Deadpool wrote:
I don't know, but I doubt people consider Paolo Bettini, a two-time world champion and olympic gold medal winner, not a great rider because he never won a grand tour
Phinney will never win a grand tour or 2 world championships or an olympic title.
It seems that most think that if he pans out he could either be:
A) A time trial specialist (Zabriskie type)
B) A northern classics rider (Maybe a Hincapie type)
C) A slow acceleration power sprinter (Hushovd)
Or maybe in a best case scenario a combination like Cancellera
Or of course... he could be rubbish.
So... in my game I guess I'll switch his training to Northern Classics from Puncheur. I just didn't know at that size if he'd realistically be a hilly classics type of rider.
Levi's post said it best. My bet is that Phinney will be like a Hincapie. He will be a better time trialist but not as good on the cobbles. Also, he does have some speed and could win some sprints from a small group of riders. Let us not forget that Big George was a sprinter when he first started.
Also, like Levi said, look out for Peter Stetina. Excellent climber. I had a chance to watch him win KOM last week during the Tour of Pennsylvania.
issoisso wrote:
Vaughters said a few months ago that his expectation of Phinney is as a 3-week tour rider. I don't see it at all, but time will tell.
kadel wrote:
he is the junior world champ.. doesn't say much, that junior world champ from Tunisia is nowhere to be found now... Anybody know what happened to him?
It's the same in every sport: a huge number of big promises never end up doing anything as professionals.
kadel wrote:
is there any hope for Nicholas Roche to become as good as his father? That's a bit off topic but....
no chance in hell
Levi4life wrote:
Phinney will not win a grand tour. Unless he pulls some really serious power out of his extremely tall-ass body he will not win a GT. He will be a Cancellara, with boonens sprint and Wiggins Pursuiting abilites.
And he'll fly like superman, and lift heavy objects like the incredible Hulk, and...
matt493 wrote:
OMG. I am gonna leave befoe i right a long letter about how rubbish you are and how much of crap you are filled with. And you may think im joking but im not. SO SHUT THE F$@& UP!!!:x:x:x
