Tour de France 2014 Start List

[Afrank]

Astana
Vincenzo Nibali, Michele Scarponi, Jakob Fuglsang, Tanel Kangert, Lieuwe Westra, Maxim Iglinskiy, Alessandro Vanotti, Andriy Grivko and Dmitriy Gruzdev.

Very nice looking and balanced team. I like.

 

[ciranda]

Christophe Laurnent?

Slipstream Chipotle?


but, this is stretching the definition of "lie". Everyone knows the poker that goes on for Tour spots. In December, when the long list is handed out, there are 25 on the list, and a dozen of those promised a spot. One month out, it will still be a dozen promised a spot, and not merely a "bubble". Rasmussen was not the first, Laurent was not the first neither, and nor will Millar be the last, and i would suggest JV is actually not playing a game of mirrors with his charges. And i have been a pretty hard critic on JV, so take that for what you will

Yeah, but this was a contract for the coming year. I thought it was awful anyway.

 

[Anderis]

Not only Millar has been unexpectedly left home by Garmin, but also Danielson. It looks like clear cut off from the iconic generation of the team. Vande Velde and Zabriskie retired, Millar and Danielson left home and Hesjedal targetting Vuelta. Vansummeren the only guy in Garmin's TdF roster who is in his thirties.

I also think that their roster may be stronger for Vuelta than for TdF climbing-wise. Hesjedal, Martin, Cardoso and Dennis should all make an appearance in Spain this year.

 

[ferryman]

Jesus, are you kidding me? What is this, the end of his world? Stop whining, accept it, and move on with your life. You don't show the result or form, you don't get a spot on the Tour team. That's just the way it is, the way it's always been. Tons of others will not get a spot on their teams Tour team, do you see any of them whining about it? No, they pick themselves up and move on with their lives.

I could have cared less about whether he made the team or not before this. Now I'm glad he won't be there.

Steady there. The point is, he is in his last year of a fantastic career. And in my opinion he should have been given a last chance to see it out in Paris.

And yes, I know, fantastic could be called out to the clinic given his history.

I guess Dave is now concentrating on Glasgow. Ridiculous.

 

[jaylew]

And yes, I know, fantastic could be called out to the clinic given his history.

I guess Dave is now concentrating on Glasgow. Ridiculous.

Clinic or no, fantastic is pushing it, imo.

 

[Afrank]

Steady there. The point is, he is in his last year of a fantastic career. And in my opinion he should have been given a last chance to see it out in Paris.

And yes, I know, fantastic could be called out to the clinic given his history.

I guess Dave is now concentrating on Glasgow. Ridiculous.

I get it that he's disappointed and angry at being left off. I would be too, especially if it was my last year as a pro.

But I think he needs to realize that Garmin has other priorities than giving him one last ride around France. They're focused on getting Talansky a good GC placing. And if they don't think he has the form or that others on the team will be better use then him, then he needs to accept it instead of go on twitter and complain.

I mean, saying this has killed his relationship with the team, posting that he's selling his bike. He's being very over-dramatic. And he's not doing himself any favors, he's just coming off as a child that is mad that he isn't going to get what he wants.

 

[dirkprovin]

Gerro will get a stage. there is not better stage hunter in the peloton.

But i will second Escarabajo with Chaves.

And Svein Tuft must be more than a chance for doubling up. I dont know what deal he has made with Matty White, he may have told him, next yeat if you want a swansong at the Tour, we wanna blood some young bucks.

But no Goss this year, this will be the hard decision already made, Matt Keenan hinted at it already,

so Matthews, Gerrans, Clarke, Albasini, Hayman, Impey, Chaves, Durbridge, Tuft.

Meyer and Keukeleire on the bubble. If Tuft is not it, Cam Meyer is in.

Goss will have to find his sweetspot in the peloton. Cobbled classics? He has not shown the strength as yet, thos his first few years he showed potential, but not the potential of Boasson Hagen, even with his MSR win. His speed, his terminal velocity, now longer matches the best, and he no longer shows the fight for the bunch kicks. Can he be a stage hunter like OGrady or like Heinrich Haussler for the flattish rolling stages? He certainly demonstrated his ability to be a breakaway rider in the espoirs, and never waited for a sprint. But i dont know if he can do it in the pros

Read an article last week hinting Chaves is pencilled in for the Vuelta.

