Hey Cadel, check out who's behind you!
Sunday, 15 June 2008 12:29
The Dauphine Libere and the Tour de Suisse are two of the most important races on the Pro Tour calender. Both are very close to the Tour de France and can act as form finders for those who have lofty aspirations during the month of July. We here at firstoffthebike.com love the Tour and every June get very excited about the prospect of what is to follow during the next month. But as we wrote last week, being strong in June may mean the razor's edge of form is lost for the biggest race of the year. With the Dauphine finishing up this weekend, here's our version of the important points to come from this race in the lead up to the Tour.
- Alejandro Valverde will be the favorite for the Tour de France. There will be few things to persuade us otherwise. Valverde's form was good without being off the charts. The perfect lead up to a three week stage race.
- Cadel Evans knows how to attack! The boy from Barwon Heads tried an attack during stage six. Sure he got brought back, but one of the chief concerns for Cadel is that he doesn't attack enough, that he's too reactionary. So he must be confident if he went off the front. This attacking style will go well at the Tour de France because if he is in yellow or chasing it, he must be able to ride away to gain time or time bonuses.
- Beware of the Doger!! Mick Rogers who rides for High Road was the virtual leader of the Tour last year when he crashed out. He has battled illness and is now flying o far under the radar he is invisible. But a 10th place this week must be keeping the directors at High Road fairy stoked. Rogers is a three time world time trial champion, climbs like a demon and is tough as nails.... a great list of traits for a beautiful July.
- The French have absolutely no hope of winning their national race for another decade. French cycling stocks are about zero when it comes to big tour riders. They host the race but that's about where it ends. And you don't think they don't know it too!
- George Hincapie will do something cool at the Tour. Lance's faithful lieutenant for all those seasons the big man is due for win on the world's biggest stage. Some good riding during the week sees his form getting better. C'mon Big Georgie!
- Team Milram are living up to our expectations. They are fast becoming the 'farm team' of the Pro Tour. They must be desperate for a win but where it comes from is anyone's guess.
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