hey i think there should be a thread to talk about the riders........... if this forum just for stages feel free to move it where every it would be appropriate

i had two questions, one, does any one know what mario cipollin's plans are for this tour, is he just here for a few stage wins or is he going to try and be a threat to lance, jan , tyler, and other major competitors this year.

also is josiba beloki(i think thats spelled right) healed and back in the tour this year after last years crash,(the one that caused lance to have to cut through the field) if i remember right he broke his thigh bone so i didnt know if he was able to ride on this level anymore.

For a variety of reasons, Beloki's not racing this TDF.

Pure sprinters are not going to race for the GC like Ullrich, Armstrong, Mayo, etc... they go for stage wins on bunch sprints.

also what is a good web page where i can view all of the teams and their rosters

https://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2004.../?id=startlist

The reasion Beloki is out of the TDF is he tried to come back to quickly from a fractured pelvis.

Beloki has had problems with his asthma and allergies. The medicine he takes or needs is banned by the UCI. His team also just announced that they are folding after this season and he asked to be let go. They allowed him to leave and he has yet to find a new team.

I don't know what Cipo's plans are, but it's always fun to see him racing. I thought it funny to see him ruefully grinning before he rode the prologue as his managers and coaches took scissors to his most colorful racing outfit. I was also happy to see how close he came today (SPOILER FOR STAGE 2, SO IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT STOP READING!) to be with the sprinters at the finish line. Maybe in a couple of days he may win one, and that would be a thrill.

He better not drop out in the mountains or I'll find him and shave his hair in his sleep!



Koffee