Menchov to skip Giro

[Bala Verde]

Didn't I read somewhere that Lars Ten Damm (excuse the spelling ) was announced as being Rabo's leader or co-leader w/ Freire for the Giro? In the past year he was pretty impressive in the mountains which would explain him being given this opportunity.

Laurens, as in 'Lawrence'... Lars might share the same etymological roots though.

 

[Angliru]

That was my recollection of Menchov as well. He only dropped out after Rassmussen had been pulled by the team. It's possible that, like all the other contenders, that Menchov just thought that Rass was going to chase KOM points and then falter in the TT's as always. I'm sure Menchov was just as surprised as everyone else when Rassmussen showed a sudden surprising talent for riding his TT bike. Menchov kept quiet and did his duty in support of Rass. He had nothing to be gained by staying in the Tour after Rass was pulled. The team's rep was shot at that point and morale was of course quite low.

 

[Angliru]

Laurens, as in 'Lawrence'... Lars might share the same etymological roots though.

Thanks. Got the names mixed up (Lars Boom and Laurens ten Dam). Hopefully the rest is fairly accurate.

 

[Delicato]

That was my recollection of Menchov as well. He only dropped out after Rassmussen had been pulled by the team. It's possible that, like all the other contenders, that Menchov just thought that Rass was going to chase KOM points and then falter in the TT's as always. I'm sure Menchov was just as surprised as everyone else when Rassmussen showed a sudden surprising talent for riding his TT bike. Menchov kept quiet and did his duty in support of Rass. He had nothing to be gained by staying in the Tour after Rass was pulled. The team's rep was shot at that point and morale was of course quite low.

Menchov lost more than 3 minutes on 9th stage (which passed Galibier) so he was already not a GT contender even before ITT in Albi.