Apart from the obvious issue of running him into the ground; three issues mitigate against Tuft backing up. Firstly no TTT in this Tour. Secondly only 1 ITT. Thirdly, the team aims are more targeting individual stages and therefore little likelihood of taking yellow and having to do the pace setting for the peleton. Think they'll allow him some "recharge batteries" time.

I see 2 key questions impacting selection decisions. Firstly how much support will they delegate towards supporting Matthews. Whilst he may not win the flat sprints, I still think he may target the green jersey and will therefore be competing for points. I can see Impey assisting and they may pick another (Lancaster/Docker or maybe Keukeleire who may also be given some leeway for the pave stage).

Secondly, just how many "stage hunters" will they take ?. We can take Gerrans and Albasini as certainties. Meyer only had a short tour and had a win at TdS, also a big engine for grunt work if required. Clarke is possible but they may also consider Weening who only went a bit over half distance at the Giro.

 

[42x16ss]

Read an article last week hinting Chaves is pencilled in for the Vuelta.

Apart from the obvious issue of running him into the ground; three issues mitigate against Tuft backing up. Firstly no TTT in this Tour. Secondly only 1 ITT. Thirdly, the team aims are more targeting individual stages and therefore little likelihood of taking yellow and having to do the pace setting for the peleton. Think they'll allow him some "recharge batteries" time.

I see 2 key questions impacting selection decisions. Firstly how much support will they delegate towards supporting Matthews. Whilst he may not win the flat sprints, I still think he may target the green jersey and will therefore be competing for points. I can see Impey assisting and they may pick another (Lancaster/Docker or maybe Keukeleire who may also be given some leeway for the pave stage).

Secondly, just how many "stage hunters" will they take ?. We can take Gerrans and Albasini as certainties. Meyer only had a short tour and had a win at TdS, also a big engine for grunt work if required. Clarke is possible but they may also consider Weening who only went a bit over half distance at the Giro.

For OGE the question is do they go for stages, or do they try for green with Matthews? I like the idea of them trying to cause chaos on anything rolling while letting Impey, Mouris/Keukeleire, Lancaster and Matthews mix it up in sprints.

For the TdF I'd like to see OGE go with

Matthews
Gerrans
Albasini
Clarke
Impey
Mouris/Durbridge
Lancaster
Keukeleire
Weening

and let these guys go nuts at La Vuelta, chasing stages/mountain points:

Chaves
Yates
Yates
Meyer
Tuft
Durbridge/Mouris
Docker
Goss
Bewley/Howard

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

He's just learning how to answer his new phone. I hope he hasn't missed any important calls.

Jonathan VaughtersVerified account ‏@Vaughters

@gghofman Yes. That's the story that he's told people. Unfortunately.


https://twitter.com/Vaughters/status/483693602032582656




Jonathan VaughtersVerified account ‏@Vaughters

@franmillar I'm happy to send you my missed call log, plus email correspondence scheduling a call, which David attended.


https://twitter.com/Vaughters/status/483780527737290753

 

[42x16ss]

Not only Millar has been unexpectedly left home by Garmin, but also Danielson. It looks like clear cut off from the iconic generation of the team. Vande Velde and Zabriskie retired, Millar and Danielson left home and Hesjedal targetting Vuelta. Vansummeren the only guy in Garmin's TdF roster who is in his thirties.

I also think that their roster may be stronger for Vuelta than for TdF climbing-wise. Hesjedal, Martin, Cardoso and Dennis should all make an appearance in Spain this year.

That would be a crazy team. Danielson, Millar, Hesjedal, Martin, Cardoso and Dennis is the backbone of an excellent squad. Add Morton, Navardauskas and a rouleur and that would be the strongest squad in the race.

