2006-06-18 22:43:14 · 11 answers · asked by fourkidsnomore 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
This year's Tour is marked by an increase in the amount of time trialing, Ullrich's forte. Furthermore, the Tour's last week is in the Alps. The Keiser constantly is at his best in the Alps, and in the last week. Where has Ivan Basso been since his Giro victory? Nowhere! Meanwhile, Der Jan goes out and wins the Tour of Switzerland with a stunning final time trial. My prediction, Basso peaked too early for the Giro d'Italia, and Ullrich takes the top spot on the podium. Basso will still capture second, and third place will go to either Floyd Landis, Cadel Evans, or Levi Leipheimer. Outside chances to look out for will both come from Discovery Channel in the form of Big George Hincapie and the Ukranian Yaroslav Popovych.
2006-06-20 12:55:03 · answer #1 · answered by theultimateexperience 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Anything can happen. It's a long race. Basso is the favorite. But, a nasty spill or illness could easily change that. In terms of all-around ability (staying out of trouble, time trialing and mountain climbing) he's a level above most contenders. He also has a great team and a smart DS.
I'd love to see an American in contention. Landis is my favorite there. I expect he'll be in the top 5. He has a stronger team than in the past.
2006-06-19 06:13:51 · answer #2 · answered by ZepOne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
basso won the giro by a large margin, but he could always peak early as a result. ullrich looks to be in good shape, but he's known for his ability to drag defeat from the jaws of victory as it were. landis looked good early on and has been quiet since then, so i think his chances are good, although his team isn't nearly as stacked as basso's csc squad.
as much as i'd like it to be a disco rider, my money is on basso at this point.
2006-06-20 08:17:49 · answer #3 · answered by Clark S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basso is the obivious favorite but I would watch out for the contenders as the list is long and it is sure to be full of surprises without ole Lance on board. Watch out for Vinokourov, Hincapie, and Ullrich (I don't think he can do it).
2006-06-20 02:28:47 · answer #4 · answered by biggstdave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My pick is Floyd Landis. But as others have said, Basso will be the man to beat. Ullrich is not as young as he used to be.
2006-06-20 03:05:21 · answer #5 · answered by Brzo Biciklo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to follow the trend and say Basso. Ullrich is in top form and could push him. Vinokourov is my longshot.
Should be fun to see how it sorts out!
2006-06-19 05:47:34 · answer #6 · answered by george_o_jones 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Erig Zabel
2006-06-18 22:51:48 · answer #7 · answered by TennisHamster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basso or Ulrich, but I was also on the look out for Landis or Leipheimer.
2006-06-19 02:26:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basso (ive said it before but i will say it again!)
Ullrich on podium
2006-06-18 22:50:34 · answer #9 · answered by robert m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ivan basso. he did good last year and i think he can step up and win.
2006-06-19 04:59:07 · answer #10 · answered by stuckinthestates 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