For News: Who will win the TDU?

[Susan Westemeyer]

Here is your next chance to hit the front page of CN. All I want to know is:

Who will win the TDU, and why?

Please note that, by writing in this thread, you are allowing me/CN to quote you.

Ta!

Susan

 

[just some guy]

Gerrans - Form and the HTF will take it away from the sprinters - GreenEdge will want the win and from the Australian Champion even better.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Valverde to make a winning come back

 

[jens_attacks]

valverde because it would be a nice comeback present

 

[Michielveedeebee]

I agree with Gerrans, he has some racing in the legs, won the National Championships and Greenedge will want to give a nice show at their home tour.

You also have the finish on Willunga hill instead of 20 km after they pass it, Gerrans is good on finishes like that and it gives the puncheurs a chance to put some good time in to the sprinters.

 

[sublimit]

Michael Rogers - considering how strong he looked at the back end of last year and also had a decent showing in the Australian National RR.
One of the classiest riders in the race.

 

[El Pistolero]

Alejandro Valverde and we will all act surprised when he does.

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Alejandro Valverde and we will all act surprised when he does.

I won't wouldn't amaze me in the least, but I still doubt he'll win

 

[will10]

Matt Goss to pick up bonus seconds in the flat bunch finishes, and limit his losses well enough on Willunga (which let's face it, is not Alpe D'Huez) to win the overall.

 

[Richeypen]

If EBH has any sort of form and wants to win it, it will be very hard to stop him.

 

[theyoungest]

Yes, perfect race for EBH, who usually finds his form pretty fast. He can pick up bonus seconds in the sprints, and unlike Goss he could even win the Willunga stage.

 

[barn yard]

matt lloyd will encapsulate himself in a weird series of events leading to overall victory

 

[Ruudz0r]

Ratto will have his break through this year starting with a win on Willunga hill and taking GC!

 

[bicing]

I think someone from taiwan will win it.

 

[Cobblestoned]

He will win, because he won it many times and loves the race.

 

[Ryaguas]

I'm going with Gerro for the GC too... He looked pretty fit in the Aussie roadnats...

Eddy boss will take an sprint tho

 

[FF'Wilco]

My favourite is Ryder Hesjedal. He usually finds quite a nice shape at the begininng of the season and the route should suit him well. He's fast enough to grab bonus seconds on the top of Willunga and it will be decisive. I doubt he will only be a domestuque for Haussler since Barbie might crack on Willunga.

 

[skidmark]

It's a hard race to predict because it only has one non-flat stage, and that one's a hill and not a mountain proper, so there is a bit of a larger 'luck' (or if you prefer, 'well timed attack') factor than there would be for a 10km climb or something. Not to mention the fact that form is a differing priority for many riders, so the best on paper might not be the best.

That said, I've got my eye on Gerrans, Goss, Boasson Hagen, LL Sanchez, and Valverde. The hilltop finish should take things out of the hands of the pure sprinters, despite the bonus seconds.

 

[maltiv]

EBH, because it's his best chance to screw up his form for the classics which seemingly is one of his dearest hobbys. Seriously though, his base form is always quite good and the course fits him well. His biggest challenge is the infamous "all for one" tactic Sky always opts for, in which case they'll probably make him pull on the front for Rogers who, in the absence of a time trial, certainly cannot win this race.

 

[al_pacino]

Thomas De Gendt to win after taking time in a long solo break.

 

[nevada]

EBH - team built around him and hes currently on form.

He can mix it in the sprints and strong enough for 'The Hill'.

 

[maltiv]

EBH - team built around him and hes currently on form.

He can mix it in the sprints and strong enough for 'The Hill'.

Actually Sky said some time ago they're going for Rogers in the GC and Sutton for the sprints.

 

[Gloin22]

Actually Sky said some time ago they're going for Rogers in the GC and Sutton for the sprints.

Diversion by Sky ? You never know

Although Sutton looks preety strong too, could be a dark horse.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

ACF for the win.

 

[Richeypen]

EBH - team built around him and hes currently on form.

He can mix it in the sprints and strong enough for 'The Hill'.

What are you basing that on?