 

[greenedge]

Morton would go ballistic on those climbs

Movistar will also be very strong there- Amador, Dowsett, G.Izagirre, Capecchi, Anton would be great help to Quintana/ Valverde.

 

[ILovecycling]

Astana
Vincenzo Nibali, Michele Scarponi, Jakob Fuglsang, Tanel Kangert, Lieuwe Westra, Maxim Iglinskiy, Alessandro Vanotti, Andriy Grivko and Dmitriy Gruzdev.

I dont understand posts who pointed out exceptionality of astana squad.
I dont see nothing special - never seen really good domestique performance from birdsong or michele.Strongest are imo westra and kangert (if in form),vanotti.Grivko,gruzdev and maxim are roulers.

Nothing special,sky,saxo and movistar have better lineups imo.

 

[dirkprovin]

For OGE the question is do they go for stages, or do they try for green with Matthews? I like the idea of them trying to cause chaos on anything rolling while letting Impey, Mouris/Keukeleire, Lancaster and Matthews mix it up in sprints.

For the TdF I'd like to see OGE go with

Matthews
Gerrans
Albasini
Clarke
Impey
Mouris/Durbridge
Lancaster
Keukeleire
Weening

and let these guys go nuts at La Vuelta, chasing stages/mountain points:

Chaves
Yates
Yates
Meyer
Tuft
Durbridge/Mouris
Docker
Goss
Bewley/Howard

Durbridge coming back from injury and given no TTT and only one ITT, I'd have him skip the Tour and maybe ride part of the Vuelta before resting him for TTT at Worlds.

Mouris has a big engine but does NOT go up hill and would be HD'd when it gets to the mountains. Bewley for the Vuelta ? Hhmm, maybe a last chance saloon for him as he's going off contract and I'm struggling to see him being re-engaged.

The Vuelta does start with a TTT. The TTT at Worlds (with its swag of WT points) is a higher priority for OGE so it will be interesting to see how much of a go they will give the Vuelta one ..... and to what impact this will impact selections. Will they select "major engines" like Tuft/Durbridge and Meyer and maybe "pull the pin" on Tuft/Durbridge (who don't go up hill) part way through ?

Have zero confidence in either Goss or Howard; either in flat sprints or to be there in any "selective stage". Not convinced that Kruopis is top class but would frankly prefer to give him a run.

Would personally prefer the Yates twins NOT be rushed into GTs this year but rather given the opportunity for a real good preparation for next season. Maybe you could pick one for the Vuelta and withdraw then at say 10-12 days.

Santaromita rode the Giro, maybe set him for Vuelta then Lombardy ? Whichever one of Clarke & Weening that doesn't go to the Tour goes to the Vuelta.

 

[karlboss]

For OGE the question is do they go for stages, or do they try for green with Matthews?

I think Matthews going for Green is ridiculous. He really hasn't shown much speed this year, but plenty of form. I don't think he'll place high enough in the flat stages to consider it, also white has said he won't be targeting the flat stages.
Tuft is always handy to have, like few others in the pro peloton if you need a guy on the front on his own for 100km he's your guy. Backed up last year and rode well, I've little doubt he'll do it again.
My pick is more or less blackcats, Durbridge and Chaves out. Basing i on preferring to see Chaves at the Vuelta where there is less day in day out stress, he's old enough, but after a year out I'm not so sure. I also think at la vuelta between he and the Yates they could do very well on overall and be aggressive while they're at it.
Durbridge out, I don't think he can make an impact in the TT at the end of a Tour, I can't imagine he'll be needed in a leadout, not so strong over a full day as some others (Tuft) for controlling a break.
I'd put Meyer in, I think he's capable of a break away win over many different types of terrain, and is in good form, better than durbridge day long over varied terrain if needed to control a break.
Lastly Keukeleire, after Burgos he showed what a kick he has on some difficult finishes, rode some good stages in Dauphine super consistent cobbles campaign. Versatile rider in good shape.

 

[Cimber]

I dont understand posts who pointed out exceptionality of astana squad.
I dont see nothing special - never seen really good domestique performance from birdsong or michele.Strongest are imo westra and kangert (if in form),vanotti.Grivko,gruzdev and maxim are roulers.

