2010 Giro d'Italia... Who will win?

[zapata]

Now that nibali is in, I would have voted for him. That's probably wishful thinking, though. I quite like him, he's pretty capable uphill and in TT, and on a strong team, so he should finish quite high, but winning, i can only hope. He's not really that young anymore, so if he's ever to have a real breakthrough, it ought to be this year..

 

[Moondance]

Now that nibali is in, I would have voted for him. That's probably wishful thinking, though. I quite like him, he's pretty capable uphill and in TT, and on a strong team, so he should finish quite high, but winning, i can only hope. He's not really that young anymore, so if he's ever to have a real breakthrough, it ought to be this year..

I don't really know how much you can expect from him. I guess since Liquigas knew that Pellizotti getting pulled might happen (given they were informed 1 month + ago) they might've told him to prepare for the possibility he might get called up....

But still, if he gets 3rd behind Evans and Sastre I'd say that would be a damn fine performance. Sort of 5-8th is where I'm pegging him now.

 

[ferryman]

Now that nibali is in, I would have voted for him. That's probably wishful thinking, though. I quite like him, he's pretty capable uphill and in TT, and on a strong team, so he should finish quite high, but winning, i can only hope. He's not really that young anymore, so if he's ever to have a real breakthrough, it ought to be this year..

I also like Nibali and hope does well given the late call up. In addition to the abilities you mention he is also a fantastic descender. Not sure I agree with the age point though. He is what 26? And to me he is one of those guys who is progressing steadily and impressivley year by year. A bit like Basso at a similar age. I think time is still on his side yet.

And remember, Team Sky are interested in signing him, so he must be one of the good guys

 

[Night Rider]

Where are the big names? Are they going to California instead?

Andre

Haha .... no, Alberto is waiting until The Tour.

 

[joy118118]

And remember, Team Sky are interested in signing him, so he must be one of the good guys

Oh no, wish he stays in Leaky gas.

Sky has nothing better than Liquigas, except buses

 

[Barrus]

Oh no, wish he stays in Leaky gas.

Sky has nothing better than Liquigas, except buses

well, he did state sometime during the end of last year that when his contract is over, he might want to try a non-Italian team, this was just after he was approached by several teams, including Sky I believe.

 

[auscyclefan94]

He may be the enternal bridesmaid, but I thought Vladimir Karpets showed some pretty useful form at Romandie. Maybe an outside podium bet?

Santambrogio is not in BMC's stella line up, I see.

In fact, I'd have to say, this year's Giro field looks pretty thin.

A weaker field could possibly cause more interesting and attacking racing as teams are weaker and it may be harder to control.

Supposedly BMC have said Santambrogio is still a good chance to be riding the giro. BMC have said nothing about what team they are sending and susan said that teams are still coming in so changes could occur. On their twitter, someone asked them about Santambrogio and they said to "follow us for a reply on that". I think he will be riding.

Wathcing the Plan de Corones from 2008. Damm it looks steep!

 

[auscyclefan94]

BMC has announced their team.
Brent Bookwalter (USA), Cadel Evans (AUS), Martin Kohler (SWI), Jeff Louder (USA), John Murphy (USA), Mauro Santambrogio (ITA), Florian Stalder (SWI), Michael Schär (SWI), Danilo Wyss (SWI).

Morabito out, Santambrogio in. Found it strange that they got rid of Morabito but he must of originally been scheduled to do the tour.

Wyss could do alright in the sprints.

EDIT: Just found this,

Bob Roll
1) Cadel Evans (AUS) Team BMC: One of the most embarassing moments of Cadel's career was when he was leading the Giro d'Italia by 20km and then fell back to 40th place because he lost so much time in the mountains. cadel has a serious axe to grind with the Giro and this may be pay back.
2) Ivan Basso (ITA) Liquigas-Doimo: Basso has recently returned from a 2 year suspension and had a decent Giro in 2009, but he is still looking for redemption.
3) Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Transitions: Christian lead the race 2 years ago and then crashed out of last years Gior, so this Giro Christian will be in great form and seeking revenge.

Bolded some interesting bits. I though Cvv was going to il giro for training. Evans after that stage only slipped back to 15th and finished in 14th. Not 40th Bob you imbecile. How can you lead the giro by 20km? He mentions about each of the three contenders that they will be seeking some sort of revenge. Is this guy an imbecile or what?

Phil Liggett tips
1.Evans
2.Cunego
3.Basso

 

[Mellow Velo]

BMC downgrade their team, IMO. Morobito experienced and with some racing form, something the Italian must lack.

