I still think Contador and Valverde are still worthy opponents in any GT. Give or take a bit of prepartion, a better suited route and a bit of luck here and there, and they might end up on the top or at least podium. At least for Valverde it seems that luck is the key thing he was missing in any GT he rode. However it will come, they still make any Grand Tour (more) exciting to watch, so I hope that they can match Froome, Quintana and Nibali. I also don't think that Froome will be next year so unbeatable as this year, but it's still way too early to tell so I rather just enjoy Vuelta. It could be I'm just constantly underestimating Froome.
As to the thread: Yes. I think that Nibali might be Froome's biggest contender. I suppose he learned from TdF 2011 and will handle things differently. Plus, his squad will be way better.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Nibali vs. Quintana for second place you mean? I don't think anyone can challenge Froome unless he gets bilharzia again or breaks a bone in a crash or so.
And about Sky vs Astana, apart from the TTT and Tanel Kangert I haven't seen much from "Astana's superteam" in this Vuelta.
And about Sky vs Astana, apart from the TTT and Tanel Kangert I haven't seen much from "Astana's superteam" in this Vuelta.
Astana team has been disgrace. Fuglsang and Bracovic are getting dropped with sprinters. And they are claiming to be future GC contenders. Kangert has been selfish. Gets dropped early on climb and keeps steady tempo behind and finishes ahead of other Astana rider who is pacing Nibali.
Astana are searching for super domestique for next year's Tdf. They wanted Schleck brothers, but Andy thinks he can still win. Let's hope they find someone.
Nin1388 wrote:
Astana are searching for super domestique for next year's Tdf. They wanted Schleck brothers, but Andy thinks he can still win. Let's hope they find someone.
I know, not a super domestique... but still, beats nothing Edited by ShortsNL on 10-09-2013 16:04
Nin1388 wrote:
Astana are searching for super domestique for next year's Tdf. They wanted Schleck brothers, but Andy thinks he can still win. Let's hope they find someone.
I know, not a super domestique... but still, beats nothing
Nin1388 wrote:
Astana are searching for super domestique for next year's Tdf. They wanted Schleck brothers, but Andy thinks he can still win. Let's hope they find someone.
I know, not a super domestique... but still, beats nothing
Astana have already signed Westra, Pellizotti
You don't say... Who do you think is on the picture
Die hard fan of Tom Boonen and Quickstep since 2004.
Nin1388 wrote:
Astana are searching for super domestique for next year's Tdf. They wanted Schleck brothers, but Andy thinks he can still win. Let's hope they find someone.
I know, not a super domestique... but still, beats nothing
Astana have already signed Westra, Pellizotti
You don't say... Who do you think is on the picture
While Contador is prob not going to be what he once was, he has smarts. So with some luck or an error he could be top 3.
I honestly feel people are writing Andy Schleck off too soon. He broke a bone, not aged 10yrs. He looked much better at the end of the TDF than many would of imagined. He rode decent in Colorado, but he was mainly there for training (seeing he didnt have much of a season) to get some miles in. With Frank around, Andy rides better. Guess thats sad seeing Frank will prob retire before Andy is at his (by age anyway) peak. If Andy can just ride relaxed, like in 2010 and that injury isnt an issue...he is a threat. Call it what you want...many said Evans was too old to win a TDF, yet did in 2011. So it is something that could happen. Now, Andy is doomed if next year has alot of TT's seeing he still cant ride one well. And he needs climbs to get back to form, so doubtful he will work on TT skills alot. But, in this sport who knows. RLT is a good team, so once we get a full list of the team seeing RadioShack is out...we have a better idea if Andy can get the team (if his form comes back) to do much in a GT. Time will tell.
Matrix wrote:
While Contador is prob not going to be what he once was, he has smarts. So with some luck or an error he could be top 3.
I honestly feel people are writing Andy Schleck off too soon. He broke a bone, not aged 10yrs. He looked much better at the end of the TDF than many would of imagined. He rode decent in Colorado, but he was mainly there for training (seeing he didnt have much of a season) to get some miles in. With Frank around, Andy rides better. Guess thats sad seeing Frank will prob retire before Andy is at his (by age anyway) peak. If Andy can just ride relaxed, like in 2010 and that injury isnt an issue...he is a threat. Call it what you want...many said Evans was too old to win a TDF, yet did in 2011. So it is something that could happen. Now, Andy is doomed if next year has alot of TT's seeing he still cant ride one well. And he needs climbs to get back to form, so doubtful he will work on TT skills alot. But, in this sport who knows. RLT is a good team, so once we get a full list of the team seeing RadioShack is out...we have a better idea if Andy can get the team (if his form comes back) to do much in a GT. Time will tell.
Honestly, I think, we can rule him out. He would be probably decent GC rider with chance to get TOP10 place but nothing more. Joseba Beloki had similar injury, which massively affected his career and with all respect to Andy, he was better rider (or more doped).
Die hard fan of Tom Boonen and Quickstep since 2004.
Matrix wrote:
While Contador is prob not going to be what he once was, he has smarts. So with some luck or an error he could be top 3.
I honestly feel people are writing Andy Schleck off too soon. He broke a bone, not aged 10yrs. He looked much better at the end of the TDF than many would of imagined. He rode decent in Colorado, but he was mainly there for training (seeing he didnt have much of a season) to get some miles in. With Frank around, Andy rides better. Guess thats sad seeing Frank will prob retire before Andy is at his (by age anyway) peak. If Andy can just ride relaxed, like in 2010 and that injury isnt an issue...he is a threat. Call it what you want...many said Evans was too old to win a TDF, yet did in 2011. So it is something that could happen. Now, Andy is doomed if next year has alot of TT's seeing he still cant ride one well. And he needs climbs to get back to form, so doubtful he will work on TT skills alot. But, in this sport who knows. RLT is a good team, so once we get a full list of the team seeing RadioShack is out...we have a better idea if Andy can get the team (if his form comes back) to do much in a GT. Time will tell.
Honestly, I think, we can rule him out. He would be probably decent GC rider with chance to get TOP10 place but nothing more. Joseba Beloki had similar injury, which massively affected his career and with all respect to Andy, he was better rider (or more doped).
Very true, but lets hope not. Andy was a great climber that needed to just do more in TT training. It would be sad to see him never ride well again and be just another rider in the mix for a top 10.
Im curious to see, while neither should win, what Talansky and TVG do. I think Talansky is the better climber, but TVG the better TT rider. BMC should move to backing TVG over Evans in the TDF and Garmin only has 1 true rider who could in time be a top 3 GC rider...Talansky. Think it may just depend on how much their team managers back them how well they will do and how far they may go. Both are very young TVG is 24, Talansky is what 23(?). If TVG can have full backing and rides like he did when he finished 5th...he could be dangerous. And if this TDF has 90km or more of TT's then he may indeed be battling for a top 3. I dont see either as TDF winners...but they still have time.
