View Full Version : Simoni or Cunego or...?
donrhummy
05-07-07, 11:50 AM
Personally I'm hoping Simoni wins but I'm betting it's going to be Cunego. There's some great Hinault-Lemond history between the two going on there. Unlike Lemond in 1985 (when he simply complained about not being allowed to win a race he felt he could win), Cunego actually attacked his own teammate and team leader! Simoni had won the previous year (and two years before that) and held the Maglia Rosa and yet Cunego took it away from him!
While I don't think "tradition" needs to rule, i do think that a team is important and if you were hired to help Simoni win, you should be doing that. Simoni could have won with Cunego's help as he placed third only 2 min 5 sec back from Cunego and only 3 sec behind the 2nd place finisher. So I'm hoping that this year it's Simoni first and Cunego second, with Cunego losing on a huge mountain stage (17 - Zoncolan?).
What do you guys think?
Cunego! Well stated argument regarding the Cunego/Simoni Giro, but if Simoni had the legs, he could have followed Cunego. IMO, the strongest won.
donrhummy
05-07-07, 12:08 PM
More info on that incident:
http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/Giroditalia/2004/eng/primo_piano/280504_2.shtml
donrhummy
05-07-07, 12:10 PM
Cunego! Well stated argument regarding the Cunego/Simoni Giro, but if Simoni had the legs, he could have followed Cunego. IMO, the strongest won.
Sure but one could also argue that if Cunego had been working for Simoni, he might have had the legs. And in fact, earlier in the race, Simoni had helped Cunego get a stage win by giving him a lead out. Maybe Simoni was too nice/giving with Cunego.
AND perhaps most importantly, Cunego (and the other riders) had been dropped by Simoni before Cunego worked WITH Cioni and Honchar of RIVAL teams to pull back Simoni!!
1. Dropped by Simoni
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt18/$file/12.jpg
2. Pulling Simoni back
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt18/$file/13.jpg
3. Dropping your team leader
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt18/$file/14.jpg
I'll be rooting for Cunego, but Savoldelli is in great form.
donrhummy
05-07-07, 12:16 PM
Celebrating with the team (without Simoni):
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt20/$file/2.jpg
Simoni puts on a brave face to celebrate with Cunego:
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt20/$file/8.jpg
Dubbayoo
05-07-07, 12:17 PM
Cunego! Well stated argument regarding the Cunego/Simoni Giro, but if Simoni had the legs, he could have followed Cunego. IMO, the strongest won.
True but something about Simoni blaming his grandmother for sending him cocaine-laden chocolates or whatever just makes me want to *****slap him.
Sure but one could also argue that if Cunego had been working for Simoni, he might have had the legs. And in fact, earlier in the race, Simoni had helped Cunego get a stage win by giving him a lead out. Maybe Simoni was too nice/giving with Cunego.
AND perhaps most importantly, Cunego (and the other riders) had been dropped by Simoni before Cunego worked WITH Cioni and Honchar of RIVAL teams to pull back Simoni!!
1. Dropped by Simoni
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt18/$file/12.jpg
2. Pulling Simoni back
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt18/$file/13.jpg
3. Dropping your team leader
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/04giroSt18/$file/14.jpg
Cycling was way cooler when they didn't have to wear helmets. Here's to a good Giro.
True but something about Simoni blaming his grandmother for sending him cocaine-laden chocolates or whatever just makes me want to *****slap him.
I hate Simoni, he relies more on head games than his legs.
I'm liking Salvoldelli this year, or Cunego, but there is a high chance that one or more of these guys never even make it to the start due to OP.
I'm leaving for Torino Saturday, and will see at least three stages, including Zoncolon.
Does anyone know of a link to the starting riders for each team??
daytonian
05-07-07, 01:06 PM
I'll be rooting for Cunego, but Savoldelli is in great form.
Salvoldelli did look strong at Romandie.
Namenda
05-07-07, 01:09 PM
I hate Simoni, he relies more on head games than his legs.
I'm liking Salvoldelli this year, or Cunego, but there is a high chance that one or more of these guys never even make it to the start due to OP.
I'm leaving for Torino Saturday, and will see at least three stages, including Zoncolon.
