau
04-20-07, 04:25 PM
Yeah, I heard the TdF director on French TV: they are formaly asking any rider implicated in the Puerto affair not to ride this year....:eek:
Are Ya listening Discovery Channel Team?
If this is confirmed Vino (my pick) is in the lead !! (I'll take Basso out).
Are Ya listening Discovery Channel Team?
If this is confirmed Vino (my pick) is in the lead !! (I'll take Basso out).
DMF
04-21-07, 06:33 PM
It is sad that after all teams agreed not to hire riders implicated in the Puerto blood scandal, Disco went ahead and hired Basso before the investigation was halted for procedural reasons.
That's not spin, that's just plain untrue. The Operation Puerto indictments (against the riders) were either never filed or were thrown out of court. Ivan's home sanctioning body cleared him of wrongdoing. After all this happened, Disco hired him.
Further, the teams never agreed anything about OP. Most of them (there's some dispute about all) had previously - as in before OP - agreed to terminate any rider subject to anti-doping proceedings. There are *no* proceedings against Basso anywhere - just some grumbling from ASO. (And likely from some teams that tried to hire him and lost out.)
I put Levi almost as a joke, as the oddsmaker rightly consider him a rank outsider, but I somehow knew that he would get a bunch of votes regardless.... Patriotism...or wishful thinking, I guess.
Oh sure. Nothing to do with the fact that he's already won two tours this year and is tearing up the Tour de Georgia. Must be xenophobia.
That's not spin, that's just plain untrue. The Operation Puerto indictments (against the riders) were either never filed or were thrown out of court. Ivan's home sanctioning body cleared him of wrongdoing. After all this happened, Disco hired him.
Further, the teams never agreed anything about OP. Most of them (there's some dispute about all) had previously - as in before OP - agreed to terminate any rider subject to anti-doping proceedings. There are *no* proceedings against Basso anywhere - just some grumbling from ASO. (And likely from some teams that tried to hire him and lost out.)
I put Levi almost as a joke, as the oddsmaker rightly consider him a rank outsider, but I somehow knew that he would get a bunch of votes regardless.... Patriotism...or wishful thinking, I guess.
Oh sure. Nothing to do with the fact that he's already won two tours this year and is tearing up the Tour de Georgia. Must be xenophobia.
adamfresno
04-21-07, 10:43 PM
I think Vino has a sporting chance -- after all, he did win the vuelta...
It is sad that after all teams agreed not to hire riders implicated in the Puerto blood scandal, Disco went ahead and hired Basso before the investigation was halted for procedural reasons. Actually caused quite a rucus in the cycling world that controversial disco move, though one wouldn't know it looking at BF or US cycling mags....
I put Levi almost as a joke, as the oddsmaker rightly consider him a rank outsider, but I somehow knew that he would get a bunch of votes regardless.... Patriotism...or wishful thinking, I guess.
My thoughts exactly! Maybe Astana with have two in the top three? Vino and Kloden?
Levi wont have a chance, winning the TdC does not mean one will win the tdf. A European does not rank the TdC high on his to do list. An American rider, yes, it helps put him the american spot light.
Schleck, Basso, Valverde would not surprise me. Go Vino!
It is sad that after all teams agreed not to hire riders implicated in the Puerto blood scandal, Disco went ahead and hired Basso before the investigation was halted for procedural reasons. Actually caused quite a rucus in the cycling world that controversial disco move, though one wouldn't know it looking at BF or US cycling mags....
I put Levi almost as a joke, as the oddsmaker rightly consider him a rank outsider, but I somehow knew that he would get a bunch of votes regardless.... Patriotism...or wishful thinking, I guess.
My thoughts exactly! Maybe Astana with have two in the top three? Vino and Kloden?
Levi wont have a chance, winning the TdC does not mean one will win the tdf. A European does not rank the TdC high on his to do list. An American rider, yes, it helps put him the american spot light.
Schleck, Basso, Valverde would not surprise me. Go Vino!
Blaireau
04-22-07, 11:49 AM
My thoughts exactly! Maybe Astana with have two in the top three? Vino and Kloden?
Levi wont have a chance, winning the TdC does not mean one will win the tdf. A European does not rank the TdC high on his to do list. An American rider, yes, it helps put him the american spot light.
Schleck, Basso, Valverde would not surprise me. Go Vino!
