Krusty said:Ok...I really enjoy cycling, but I never really pay any attention to
anything but the Giro, Tour, & Vuelta. I also realize that it is
still early in the season to be making predictions, but:
That said, I've always been impressed by Heras' ability in the
mountains. What do you think his chances of winning the tour this
year are?
Not good. His legs haven't been in form all year, so far. He may yet
surprise us, though. He climbs like a freakin' goat when his legs are in
form!
Quoted message said:Also:
How is Beloki looking this year?
No comment. I haven't seen or read much of him all year so far. That is
usually a bad sign, though.
Quoted message said:Does the time trial at Alpe D'Huez significantly increase a true
climber's ability to win?
I don't know if I'd use the word "significantly" or not. I suspect this
will be true, though.
Quoted message said:Is it true that Ullrich is out of shape?
Depends on which media source you believe as to the degree of truth. It's
true he hasn't been racing much, and he's renowned for being a bit lazy and
'training' by the classic European method of drinking coffee, eating pastry
and watching the pretty German girls. That being said, and considering his
prior results at the TdF, I think he'll be ready. I personally hope that
he'll be ready, as Jan's one of a handful of riders on the planet that could
challenge Lance when he's in form.
Quoted message said:Who else, besides Lance, is looking strong for the tour this year?
Tyler Hamilton. Don't underestimate him. He's ferocious, and his team
(Phonak) is *good* this year. I think that if Ullrich isn't in superhuman
shape, then Tyler's probably the only other guy that could give Lance some
trouble, especially if Tyler can stay in one piece this year. He's looking
good so far.
Quoted message said:Does anyone else think that Lance might have too many distractions
(publicity, Sheryl Crowe, etc...) to train properly?
I don't know why you people insist that Sheryl is a distraction. Mostly
just trolls grasping at straws, because for some reason there's a large
group of people that don't want Lance to win. I don't know if it's sour
grapes, or because they're ashamed at being American or what. Being married
(especially in a crumbling marriage, as his obviously was) is *infinitely*
more stressful than just having a girlfriend hang around. If anything, he's
in better shape mentally now that he's ditched the ol' ball-and-chain. He's
been training exactly how Chris and he and the team together have planned,
to the letter. He's trained, and he'll be ready. They know they made a
mistake last year, and they're certainly not going to repeat it again this
year. Nor will they repeat those mistakes when he wins #7 next year.
Quoted message said:Any input would be appreciated.
Now, let's hear what you think
Regards,
H.
