2012 Paris - Nice

[Von Mises]

The other French teams have a couple of likely stage winners and Top 5/10 contenders in Casar, Hutarovich, Jeannesson and Federigo (FDJ), Coppel (Saur Sojausan) and Taaramae, Moncoutié and Sammy Dumoulin (Cofidis)

Taaramae wrote in his blog today that he has been ill for a week: cold, coughing, maybe somekind of a virus. Not very serious one - he says that he will definetly start - but the form is a big questionmark.

 

[Richeypen]

Chris Froome is out with a chest infection. Replaced by Zandio.

 

[Damiano]

No Froome: http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,24793_7558079,00.html

 

[jens_attacks]

sad news,i thought froomy can win this.
richie is a nice bet though.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

sad news,i thought froomy can win this.
richie is a nice bet though.

Did you forget what Porte said after his Algarve win?

He'll work for Wiggins.

 

[jens_attacks]

mende is pretty much exactly like malhao,i would like to see him have a free role there.
wiggins can win it anyway,he won't lose much time.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

mende is pretty much exactly like malhao,i would like to see him have a free role there.
wiggins can win it anyway,he won't lose much time.

Agreed that it would be better to start with two leaders. I guess it depends on the first TT.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

Anyone know if Uran is in any kind of form?

 

[Ruvu75]

Did you forget what Porte said after his Algarve win?

He'll work for Wiggins.

Helping Wiggins and finishing top5 himself can go pretty well together here i think

 

[TeoSheva]

there are at least 3 stages where Valverde can win. This would means 30sec of bonuses. Furthermore I think that the last TT is really suitable to him...

I would put my money on him...

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Anyone know if Uran is in any kind of form?

it's his first race back and I expect him strong. he trained hard in colombia. I can se ehim do a really good prologue

 

[greenedge]

I hope Porte does not have to bury himself for Wiggins. On Mende they should have him as the last man to stay with Wiggins. I think those two, Valverde and Levi should be favourites ( Martin might be disadvantaged by Mende/ the MTT/ the fact all his other competitors are good ITTers ).

 

[Ioslarra]

Taaramae wrote in his blog today that he has been ill for a week: cold, coughing, maybe somekind of a virus. Not very serious one - he says that he will definetly start - but the form is a big questionmark.

Where is his blog? Can you put the link?

 

[Bavarianrider]

So if Tony Martin wins this race, will he finally get some credit on this board?

 

[McLovin]

For me he will always be a Tour podium contender, untill the very first slope of Grand Colombier.

LE. Sorry. I tought you speak in general. PN - yes, he will win it IMO

 

[jens_attacks]

i think tony martin can win it, no surprise.
BUT if sky and movistar make the stage to mende a hell just like on malhao when they were hammering uphill,downhill and on the flat,he has absolutely no chance,he will lose more than a minute on mende.
it's between valverde and sky i'd say.

 

[TeoSheva]

So if Tony Martin wins this race, will he finally get some credit on this board?

from my side, he has already a lot of credits. But this year will not be easy for him because of Valverde that will gain time on the hills...

 

[cineteq]

So if Tony Martin wins this race, will he finally get some credit on this board?

Absolutely, since this year's edition seems to fit better an all-rounder.

 

[Red Rick]

So if Tony Martin wins this race, will he finally get some credit on this board?

If martin can win the tour, so can cav, they just have to make the race flat enough and bring time bonusses back

 

[barmaher]

Bookmakers in England have three joint favourites for this race.

Wiggins
Valverde
Coppel

With Reine Taaramae, Tony Martin, Denis Menchov and Frank Schleck deemed the other likely contenders.

Although I recognise that Coppel showed well in Andalucia...does he really have a chance to match Alejandro on this course? I think that the final stage will suit AV just as well as Coppel, and Valverde should not lose time to Coppel on any stage other than the first one.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Bookmakers in England have three joint favourites for this race.

Wiggins
Valverde
Coppel

With Reine Taaramae, Tony Martin, Denis Menchov and Frank Schleck deemed the other likely contenders.

QUOTE]

Really Frank a contender over Klodi?

 

[Kvinto]

Though the route is tailor-made for Kloden his form is pretty much unknown since he has always ridden a good Algarve but this year he was dropped (gave up) at the very beginning of Malhao. Lets see what happens in the race but it's not that strange that there are some doubts about his chances.

 

[cineteq]

Bookmakers in England have three joint favourites for this race.

Wiggins
Valverde
Coppel

With Reine Taaramae, Tony Martin, Denis Menchov and Frank Schleck deemed the other likely contenders.

What about Leipheimer and Klöden?

The winner will be an all rounder.

 

[jens_attacks]

lol no way coppel can play with the big boys.he will be smoked everywhere.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/martin-paris-nice-route-is-not-ideal-for-me

Tony Martin doesn't seem to believe much in his chances.

Favorites are for me Coppel, Taaramae, Valverde, Menchov and TGBM