TdF stge 1 Monaco ITT, 15.50 km

[Andre.J]

Also, if Valverde enters the Tour, he could be a threat on the first stage. He appears to be in great form.

Andre

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Last year, stage 4, 29.5 TTtop 25.

Can't see the time differences will run as high as 90 secs between the main GC guys in this year's first stage. Andy Schleck was only 62 secs after Evans last year, the course was twice as long and completely flat.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Last year, stage 4, 29.5 TTtop 25.

Can't see the time differences will run as high as 90 secs between the main GC guys in this year's first stage. Andy Schleck was only 62 secs after Evans last year, the course was twice as long and completely flat.

The Cholet time trial last year was actually quite bumpy and is why Schleck or sastre didn't lose too much time. I think this course will suit Denis Menchov, Alberto Contador or Cadel Evans because the 7.5 km rise with parts with 8% will hurt guys like cancellara,millar, grabsch... etc.

 

[slcbiker]

Cancellara's a good enough climber that he will be fine on something that's relatively short and not too steep like this.
Based on Giro performances, Menchov will be pretty competitive. Certainly the Astana trio of Contador/Leipheimer/Armstrong. Klodens a step behind those three. Evans should be top-5 but maybe not top-3.

If he's in form, and picked for the Tour, this would also suit Zabriskie. If Valverde's allowed to ride, I'd throw him into the mix as well.

Rogers and Millar will do well, but I'd be suprised if either cracked the top-5.

 

[blaxland]

The perfect tactic for Contador would be to finish within 10-20 secs of Cancellara while making minutes on the Schlecks. Then finish equal to Saxo Bank in the TT and you've got Saxo doing all the work til the mountains. In the mountains Contador will have no problems dropping Cancellara whilst the Schlecks would already be minutes behind him in GC.

And so Cadel and The lotto boys will do the same.This will be a great tour?

 

[Epicycle]

Since the descent has a technical portion I'll say LLS is the dark horse.

 

[lucybears]

Wasn't there a small peak of about 8% for 500 metres or so?

riders find themselves climbing even before the first kilometer is done. The casino road is four-hundred meters at twelve percent

 

[BigBoat]

Well I think Lance can do well too, LOL.

 

[jaylew]

I'm not sure why so many people have LA on their list for this stage. So far, he hasn't shown any sign of that old TT form. He's actually shown more on the climbs so far. That's actually one of the reasons I don't rate his chance for the overall. Things could obviously change, but the way things are looking so far AC will wipe the floor with him in the TTs.

 

[greenjersey]

I'm not sure why so many people have LA on their list for this stage. So far, he hasn't shown any sign of that old TT form. He's actually shown more on the climbs so far. That's actually one of the reasons I don't rate his chance for the overall. Things could obviously change, but the way things are looking so far AC will wipe the floor with him in the TTs.

AC or LEVI are good picks!

 

[richwagmn]

What are people's opinions? One of the specialists, or one of the sprinters?
I'm going for Cancellara.

I second Cancellara. He's firing on all cylinders right now.

 

[richwagmn]

The Cholet time trial last year was actually quite bumpy and is why Schleck or sastre didn't lose too much time. I think this course will suit Denis Menchov, Alberto Contador or Cadel Evans because the 7.5 km rise with parts with 8% will hurt guys like cancellara,millar, grabsch... etc.

Did you watch Cancellara pacing CSC during the tour last year? He'll have no trouble on such a small climb.

 

[BroDeal]

Did you watch Cancellara pacing CSC during the tour last year? He'll have no trouble on such a small climb.

Yup. Spartacus is a monster. After Andy Schleck gave up his own chances of winning the Tour de Suisse, you can bet that Cancellara will work like a mofo for Andy in the Tour. Canc will come into the TdF is awesome form, and no one can touch him in an ITT when he is "on."

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

to be fair i don't think andy could have won if he wanted, the climbs weren't really select enough for him, and the 2 TTs would have been to much time lost in a 9 day stage race.

but yes cancellara is a beat, should win the stage, probably safe bet to assume cadel will be the best of the GC men

 

[blaxland]

1;cancellara
2;miller
3;evans
Thats my top three.

 

[Hotbrakes]

1st B Wiggins.

Climbed good at the start of the Giro and did ok on that hilly TT.

 

[Outsprinted]

I predict a close fight between Cancellara and Leipheimer, maybe Bradley Wiggins too, but Cancellara wins, and keeps maillot jaune to Arcalis.

 

[tyler2999202]

What about Cadel Evans? he climbs well and is a strong time trialist?

 

[BroDeal]

What about Cadel Evans? he climbs well and is a strong time trialist?

He'll come in second.

 

[karlboss]

Cancellara took beijing and that climb was steeper and longer than this, . He's a great bike decender and in form. Kloedon has TT'd well this year and weighs nothing (lowest BMI of any rider I can think of) for 2nd and grabsch for 3rd.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Speaking of Beijing, Larsson might surprise with a top-5 finish.

 

[lucybears]

grabsch for 3rd.

grabsch dns

 

[Amsterhammer]

Brilliant! A topic with no references to dope and no Lance bashing.

Not a very original opinion, but I can't see anyone preventing Cancellara from winning this.

 

[auscyclefan94]

What about Cadel Evans? he climbs well and is a strong time trialist?

I agree he may win the monaco time trial but it would be good for Lotto to have Cancellara have Jersey which could tire out Saxo Bank once we get to the ttt and Arcalsis. I think that would play into evans' hand and especially Astana's hand

 

[flyor64]

Can't argue with Cancellara as the favorite...but would love to see a surprise at the top. Z-man or EbH perhaps