Hopefully the TDF will soon follow. They have 2 openings remaining....

+1 I would like to watch this year.

Well now that the Giro and Vuelta and pulled the trigger, will see if they have the nads to realize that this team and organization has nothing to do with last years team.

but if they invite the team with two riders from last year's podium and the favorite to win this year...there's really no chance of a frenchman winning:rolleyes:

but if they invite the team with two riders from last year's podium and the favorite to win this year...there's really no chance of a frenchman winning:rolleyes:


Yes, and that *is* what's important of course. :rolleyes:

+1 I would like to watch this year.

What if Astana doesn't do well? You will have wasted a whole month.

At least they'll be given a chance to compete fairly to see if they are, in fact, the best team.

+1 I would like to watch this year.

I'll be watching on RAI (Italian TV - check your cable/sat provider). Even if you speak no Italian, you'll love the coverage, and get a kick out of the announcers.

... Brad

I'll be watching on RAI (Italian TV - check your cable/sat provider). Even if you speak no Italian, you'll love the coverage, and get a kick out of the announcers.

... Brad

We don't seem to get that, so I am left with watching weekly coverage on Versus. And my fiancee wants to watch Asscar instead :mad:.

Looks like Contador has sights on winning this thing (Giro). Doesn't bode well for him in the event of a Tour invite. (Then again, I don't think Astana is going to get one this year anyway).

He'll have to make up 7 mins in the Mountains if he plans on doing that, plus he crashed today and lost one of his domestics.

I haven't been following it very closely due to more pressing commitments, but aren't many of the riders ahead of him in GC likely to falter in the high mountains? I know Di Luca is ahead of him, but by less than a minute, no?

Contador can make it up. I don't think he's hurt and there is some serious climbing left to do. Has anybody seen the profile for the time trial on stage 16? Am I seeing this right that some sections are as much as 24%. Wow, I didn't know that was possible. That should string the field out a bit. I think that this race is still up for grabs.

Contador can make it up. I don't think he's hurt and there is some serious climbing left to do. Has anybody seen the profile for the time trial on stage 16? Am I seeing this right that some sections are as much as 24%. Wow, I didn't know that was possible. That should string the field out a bit. I think that this race is still up for grabs.

Considering the outcome of today's stage, one would think he's right where he wants to be considering his circumstances.

Great TT for him. :thumb:Told you he wasn't hurt. Levi must not have his legs for this one.

Thanksk for the spoilers guys...

Thanksk for the spoilers guys...

You're welcome.

I am glad Astana got in.....the TDF has lost their minds.

Contador is sitting in good position but there seem to be a few guys that can out climb him right now. I don't think he came into this race in optimum condition and he states as much. So I think it's going to be a lot closer than everyone believes.

Van de Velde lost a lot of time on todays climb. Kloden is still looking good. The big question is how many of the Italian climbers are going to choke on the last few climbs. That will be the deciding factor.

Levi is not at the top of his game right now. My guess is this was an intentional tactic in not having Astana notified until the last minute. The TDF might do the same thing in order to give the FRA riders the best chance that they can.

Kloden is still looking good..

You think so? Kloeden struggled today and now sits 6'26" behind Contador on GC.