Grater prediction thread
- Thread starter thunder
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Andrija said:
i would usually agree, but his year has been so off that i think he'll give it a go for a result having used the tour for a "warm-up." and honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if fifty percent of the non-spanish riders bagged it after two weeks or less.
We're little bit hijackin' Grater's thread, but I have to answer this.Scotttri said:
This is very interesting point. He (Evans) didn't bother riding for podium or GC in the Tour when he realised he can't win. I wonder if he'll go for less than a victory in Vuelta, considering his measure is the Tour victory. I really doubt he can hold on on three successive mountain top finishes in Spain (in Spanish race), so what will make him go all the way? Contract, leadership and credibility are the answer. So, if he pushes all the way (just for podium or top 10) - we'll know he has to prove he's worth of trust, what means - he's not unquestionable leader anymore.
man, if it weren't for valverde's "mental vacations," i'd really be thinking about betting the farm on his wearing oro when it's all said and done. cde are definitely out for oso this time.
Sanchez is good pick. He's fresh and motivated, but this edition of the race is maybe to mountainous for him. That's why I'm giving more chances to number 2 in your selection, but his bad days could cost him overall. Third spot for Basso is maybe too optimistic, but after the Giro he should reminded himself how to ride a GT.Grater said:
There's no Schlecks in your selection and I'd say they have to be considered as serious contenders. There's no Evans too, but I wouldn't rate him for overall neither.
interesting angle in that those climbs the organisers have lined up certainly won't terrify andy schleck & given that his chief climbing rival, contador, is taking the vuelta off. if the odds were at 10:1 or greater, i'd be thinking of wagering on andy. which would be the greater accomplishment for him at this stage of his career? i mean g.t. victories don't just come along all that often.
sure, it was understood. i might have actually lumped them both in the group that would withdraw and concentrate on the worlds (andy). but going off at 8:1, andy wasn't such a bad idea. one or two good stages in the mountains (this vuelta has some good ones, too), move him up the gc ladder and who knows? evans was "riding" for the worlds, but he seems to have the bit between his teeth, again.