+1 :)
Levi wont have a chance, winning the TdC does not mean one will win the tdf. A European does not rank the TdC high on his to do list. An American rider, yes, it helps put him the american spot light.
Schleck, Basso, Valverde would not surprise me. Go Vino!
+1 :)
marin1
04-23-07, 01:39 PM
+1 :)
+2
+2
Blaireau
04-24-07, 05:14 PM
Y'all can stop voting Basso:eek: He won't be doing the tour. Of course, Basso is clean and was always clean, its all part of a big, really massive, anti-american conspiracy organised by the French:D .... --Oh, wait that's the Landis story:D . Basso is Italian so he must be guilty.... but wait.... he races for a US team....ok, half innocent/half guilty....:D
Anyways, its a two way tie Leipheimer/Vino. Vino's clearly a better rider IMHO, but Levi's got a better team with the "invicible" JB as a mastermind....
Anyways, its a two way tie Leipheimer/Vino. Vino's clearly a better rider IMHO, but Levi's got a better team with the "invicible" JB as a mastermind....
USAZorro
04-24-07, 08:20 PM
Y'all can stop voting Basso:eek: He won't be doing the tour. Of course, Basso is clean and was always clean, its all part of a big, really massive, anti-american conspiracy organised by the French:D .... --Oh, wait that's the Landis story:D . Basso is Italian so he must be guilty.... but wait.... he races for a US team....ok, half innocent/half guilty....:D
Anyways, its a two way tie Leipheimer/Vino. Vino's clearly a better rider IMHO, but Levi's got a better team with the "invicible" JB as a mastermind....
I'm not sure who will win, but I know it won't be you.
Anyways, its a two way tie Leipheimer/Vino. Vino's clearly a better rider IMHO, but Levi's got a better team with the "invicible" JB as a mastermind....
I'm not sure who will win, but I know it won't be you.
adamastor
04-25-07, 12:14 AM
One thing is sure. It won't be Basso...unless he accepts a DNA test, and that one is negative compared to the blood found with Fuentes. If he doesn't comply, he won't be invited by the Tou organisers.
Blaireau
04-25-07, 06:53 AM
I'm not sure who will win, but I know it won't be you.
You're a clever one ;)
You're a clever one ;)
adamfresno
04-25-07, 10:05 PM
I couldnt help watching Le fleche and Amstel gold and thinking one of these guys is going to win the TDF...but who......
squeakywheel
04-26-07, 08:26 AM
One thing is sure. It won't be Basso...unless he accepts a DNA test, and that one is negative compared to the blood found with Fuentes. If he doesn't comply, he won't be invited by the Tou organisers.
I think it's good for the sport for a whole generation of contenders (Ulrich, Basso, Landis) to go down in flames. Maybe the next generation will think twice about PED's and the risk of being totally discredited or banned.
I think it's good for the sport for a whole generation of contenders (Ulrich, Basso, Landis) to go down in flames. Maybe the next generation will think twice about PED's and the risk of being totally discredited or banned.
songfta
04-30-07, 05:06 PM
And it certainly won't be Basso, now that he's removed himself from Discovery Channel Cycling.
And don't discount Levi: he's strong, a great tactician, and hungry to finally win the bloody thing. Disco is well-armed to help him win.
Vino needs to learn tactics. He's just not a team player, and doesn't quite know how to work with others to win. The Vuelta is also a very different beast than the Tour, and a solitary, renegade cyclist can do well with a half-baked support squad backing him up.
That said, Vino will be a threat, as will Klöden and Valverde. And who knows about Mayo? If he's all healed, he could be a spoiler.
And don't discount Levi: he's strong, a great tactician, and hungry to finally win the bloody thing. Disco is well-armed to help him win.
Vino needs to learn tactics. He's just not a team player, and doesn't quite know how to work with others to win. The Vuelta is also a very different beast than the Tour, and a solitary, renegade cyclist can do well with a half-baked support squad backing him up.
That said, Vino will be a threat, as will Klöden and Valverde. And who knows about Mayo? If he's all healed, he could be a spoiler.
Blaireau
04-30-07, 06:28 PM
This is getting interesting! I can't seem to take out Basso --so we're just going to have to keep on voting.
Back on topic,
I just don't think that Levi has what it takes --and no, the TdF organizers are not going to help him out the way the California race people did, that's for sure.
Vino is a proven grand tour winner -- which is why he got my vote...
Mayo I think is a proven letdown machine -- but I could be wrong...