Does anyone know of a link to the starting riders for each team??
cyclingnews has the start list posted.
donrhummy
05-07-07, 01:26 PM
I hate Simoni, he relies more on head games than his legs.
I'm liking Salvoldelli this year, or Cunego, but there is a high chance that one or more of these guys never even make it to the start due to OP.
I'm leaving for Torino Saturday, and will see at least three stages, including Zoncolon.
Does anyone know of a link to the starting riders for each team??
Will you be taking photos? I'd love to see pics from the Zoncolan stage if you get a chance. :)
Salvoldelli did look strong at Romandie.
Yup, he's on form for sure. It looks as if he's TTing better than he is climbing, but that's Salvoldelli. If Astana is strong at the Giro, and he can keep pace in the mountains, he's as good of a choice as any.
... Brad
Does anyone know of a link to the starting riders for each team??
http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/12215.0.html
Giro releases preliminary start list
Hamilton not on Tinkoff roster
This report filed May 7, 2007
Giro d'Italia organizers on Monday released a preliminary start list for this year's national tour of Italy, which is slated to begin on Saturday.
In the absence of Ivan Basso, who on Monday confessed to his involvement in the Operación Puerto doping scandal, organizers have given the returning champion's number plate - the No. 1 - to reigning world champion Paolo Bettini (Quick Step).
There are four North Americans on the 188-rider list, including Americans George Hincapie (Discovery), David Zabriskie (CSC), Aaron Olson (T-Mobile) and Mexican Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (Ceramica Panaria - Navigare). Notably absent is Tinkoff's Tyler Hamilton, who the team reported would be on its roster, despite earlier reports that he, too, had been mentioned in documents related to the Puerto case.
Start List - 2007 Giro d'Italia
QUICKSTEP - INNERGETIC
1. Paolo Bettini (I)
2. Addy Engels (Nl)
3. Mauro Facci (I)
4. Leonardo Scarselli (I)
5. Hubert Schwab (Swi)
6. Andrea Tonti (I)
7. Matteo Tosatto (I)
8. Jurgen Van De Walle (B)
9. Giovanni Visconti (I)
ASTANA
11. Paolo Savoldelli (I)
12. Maxim Gourov (Kz)
13. Benoit Joachim (Lux)
14. Assan Bazayev (Kz)
15. Serguei Yakovlev (Kz)
16. Eddy Mazzoleni (I)
17. Andrey Mizourov (Kz)
18. Steve Morabito (Swi)
19. Dmitriy Muravyev (Kz)
SAUNIER DUVAL - PRODIR
21. Gilberto Simoni (I)
22. Rubens Bertogliati (Swi)
23. Raivis Belohvosciks (Lat)
24. David Canada Gracia (Sp)
25. Angel Gomez Gomez (Sp)
26. Manuele Mori (I)
27. Iban Mayo Diez (Sp)
28. Leonardo Piepoli (I)
29. Riccardo Ricco' (I)
LAMPRE - FONDITAL
31. Damiano Cunego (I)
32. Marzio Bruseghin (I)
33. Giampaolo Caruso (I)
34. Danilo Napolitano (I)
35. Gorazd Stangelj (Slo)
36. Sylvester Szmyd (Pol)
37. Paolo Tiralongo (I)
38. Francisco J. Vila Errandonea (Sp)
39. Morris Possoni (I)
ACQUA & SAPONE - CAFFE' MOKAMBO
41. Stefano Garzelli (I)
42. Alexandr Arekeev (Rus)
43. Gabriele Balducci (I)
44. Massimo Codol (I)
45. Dario Andriotto (I)
46. Andrei Kunitski (Blr)
47. Giuseppe Palumbo (I)
48. Branislau Samoilau (Blr)
49. Michele Scarponi (I)
AG2R PREVOYANCE
51. Rinaldo Nocentini (I)
52. Hubert Dupont (F)
53. Yuriy Krivtsov (Ukr)
54. Rene Mandri (Est)
55. Laurent Mangel (F)
56. Lloyd Mondory (F)
57. Carl Naibo (F)
58. Christophe Riblon (F)
59. Aliaksandr Usau (Blr)
