I'm interested in the riders that forum members think will be seriously challenging for grand tours in 5 years time. Presumably Alberto Contador (subject to a postive test - a qualification that applies to all suggestions as does serious injury) and Andy Schleck will still be racing at a high level. As far as I can tell this hasn't specifically been dealt with elsewhere.
There are those with already demonstrated potential such as Robert Gesink, Vincenzo Nibali and Roman Kreuziger. Others such as Tony Martin, Dan Martin and Jakob Fulgslang are well regarded by their teams. Jurgen Van Den Broeck has shown well at the Giro d'Italia in 2008 and the Tour in 2009. Anyone see any potential for Ricardo Ricco? Any wildcards that might be greats or disappear without trace?
Then there are those already about 30 such as Alejandro Valverde, Denis Menchov, Bradley Wiggins and Frank Schleck Of those in this age bracket who will still be around and competitive. (i'd also be grateful if people could get me up to speed at how realistic it is to think that a slimmed down Fabian Cancellara would be a GC contender and whether he or Saxo have expressed any ambitions in this regard).
Are there any young Americans, Australian or Spanish riders to watch out for?
If anyone can look any further into the future ie riders starting to show GC potential by 2015, that would also be interesting. other points for discussion, what are the markers for grand tour GC potential, do riders need to show GC potential by a certain point in their careers or can there be late bloomers or those that develop into more than time trial or hilly classics riders. would the talents of the riders being suggested favour them doing well at a particular tour.
There are those with already demonstrated potential such as Robert Gesink, Vincenzo Nibali and Roman Kreuziger. Others such as Tony Martin, Dan Martin and Jakob Fulgslang are well regarded by their teams. Jurgen Van Den Broeck has shown well at the Giro d'Italia in 2008 and the Tour in 2009. Anyone see any potential for Ricardo Ricco? Any wildcards that might be greats or disappear without trace?
Then there are those already about 30 such as Alejandro Valverde, Denis Menchov, Bradley Wiggins and Frank Schleck Of those in this age bracket who will still be around and competitive. (i'd also be grateful if people could get me up to speed at how realistic it is to think that a slimmed down Fabian Cancellara would be a GC contender and whether he or Saxo have expressed any ambitions in this regard).
Are there any young Americans, Australian or Spanish riders to watch out for?
If anyone can look any further into the future ie riders starting to show GC potential by 2015, that would also be interesting. other points for discussion, what are the markers for grand tour GC potential, do riders need to show GC potential by a certain point in their careers or can there be late bloomers or those that develop into more than time trial or hilly classics riders. would the talents of the riders being suggested favour them doing well at a particular tour.