Who will be on the Podium in Paris

[Ramira]

With a possibly decisive stage coming up later tonight and everything that has transpired in the first two weeks of the tour a lot of decisions have been made but there are also a lot of questions left. One of the big questions is who are going to end up on the podium at the end of this year's Tour de France?

To avoid any discussions about who should or should not be in the list I simply used the top 10 as they are today, I'm well aware a few of the names in there are very unlikely to end up on the podium but they're still a lot more likely then those that are 11th lower.

Please use discretion in filling in the Poll (i.e. only 3 answers per person) and if you wish illuminate the reason for your decision.

Personally I'm going for the Brothers Schleck and Evans, I think the combination of the double threat of the Schlecks will prove to much to keep them off the podium, and while they're not great time trialists the reports of their inevitable demise are rather premature. I would expect Andy to lose 1 minute and Fränk to lose around 2 to the best of the contenders. I really struggled to decide between Evans and Basso but I just think the superiority of Evans' time trial and the 1 minute gift he already has will prove to be to much for Basso.

With regards to Contador I fear that his injury and fatigue won't allow him to maintain a podium spot even though I would love to see him fight through and podium (as long as one of the Schlecks ends up on the top step ofcourse )

And finally while I really hope Samuel Sanchez will end up on the podium, I love the guys attitude and style, I worry that the time he's already lost combined with his effort on thursday will end up being to much to make it.

(And of course there's the matter of my signature , although I like to think my choices are based on observations this year, I just think Andy will end up peaking in the last week as he always does and while I thought Fränk would be top 5 before the tour he's really impressed me so far and I think he will hang on for a podium spot now)

 

[Steel4Ever]

No idea.
But I look forward to the P-Girls none the less!

 

[El Pistolero]

Gilbert if the favorites keep racing like little pussies

Stage 16 and 17 will be so much fun. 1971 Tour de France fun

 

[taiwan]

Personally it would do nothing for me to see Schlecks on the podium. In them I percieve a sense of entitlement whichI can't be bothered with. Andy is obviously one of the strongest contenders, though, and they do have the numerical advantage.

If Bert's health isn't 100% I think he may be done for. The only hope is if he came into the race out of condition - to ride himself in, but how to tell?

Basso is bringing the second strongest palmares to the race after Bert. That is all that needs to be said about him.

My feeling is that Evans and Sanchez - who are not dissimilar in type - will fight for the third step. Unless Contador is hiding/riding into form: Andy Schleck-->Basso-->Evans.

I hope I'm not just buying Andy-hype though, as he has shown nothing so far.

 

[Cycloid]

I can see the coming stage as decisive for the final podium contenders. So, in no particular order:

Basso looks completely at ease at the moment. He will be there in Paris. Which step only time will tell.

Cadel, well he is having a great Tour. I expect him to be there. His accelerations on Luz Ardiden to chase some of the attacks surprised me - much better than previous years. Looks in great form. My only fear is the rest day could break his momentum. Must limit his loses in the mountains.

I'm hoping Contador will round out the final step IF he can hold his current loses. I suppose I'm hoping his ITT will get him there, but I fear he will expend too much energy over the next few days to make his TT effective. He has to make his move, the Schlecks, Cadel, Basso don't necessarily.

 

[shilengpu]

This is a sport full of charm! The result is difficult to predict! Arena may have a miracle happen all the time! http://www.dhgate.com/

 

[luckyboy]

Just to be different - Frank, Basso and Contador. Don't know what order.

 

[Amsterhammer]

Schleklet, Contador and Evans, all permutations still possible before tomorrow.

 

[ManInFull]

I'd love to see Basso, Evans, and Contador. But, there will likely be a Schleck in there somewhere. Let's hope it's Frank.

