Stage 2: Boonen times it right.
What looked like a standard sprinters’ stage with an early break going away only to be swept up in the finale by the charging peloton was probably a bit more than standard. These first stages are fast and the battle for position is ongoing throughout the day.
There looked to be no shortage of teams willing to take up the work in bringing back the four riders ahead. There was a mix of riders -- Quickstep, Cofidis, CSC and Davitamon-Lotto -- leading the chase as the group lined out over the last 20-30 miles of racing. Missing from this assortment of colors was the pink of T-Mobile. They chose to leave their sprinter Erik Zabel at home for this year’s edition. It had to be a tough decision but it seems all or nothing for T-Mobile this year. I rode with Erik during my two years at Telekom and I imagine it is very hard for him being left on the sidelines this year -- especially when he is still winning races and always present on the podium. Somehow you have to believe he will be again on the roads of the Tour.
The sprint for the King of the Mountains was exciting as Thomas Voeckler edged out David Canada. Voeckler’s ride was impressive as he confirmed quickly that he is again here to shine. If he can manage more points in tomorrow’s stage we may see yet another team available to keep things under control. You might even add Saunier Duval-Prodir to the mix in addition to Voeckler’s Bouygues Telecom team should Canada and him continue to take points.
Tom Boonen finishing ahead of Hushovd and McEwen. No huge surprise here. He seemed to time it right coming off of McEwen’s early go. Of course it helps to have the horsepower to accelerate off of an already blistering speed -- just a minor detail.
Three in the top five. Four in the top six. Six in the top fifteen. In response to a comment on Stage One, I'm not suggesting I can help place your bets at the horse track. But we're witnessing a very strong start for American riders. And it's nice to see there will be American life in the peloton after Armstrong pedals his way to a well-deserved retirement.
Look for Fred Rodriguez these next days to either be setting up his teammate Robbie McEwen or taking command should McEwen miss out.
Stage 3 prediction: A lot like Stage 2. My pick is McEwen.
And the greatly anticipated Team Time Trial is on the horizon. I'm already looking forward to Tuesday.
There looked to be no shortage of teams willing to take up the work in bringing back the four riders ahead. There was a mix of riders -- Quickstep, Cofidis, CSC and Davitamon-Lotto -- leading the chase as the group lined out over the last 20-30 miles of racing. Missing from this assortment of colors was the pink of T-Mobile. They chose to leave their sprinter Erik Zabel at home for this year’s edition. It had to be a tough decision but it seems all or nothing for T-Mobile this year. I rode with Erik during my two years at Telekom and I imagine it is very hard for him being left on the sidelines this year -- especially when he is still winning races and always present on the podium. Somehow you have to believe he will be again on the roads of the Tour.
The sprint for the King of the Mountains was exciting as Thomas Voeckler edged out David Canada. Voeckler’s ride was impressive as he confirmed quickly that he is again here to shine. If he can manage more points in tomorrow’s stage we may see yet another team available to keep things under control. You might even add Saunier Duval-Prodir to the mix in addition to Voeckler’s Bouygues Telecom team should Canada and him continue to take points.
Tom Boonen finishing ahead of Hushovd and McEwen. No huge surprise here. He seemed to time it right coming off of McEwen’s early go. Of course it helps to have the horsepower to accelerate off of an already blistering speed -- just a minor detail.
Three in the top five. Four in the top six. Six in the top fifteen. In response to a comment on Stage One, I'm not suggesting I can help place your bets at the horse track. But we're witnessing a very strong start for American riders. And it's nice to see there will be American life in the peloton after Armstrong pedals his way to a well-deserved retirement.
Look for Fred Rodriguez these next days to either be setting up his teammate Robbie McEwen or taking command should McEwen miss out.
Stage 3 prediction: A lot like Stage 2. My pick is McEwen.
And the greatly anticipated Team Time Trial is on the horizon. I'm already looking forward to Tuesday.
2 Comments:
Hey Kevin,
I'll bet L.A. and team are going to be fired up for tomorrow. What do you think of CSC and T-mobiles chances?? Let's not forget Phonak & llles Balears!?
Do you think the ttt record of 54.930 will stand?
Discovery blasted that record. 35.5 average mph for 70 minutes. How nuts is that?
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