BOUYGUES TELECOM
61. Olivier Bonnaire (F)
62. Nicolas Crosbie (F)
63. Pierre Drancourt (B)
64. Yohann Gene (F)
65. Arnaud Labbe (F)
66. Yoann Le Boulanger (F)
67. Alexandre Pichot (F)
68. Franck Renier (F)
69. Thomas Voeckler (F)
CAISSE D'EPARGNE
71. David Arroyo Duran (Sp)
72. Eric Berthou (F)
73. Joan Horrach Rippoll (Sp)
74. Pablo Lastras Garcia (Sp)
75. Alberto Losada Alguacil (Sp)
76. Aitor Perez Arrieta (Sp)
77. Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Sp)
78. Ruben Plaza Molina (Sp)
79. Constant. Zaballa Gutierrez (Sp)
CERAMICA PANARIA - NAVIGARE
81. Emanuele Sella (I)
82. Luca Mazzanti (I)
83. Paride Grillo (I)
84. Fortunato Baliani (I)
85. Luis Felipe Laverde Jimenez (Col)
86. Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (Mex)
87. Domenico Pozzovivo (I)
88. Matteo Priamo (I)
89. Ariel Maximiliano Richeze (Arg)
COFIDIS
91. Ivan Ramiro Parra Pinto (Col)
92. Mickael Buffaz (F)
93. Hervé Duclos-Lassalle (F)
94. Bingen Fernandez Bustinza (Sp)
95. Mathieu Heijboer (Nl)
96. Amael Moinard (F)
97. Frédéric Bessy (F)
98. Tristan Valentin (F)
99. Steve Zampieri (Swi)
CRÉDIT AGRICOLE
101. Pietro Caucchioli (I)
102. Francesco Bellotti (I)
103. Laszlo Bodrogi (Hun)
104. Julian Dean (NZ)
105. Angelo Furlan (I)
106. Patrice Halgand (F)
107. Christophe Kern (F)
108. Thor Hushovd (N)
109. Nicolas Roche (Irl)
DISCOVERY CHANNEL
111. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr)
112. Volodymyr Bileka (Ukr)
113. Steven Cummings (GB)
114. George Hincapie (USA)
115. Pavel Padrnos (Cz)
116. José Luis Rubiera Vigil (Sp)
117. Brian Bach Vandborg (Dk)
118. Jurgen Van Goolen (B)
119. Matthew White (Aus)
EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI
121. Benat Albizuri Aransolo (Sp)
122. Koldo Fernandez (Sp)
123. Dionisio Galparsoro Martinez (Sp)
124. Aitor Hernandez Gutierrez (Sp)
125. Markel Irizar Aranburu (Sp)
126. Anton Luengo Celaya (Sp)
127. Aketza Pena Iza (Sp)
128. Ivan Velasco Murillo (Sp)
129. Joseba Zubeldia Agirre (Sp)
FRANÇAISE DES JEUX
131. Carlos Da Cruz (F)
132. Arnaud Gerard (F)
133. Timothy Gudsell (NZ)
134. Lilian Jegou (F)
135. Ian Mcleod RSA
136. Cyrille Monnerais (F)
137. Francis Mourey (F)
138. Fabien Patanchon (F)
139. Jussi Veikkanen FIN
GEROLSTEINER
141. Davide Rebellin (I)
142. Robert Förster (G)
143. Thomas Fothen (G)
144. Oscar Gatto (I)
145. Tim Klinger (G)
146. Sven Krauss (G)
147. Volker Ordowski (G)
148. Matthias Russ (G)
149. Oliver Zaugg (Swi)
LIQUIGAS
151. Danilo Di Luca (I)
152. Enrico Gasparotto (I)
153. Vladimir Miholjevic (Cro)
154. Vincenzo Nibali (I)
155. Andrea Noe' (I)
156. Franco Pellizotti (I)
157. Alessandro Spezialetti (I)
158. Alessandro Vanotti (I)
159. Charles Wegelius (GB)
PREDICTOR - LOTTO
161. Robert Mc Ewen (Aus)
162. Dario David Cioni (I)
163. Josep Jufre Pou (Sp)
164. Matthew Lloyd (Aus)
165. Mario Aerts (B)
166. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (B)
167. Wim Vanhuffel (B)
168. Stefano Zanini (I)
169. Pieter Mertens (B)
RABOBANK
171. Michael Rasmussen (Dk)
172. Leon Van Bon (Nl)
173. Graeme Brown (Aus)
174. Max Van Heeswijk (Nl)
175. Pedro Horrillo Munoz (Sp)
176. Dmitry Kozontchuk (Rus)
177. Koos Moerenhout (Nl)
178. Mauricio Alberto Ardila Cano (Col)
179. William Walker (Aus)
CSC
181. Fabian Cancellara (Swi)
182. Andy Schleck (Lux)
183. David Zabriskie (USA)
184. Alexandr Kolobnev (Rus)
185. Juan José Haedo (Arg)
186. Kurt-Asle Arvesen (N)
