Recon of TDF stages

Yes, Der Jan seems to rely on his mighty engine. Vat do ve care about ze parcoorz?

Ricardo29 said:

Basso recons Tour mountain stages

2006 Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso
Photo ©: Sirotti[img]cyclingnews.comfs 016tn.jpgOpen ↗[/img]

After meticulously preparing for the Giro d'Italia over winter and spring, 2006 maglia rosa winner Ivan Basso is now in phase two of his objectives for this season. The Italian is currently in the French Alps with his directeur sportif and mentor Bjarne Riis, to recon the Alpine stages of the Tour de France coming up in little more than three weeks.

On Saturday, Basso may be seen on the parcours of the Dauphiné Libéré as he intends to take a closer look at the stage between Briançon and La Toussuire, the finish if the 16th stage of this year's Tour.
--------------------------------------------------------

the tour is effectively over, before it has begun, in my opinion. basso, by 5mins, over evans, over possibly jan(dependant on tt only).
i see, for the 23rd year running, that jan refuses to do such. u think he would have learnt by now. its not as if LA made any secret of his preparatory rides on key stages...i wouldve thought theyd all listen and learn.

is anyone else also of the opinion that this recon actually does matter and can have a huge bearing on things ?? i certainly believe so.

T-Mobile is going to ride some of the mountain stages. I know this for 100% fact.
They will be taking their bikes and riding the stages to check out the terrain.
That info comes straight from T-Mobile.

Ricardo29 said:

Basso recons Tour mountain stages

2006 Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso
Photo ©: Sirotti[img]cyclingnews.comfs 016tn.jpgOpen ↗[/img]

After meticulously preparing for the Giro d'Italia over winter and spring, 2006 maglia rosa winner Ivan Basso is now in phase two of his objectives for this season. The Italian is currently in the French Alps with his directeur sportif and mentor Bjarne Riis, to recon the Alpine stages of the Tour de France coming up in little more than three weeks.

On Saturday, Basso may be seen on the parcours of the Dauphiné Libéré as he intends to take a closer look at the stage between Briançon and La Toussuire, the finish if the 16th stage of this year's Tour.
--------------------------------------------------------

the tour is effectively over, before it has begun, in my opinion. basso, by 5mins, over evans, over possibly jan(dependant on tt only).
i see, for the 23rd year running, that jan refuses to do such. u think he would have learnt by now. its not as if LA made any secret of his preparatory rides on key stages...i wouldve thought theyd all listen and learn.

is anyone else also of the opinion that this recon actually does matter and can have a huge bearing on things ?? i certainly believe so.

I think that recons don't necessarly make you ride the stage faster, but they do insure that you know about anything that could surprise you or cause you to take a spill. Knowing the course also helps to tell you not to make too much or to little effort at certain points. For someone who is serious about winning the TDF and who wants no surprises and nothing left to chance, recons are important.

I think that you are right about Basso taking the Tour. I don't think that it will be by 5 minutes. You're also one of the few calling for Cadel to make the podium. I have Cadel as a strong top five candidate this year.

Remember the stage in 2003 from Bourg d'Oisans to Gap. There was the second category climb of the Cote de Saint Apollinaire. It's steepness caught many out but the major teams had reconned it. Even Jan made it up in one piece. I think it is worth it to study points which may have a major baring on stages but in reality you need the legs to go with the head.