Picking a Podium is Impossible
By Jessica | Permalink |
7 comments | July 23rd, 2007 | Trackback
Every day I think I’ve got at least two out of three of the podium contenders solidified in my head, with the only question remaining who’ll be on what step. And then after every stage my list changes. Several days ago I had Valverde and Evans both being sure-things, with maybe Kloeden joining them. Then after the TT I had to exorcise Valverde from my list. And now after a couple days in the Pyrenees, Evans is looking not so hot. I tell you, picking a podium in this Tour has got to be one of the toughest calls we’ve had in cycling’s grand event for years - which is pretty damned exciting.
At this point, it looks like Contador and Rasmussen are both going to end up on the podium, it’s just a question of where. Of course, the last TT - the one Rasmussen actually performed admirably well in - was hilly. The next one is flat as a pancake, so should present him with more challenges. The same flatness could also be a problem for Contador, as well, so someone else might be able to leapfrog over them the day before the race rolls into Paris. That is, assuming someone’s been able to make up minutes on them in the couple of days following tomorrow’s rest day.
So, for reasons I’m not entirely sure of, my current podium favorites are Contador, Rasmussen and Kloeden - in no particular order. I’ll try really hard to not come back and edit this post later if one or all of these guys blows up completely between now and the end of the Tour. Come out on a limb with me - who are your current favorites?
(Personally, I’m finding Rasmussen to be kind of a jackass, so I’d prefer it immensely if he didn’t win, but obviously being a jackass in cycling has no bearing on one’s winning record. Too bad.)
Comments
I’m with you, Levi bugs me as well. And I just like Contador’s attacking style - it’s that kind of ballsy riding that wins Tours, not just sitting around waiting for your opponent to crack while sucking his wheel.
I typed up a lengthy reply to this post outlining my present takes on Levi, Contador, Rasumssen and Vinokourouv. Now that Jessica’s link about Vino’s suspension has been posted, I am glad I somehow botched my earlier reply so it never got stored and published here.
Somebody’s gonna have to attack Rasmussen if Contador is going to win. Kloeden was my outside hope to beat Rasmussen, but Astana just took that card out of play.
I would not be the least bit upset to see Rasmussen win the Tour. He has spoken well in all interviews, done everything necessary to defend the Yellow Jersey (even though his style is better suited to going on the attack), and he did not complain when the team still was supporting Menchov while Rasmussen was in the Yellow Jersey.
I wonder what Johan will do now that the attacking Astana wild card has been removed from the deck. Tomorrow will be very interesting. I might have to call in sick at work. 
I respect that Rasmussen has improved dramatically over the last few years, and he’s a force to be reckoned with, but I still think he’s an ass. After Stage 9, he had this to say (from VeloNews):
“I am very happy with today,” said the skinny Dane. “Now there is no doubt about who is the captain of this team is. I stayed close to Valverde because he had another teammate up there. I felt like it was a victory for me to be able to fight back the 25 times Valverde tried to attack. I felt very clear in the head today seeing the tactics of the race. It was disappointing that Menchov couldn’t get his ass over the Galibier. I think it’s a climber’s Tour.”
That’s not sporting, that’s not team-building, and if I were Menchov I wouldn’t be at all excited about racing for him.
(Quote is from here: http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/details/articles/12792.0.html)
Thanks, Jessica. I take back every nice thing I said about Rasmussen (unless it turns out he was only joking) and I withdraw my semi-apology for my joke in the comment to your message above.
I saw a picture of Vino crying on the page you linked. I suppose we might see a good deal more of that in the future, assuming the B sample does not clear him.
Damn!
Just damn!!
I wholeheartedly concur on the “Damn! Just damn!” sentiment, Ashton.
I think Leipheimer will get third. He has been the most consistent rider so far even if his smirk annoys my girlfriend. I\’m going with:
1. Rasmussen
2. Evans
3. Leipheimer
4. Contador
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Personally, I think I’m gonna root for Contador. Even though he’s on Discovery. He’s young, gutsy, a great climber, and most importantly - NOT Levi Leipheimer (who kinda bugs me). I wish Vino was still in the fight because he’s just so fun to watch! At least he’s still fun to watch even if it’s unlikely that he’ll end up on the podium.