Nothing special,sky,saxo and movistar have better lineups imo.

Fuglsang was pretty good in DL, but yeah he did ride for his own GC as well as Nibs'. Also in the Tour he hopes to make a top GC himself, while still helping Nibs. Personally I think he cares more about his won GC spot that helping Nibs but we will see.

 

[Ferminal]

Not sure why they'd take Goss, unless he's in 2010 Vuelta form he's a mediocre leadout. Impey has proven time and time again he's #1 in that role.

 

[Anderis]

That would be a crazy team. Danielson, Millar, Hesjedal, Martin, Cardoso and Dennis is the backbone of an excellent squad. Add Morton, Navardauskas and a rouleur and that would be the strongest squad in the race.

I just hope Morton will find his form after being nowhere for the first half of the season, just like he did last year.
I really hope he was just taking it easy deliberately, and it was not a sign of his form getting very wrong.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Not sure why they'd take Goss, unless he's in 2010 Vuelta form he's a mediocre leadout. Impey has proven time and time again he's #1 in that role.

Getting it right on the first two stages could see a team carry the yellow jersey all the way to stage 8 imo.

I think Orica needs to be able to defend a jersey. Not sure how well Goss would fit in such a script.

Anyway on form alone, Goss probably shouldn't go.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

I dont understand posts who pointed out exceptionality of astana squad.
I dont see nothing special - never seen really good domestique performance from birdsong or michele.Strongest are imo westra and kangert (if in form),vanotti.Grivko,gruzdev and maxim are roulers.

Nothing special,sky,saxo and movistar have better lineups imo.

Kangert, Scarponi, Birdsong > Rogers, Roche, and a tired Majka 8 out of 10 times. If ROgers got a Zoncolan type performance they might be equal.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Kangert, Scarponi, Birdsong > Rogers, Roche, and a tired Majka 8 out of 10 times. If ROgers got a Zoncolan type performance they might be equal.

Yeah, but you're Astana fan numero uno

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Yeah, but you're Astana fan numero uno

no idea what you are talking about

 

[Ricco']

Orica:

Jens Keukeleire
Luke Durbridge
Mathew Hayman
Michael Albasini
Michael Matthews
Simon Clarke
Simon Gerrans
Simon Yates
Svein Tuft

 

[dirkprovin]

Orica:

Jens Keukeleire
Luke Durbridge
Mathew Hayman
Michael Albasini
Michael Matthews
Simon Clarke
Simon Gerrans
Simon Yates
Svein Tuft

http://www.greenedgecycling.com/news/orica-greenedge-announce-tour-de-france-roster

Slightly surprised at Impey's absence and the selection of Durbridge and Yates.
Maybe Impey's busy season so far (TdU, classics) has counted against him and they want him fresh for some later season races. Pleased to see Keukeleire named; I suspect he is somewhat of a like-for-like replacement with a potential upside for the "pave" stage.

Durbridge is a massive engine but there is only one ITT (towards the end) and their stated aim for this tour is "stage-hunting". Simon IS arguably "fresher" at this point of the season that Adam so can see a point to his selection and suspect they will pull the pin at half to 2/3 distance rather than run him into the ground.

Tuft WILL add valuable experience but it will be interesting to see how long they will run him, given he finished the Vuelta and he (and Durbridge) are key components for one of OGE's prime season targets; the TTT at Worlds.

 

[karlboss]

Orica:

Jens Keukeleire
Luke Durbridge
Mathew Hayman
Michael Albasini
Michael Matthews
Simon Clarke
Simon Gerrans
Simon Yates
Svein Tuft

Suprised Impey isn't in there, an experienced lead out is very handy, and I'm selling him short to claim he isn't only a leadout.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Now official ...no English riders in the Tour starting in England !!

And Millar not selected yet so maybe no Scots

Just a Welshman, a Manx & a Kenyan Brit so far

Strange with all the talent in England

Simon Yates flying the flag for England! Big opportunity for him.