187. Matti Breschel (Dk)
188. Michael Blaudzun (Dk)
189. Volodymir Gustov (Ukr)
MILRAM
191. Alessandro Petacchi (I)
192. Alessandro Cortinovis (I)
193. Sergio Ghisalberti (I)
194. Christian Knees (G)
195. Brett Lancaster (Aus)
196. Martin Müller (G)
197. Alberto Ongarato (I)
198. Fabio Sabatini (I)
199. Fabio Sacchi (I)
TINKOFF CREDIT SYSTEMS
201. Salvatore Commesso (I)
202. Evgeni Petrov (Rus)
203. Daniele Contrini (I)
204. Ivan Rovny (Rus)
205. Ricardo Serrano Gonzalez (Sp)
206. Mikhail Ignatiev (Rus)
207. Pavel Brutt (Rus)
208. Elio Aggiano (I)
209. Ruggero Marzoli (I)
T-MOBILE
211. Serhiy Honchar (Ukr)
212. Lorenzo Bernucci (I)
213. Adam Hansen (Aus)
214. Gregory Henderson (NZ)
215. Axel Merckx (B)
216. Aaron Olson (USA)
217. Marco Pinotti (I)
218. Frantisek Rabon (Cz)
219. Thomas Ziegler (G)
I'm liking Salvoldelli this year, or Cunego, but there is a high chance that one or more of these guys never even make it to the start due to OP.
I don't think Savoldelli or Cunego have been linked to OP at all.
Lithuania
05-07-07, 02:39 PM
simoni is such a cry baby that i hope cunego wins just to make him more mad
KramerTC
05-07-07, 03:41 PM
True but something about Simoni blaming his grandmother for sending him cocaine-laden chocolates or whatever just makes me want to *****slap him.
When did this happen?!
RockyMtnMerlin
05-07-07, 03:53 PM
When did this happen?!
Believe it was 2002. Also blamed it on his dentist. Can't remember if it was before or after saying the candy from Grandma was what caused it (the positive).
donrhummy
05-07-07, 09:29 PM
Believe it was 2002. Also blamed it on his dentist. Can't remember if it was before or after saying the candy from Grandma was what caused it (the positive).
Right but they tested the candy (from Columbia) and it DID have cocaine in it. Still, you're right he might have bought them himself. Still, while I don't support him taking cocaine, on the other hand at least he's not cheating with performance enhancing drugs.
RockyMtnMerlin
05-07-07, 10:10 PM
Right but they tested the candy (from Columbia) and it DID have cocaine in it. Still, you're right he might have bought them himself. Still, while I don't support him taking cocaine, on the other hand at least he's not cheating with performance enhancing drugs.
Good point.
Ernesto Schwein
05-08-07, 09:38 AM
Right but they tested the candy (from Columbia) and it DID have cocaine in it. Still, you're right he might have bought them himself. Still, while I don't support him taking cocaine, on the other hand at least he's not cheating with performance enhancing drugs.
Personally I support his recreational cocaine use in a culture that consumes something like 50 gallons of wine per year for every man woman and child:roflmao:
Seriously, does anyone actually believe that a "cokehead" could podium a grand tour? He may not be clean but it ain't cocaine thats fueling the engine.
I think this is Cunego's year, Salvodelli will lose too much time on some of this years monster mountain stages and a 30 something coked-out Simoni (remember John Belushi as king-of-the-coneheads) probably isn't a threat.
Cromulent
05-08-07, 09:43 AM
Seriously, does anyone actually believe that a "cokehead" could podium a grand tour? He may not be clean but it ain't cocaine thats fueling the engine.
Uh... paging Mr. Pantani? Marco? You there? Oops. Still... won the TdF and the Giro.
