Road Bike Racing - Levi Leipheimer

So.....? Is Levi done Rabobank? With all the bad press and his team stating he needs to do well, he may be done for, being more than 20 minutes down after only four stages. Too bad. Maybe he will come home and be a good domestique to Lance on his way to his record breaking sixth TdF win.

In his defense, he has had a pretty bad streak of injuries, but I can understand the frustration at Rabobank. But, it's not like Freire has been winning too much, either. They probably jumped the gun by hoping Levi can do wonders in the TDF...

It's a different ballgame when you're the top dog. Lots of responsibility so you either produce or you get the boot.
Tyler is one big road rash and he still gets the job done.
If Levi doesn't get it done, he deserves the boot so that Rabo can get their money's worth from someone that can.

I hope Levi does turn things around since one more American in a big spot is always good for cycling here.

Another disaster of a day for Levi. He finished 181st, some 18 additional minutes behind. Would not be surprised to see him drop out and call it a year while he looks for another team. Think he is toast for this year.

I'm guessing his form just isn't that good this year, and he and his team know it. If they thought he had a chance, they would work for him, pull him back to the lead group, etc. Instead, he drops back, and they let him go.

Is Levi coming back? Don't think he'll make the podium, but if he continues to ride better and stay with the lead groups in the mountains he has a real shot at a top-10. That would be nice. At least get him a chance to find another decent position with a good team (I am betting Telekom).

Currently in 155th over an hour back on Nozal, I doubt he will make top 50. Unfortunately, for him, Rabobank will most certainly not renew his contract and he might have a hard time to become a GT team leader position in a good team. With Savoldelli, Evans and Vinokurov I don't see why Telekom should be interested.

/Csson

You're probably right. But he'll work cheap next year.

Originally posted by roadbuzz
I'm guessing his form just isn't that good this year, and he and his team know it.

Right! One cannot be off the bike for the period of time he was (due to the crash in the TdF) and get back to form quickly. I think that he still has great potential. If his luck changes, perhaps we'll see it. :D