7bmwm3gtr

https://velonews.competitor.com/2010/...medium=twitter

Would be pretty interesting to see Levi climbing with the leaders.

USAZorro

Three years ago, he was pretty much doing the same thing. I think he'll do well, but don't think he'll make the podium this time.

hiker88

I'd have all those guys working for Jani. Do something completely different.

Bacciagalupe

I dunno, man.

Levi is 36, and even after LA went into retirement the 1st time he wasn't strong enough to lead. He supported Contador for a few years, and Armstrong is toast and/or gunning for stage wins.

Levi s a good rider, and I may be wrong but when did he attack in a Grand Tour? I just don't think he has what it takes to outride Contador, Schleck, Evans, Sastre, and Menchov, even with Kloden working for him.

USAZorro

He's lost too much time. He's probably their best hope over the next couple years though.

ultraman6970

+1

Racer Ex 

He's 37 and he'll be 38 in a couple of months.

idoru2005

My thoughts exactly. Strong rider, but just like Hincapie, overhyped.

Keith99

He refers to Janez Brajovic who is about 27 years old. Levi is the hope for this Tour as Jani has lost too much time (and Levi is the only one left on TRS who has not).

Keith99

But what else is Radioshack to do? Levi is close enough that if he just maintains he has a decent chance for a podium, especially in light of teh way riders have been crashing this year. Remember Cadel does not have a sparkling record when it comes to finishing things off either.

msu2001la

I don't think anyone thinks Levi is going to ride away from Evans, Schleck, Contador, etc.

He is, sadly, the best shot that RadioShack has at having a rider in a lead group of elite climbers towards the end of the mountain stages.

USAZorro

Thanks, Keith. Exactly correct.

Keith99

I thought the chances of you not knowing Levi is getting old were about the same as Lance getting on the podium after dropping 12 minutes.

Racer Ex 

Had my brain wrapped around the thread title. Jani's not bad but they've got a retirement home there right now otherwise.

DXchulo

https://video.competitor.com/2010/07/...-tdf-rest-day/

Horner didn't sound impressed with riding for Levi. Granted, this is before Johan came up with the plan, but still.

I thought it was funny when he said that Levi was only 8th (at 2:14, BTW), and a stage win would be better than top 10 GC. You think he'd say that if Lance was 8th?

Bacciagalupe

I'm not sure what options remain, since Kloden isn't looking so hot either. And on one hand Brunyeel is saying "we'll ride for Levi," but Horner shot his mouth off and says....

I thought they'd ride for LL, but maybe that serves me right for believing the spin.

Perhaps they'll just try to get Armstrong a stage win or two, depends on who commands more loyalty from B. I guess we'll have a better idea in a few days.

frpax

I think Kloden would be the better candidate for Shack support. I'm not sure Levi has the legs to compete head to head with Contador, Evans, Schleck, et al. I think of Levi as more of a super domestique.

slcbob

What do you think the chances are that Armstrong can go rogue and pull a Landis break away?

At only 2+ minutes down, they would never let Levi escape in a break. At 13+ down, Armstrong could. Maybe, if he wasn't Armstrong.

All LL can do is try to not to lose more. As stated earlier, unlikely he won't. I suspect the bulk of his Shackmates will support Levi but we'll see a little strategery for some Lance fireworks before it is done -- put Popo in an early break, Lance attack w/ Jani, etc. On a stage with a climb less suited to Contador than LL.

Pat from CA

Chances of LA doing a Floyd Landis break are zero... he'd fail the drug test. :-)

Lance is over.... maybe a shot at the TT... In the meantime... all they can do is support Levi and that is not a route to a podium.... Levi is a great rider, and while he can stay in the final group to about 2K to the finish.... he cannot stay with the accelerations at that point... he is too old. It is either going to be AS, AC or outside chance....CE (very much an outside chance)

Pat from CA

Chances of LA doing a Floyd Landis break are zero... he'd fail the drug test. :-)

Lance is over.... maybe a shot at the TT... In the meantime... all they can do is support Levi and that is not a route to a podium.... Levi is a great rider, and while he can stay in the final group to about 2K to the finish.... he cannot stay with the accelerations at that point... he is too old. It is either going to be AS, AC or outside chance....CE (very much an outside chance)

Pat from CA

and....I don't think anyone will let LA go ahead and worry about how big a break he can create...and whether it's all set up for Levi or Kloden to jump and connect with him...Lance is gonna be covered for the most part

DXchulo

I think 3rd is up for grabs. I said before the race that the battle for 3rd will be one of the most interesting things going on. Sure Levi can't match the accelerations, but who else besides Contador and Schleck can? Basso is probably the best climber out of the rest of them, but will the Giro take its toll later on?

Going down the list in GC:

Evans- We know that his big weakness is his inability to match the accelerations.
Menchov- Hard to get a feel for him, but I think he has the same weakness.
Kreuziger- If Basso doesn't crack he'll probably have to play the Nibali role. He was 9th last year, so he has a chance.
Levi- Like Evans & Menchov, lacks acceleration. All 3 are good TTers. It would be interesting if 3rd place comes down to the last TT.
Samuel Sanchez- Will probably have one bad day that will cost him.
Rogers- I'd put him in the Evans, Menchov, Leipheimer category. Looked very strong in California, for whatever that's worth.
Gesink- Similar to Kreuzinger. Probably the 2nd option on his team.
Sastre- Didn't look good in the Giro. Seems like age is catching up with him rather quickly.
Basso- Mentioned above.
Wiggins- Already got dropped on a climb.

So how is it unrealistic to fight for 3rd, especially if they put everything into it with the strong team they have?

daytonian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMMewJ2okw8&feature=fvw

I hope this guy shows up for the Pyrenees

merlinextraligh

After today, I think absent accident or meltdown, 1 and 2 are sewn up. 3rd remains legitimately in play.

reef58

Merlin I agree 100% that we know who the two best riders are, but I am not so sure they will be one and two in Paris. Maybe Andy will slow down now that he is in yellow, or maybe he will let a break rider take it, but if this pace keeps up Andy or Alberto cracking would not surprise me. There are brutal stages ahead, and if they go head to head 3 or 4 more times, after the heat, crashes, cobbles, and torrid pace up the mountains one may crack big time. A steady rider like Menchov may be in a good position if that happens. Better yet Basso. I am not saying one will crack, but the odds are getting higher with each one of these insane stages. It sure if fun to watch. Andy is quickly becoming a favorite. He sure doesn't mind riding hard.

Richard