Speaking of shiite teams, Rabobus without Friere, are clearly now focused on one goal: The Maglia Nero.

 

[Ferminal]

BMC has announced their team.
Brent Bookwalter (USA), Cadel Evans (AUS), Martin Kohler (SWI), Jeff Louder (USA), John Murphy (USA), Mauro Santambrogio (ITA), Florian Stalder (SWI), Michael Schär (SWI), Danilo Wyss (SWI).

Morabito out, Santambrogio in. Found it strange that they got rid of Morabito but he must of originally been scheduled to do the tour.

Wyss could do alright in the sprints.

EDIT: Just found this,

Bolded some interesting bits. I though Cvv was going to il giro for training. Evans after that stage only slipped back to 15th and finished in 14th. Not 40th Bob you imbecile. How can you lead the giro by 20km? He mentions about each of the three contenders that they will be seeking some sort of revenge. Is this guy an imbecile or what?

Phil Liggett tips
1.Evans
2.Cunego
3.Basso

So a combined podium of:

1. Evans
2. Basso
3. Cunego
4. Vandevelde

If Basso, Cunego and Vandevelde all make the top10 I'll eat my hat...

 

[auscyclefan94]

So a combined podium of:

1. Evans
2. Basso
3. Cunego
4. Vandevelde

If Basso, Cunego and Vandevelde all make the top10 I'll eat my hat...

i'll bare my bum in bourke street! (a main street in melb cbd)

 

[issoisso]

BMC downgrade their team, IMO. Morobito experienced and with some racing form, someth

Santambrogio also can't climb mountains like Morabito. He's a punchy rider, good on shorter climbs and with a great kick and sprint.

A fat load of good that'll do Evans.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Santambrogio also can't climb mountains like Morabito. He's a punchy rider, good on shorter climbs and with a great kick and sprint.

A fat load of good that'll do Evans.

He has been training with cadel in the mountains a lot over the year.

 

[Archibald]

i'll bare my bum in bourke street! (a main street in melb cbd)

softc0ck - too many places along there that no one will even notice... streak the bourke st mall

 

[Archibald]

well, he did state sometime during the end of last year that when his contract is over, he might want to try a non-Italian team, this was just after he was approached by several teams, including Sky I believe.

interview a month or so ago where the interviewer asked if he wanted to join sky... a rather non-committed answer on his part, but naturally the english magazine talked it up...

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

streak crown. that would take balls.

---

I would love to see cunego contest, but wont happen.

 

[Archibald]

streak crown. that would take balls.

---

I would love to see cunego contest, but wont happen.

or southbank

 

[Sasquatch]

i'll bare my bum in bourke street! (a main street in melb cbd)

I too will join in on the fun.

If Cunego comes top three, I will streak down Bourke St.

Or, I will streak at Southbank.

 

[Sasquatch]

I want to join in the fun.

If Cunego comes top 3, I will streak down Bourke St, the whole street.

I will then put on a performance at Southbank.

 

[theyoungest]

BMC downgrade their team, IMO. Morobito experienced and with some racing form, something the Italian must lack.

Speaking of shiite teams, Rabobus without Friere, are clearly now focused on one goal: The Maglia Nero.

With Weening, Mollema, and Ardila they have three climbers who don't really have a leader to work for, and thus can ride their own race. One or more of them could make the top-20, or go stage hunting. I actually think it's a refreshing departure from the usual Rabo team tactics.

 

[issoisso]

Dekker_Tiffosi promised last year, just before San Remo that he'd run naked and screaming through the streets of his town if Cavendish won.

You have all been warned

 

[The Sheep]

With Weening, Mollema, and Ardila they have three climbers who don't really have a leader to work for, and thus can ride their own race. One or more of them could make the top-20, or go stage hunting. I actually think it's a refreshing departure from the usual Rabo team tactics.

Going back to their roots.

 

[Jamsque]

Dekker_Tiffosi promised last year, just before San Remo that he'd run naked and screaming through the streets of his town if Cavendish won.

You have all been warned

You know, on some forums they have rules stating that any such promise made on the forums must be honoured (and be proven to have been honoured), or the user is banned.

 

[issoisso]

You know, on some forums they have rules stating that any such promise made on the forums must be honoured (and be proven to have been honoured), or the user is banned.

No one wants to see evidence that he was ever naked. EVER.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

No one wants to see evidence that he was ever naked. EVER.

damn I was just about to post the pics...
anyway if anyone is interested in naked dudes they could just go on chatroulette.

on topic, man what a lousy start field this giro.