http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2004/jul04/jul19news
Klöden has carte blanche
Andreas Klöden is looking likely to be T-Mobile's best placed rider on GC at
the end of the Tour, although there are still six stages to come. It was
originally planned that the German champion would help Ullrich in the
mountains, but after two days in the Pyrenees, Klöden is sitting fourth on GC
at 3'18, while Ullrich is back in eighth at 7'01 - somewhat of a role reversal.
After stage 13, Klöden told L'Equipe that, "It was another great day even if I
wasn't able to follow Armstrong all the way to the end. I preferred to climb at
my own rhythm. Earlier, Jan had given me carte blanche to do my best to stay
with Armstrong for as long as possible. I'm still convinced that Jan is going
to come back very strong in the Alps."
Ullrich confirmed that he had no problems in letting Klöden take over the
leadership, writing in his diary on T-Mobile's website, "For me 'Klödi' has
been a revelation in this Tour. I hope he can maintain his current level all
the way to Paris. He was clearly the better man in the Pyrenees, so I've given
him 'Carte Blanche' in the Alps. I certainly won't split hairs over who works
for whom.
"Use 'Klödi' just as a helper when he's in the form of his life? No way! For a
start, I know he is currently capable of leaving me in his wake. That's not a
good thing for my morale. Secondly, I don't want to make the mistake of using
him to pace me in the Alps. I need to ride at my own rhythm.
"In all truth, I was quite content to plough my own furrow on the climb to
Plateau de Beille. It will only make sense to enlist Klödi's help in the Alps
if its to our mutual benefit. If I think he has the stronger legs, then he not
only should, but must, go for it alone."
Ullrich added that he is "fully concentrated on the final week...It will be one
battle after another, with no respite until we roll into Paris on Sunday."
Mancebo concedes
Francisco Mancebo has no illusions about winning the Tour, realising after
stage 13 that his chances are limited to a possible podium spot. "From this
point on, the Tour will be decided between Armstrong and Basso," Mancebo told
L'Equipe. "There's only third place to fight for, for which I am a candidate
just like Klöden, Totschnig and don't forget Totschnig and Azevedo. I tried to
attack and test Armstrong's group with the hope that some riders would follow.
Unfortunately, nobody wanted to, or nobody could. The key to this stage and no
doubt for the Tour is the collective strength of US Postal. If Armstrong wins,
it's clear he owes that to his team."
Sorry to post the whole thing, but it really is that important in my mind.
Bill C