On Sat, 29 May 2004 18:57:14 GMT, "HardwareLust" <
[email protected]>
wrote:
>Krusty wrote:
>> 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!
>
>> 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.
>
>> 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.
>
>> 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.
>
Not surprising...especially after two years ago. Too bad he got
suspended for a recreational drug. Let the man have fun at a club if
he wants to ruin his central nervous system ;-) Rules are rules
though, so his stupid fault I guess. I'd bet he'll be ready too.
>> 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.
>
Can't remember. Did he win a stage last year? I know he had a big
breakaway....just can't remember if he held them off. Either way he
impressed me....riding with a broken collarbone and all (finished in
the top 10 overall didn't he?).
>> 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.
>
You're probably right here, but if I was dating Sheryl I know I'd be
pretty G-D distracted. ;-)
>> Any input would be appreciated.
>
>Now, let's hear what you think
>
>Regards,
>H.
>
Again...let me stress that I know very little about cycling...Indurain
made me a fan while I was living in Spain in '92. I've kept up, as
best I can, with the three major tours since...but my opinions are
merely...well...opinions.