Uh... paging Mr. Pantani? Marco? You there? Oops. Still... won the TdF and the Giro.
swish!
Ernesto Schwein
05-08-07, 09:57 AM
Uh... paging Mr. Pantani? Marco? You there? Oops. Still... won the TdF and the Giro.
This is so ignorant I will let the medically qualified respond to it if they have more time to waste than I do.
Snicklefritz
05-08-07, 09:59 AM
It's funny how some of these riders are. Savoldelli is 30-something (33?) and looks like 25. Then there
are guys who are around the same age as him who look more like 50. Like that German guy who was 3rd at worlds.
Cromulent
05-08-07, 10:00 AM
This is so ignorant I will let the medically qualified respond to it if they have more time to waste than I do.
You said you couldn't think of a "cokehead" who won a grand tour. I gave you one. He may have been on other things, but Pantani had a coke problem. Sadly, he died from it.
And before designer drugs, I believe that methamphetamines and cocaine were used as 'performance enhancers'. Just saying.
I don't think Savoldelli or Cunego have been linked to OP at all.
there are 50 additional names on the OP list that aren't public yet.
Right but they tested the candy (from Columbia) and it DID have cocaine in it. Still, you're right he might have bought them himself. Still, while I don't support him taking cocaine, on the other hand at least he's not cheating with performance enhancing drugs.
Candy he gave to the authorities.
It was widely known that his team was doing coke back then, Pantani lived on the stuff.
fixed.rider
05-08-07, 10:43 AM
Don't discount Popovych. Even without Basso, Disco still has a pretty stacked team. And he can TT.
Personally I support his recreational cocaine use in a culture that consumes something like 50 gallons of wine per year for every man woman and child:roflmao:
Nice try, but its 52 liters, or 13 gallons.
Yet are thinner, live longer, and far more healthier than the average American, who consumes 193 liters, or 51 gallons of soda a year.:roflmao:
I think this is Cunego's year, Salvodelli will lose too much time on some of this years monster mountain stages and a 30 something coked-out Simoni (remember John Belushi as king-of-the-coneheads) probably isn't a threat.
Salvodelli did just fine in 05, but the lack of fast descents will hurt him this year.
Cunego still hasn't shown that form of 04.
donrhummy
05-08-07, 03:22 PM
Salvodelli did just fine in 05, but the lack of fast descents will hurt him this year.
Cunego still hasn't shown that form of 04.
True but Cunego's got a stronger team this year (and they say they're bringing the stronger team to the Giro not the Tour) which should help a lot -- unless of course, he's got teammates like himself. ;) Also, remember that he's still only 25 so while last year sucked for him, he's still not yet at his "peak years."
USAZorro
05-08-07, 03:51 PM
So none of you think DiLuca has a shot? Cancellara? Schleck?
I'm pretty sure that none of the riders who were with Discovery last season are going to get caught up in OP, so Savoldelli will make it to the starting line.
Quick Step's roster is pretty interesting. I don't see an obvious GC contender there (Tosatto?). Will Bettini have the whole team at his disposal to guide him to winning the points jersey again? :p
donrhummy
05-08-07, 04:48 PM
So none of you think DiLuca has a shot? Cancellara? Schleck?
I'm pretty sure that none of the riders who were with Discovery last season are going to get caught up in OP, so Savoldelli will make it to the starting line.
Quick Step's roster is pretty interesting. I don't see an obvious GC contender there (Tosatto?). Will Bettini have the whole team at his disposal to guide him to winning the points jersey again? :p
Di Luca's not really a guy who can win a grand tour. He should really concentrate on winning some stages. Same with Cancellara. Which Schleck are you talking about? ;) No, seriously CSC's not even going for the GC. Bjarne Riis told ProCycling, " We're going to the Giro without a particular leader...we'll definitely be looking for stage wins...there's no great pressure on the riders." So I think you can count them out for GC.
Quickstep's Peeters says that Garate is going for GC but I think they're 95% shooting for stage wins. Peeters says Bettini's stage wins "are very important for us."
USAZorro
05-08-07, 09:36 PM
Di Luca's not really a guy who can win a grand tour. He should really concentrate on winning some stages. Same with Cancellara. Which Schleck are you talking about? ;) No, seriously CSC's not even going for the GC. Bjarne Riis told ProCycling, " We're going to the Giro without a particular leader...we'll definitely be looking for stage wins...there's no great pressure on the riders." So I think you can count them out for GC.
