Who do you think will be the Liquigas "captain"?

[Galic Ho]

Even with the allegedly advanced medical scrutiny? I think Basso would "naturally" fare better than the rest under those circumstances. Just a hunch.

Not a chance. Basso's is nowhere near Evans physically. Their coach admitted as much. If the race is cleaner, Ivan will be beaten quite easily.

Nobody will worry about more stringent testing this year. They'll be fine, because they will all be in the same boat. If anyone gets caught it will be a timing issue or because the Genarmerie came knocking on the doors.

 

[rhubroma]

It was typical of a guy just coming back from a long layoff. Armstrong, Fignon, Hinault, Lemond. None of them managed top form in their first season back.
For example, few people remember that after an entire year of training and racing, Lance only placed 4th at the Vuelta in 98.

That was precisely my point. Although in Lance's case that was a revelation.

 

[Zen Master]

Not a chance. Basso's is nowhere near Evans physically. Their coach admitted as much. If the race is cleaner, Ivan will be beaten quite easily.

auscyclefan94... Is that you ?!?

 

[Sophistic]

Basso distanced Evans at the Monte Zoncolan and the Mortirolo, climbs with longer parts at 12-15% as well as the TTT, while Evans beat him at Plan de Corones, the Tonale and both ITTs. Now look at the route of this years Tour, its definietly not one that favors a diesel rider like Basso or Sastre while someone with "punch" like Evans could do very well.

 

[theyoungest]

Not a chance. Basso's is nowhere near Evans physically. Their coach admitted as much. If the race is cleaner, Ivan will be beaten quite easily.

Nobody will worry about more stringent testing this year. They'll be fine, because they will all be in the same boat. If anyone gets caught it will be a timing issue or because the Genarmerie came knocking on the doors.

You're a bit selective in what you choose to believe from Aldo Sassi. Another thing he said: there's no doubt in his mind that Basso is clean right now.