The Time has come.

[Angliru]

For finally doing the right thing Frank gets my vote.

It's not like it was his choice. Based on his immediate response to the media he doesn't appear too motivated or even optimistic since he's making with the excuses already.

 

[cineteq]

Totally understandable if he was the strongest last year why wouldnt he be the strongest this year?

Really, you're one of those guys? What late results makes anybody believe he'll be a favorite this year?
What he did in the past, it's just that. It's like saying Cadel Evans should have won the Tour of Romandie because he won last year

 

[Eshnar]

Really, you're one of those guys? What late results makes anybody believe he'll be a favorite this year?
What he did in the past, it's just that. It's like saying Cadel Evans should have won the Tour of Romandie because he won last year

People have training programs you know. If you say Scarponi is not a favourite then you can't explain why Candy has always been a Tour contender, while sucking all the rest of the year

 

[Froome19]

Really, you're one of those guys? What late results makes anybody believe he'll be a favorite this year?
What he did in the past, it's just that. It's like saying Cadel Evans should have won the Tour of Romandie because he won last year

Totally understandable if he was the strongest last year why wouldnt he be the strongest this year?
Its not like the competition has been increased so greatly or there is one stand out competitior and you cant really tell from other races asides from Gts as nothing can compare to a proper GT

And of course Scarponi has a programme based around the Giro like most other GT contenders.

Who would be your favorite then?

 

[Michielveedeebee]

I voted basso as well

 

[Nikoloz]

Andreas Kloeden 3 1.88%


+1

...

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Andreas Kloeden 3 1.88%


+1

...

Kloden hasn't shown any form at all though this year... I think he's done; shame

 

[patrick767]

Really, you're one of those guys? What late results makes anybody believe he'll be a favorite this year?
What he did in the past, it's just that.

By the same logic, what has Basso done lately to make people pick him? Never mind winning something, has he even placed well in any races this year? His form has been so questionable that he wasn't even sure he'd go to the Giro until last week.
Scarponi's admittedly underwhelming results include 7th at Tirreno–Adriatico and 8th at Liège–Bastogne–Liège.

 

[Froome19]

By the same logic, what has Basso done lately to make people pick him? Never mind winning something, has he even placed well in any races this year? His form has been so questionable that he wasn't even sure he'd go to the Giro until last week.
Scarponi's admittedly underwhelming results include 7th at Tirreno–Adriatico and 8th at Liège–Bastogne–Liège.

Exactly that is what I was implying by questioning his favorite and of course by that same logic Gadret is out as well.
Whilst in the tour the Schlecks should never be considered favorites or even close.

 

[Andre.J]

Dennis Vanendert ....for the fun of it

 

[norwegian]

Basso......or Rujano..........? Ok, I`ll go for Rujano, then.

 

[King Of The Wolds]

Another vote for Scarponi, but not one made with any confidence. Really open race this one.

 

[sucotash]

By the same logic, what has Basso done lately to make people pick him? Never mind winning something, has he even placed well in any races this year? His form has been so questionable that he wasn't even sure he'd go to the Giro until last week.

Basso biggest "achievments" this seson are finishing the 4th Romandie stage in the 35 riders peleton, and doing some short domestique work for Szmyd in Trentino


In the Romandie TT where he should give it all, to see in what place his form is he was **** poor.

Also Basso is not so young. I do not want to say that he is done, but I highly doubt that he will be able to win a race like Giro.

It is wired that they were both riding with Szmyd the same races this season, and Ivan was only once on a stage better than him( Paris - NIce TT when Szmyd had a mechanical problem). Since that staage Szmyd was always way better. I just hope Liquigas will not sacrifice Sylwester, just to see Basso fighting for the 8th place or blowing totally in the final week. I would be so mad if it happens, they should until the mountains keep both safe and than see who is stronger.

 

[virandociclista]

Another vote for Scarponi, but not one made with any confidence. Really open race this one.

I will go with Michelle Scarponi too.. But it was hard to decide..

 

[phanatic]

I'm not sure if I voted Frank as having the best chance to win, or the Giro as being Frank's best chance to win. Or just wishful thinking.

Speaking of which, the Cima Coppi stage makes me wonder how close the living stench has to be to win the race there as he was so head and shoulders above the competition in Trentino.

 

[Spine Concept]

Dennis Vanendert ....for the fun of it

In all seriousness though, no way. A stage win or two, sure.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

You don't have to have shown much form in a season to win or podium a GT these days. Which is just as well for many of the big names in this Giro, because most of them have sucked this year.

If Schleck is in good form and is motivated, two big ifs, he could win it. If you can come top 3 in the Tour, and your strength as a GC man is more in climing than time trialling, you can in theory win the Giro. But somehow I just can't see it happening.

 

[Bike Boy]

I Sure hope Fränk takes it. Could also be fun to se Kreuziger take the last few steps.

 

[will10]

I'm not sure if I voted Frank as having the best chance to win, or the Giro as being Frank's best chance to win. Or just wishful thinking.

Speaking of which, the Cima Coppi stage makes me wonder how close the living stench has to be to win the race there as he was so head and shoulders above the competition in Trentino.

Stinky will be 10 minutes behind before the race reaches Italy unfortunately.

 

[patrick767]

Basso biggest "achievments" this seson are finishing the 4th Romandie stage in the 35 riders peleton, and doing some short domestique work for Szmyd in Trentino

In the Romandie TT where he should give it all, to see in what place his form is he was **** poor.

Also Basso is not so young. I do not want to say that he is done, but I highly doubt that he will be able to win a race like Giro.

Exactly. There's a reason I didn't pick Basso to win. I certainly expect him to ride better in the Giro than he has so far this season. I personally can't see him winning it though. We don't want to put too much emphasis on results from this spring, but he's just been so poor it's hard to see his form improving that much so quickly. I can't mock people for picking him though. After all it was just two years ago when Basso won and he was a respectable 7th at the TdF last year (8th before Contador's DQ). He can't be taken lightly.

Scarponi has not been impressive but at least he's been near the front in some races. His results were much better leading up to the Giro last year, so I choose him with much hesitation. It looks to be, as others have said, a wide open race. Someone may step up and surprise us all.

 

[plooton]

Stinky will be 10 minutes behind before the race reaches Italy unfortunately.

The same applies for the likes as Rujano and Pozzovivo.

 

[Carols]

Well I selected Basso, but it's a lukewarm choice at best. He really won't need top form until stage 14? which gives him time to get some better form.

Hopefully Frank animates the race; I'd like to see him do well.

 

[El Pistolero]

In all seriousness though, no way. A stage win or two, sure.

Lol a stage win... He's just a neo pro, I wouldn't expect anything, let's keep the pressure low.

 

[greenedge]

You need to be able to climb to win the points jersey in the Giro.

Cue Thor Hushovd.

 

[Spine Concept]

Lol a stage win... He's just a neo pro, I wouldn't expect anything, let's keep the pressure low.

Obviously I was under the flawed assumption that Vanendert the older was on the Giro starting-list. A mistake on my part.