Quickstep's Peeters says that Garate is going for GC but I think they're 95% shooting for stage wins. Peeters says Bettini's stage wins "are very important for us."
I didn't see Garate on the start list on the previous page. Di Luca placed quite well in 2005, and if he hadn't faded at the end of the Queen stage, he might have won. It sure should be a lot more interesting to follow than last year's wipeout. I think Simone, Savoldelli and Cunego are definitely the favorites for the podium - in no particular order.
btw - what the heck ever happened to Rujano-Guillen? He looked so dangerous in 2005, and it seems that he's disappeared after last year's huge disappointment.
donrhummy
05-08-07, 10:01 PM
I didn't see Garate on the start list on the previous page. Di Luca placed quite well in 2005, and if he hadn't faded at the end of the Queen stage, he might have won. It sure should be a lot more interesting to follow than last year's wipeout. I think Simone, Savoldelli and Cunego are definitely the favorites for the podium - in no particular order.
btw - what the heck ever happened to Rujano-Guillen? He looked so dangerous in 2005, and it seems that he's disappeared after last year's huge disappointment.
I don't know if Unibet is invited or not. Are they officially going?
marqueemoon
05-09-07, 12:10 AM
I think Savoldelli or Simoni this time. I have never been a Cunego or DiLuca fan, or a Simoni fan for that matter but he has the team - a few climbers and Ricco to sit on in the breakaways. On the flat stages they can just ride the Milram/Predictor-Lotto/Credit Agricole train to the line.
I guess CSC is sitting out the GC this time around.
classic1
05-09-07, 12:35 AM
Seriously, does anyone actually believe that a "cokehead" could podium a grand tour? He may not be clean but it ain't cocaine thats fueling the engine.
I think this is Cunego's year, Salvodelli will lose too much time on some of this years monster mountain stages and a 30 something coked-out Simoni (remember John Belushi as king-of-the-coneheads) probably isn't a threat.
There are plenty of stories circulating about a certain red clad team and nose candy. In fact, there are plenty of stories circulating about top pro riders and cocaine fullstop. Not all the rumours are reported in the mainstream cycling press. This is on top of the confirmed reports about Festina riders at the worlds in 95, Pantani's sad story, or reports of Salvatore Commesso getting found with cocaine in his car. Young men on good salaries generally know how to have a good time.;)
Stallionforce
05-09-07, 12:39 AM
True but something about Simoni blaming his grandmother for sending him cocaine-laden chocolates or whatever just makes me want to *****slap him.
:roflmao:
What? Your grandma doesn't send you those chocolates? It's a tradition in my family. My dad likes to give me ampetamine-laced turkey jerky. In Europe it's just called being 'supportive.'
Stallionforce
05-09-07, 12:43 AM
I think CSC will come out and absolutely smoke everyone in the TTT. Cancellara will grab the pink jersey. After that you'll get your usual McEwen-Petacchi battle. Then it'll really come down to Cunego and Salvoldelli. I don't think Simoni has it in this one. Cunego has really prepared diligently this year for the time trials, and Simoni, as far as I know, hasn't. Also, Cunego's form is very strong right now, whereas Simoni has fallen off the map. And let's face it, in April Simoni looked (for him) tubby. Savoldelli is also flying right now and should prove a worthy contender. However, with the Zoncolan, I don't think he can hold Cunego's or Simoni's wheel. It'll be a bit like Garzelli and Simoni in 2003.
The guy that intrigues me the most is Simoni's domestique, Piepoli. Really, he was the high mountain man last year, next to Basso. I wonder how much leash he'll be given this year.
donrhummy
05-09-07, 01:58 PM
Now that Basso's out and Discovery won't be able to control the race are we in for another TDF 2006? Where the teams all "fight" amongst each other unwilling to expend energy chasing anyone down? Will one team (with a GC contender) emerge to control the race?
Cromulent
05-09-07, 02:06 PM
Will one team (with a GC contender) emerge to control the race?