Back on topic,
I just don't think that Levi has what it takes --and no, the TdF organizers are not going to help him out the way the California race people did, that's for sure.
Vino is a proven grand tour winner -- which is why he got my vote...
Mayo I think is a proven letdown machine -- but I could be wrong...
USAZorro
04-30-07, 06:49 PM
Well, since it looks like my original pick isn't going to be competing (again), I'm going to change it to Valverde - if he doesn't get caught in "the door" too. :o
gm1230126
04-30-07, 09:16 PM
25 of you need to go change your vote now that Basso's out.
EURO-TRASH
04-30-07, 10:03 PM
CARLOS SASTRE now that my boy is out...
Blaireau
05-01-07, 01:12 PM
Can you all vote twice?!
USAZorro
05-01-07, 01:29 PM
Not in the poll.
Hezz
05-01-07, 01:32 PM
Sorry, I have not been following the guys closly during the year. I think Kloden could be dangerous if he has improved his riding a little over last year. How has he been doing during the year?
adamfresno
05-02-07, 07:45 PM
Looking really good, along with the other Astana lads...Have not seen Vino do muh yet, but you never saw much of LA before the Tour...
So far this year for Kloden...
1er du Circuit de La Sarthe
1er du Tirreno-Adriatico
1er du clm du Circuit de la Sarthe
2e de la 5e étape du Tirreno-Adriatico
3e de la 3e étape du Tirreno-Adriatico
3e de la 2e étape du Critérium International
4e de la 3e étape du Critérium International
5e du Critérium International
6e de la 4e étape de Tirreno-Adriatico
So far this year for Kloden...
1er du Circuit de La Sarthe
1er du Tirreno-Adriatico
1er du clm du Circuit de la Sarthe
2e de la 5e étape du Tirreno-Adriatico
3e de la 3e étape du Tirreno-Adriatico
3e de la 2e étape du Critérium International
4e de la 3e étape du Critérium International
5e du Critérium International
6e de la 4e étape de Tirreno-Adriatico
dagna
05-02-07, 11:01 PM
What was the website that ran the Fantasy TdF last year? Klöden was the best bargain to get for your team. Way, way undervalued.
mezza
05-02-07, 11:32 PM
I want Jens Voight to win.... That'd rock!!
But it'll never happen. :(
But it'll never happen. :(
ken cummings
05-03-07, 01:59 AM
Can we start this poll over again now that Basso is bye bye.
Blaireau
05-03-07, 06:39 AM
Can we start this poll over again now that Basso is bye bye.
Good idea!:)
Will do when I am done with my current project....
Good idea!:)
Will do when I am done with my current project....
tcs
05-03-07, 08:56 AM
2007 prediction: The day before the start Dick Pound overhears someone in a London cafe say they "wouldn't be surprised if Kloden, Leipheimer, Mayo, Valverde and Vinokourov used drugs too" and has them all tossed from the race.
In a Cinderella story Dave Zabriskie is at the top of the standings on the penultimate day time trial, when a French spectator rushes out on course and body slams him, breaking Zabriskie's jaw.
On the podium the following day, Cyril Dessel wears the golden fleece. Champagne flows in the streets of Paris.
In a Cinderella story Dave Zabriskie is at the top of the standings on the penultimate day time trial, when a French spectator rushes out on course and body slams him, breaking Zabriskie's jaw.
On the podium the following day, Cyril Dessel wears the golden fleece. Champagne flows in the streets of Paris.
USAZorro
05-03-07, 09:07 AM
2007 prediction: The day before the start Dick Pound overhears someone in a London cafe say they "wouldn't be surprised if Kloden, Leipheimer, Mayo, Valverde and Vinokourov used drugs too" and has them all tossed from the race.
In a Cinderella story Dave Zabriskie is at the top of the standings on the penultimate day time trial, when a French spectator rushes out on course and body slams him, breaking Zabriskie's jaw.
On the podium the following day, Cyril Dessel wears the golden fleece. Champagne flows in the streets of Paris.
:roflmao:
In a Cinderella story Dave Zabriskie is at the top of the standings on the penultimate day time trial, when a French spectator rushes out on course and body slams him, breaking Zabriskie's jaw.
On the podium the following day, Cyril Dessel wears the golden fleece. Champagne flows in the streets of Paris.
:roflmao:
Blaireau
05-03-07, 11:36 AM
2007 prediction: The day before the start Dick Pound overhears someone in a London cafe say they "wouldn't be surprised if Kloden, Leipheimer, Mayo, Valverde and Vinokourov used drugs too" and has them all tossed from the race.
