Wiggins followed by Armstrong
It takes no great psychic to predict that Fabian Cancellera will win the Time Trial tomorrow, but the big fight is for time among those still in the hunt for the Yellow Jersey. With 17 stages complete, the 2009 Tour de France podium is still up for grabs. There are 2 major stages left to determine the Yellow Jersey, and 2 contenders (Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck). That said, there are 7 contenders for the three podium slots. Team Astana could sweep the podium or two brothers from Luxemburg could share glory. Tomorrow’s individual time trial will sort out who is still in contention and Saturday’s climb up Mont Ventoux will sort the order.
The seven riders in order of current standings are Alberto Contador (AST), brothers Andy and Frank Schleck (SAX), Lance Armstrong (AST), Andreas Kloden (AST), Bradley Wiggins (GAR), and Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ).
The team Astana (AST) riders are all great time trialers. Lance Armstrong and Andreas Kloden should be able to close the gap on the Schleck brothers and have Astana 1-2-3 at the end of the stage. The big spoiler to this could be Bradley Wiggins who did a great opening time trial and could beat out Kloden for the third spot. The Schlecks are not known for being time trail specialists, and I would look for them to do super human efforts to limit the damage and keep Andy close for the climb up Mont Ventoux. Bradley Wiggins’ and Vincenzo Nibali’s results on this time trial will determine the tactics for Mont Ventoux, as Teams Astana and Saxo Bank fight it out for the podium.
The return of Lance and the lack of sorting during the first two weeks has guaranteed a great last week to the tour. I for one have been surprised by 37 year old Lance’s ability to keep up with the young guns on the hills, and his role today as the consummate team player for Contador. I would not be surprised to see this great athlete grab a stage win before it is all over.
If, as you say, Lance as a good time trial, it goes to show the old man still has some bite in those teeth because he has been impressive in the mountains so far.
The stage is set, Lance greatest comeback win. He does well enough in the time trial and final mountain ascent to edge Contador for the yellow jersey.
What happened to Cadel Evans? He has got to be disappointed with his overall performance.
Lance showed he can compete with the younger talent, even though he slipped a little in the time trials.