"Who will lead? Who will attack? And who will be dropped? Cyclism Sundays. Only on Versus." :D
USAZorro
05-09-07, 02:12 PM
Now that Basso's out and Discovery won't be able to control the race are we in for another TDF 2006? Where the teams all "fight" amongst each other unwilling to expend energy chasing anyone down? Will one team (with a GC contender) emerge to control the race?
I think there will be at least three very strong teams there (CSC, Astana and Discovery), and each with a leader and one or two alternates. I'm not convinced it will be such a close race as last year, but it will be interesting. Of course, OP could cause even more of a disruption this year, but I don't think either CSC or Discovery will be much affected.
roadwarrior
05-09-07, 02:20 PM
DiLuca and Liquigas. Strong team and DiLuca has been strong going into the race.
Liquigas is #2 in UCI Pro Tour standings. DiLuca's #3 in rider standings. Good combination.
roadwarrior
05-09-07, 02:28 PM
I'm not convinced it will be such a close race as last year
Basso won by over nine minutes last year. In pro cycling, that's a whuppin' of glactic proportions.
I'm confused by this comment.
Namenda
05-09-07, 02:31 PM
For anyone keeping track, cyclingnews has posted some changes to the start list.
bodaciousguy
05-09-07, 03:01 PM
I like Simoni. Everything he says is reflective of a true champion. He's direct, brash and gutsy. He has managed to stay motivated even until 35 despite finishing second to dopers. Even after he retires from Road cycling he says he's going to continue to race MTB competively. How can you even compare him with Cunego? Simoni has way more heart than Cunego.
Everyone calls Simoni a "cry baby" but let's look at his complaints:
-After helping Cunego to a stage win he drops simoni instead of pacing him like he's paid to do.
-He talks **** about a doped-up Basso who, in all his greed, is taking all the stages in the Giro and finishes 3rd to 2 dopers.
In the history of cycling, who has ever attacked their team leader in a Grand Tour? I know of only one brat to do that and his name is Cunego. With a Hemocrit that high (53) , he should be winning everything right now but he lacks the character of a champion; the hunger and the experience. Attacking Simoni was a mistake anyways, even if it was to win the Giro. He could've benefited more from the experience of Simoni.
donrhummy
05-09-07, 09:11 PM
I like Simoni. Everything he says is reflective of a true champion. He's direct, brash and gutsy. He has managed to stay motivated even until 35 despite finishing second to dopers. Even after he retires from Road cycling he says he's going to continue to race MTB competively. How can you even compare him with Cunego? Simoni has way more heart than Cunego.
Everyone calls Simoni a "cry baby" but let's look at his complaints:
-After helping Cunego to a stage win he drops simoni instead of pacing him like he's paid to do.
-He talks **** about a doped-up Basso who, in all his greed, is taking all the stages in the Giro and finishes 3rd to 2 dopers.
In the history of cycling, who has ever attacked their team leader in a Grand Tour? I know of only one brat to do that and his name is Cunego. With a Hemocrit that high (53) , he should be winning everything right now but he lacks the character of a champion; the hunger and the experience. Attacking Simoni was a mistake anyways, even if it was to win the Giro. He could've benefited more from the experience of Simoni.
An argument can be made that Hinault did it but since Lemond stuck with him (no one else was even close as it destroyed the field) and took the high road on that one, we'll probably never know the truth. Still, a lot of people thought Hinault was trying to drop Lemond, his team leader that year (and after Hinault had promised the year before to ride for Lemond if Lemond helped him win in '85).
USAZorro
05-09-07, 10:32 PM
Basso won by over nine minutes last year. In pro cycling, that's a whuppin' of glactic proportions.
I'm confused by this comment.
I remember quite clearly. How did Bobke put it? Basso had everyone, tagged and body-bagged? Made for a rather boring race after about stage 14.
My error. I misread the post I responded to. Thought I was saying I don't think the Giro will be quite as close as last year's TDF.
roadwarrior
05-10-07, 04:20 AM
I remember quite clearly. How did Bobke put it? Basso had everyone, tagged and body-bagged? Made for a rather boring race after about stage 14.
My error. I misread the post I responded to. Thought I was saying I don't think the Giro will be quite as close as last year's TDF.
Got it...
Personally, I am looking forward to this race. There are so many wildcards due to the suspensions and deletions, etc. that it could be very interesting. Especially watching the more experienced GT riders read the race.
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