"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Valverde or Vinokourov?

Is it going to be just between these two?

Are Evans, Leipheimer, Menchov just filling in the remaining slots? Or will the newest Dekker surprise them all?

Boonen must be relatively thrilled that Peta is gone, but Friere and McEwen can usually get the better of him. Zabel will win a sprint in the last few days - the only guy who makes an effort to finish.

Can't get away from doping as a real distraction unfortunately - somewhere in week 2 we will probably hear that Pereiro is last year's official winner.

Valverde no. He is just the lastest in a long line of over hyped riders proclaimed to be the next winner of the TDF. Yes I know he has skills, but a finish in Paris would be a first step.

Vino is the man to beat, but I can't help but think something may go haywire with him.

There is a ton of talent, and if someone is on form it may be theirs for the taking.

Richard

Vino is gonna thump his skull.

I think Menchov will be a key player. Valverde still has something to prove here. Vino is the favorite because he can do it all and he brings aggression to the table. Plus he brings Kloden. Sastre, Rasmussen, Evans, Leipheimer, Moreau, et al will be riding out of their shorts as this is a huge wide open opportunity for them. I'm not sure why anyone would think the TDF is having a hard time getting going. I think it will be an exciting year.

I think Menchov will be a key player. Valverde still has something to prove here. Vino is the favorite because he can do it all and he brings aggression to the table. Plus he brings Kloden. Sastre, Rasmussen, Evans, Leipheimer, Moreau, et al will be riding out of their shorts as this is a huge wide open opportunity for them. I'm not sure why anyone would think the TDF is having a hard time getting going. I think it will be an exciting year.

Vino sure can just ride away from the peloton :)

ABout the 'I'm not sure why anyone would think the TDF is having a hard time getting going' comment, we thought we did well last year after Floyd's miracle stage recovery. This year doping, modified results, dropped sponsorship, irate fans and crowd control as a result are the fears.

Vino FTW

Vino, but can his team

Vino is the man. Valverde has to finish the tour before he can be taken as a real threat.

I think Levi is going to do better than most expect him to . . . . Disco has the firepower to protect him in the montains and that boy can fly in the TT

;) Chris Horner

Vino, but can his team
I think Vino has a great chance, but still, there are too many uncertainties. I still don't give him better than a 10-20% chance of winning [though he is my personal favorite].

-Bullseye

I'll be rooting for Levi and of course my favorite Vino!

Kloeden?

Schleck?

I expect to see Evans sucking Vinos wheel as much as he can.

I expect to see Evans sucking Vinos wheel as much as he can.

Thats the only way to get Evans to attack, if somebody does it for him ;)