Road Bike Racing - Ullrich and the TDF

I´m sorry, but I have to say it :
Ullrich will not be in shape to win this years TDF either. Some days ago, he had to suspend his training due to serious knee problems. Meanwhile Armstrong showed a good performance in Milan-San Remo. So I think it doesn´t sound too weird when I say that Lance will most likely win once again. Would then be his 4th, attention Miguel !

Ullrich will be in shape for the Tour. Still many months left. Got many key events to help out as well as the Giro that he may use as training. Besides Telekom pays him for the Tour mainly.

However Ullrich like years prior will end up getting scared to use a nicer term and end up riding behind Lance yet another year. I will really like to see some one step up to the plate and give us a good show.

I like J U a lot, and I really think he has the physical ability in him to take the TdF.

Unfortunately for Jan, Lance Armstrong is not only and outstanding cyclist, he also has the smarts, grit, and Tour savvy to outcompete and out psych his opponents.

L A is one of those people - you've got to kill him to stop him. And I don't think Jan Ullrich can take the fight to him day after day after day. He may take 1 or 2 stage or stay in contention for many stages, but in the long haul, Lance will grind him down.

It must be a terrible thing to be a great athlete like JU and be in the same genration as someone as outstanding as LA. Its a bit like all the great 200metre runners who never had a hope of winning during the Michael Johnson era.

L A will have to win his 5 tours and then retire and let everone else have a go again.

(more mixed metaphors from)
Stew

Ullrich knows how to win the TdF. He did it in 97. He also has incredible ability as a racer. But, as long as Lance is in the race, I'm afraid that Jan will be the bridesmaid, never the bride.

You never know, and it's never a given that anyone will win the tour. I actually remember that a couple of years ago Armstrong broke his neck (vertebra in his neck) not long before the tour and he recovered in time. There's no such thing as a given, even for armstrong. If be believed that, he'd stop training and sit in front of the tv and then jump on his bike in july. It doesn't work that way.

Frankly, I'd like to see Ullrich win another race like the vuelta- it would sure be a boost for him. And what I'd like to see in the tour are a few other contenders giving armstrong a run for his money- like Casero or Simoni, and Jiminez, along with Ullrich all driving him nuts in the alps. I'd like to see it be something besides just Armstrong and Ullrich. In some ways, the Giro is better, just because you get to see other teams and contenders, and it isn't the Lance Armstrong Show! The Giro is a lot less predictable.

Yoú´re right. Every year it´s the same Ullrich & Armstrong story. Maybe this year things could change.
What about Pantani ? He did allready speak some big words.
Or Simoni ? He did the same and called himself a co-favorite.
Or did anyone think about Sevilla ? He missed the Vuelta just by a few seconds and ended up third twice in the TDF.
Or Casero ? He´s strong and won the Vuelta, he could show up big this year and should be considered.
Or Mancebo ? Those young Spaniards are very good...
And who knows, maybe Ullrich recovers fast, gets practice in the Giro and other races resurrects in the TDF.

Beloki ? - Forget about him, he´s no real champion.
Virenque ? - He´s a good rider though, but his big time is over.
Moreau ? - hm, difficult. But I guess, he´s also no champion.

Not to sure about Ulrich, German TV reported he is
totally off the bike and doing pool work (aquajogging).
His injury to his knee is more serious that originally reported.
most of the online cycling news organizations are now
questioning his being able to actually ride the tour.
Who knows maybe this is the break that
Livingstone needs to get some recognition as more
than just a super domestique.
I don't think Pantani will do very much of anything,
maybe a stage or two but I don't think he can pull
off a major tour, his recent history sure doesn't support it.
I also would like to see a good TdF one that isn't a forgone
conclusion after the first mountain stages. Although as Lance
said on OLN last night, you never know, you could crash on the
final stage and lose the whole thing...

Marty