Valverde v. Pereiro
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Valverde v. Pereiro
Same team; one leader; and the other -- asterisk or not -- a former winner. I'm curious about the likely personal and team dynamics there. Thoughts?
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I dont have any inside knowledge, but my thoughts are this:
Pereiro might be a former TdF winner, but he knows that aside from 'roid landis getting the axe for cheating, he won because of a 30 minute breakaway gift on a transitional stage, and an admirable defense of the jersey. These guys are pros, they know that they have and havent got. I suspect OP knows Valv has a much greater potential to win a TdF than he does and understands his job is to shepherd him. Should Valverde get into trouble and have to abandon, which he's got a propensity for, Pereiro is ready to assume the leadership role.
Pereiro might be a former TdF winner, but he knows that aside from 'roid landis getting the axe for cheating, he won because of a 30 minute breakaway gift on a transitional stage, and an admirable defense of the jersey. These guys are pros, they know that they have and havent got. I suspect OP knows Valv has a much greater potential to win a TdF than he does and understands his job is to shepherd him. Should Valverde get into trouble and have to abandon, which he's got a propensity for, Pereiro is ready to assume the leadership role.
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pereiro knows his place... valverde is on top of his game right now and deserves the support.
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Pereiro is a good backup incase Valverde has another fall like '06. He recognizes Valverde is the best GC man on the team. Keep in mind, Valverde has only finished on TDF in his career.
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Pereiro finished 10th last year after supporting valverde then too. I too think he was lucky to get the win he did and doubt he could handle the title of leader. I also think he goes in every day supporting Valverde but doing his best not to kill himself for him.
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ditto on what everyone has said. Valverde is their leader without a doubt.
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