2009 TDF : Stage 1 : Saturday 4 July : Monaco > Monaco: 15kms

Opening stage : ITT

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.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

I would expect Canellara to remain in good form and take this stage. It will be interesting to see if Contador goes all out in this stage as Armstrong did a few years back and go for the early yellow.

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Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

Monaco - what a beautiful destination to hold a ITT in.
Wonder will they do the F1 circuit?
All the women sunbathing on the yachts in the marina!
Oh man.

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

Cancellara is in great form but so is Contador and this course does have some climbing in it. I'm going to go with Contador to win here to start the race, then on Ventoux to end it.

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"Hope is the first step on the road to dissapointment."

I think Contador will go all out. He has to show right from the beginning he's in form and that he has to be supported. I don't think he'll take the Yellow jersey but that would be useful... His teammates/rivals would have to work a bit and tyre themselves.

__________________
"Soldiers! Heroes!

The supreme command has erased our regiment from its records. Our regiment has been sacrificed for the honor of Belgrade and the Fatherland. Therefore, you no longer have to worry for your lives - they do not exist anymore.
So, forward to glory! For King and country! Long live the king! Long live Belgrade! "

Contador may have a chance at beating Cancellara on a course like like this, if Cancellara has an extremely bad day!!. I think Cancellara would have to be the favourite for this one

Looking forward to see the performance of Pharmstrong.

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Why am I still a fan of dopers sport?

Can't go past Cancellara here.

Agreed.

I think Canc is da man, for ITT.

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

Parcours

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

For me the question is: who of GC candidates will be the best, and who will be the best in Astana?

__________________
"Soldiers! Heroes!

The supreme command has erased our regiment from its records. Our regiment has been sacrificed for the honor of Belgrade and the Fatherland. Therefore, you no longer have to worry for your lives - they do not exist anymore.
So, forward to glory! For King and country! Long live the king! Long live Belgrade! "

I would like Wiggins to win this one.

I'm interested in this as well, especially if Levi can reach his potential. Even Kloden can put in a decent TT, but I'm afraid I'd have to put my money on Alberto.

I favour Cancellara but certainly think Contador could even win it especially with this course. Likewise I think Contador will want to stamp a little authority.

If Contador wins this, he will more than likely lose the yellow jersey in the TTT anyway or the stage on thursday which Kirchen will win. So considering he knows he won't be in it for long, then he might stamp some authority.

Plus Astana could easily not defend it tomorrow and let a break go so Contador loses it.........