Ivan Basso interview

[Bluetree]

Found a good interview with Ivan Basso, thought others may be interested. He'll be riding the Tour of California in a few weeks. Looks kinda odd in the blue Discovery kit after seeing him in CSC red for so many races. (Not that Basso is hard on the eyes in ANY color)

Some comments about Lance:

"The last two Tours I was right up there with Lance [Armstrong], I was the only one who could stay with him in the mountains. He was the best rider in the world, but now he's retired and if before we were together and he's retired, I'm alone."

"Johan knew how to listen to me and that gave me lots and lots of pleasure, because I'm convinced that we can achieve great things together. I had a great impression that really gave me a lot of motivation, and didn't make me feel less of a rider than Lance, nor not even like Lance. I'm Ivan Basso and for [Johan] that is enough. We'll try to get the best from Ivan Basso without thinking of Lance. He is untouchable."


Full text:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/riders/20...=ivan_basso071

[RoadRaven]

Thanks for posting this Blue, I had missed it!
Cheers
Raven

[equus123]

I think he's a great rider. I'm excited to see how he does this year with DC. Think he'll take the place of the new captain in the grand tours or do you think Georgie or someone else will be that role?

IMO, Ivan (well...as well as Tyler Hamilton) were two fantastic riders sometimes gone under the radar when Lance was in the picture. Lance is my favorite rider to watch and cycling will be very difficult for me to watch now that he's not there anymore. I think Ivan will be able to step into the spotlight in the near future. ...and he's pretty

[Eden]

This is only my opinion, but I don't think George has what it takes to be team leader. He's too nice..... Basso was definitely hired to be the man for the Grand Tours and I think he has what it takes to not only win, but be a good team leader too. The bigger thing I wonder about is what Levi thinks about all of this - as it seems that before Basso was available he was was the one tapped for the grand tour lead role.
My hope is that George has free reign to do the Spring Classics this year since it seems to be his best opportunity to really shine. I'd really love to see him finally win Paris-Roubaix this year.

[Bluetree]

This is only my opinion, but I don't think George has what it takes to be team leader. He's too nice..... Basso was definitely hired to be the man for the Grand Tours and I think he has what it takes to not only win, but be a good team leader too. The bigger thing I wonder about is what Levi thinks about all of this - as it seems that before Basso was available he was was the one tapped for the grand tour lead role.
My hope is that George has free reign to do the Spring Classics this year since it seems to be his best opportunity to really shine. I'd really love to see him finally win Paris-Roubaix this year.

+1
After that horrendous crash last year at Paris-Roubaix it would be nice to see George take it.

Basso is no doubt the number 1 guy for the Tours. He had a strong support team with CSC, but proved himself before that with Fassa Bortolo.

[equus123]

Agreed all. I don't think George is the man for the tours. One thing that's interesting to see how everything plays out - has anyone been in tune with thepaceline.com this past week? DC just finished their Solvang Camp the other day and there have been pictures from each day up there. I don't know too much about Levi but I get an odd rub from him even though it's just based on the pictures. He looks pretty cocky and somewhat isolated. I don't know, just by looking at him he doesn't seem to be part of the gang. Anybody else?? I'm big into body language, reading behaviors, and all that kinda stuff. There's just something off about Levi. Maybe Basso??