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2007-11-09 05:01:43 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
A bit too early to start thinking about TdF contenders . . . ?
Cycling probably isn't France's No.1 (try football- just like most of Europe and South America) But certainly in the south, cycling is very much revered!
Having cycled in the South of France, the respect you get is refreshing to say the least, - My Father retired there, so it's a good excuse to visit! (taking my bike of course)
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2007-11-09 05:13:08 · answer #1 · answered by onlyme Mr G 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Soccer is the number one sport in France for 11 months of the year. In July, the entire country revolves around Le Tour!
This year, there are no clear favorites. Some top finishers from last year's race who are expected to go for it again in 2008 are:
Levi Leipheimer
Alberto Contador
Cadel Evans
Carlos Sastre
Other people to watch in the April - June races that lead up to the big Tour are:
Alejandro Valverde
Yaroslov Popovych
2007-11-10 14:21:08 · answer #2 · answered by Jordan K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No way of knowing who is favored right now, since they aren't even guaranteeing any teams a slot next year, and lots of riders are still switching teams anyway.
Soccer and tennis are also very popular in France. Cycling is up there, although probably not No. 1.
2007-11-09 10:32:12 · answer #3 · answered by kalaka 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Way too early to tell. A lot can happen between now and the start of the TdF. As far as frances #1 sport....I think it's trying to frame all cyclist who aren't french. :)
2007-11-09 05:24:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rasmussen has been large those previous few days. voeckler? he has been back interior the peloton i assume for the reason that i haven't heard lots approximately him. lots of the vast names are long previous and many new riders, it relatively is nonetheless extensive open. how come vinokourov isn't on your checklist!!!? and there is often Kloden. yet i do no longer think of leipheimer has it in him. Popovych and Hincapie could commence helping Contador. the dogs that abruptly met Burghart, he could get the crimson form for many aggressive. :)
2016-10-15 22:06:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually cycling is not france's #1 sport. Soccer is number one and F1 is actually a close second believe it or not. I'd say cycling is third.
2007-11-09 08:34:01 · answer #6 · answered by Jay P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would think Alberto Contador would be a good bet to repeat since few can climb as well as he can and the tour is usually won in the mtn's.
2007-11-12 19:36:26 · answer #7 · answered by warthog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your getting an earlier start to the TDF than stores for Christmas!!!!
2007-11-09 05:13:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
that race is 8 months away - how do you even know right now who will be in it?
2007-11-09 05:07:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whoever has the least detectable steroid cocktail...
2007-11-09 06:41:31 · answer #10 · answered by Yellowdog 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