Originally Posted by
Giacomo 1
I'm looking to see how you guys feel about how the Americans will fare in 2015.
All-in-all, I think the 2014 season was a mediocre one. Van Garderen was a bright spot, placing 5th in the TDF and winning the USA Pro Challenge and 2nd in Tour of Oman. Also a bright spot was Talansky's win in the Criterium Du Dauphine. But other than that, I can't recall to many bright spots.
There was a thread talking about Contador throwing down the gauntlet to his main rivalries, Nibali, Froome and Quintana to do the double, Giro and TDF. I would have liked to hear TJ's name and Talansky's name mentioned with this group, because I feel both of them are capable of a podium finish, if not an out right win, in these races. I do think TJ will get a GT victory first.
Taylor Phinney was hurt much of the season, so I'm not sure if he progressed this season, or lost some maturing time. Big hopes for him though.
Tyler Farrar finished up the season strong in China with a stage win and green jersey, but was nowhere most of the season. He now goes to a new team, MTM Quebeka, which actually looks impressive on paper, but it won't be Garmin/Sharp. But then again, Garmin gave him little support, so maybe it will be a good move.
Tom Danielson is getting older, so can he pull off something big like Chris Horner?
Lawson Craddock, 3rd in Tour of California, might be a comer and supported Kittel well all season. I like this kid.
Mathew Busche? Ben King? Joe Dombrowski?
Any other movers and shakers for the US to look for?
Opinions welcome!
Originally Posted by
Giacomo 1
Mathew Busche? Ben King? Joe Dombrowski?
Opinions welcome!
Awesome thread, first of all. It should be an interesting couple of years w some good develop US talent.
Tejay definitely has a GT podium in him this year or next, in my opinion. I'm not so confident in Talansky pulling off a GT podium in the near future though - Tejay is such a great stage rider, but Talansky has some weak areas that, on balance, will hurt a GT podium, again my opinion.
I'm pretty meh on everyone else but Phinney - if you look out past this year, I think he'll be a great american rider. Considering his very successful recovery from the broken leg, I think the physical toll from the injury has seen it's worst. But also, the fact that he was injured in such a traumatising fashion and the fact he had a big injury so young, I think it will be a great maturing experience, help his confidence levels to push to the next level. In other words, I think he's probably mentally much tougher than pre-crash Taylor.
Re other US youngins and up and comers...
In particular I like Craddock, Dombrowski, and Busche a lot.