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?

I'm really hoping George will win, but I have a suspicion that Floyd will be right there, too. He's been taking it real easy and being very cautious, and I don't think he'll be late again for the start.

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

Thanks for the stats, Spazz. I am thinking Floyd. Julich could pull it off, though. He's making comments about how the TT will give CSC a leader, etc. How cool would that be??

Gooooo Bobby ! Restore my faith in CSC ! Hallelujah baby ! :D

I'll be sporting my trusty CSC cap on Saturday morning.

Yeah, he's doomed.

Don't worry Bobby J lovers, I'm sneaking over to jobob's house tonight to steal the CSC cap. The kiss of death will not strike..........:p

I'll be rooting for either Dumb or Dumber (Floyd or Dave Z). Floyd because he's gotta make his move at some point, and the TT would be a dramatic time to do it. Dave Z because, well, just because he's "the most aerodynamic man in the peloton" and it's a beautiful thing to watch him pedal.

Want a non-Schmalz laugh? Give a listen to DZ's Jack Nicholson-type delivery as he discusses mullets: Dave Zabriskie Podcast. If you can't do a podcast, click on the tiny link labeled Gabcast! Inside My Mind #4, then click on Play.

Strange little pup, that dz. :cool:

jo give me back my CSC cap, put it back where it belongs bob