botto 

Andrey Kashechkin.

3rd in the Dauphiné Libéré.

3rd in last years Vuelta.

Currently sitting in 5th place.



Astana's plan C?

classic1

Obviously, otherwise they would have made him drop back to help Vinokourov and Kloeden. Could do little but follow yesterday, even when compared to Evans, Schlek, Piti etc, none of whom were at risk of windburn.

BTW, Very cool painted brake levers on that bike.

reef58

Astana has one heck of a team, and if not for the two injuries they would proabably rule this race. They kinda of remind me of T-Mob last year except more talented. I think Kashechkin will have to take care of Vino, or Kloden this year, but who knows. He seems to be a very good all around rider.

Richard

fixiechick

Very strong TT'er. Say it with me, Bobke & Ligget: Kah-shech-kin, not Kuh-shenkin.

Moochers_Dad

I think it's maybe a year or two early to see him as a Grand Tour winner. But his other placings really show he's got the goods.

That he's third overall right now really prove me wrong and it seems dependent on if Astana will support him in going for the overall. And we know a little of that depends on Vino's attitude towards it; which seems to be a lot more team oriented than it has been in the past. I think Vino would only be slightly more happy to win the Tour himself than have someone on a Kazakh owned team win it, and especially another countryman. With that in mind, it doesn't appear now that he would be against working for someone else.

In 2006, he had good time trials in the Tour of Romandie and the Tour of Deutschland; but with the right motivation, "preparations" , and approval to place high in this Tour, it would seem like he could finish strong in the time trials.

Plus, he and his wife just had a baby. That's some motivation right there.

3MTA3

if i had a wife & baby at home the only motivation i would have would be to chill out at home & play with the kid (& the wife), not to be away from them for over a month at a time.

cmh

How old is he? He could definitely be a big star in a couple years.

daytonian

I'm still trying to comprehend how Moreau and the merrymen couldn't work together. They jer*ed off at least 30 seconds that they may need after the TT.

USAZorro

Was it Kashekin's job to put more time into Vino? (rhetorical question)

3MTA3

harlond

If he were plan C, wouldn't they have sent him, rather than Kloeden, back to help Vino? Does that suggest that he is either plan A or B?

Helmet Head

But Kloden was about to join the Moreau group (and likely keep on going) when Vino (not "they") called Kloeden back.

skinnyone

^*^BATMAN^*^

Namenda

Kashechkin is well-positioned, and looks strong, but I think Valverde is the one to watch. He's in great condition, is staying out of trouble, and has strong team support.

roadgator

thats kloden, the way he wast let go in the break id say he's squarely plan B.

2wheeled

He's a talented rider for sure but Valverde is the man to beat this year.