 

[The Reverend]

No Alberto for me

I don't think Alberto will get to Paris. He looks gimpy compared to usual action, he must also be tapped by the Giro (look at the effect it had on Gadret) and seeing Sorensen disappear out the back on Thursday would have been disheartening . I know he's a tough and seasoned competitor but revovering from an injury during weeks 2 and 3 of the tour? That's a huge ask!

Evans looks the best I've seen him - sitting down with very high cadence in the hills so far, rather than standing up and grinding as per the last two years and Morabito and others staying with the heads of state for a good amount of time when it gets tough. Will podium but to win will need to reverse his habit of one bad day.

Basso looks awesome - helped by his amazingly smooth pedalling action! Will podium but I do not believe he has the base behind him (injuries etc) to win.

Schleck squared - Frank is going well but needs to as his ITT will be ordinary at best but IMO will podium. Andy looks very defensive and form not appearing great at present. I believe will ride for Frank at the key moment (whenever that turns out to be) unless Frank's form wanes and Andy's improves over the next 8 days.

 

[dlwssonic]

I went with the evans and schlecks. the others are a bit too far down and they will have to drop them in the mountains. I dont see basso dropping the schlecks. and his TT is weaker than evans. I think contador is too tired and he will lose time.

 

[Mr. O'Clock]

Evens., andy,bottle.
Basso forth.

 

[Maxiton]

Evens., andy,bottle.
Basso forth.

Mr. O'Clock, did you use your time toilet to arrive at that prediction?

Most people here probably know my guess - and that's all it is - by now:

1) Contador

2) Basso

3) Evans

It isn't really just a guess, though, it's also a wish. One I think I'll stick with. For now, anyway.

I like and admire all three of them as riders, so I'd be OK with any one of them on the top step.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Well I have to adjust my top 3 slighty since Gesink is 17 minutes behind.

1. Evans
2. Schleck
3. Basso

 

[JohnNordin]

I wish AC makes a big comeback, it would be epic, but hope for that is fading. I'm really starting to like Tommy V, but I guess he has no shot either. Go Cadel! But maybe Frank S will do it, wouldn't that be a hoot if Andy comes in second to Frank.

 

[Maxiton]

OK, I'm revising my prediction. I think it'll be a straight sweep for Radio Shack, with Leipheimer on the top step. Mark that!

 

[Boeing]

Basso
schlock
Contador

 

[AussieGoddess]

As much as I would love the podium to include Gilbert .... I don't honestly think he can. (maybe next year).

So have gone with Alberto, cadel and baby schleck

 

[gatete]

Like I said in other thread, this will be like the AC on il giro 08, hell he even lost time to all contenders and came back (barely)

 

[Spine Concept]

Gilbert? Really? C'mon now. Anyway. I think Andy Schleck, Conti, Basso.

 

[Oreknan]

1. Andy Schleck
2. Frank Schleck
3. Cadel Evans

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

More Cadel votes than Andy here so far.

I really don't like Andy, but seriously, you can tell this poll was opened in prime time for the Aussies.

 

[Jeanne]

Voted Andy, Cuddles and Samu - but out of those 3 I have the strongest believe in Andy that he makes it again on the podium this year.

 

[dbrmuz]

Well I enjoyed doubling Tommy D's vote!

 

[Dermie]

I voted Cadel, but then I thought Hmm what if AC does a miraculous comeback then he might win, then again the Shrecks are looking good, Frankie is in the box seat at the moment & Andy might defend his big bro, Basso is waiting quietly in the wings & looks good, perhaps Frankie is just bluffing for the little Shreck & will Honor his promise to dad Shreck to take the little chosen one to the podium top step.
Argh its lts too much one of them will trip over the steps on the stage, on the way up to the podium, break his leg & have to default to the next in line, then Molly will go rabid & take out the Australian Ambassador ,thereby setting off a war that will be decided by a bike race from Paris to Melbourne with only national teams allowed to enter & as one of the top cycling nations Australia will win the Tour de Globe. The planet will then right itself &
Australia will be on top. See how the rest of you like hanging of the bottom of the world.
Amen