Stage 14 TDF : Agde - Ax-3 Domaines : Spoiler

Lonnie Utah

There will be a big break of non GC contenders trying to get time before they hit the col's. Dsc and all the usual suspects will catch them before the end....

L

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sonicman

I can see Lance winning DC will accelerate at Palheres and Ax 3 Domaines, being shorter and steeper than Courchevel, is better for late attacks and that´s why I think he might win.

steve26

Just got done watching the OLN coverage. They interviewed Lance after the race. He said something to the effect of "we know the next 3 days are going to decide the tour''...we know that t-mobile is going to attack on the first climb...hopefully the boys can ride tempo and reel them in and then in the last climb I will see what I can do....

Should be a great stage!

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"For now, I must focus on my treatment. However, I want you all to know that I intend to beat this disease, and further, I intend to ride again as a professional cyclist."....
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rejobako

That's a good point, except I think the question posed wasn't whether Rasmussen should have the confidence to attack --- the issue is whether he is wise to voice his intentions so boldly, especially in a manner that suggests he believes Armstrong is vulnerable.

Here in the states we call that "bulletin board material". Armstrong has his faults, among them is his tendency to be unreasonably callous in his manner of holding a grudge (e.g., Simeoni). But that almost meanspirited tenacity has served him well in the Tour, and I don't think it's a coincidence that those who call him out are usually the ones he takes the most pleasure in leaving behind.

tcklyde

Here's a concern: CSC 2004 redux. What if Rasmussen avoids attacking because he wants to defend second, like Basso last year?

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tcklyde

Thanks Lim, but I think I can only get lucky with predictions once per Grand Tour

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mr tibbs

i think maybe the reason basso was riding to defend second is because he isn't good enough in the tt to win tours, and i think he knows this. is it possible for him to win if he doesn't improve his time trialing?

jitmo

T MObile will probably throw a few things in tomorrow, LA wil (my opinion) just hang with the group unless they weaken a bit. I also think the spaniards, such as Euskatel, will ride well since we're approaching Spanish turf. LA will hold his persinal attacks 'til Sunday. Should be interesting anyhoot. Oh, and Rasmussen wins tomorrows stage.

tcklyde

I was just surfing around cyclingnews.com and read Levi Leipheimers Tour diary. He said after stage 10:



I mean this with great repsect to Telekom, but: What the hell? Is that strategy? Is there a plan or is it all for one and one for all? Would Disco ever not know what one of their riders were planning. Hell, would CSC ever say to Sastre: do whatever feels good?

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jitmo

This is exactly why they are always in the "mix" of things. Again, no disrespect to TMobile, but i think they are riding on how they feel that day. Time is running out for hope to work, so it's like do what you can to disrupt. That is odd not having a plan for even a flat stage, but maybe someone didn't pay attention at breakfast. I know i'd be tired. Haha.

MJtje

Like I said.......disco has help from Rabobank who is driving the peloton now! Why: because totschnig (spelling) and garzelli are in the break........

Another proof that Rasmussen is more looking to hold on that 2nd spot and taking time out of TT'ist like Moreau, Ullrich then wanting to beat LA!

MJtje

To proof my point better this is what Horner wrote in his diary:

Polka dot jersey guy Michael Rasmussen is climbing extremely well, he looks like it's so easy. So especially with Valverde dopping out, Rasmussen could be the only rider at this moment that could give Armstrong any kind of problems in the mountains. That's if he's willing to risk his GC position. Is Rasmussen willing to race for the win or is he happy with second? I'm curious to find out if he's looking to put time into riders like Basso and Ullrich so he doesn't lose time on GC, or if he wants to attack Lance and go for the win.

We'll know in a few hours!

mitosis

Mayo, because he hasn't had to work too hard yet and hasn't exhausted himself in an attack.

Vino or Basso because they, on their day are the best climbers in the world.

Ullrich because sometimes I think with my heart.

Armstrong, because when I think with my head it tells me he's got the moral support with his team and in his head he knows that when it comes to the last climb,on his day, he has the ability to ride away. And he needs to to assert himself.

Not Rasmussen. He's a great talent but he's used too much fuel up already.

And my outsider, Beloki. He also has been quiet and has demonstrated he is as good a climber as anyone in this years race.

mitosis

Its a great thought. If the other contenders on GC attacked as well as TMo it could certainly send Disco to panic stations - maybe even see Lance out working before the last climb.

I'd stay up all nite to see that!

Probably won't happen tho'.