TdF Stage 7 TT - What will happen?
That all changes in Saturday's stage 7, a 52-km (32.2-mile) time trial. The circular course is narrow and hilly in its first half, then opens onto flat, fast highways. This was to be the stage in which Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rode into the race lead and put time on the climbers. Now it'll be the stage in which someone else asserts himself and this wide-open Tour begins taking shape.
This above quote is from the "roadbiker" newsletter that arrives in my inbox most Thursdays...
Now, I luuuurve Time Trials.
The ultimate race of truth.
This is the race that shows the best, most powerful cyclist. No ammount of ability in sprints, or hills, or tactics will win this for you. It is about consistent power output, on your own... strong in muscle, heart and mind.
This is a tough start with hills... but then the lads will be able to settle into a steam-train rhythm and power their way to the finish line.
Who are the contenders now? A 50km TT... its a long way on your own at the limit of your LT...
Zabriskie?
Hincapie?
You know... I really don't know... who are you favouring?
Depends who's got the lucky socks on this one.
Here are the top 5 from the previous 2 yrs.
2004 stg 19 was an 55K ind TT and the times I still have were:
- 1 Armstrong 1:06:49
- 2 Ulrich +1m 01s
- 3 Kloden +1m 27s
- 4 Landis +2m 25s
- 5 Julich +2m 48s
2005 stg 20 was a 55.5K ind TT with:
- 1 Armstrong 1:11:46
- 2 Ulrich + 22sec
- 3 Vino +1m 16s
- 4 Julich +1m 33s
- 5 Basso +1m 55s
I'm thinking Floyd should make sure his bike is all together and really cork one.
The same goes for Julich. Unless Kloden has a great day... or Zabriskie.
Landis, Kloden and Julich are the remaining top 5 guys from both tours with a slightly longer TT. We might get a nic surprise and see who will dominate for the coming weeks.
spazz-stats-o-holic