In a Cinderella story Dave Zabriskie is at the top of the standings on the penultimate day time trial, when a French spectator rushes out on course and body slams him, breaking Zabriskie's jaw.
On the podium the following day, Cyril Dessel wears the golden fleece. Champagne flows in the streets of Paris.
:rolleyes: Ok, everything is wrong with this post....The anti-French conspiracy theory, and... "London cafe" ?!? You mean Pub, right?
However, in the likely event that it will all happen as you predict, I'll invite you to have a pastry in a Pittsburgh Patisserie :D
In a Cinderella story Dave Zabriskie is at the top of the standings on the penultimate day time trial, when a French spectator rushes out on course and body slams him, breaking Zabriskie's jaw.
On the podium the following day, Cyril Dessel wears the golden fleece. Champagne flows in the streets of Paris.
:rolleyes: Ok, everything is wrong with this post....The anti-French conspiracy theory, and... "London cafe" ?!? You mean Pub, right?
However, in the likely event that it will all happen as you predict, I'll invite you to have a pastry in a Pittsburgh Patisserie :D
tcs
05-03-07, 11:55 AM
:rolleyes: Ok, everything is wrong with this post....
Yeah, French fan attacking a rider - that'd never happen (http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/).
TCS
Yeah, French fan attacking a rider - that'd never happen (http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/).
TCS
Blaireau
05-03-07, 03:27 PM
Yeah, French fan attacking a rider - that'd never happen (http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/).
TCS
Point is... its a freak occurence -- right?
Right!:)
TCS
Point is... its a freak occurence -- right?
Right!:)
Stallionforce
05-03-07, 03:35 PM
Just out of curiosity, those who are picking Leipheimer, why? He has proved himself vulnerable in 3 week tours so many times. I see the guy as a great 5 to 10 stage rider. Beyond that I think he is overextended. I'm going with Vino. He has a good team behind him and proved in the Vuelta that he could ride with discipline and a focus to win.
reef58
05-04-07, 10:25 PM
Just out of curiosity, those who are picking Leipheimer, why? He has proved himself vulnerable in 3 week tours so many times. I see the guy as a great 5 to 10 stage rider. Beyond that I think he is overextended. I'm going with Vino. He has a good team behind him and proved in the Vuelta that he could ride with discipline and a focus to win.
I did not pick Levi. But yes he has proven to be a decent GT rider. Since no one riding the TDF has ever won it then it is pretty much open. Let me ask you this? How many starters in this year's tour have finished higher than Levi? I think the answer is 4, but I may be leaving someone out, and one of those was gifted 30 minutes last year.
Richard
I did not pick Levi. But yes he has proven to be a decent GT rider. Since no one riding the TDF has ever won it then it is pretty much open. Let me ask you this? How many starters in this year's tour have finished higher than Levi? I think the answer is 4, but I may be leaving someone out, and one of those was gifted 30 minutes last year.
Richard
stevegor
05-05-07, 06:26 AM
Cadel Evans will surely win. :D
I second that ;)
And for all the rest of you non-believers, just remember, us Aussies are small in number, but we have arguably the best sprinter in Robbie McEwen, time trialer in Mick Rogers, and close to the best climber in Cadel Evans....Two years ago everyone, but us, were saying "Cadel...WHO?"
I second that ;)
And for all the rest of you non-believers, just remember, us Aussies are small in number, but we have arguably the best sprinter in Robbie McEwen, time trialer in Mick Rogers, and close to the best climber in Cadel Evans....Two years ago everyone, but us, were saying "Cadel...WHO?"
Blaireau
05-05-07, 07:36 AM
I second that ;)
And for all the rest of you non-believers, just remember, us Aussies are small in number, but we have arguably the best sprinter in Robbie McEwen, time trialer in Mick Rogers, and close to the best climber in Cadel Evans....Two years ago everyone, but us, were saying "Cadel...WHO?"
+1 on McEwen, for sure!
I beg to differ on the others :D
And for all the rest of you non-believers, just remember, us Aussies are small in number, but we have arguably the best sprinter in Robbie McEwen, time trialer in Mick Rogers, and close to the best climber in Cadel Evans....Two years ago everyone, but us, were saying "Cadel...WHO?"
+1 on McEwen, for sure!
I beg to differ on the others :D
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