DB: vraisnoms_JacLaffite_V1(With Minor Stat Changes)
Difficulty: Hard
This is the story of young gun Andy Schleck creating a new page in the history book, and finding himself above and beyond the past superstars of cycling. Surrounded by his new team Leopard-Trek, he has set his sights sky high. It wouldn't be easy, and many doubt this feat will never be completed. To even win 1 Grand Tour is an accomplishment in itself, but to win all 3 in the same year everyone would think you are insane. But Andy Schleck is ready to blow everyone away in the quake of not just winning his first Grand Tour, but winning the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a Espana in 2011.
Andy Schleck has had to deal with huge expectations and a certain amount of fame from a very young age. The younger of a cycling duo of brothers, Andy has finished on the podium of his first ever Grand Tour the 2007 Giro d’Italia. He has also come within one step of winning the Tour de France twice. He feels it is his time to grab the future with both hands.
A tall, slender climber, Andy has the talent to win in the hills and the determination to improve himself in the time trials. In the 2010 Tour de France, he was the general classification candidate who finished best on the cobbled stage early in the race, and he also made a considerable improvement in his time trialing results.
Achievements
2010 -
1st Luxembourg National Time Trial Championship
2nd Overall, Tour de France
1st Young Rider Classification
1st Stage 8, Tour de France
1st Stage 17, Tour de France
6thLiège–Bastogne–Liège 2009 -
1st Luxembourg National Road Race Champion
1st Liège–Bastogne–Liège
1st Stage 2, Tour de Luxembourg
2nd Overall, Tour de France
1st Young Rider classification
2nd La Flèche Wallonne 2008 -
4th Liège–Bastogne–Liège
4th Olympics Men's Road Race
6th Overall, Tour de Suisse
12th Overall, Tour de France
1st Young Rider classification 2007 -
2nd Overall, Giro d'Italia
1st Young Rider classification
4th Giro di Lombardia
8th Overall, Tour de Romandie 2006 -
1st Stage 3, Sachsen Tour
1st Stage 5, Sachsen Tour 2005 -
1st Luxembourg National Time Trial Championship 2004 -
1st U23 Luxembourg National Road Race Championship
1st U23 Luxembourg National Time Trial Championship
1st Overall, Flèche du Sud
HTC didn't bring their strongest squad to the Giro, but they did bring TT guys. So look for Pinotti in pink early on if everything goes right during the TTT on the opening stage. After that though it will be following the favorites from afar on the climbs.
9 Rinaldo Nocentini - AG2R
Better known for his epic run and yellow at the 2009 Tour, Nocentini has a chance for a top 10. His average climbing ability should keep him right up there, but he might rather focus on breakaway wins. Either way he will have the support of the home Italian crowd.
8 Stefano Garzeli - Acqua & Sapone
It has been already a decade since Garzeli won the Giro, and at 37 years old this might be his last chance to win it again. But perphaps the mountain classification might be a better fit. Either way he will be trying for a last stage win before retirement.
7 Igor Anton - Euskaltel-Euskadi
Better known for his results in the Vuelta, Anton is could surprise some people here in Italy. This man will be right at home in the mountains and can climb with the best. But it remains unseen if he will make a name for himself or just follow the favorites in front of him.
6 Rigoberto Uran - Team Sky
The columbian climber still trying to make a name for himself. Team Sky will put all their support into 24 year old Uran in hopes for a top 5. He is young and has the legs, but does he have the mental strength to compete stage after stage.
5 Cadel Evans - Team BMC
Evans is back to defend his 5th place finish of last year. And if the Aussie is in form he should have no problem competing for his first GT win. With 2 2nd place finishes in the Tour, he thinks it is his time to shine.
4 Ivan Basso - Liquigas-Cannondale
The ageing Basso is back to defend his crown. 2010 and 2006 Giro Winner looks to win his third title. But his hopes might not be the same as the team. Basso may easily be turned into the super helper for the #1 target on our list for Liquigas.
3 Michele Scarponi - Lampre-Isd
Being in his home country always seems to spark the best in Scarponi. He wants to improve on his 4th place finish in last years Giro, and at 31 years old his prime will soon be behind him. He will hold a duel-leadership role with the next man on our list.
2 Damiano Cunego - Lampre-Isd
The Little Prince is in search of his second Giro trophy to put next to the old 2004 one. In his youth everyone could see he was the next great rider from Italy, but now in his prime his only top achievement is that 2004 Giro titie. Cunego is out to show he is still the man everyone saw 7 years ago.
1 Vincenzo Nibali - Liquigas-Cannondale
The top favourite to challenge our man Andy Schleck is Vincenzo Nibali. Fresh off his first GT win at the 2010 Vuelta, and last years 3rd place finish here at the Giro, Nibali is in his prime. At the same age of Andy, 26, he also brings the similar skill sets to the table. Great at climbing and recovery, he can possible set himself a part with a better TT. This Giro has the pontential to turn into a
kopfan wrote:
Can you tell u how his prep races went?
Everything will be explain in the first Giro report, but since you asked Andy will not be riding any prep races for any of the GTs. Except for the Tour if you count the National Championships. Instead he will be using the first week to get form, and will count on his in form teammates to keep him from losing time.
I should also note I have done this same feat with Contador using this same format, but I thought to try it with Andy to make it more of a challenge. And because Andy is more popular than Alberto here. ("PCM.Daily Favourite Cyclist as proof.)
Edited by Mresuperstar on 13-07-2011 01:56
Huge Good Luck!
Any other question people want me to answer?
