sastre looking good

[creekster]

Sastre wins on Vesuvius today. That 's two big wins in a summit finish for him. He will not win the Giro, of course, but this has to make him feel good about TdF.

Anybody else see someone at th Giro they think is in good form for the TdF? (and picking Menchov doesnt count).

[bluegoose]

Contador was looking pretty good this week. Oh wait, no one saw him this week. Thats because he is busy training his butt off in the mountains in Spain, hoping to peak at just the right time to stave off his arch rival, I mean, teammate LA.

Oh, nevermind. To answer your question, yes, Lance is looking pretty good this week, considering he has been out of racing for so long. I can't imagine that he has maxed himself out the past 3 weeks, as he is probably saving some surprises for France.

I keep waiting for Menchov's name to come out as the next doper, but so far nothing. He's always been a very good cyclist, but his performance this giro has really surprised me. I've never see him attack like he has this week. He's very good at covering attacks, but he has been extra aggressive in this tour, imho.

[pellegrino]

I never followed the Giro until the late 90s (and even now, it's sporadic). Does it get much press here in the states?

[bluegoose]

I never followed the Giro until the late 90s (and even now, it's sporadic). Does it get much press here in the states?

You really have to go out of your way to follow the Giro. Minimal live coverage on tv or the internet. The major cycling websites follow it pretty closely, so you can still get all the info you want over at velonews or cyclingnews.

[creekster]

Contador was looking pretty good this week. Oh wait, no one saw him this week. Thats because he is busy training his butt off in the mountains in Spain, hoping to peak at just the right time to stave off his arch rival, I mean, teammate LA.

Oh, nevermind. To answer your question, yes, Lance is looking pretty good this week, considering he has been out of racing for so long. I can't imagine that he has maxed himself out the past 3 weeks, as he is probably saving some surprises for France.

I keep waiting for Menchov's name to come out as the next doper, but so far nothing. He's always been a very good cyclist, but his performance this giro has really surprised me. I've never see him attack like he has this week. He's very good at covering attacks, but he has been extra aggressive in this tour, imho.

Contador is the dark horse. He will be ready.

You are right baout LA, but it is always "looks good for how old and after a lay off". IOW, he is not the old lance anymore. It was interesting watching him get dorpped time after time on the big mountains in the Giro. Was he holding back? I doubt it. I think he was training. The questio is if he will rond into form in June ot be ready for the TdF and, if so, what form will it be at his age?

Rabbobank is being investigated, as you probably know, and thatmight include Menchov. His perfromance was pretty amazing, amd it was more aggressive than ususal.

[pellegrino]

You really have to go out of your way to follow the Giro. Minimal live coverage on tv or the internet. The major cycling websites follow it pretty closely, so you can still get all the info you want over at velonews or cyclingnews.

That's about what I expected, which is too bad, because it really is a great race, with a lot of passion and history. I'd personally put it at a very close second to the Tour, but then I'm biased.

[creekster]

You really have to go out of your way to follow the Giro. Minimal live coverage on tv or the internet. The major cycling websites follow it pretty closely, so you can still get all the info you want over at velonews or cyclingnews.

Every stage is on live each morning on the Universal Sports web site. The nanouncers they use will make your ears bleed, however. But you can watch it. And I do, much more than I should.

[creekster]

That's about what I expected, which is too bad, because it really is a great race, with a lot of passion and history. I'd personally put it at a very close second to the Tour, but then I'm biased.

I concur. It is the second best grand tour, with the vuelta in third. Plus, how can you go wrong with Italy?

[bluegoose]

I am certain this was nothing more than a training ride for LA. He and Johan may say he's a team rider and all he wanted to do was bring Levi to the podium. But does anyone really believe that?

Lance was, is and always will be about Lance. If he finds himself within reach of Contador, who I'm sure will be in the mix at the Tour, there is no way he sacrifices his chances to ensure an Alberto win.

Regarding Menchov's aggressive nature this tour, I couldn't help but think of those "damning" pictures of Floyd at the end of Stage 17 a couple of years ago when he came across the finish after the greatest solo victory in the history of the tour. All of that testosterone coursing through his veins compelling him to raise his arms in such an aggressive nature. its the only explanation for Menchov's style this week. Check his B samples!!!