Time to pick your TDF winner!

Make it 201 ! This is gonna be goooood.

I'm really glad to see that Vinokourov's team (Astana-Würth, formerly Liberty Seguros-Würth) is participating, that was up in the air for a bit.

So here's Jobob Soothsayer's predictions for the finishing order:

Basso

Ullrich (he'll smoke everyone in the TTs but when all is said & done Basso will get him in the mountains)

Landis

Vinokourov

Leipheimer (but I'd love to see him finish higher)

Hincapie (or Popovych)

Valverde

Mayo

Cunego

Evans

bitter little man Simoni


I'll no doubt be eating my CSC cap by the time this is over :D

It's going to be so fun this year! My top five ...

Ullrich (because his suitcase of courage is deeper than Basso's)
Basso
Floyd!!! (well, only if he's on form, otherwise he's my pick to DNF)
Azevedo
Levi!!!

Dont' forget....TE is running a TdF contest. One grand prize of a $250 TE shopping spree AND daily prizes for each stage.

Enter for the grand prize (and get on our mailing list for the daily contest entries) here:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/tdf/

Susan (rooting for George, but sure to be disappointed...)

Robbie McEwen for a few stage wins
Ullrich or Basso for the Yellow

Counting down the days...

who i want to win: basso

who will win: basso

on the podium: ulrich

can't wait to see a good race this year!

does oln have daily coverage again this year?

nevermind.... looked on the websight and answered my own question. i'm a little slow today....

here is the link for the tv schedule: http://www.olntv.com/tdf/article/vie...tv&tf=Body.tpl

my sister is coming to visit and isnt a cycling fan (i know gasp! :eek: ) by the time she leaves she will be or will have to find something else to do while bf and i watch the race.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chickwhorips

my sister is coming to visit and isnt a cycling fan (i know gasp! :eek: ) by the time she leaves she will be or will have to find something else to do while bf and i watch the race.

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Yeah, the kids can't believe that the parent who complains about them watching too much tv is now glued to the box for hours on end and that is perfectly fine.
My response is that it is cheaper than a psychologist

Only US residents though eh? :(

b

Here's my prediction:

Landis
Ullrich
Basso

I see Landis as a big surprise for the Tour. Ullrich, he'll do well in the TTs, but not sure his posse will support him the entire Tour, and Basso, I just don't know if he's got the strength after his Giro win.

My friend just left yesterday for France and is staying for the entire Tour. He's a photographer, so he brought along a ton of gear and I'm sure will have some great shots. I'll post his photo page once he returns.

I love Hincapie, 'cuz he's a *hometown boy (sort of)*, and would love him to be on the podium.:rolleyes: I'm afraid Basso left too much behind in the Giro. :( I'd really love to see Ulrich in yellow (sentimental fav.), but not sure he'll be supported enough... Zabriskie is adorable, and Landis (has a strong team) is growing on me... anyone read the article in Bicycling Mag.? Lance called them Dumb and Dumber...;)

Landis
Ulrich
Hincapie
Basso
Vinocourov

Can't wait for the TDF. My Tivo is primed and ready to record!

I predict...

1. Ullrich - if he keeps his focus
2. Basso - if he stays healthy
3. Lepheimer - if he has the Tour of his life

Levi is my sentimental favorite. Landis, if he can avoid getting stressed out, will do really well. I like Hincapie and he is an awesome cyclist but I think that he isn't quite ready to make that transition from major team player to team leader...I think the stress of that transition might get to him. Vino could be the spoiler for everyone.

Does anyone else watch the tour coverage while they are riding on their indoor trainer? :)

-traveller

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kelownagirl

Only US residents though eh? :(

b

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Sorry, Kelownagirl, but every country has different rules regulating contests and sweepstakes. It's too easy to run afoul. :(

Susan

The first of our daily Tour contests is now open!

To enter your educated guesses on the Prologue, please visit here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/tdf/enter_stage0.asp

The winner of the Prologue Contest will receive a TdF Cap Sleeve Tee. (see it here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=15576)

PLUS, there's still time to enter for the GRAND prize of a $250 TE shopping spree! Enter here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/tdf/enter_overall.asp

Good luck!

Susan

Hi Jeff or Susan -

There's a mistake on the entry form for the Prologue contest - the 2004 prologue winner, Fabian Cancellara, will not be riding in the Tour this year.

He wasn't named to CSC's TdF team. Alas. :(

Well, bummer. Shows you what I get for reading VeloNews. I'm at home now - I'll have to change it in the morning...

Susan