Ivan Basso
 

Is Ivan Basso a threat in the GC this year? He seemed particularly strong today.

Peace

He finished 11th in 2002, and 7th last year. He could very well be. In those last two years at the Tour de France, he was very consistant from stage to stage.
The flat TT could be a big burden for him.

Ivan Basso looked very unfazed (untiring) and IN control during the "mano a mano" 2 km left to finish Stage 12 today, not to talk about his super fitness, Lance kept eyeing him, evaluating him, to see how done was he, but had to recognize later that Basso was very strong today; let's see if he's got it for tomorrow. He might as well be Armstrong's succesor for the next few years.
It was interesting to see two excellent climbers but yet two different styles: Basso's ongoing sitting style and Lance's rather a combo of sitting and standing, more standing than sitting actually.
Corsaire :)

I noticed that climbing style too, and when comparing them to Jan, Jan sat the entire time. I don't recall him getting out of his saddle at all for the mountains- just ground away in the big gears the whole time.

Ouch.

Koffee

Can Basso push himself in the time trial? I think that is one of Lance's strongest points. He can push himself by himself.

Man, I was worried when I saw Lance's face crossing the line. He said this stretch of mountain has always been tough for him and I hope that wasn't bravado. I'm gonna be on pins and needles tomorrow :p

Funny you should mention that. Yesterday was the only time I've ever seen Ullrich get out of the saddle. OLN had a shot of him briefly, maybe 5 or 10 cranks, raising his butt off the saddle. He didn't really stand or change his posture noticably, just lifted his butt and pushed extra hard for a few turns.

My bad. Musta happened while I was in the bathroom!

Koffee

I don't know racing well, but this guy looks extrememly strong in the mountains.

well, on stage 13 Old Jan was standing quite a bit, must have been steep.

Right now Ivan might be the only who can give Lance a run for his money. Ullrich has already conceded that Lance looks unbeatable.