auscyclefan94 said:
At least evans is a world champion.
At least evans deserves to be riding.
You really hate him, don't you?
I can at least say valverde is a strong sprinter and climber. You can't say anything nice about evans. I think that says a lot.
I was amazed at his world performance but yes I thought the team voted correctly and decided to support Gerrans. Heck I even said if he pulled his finger out and went on the run in Adelaide he could win. He came close. Certain members of the forum thought I had gone all fruity in the head when I ran with that hypothetical last year. I can name names if needed and you can drop them a PM. Cadel is a valuable and talented rider. But the OP is about who is better. Valverde is my favourite rider, because of how he rides. Did you or anyone honestly expect me to side with Evans? I didn't expect you to side with Valverde in an Evans vs Valverde thread.
Nice. Evans was unlucky in last years Tour. I don't think he is as hard done by as you've painted in other discussions and part of that is because I think it is disrespectful to bash Silence...they did the best they could and tried with all they had. Yes it was disappointing for Evans but you should remember I and many others have said that numerous times that if Menchov can win 3 GT's with the right approach and targeting Evans could easily add one to his palmares. He should have by now. Others go and question why? I suspect you don't or are unwilling to question as rigorously as we do.
Problem with Evans? The complaints. They just keep coming and he plays the BS role from time to time. Like his book and team issues last year. Not to dig up the past but I and a few others called his BS out. On the SBS website half the commentators cried blue murder but woke up to it eventually. He had gotten the timing on his revealing comments off and was caught out. He is funny and entertaining. He provides me a laugh. Oh and I wanted him to win in 2008 and also in 2007 when Vino and the Chicken were booted. I woke up after 2008.
On a positive note. Evans attitude was much better after last years Tour. He tried in the Dauphine and failed. He tried in the Tour and failed. He tried in the Vuelta and failed to go as high as he desired and then it paid off with that WC jersey in Mendrisio. Evans mentality has shifted slightly. It should bode well this year for him. It has already. The reason I say things like "Sastre will beat him at this years Giro," is not out of hatred for Evans but because I see the course favouring his rivals abilities more than his. That and he is easy to poke fun at every now and then.
I certainly won't wish anything bad upon the man. Good luck to him and I will give credit where it is due. He is a very solid all round rider who is one of the few who pushes the Spanish boys. I just like their riding a bit more. Doping doesn't really worry me. It is about the bike and their style. Yes, Lance still has some style if you are wondering. I hate neither rider or any of their colleagues. I may dislike their actions but that is not hatred. The two are separate.