EUSKATEL (Laiseka)
STEPHEN: Extebarria should bounce back and at least be competitive. Mayo was the only rider to hang with Lance in the Dauphine Libere. I know you have a soft spot for the Basques, so I’ll let you take it way.

JASON: My boys in orange are at their third consecutive TdF, boasting an entire one stage win. Exclusively Basque climbers, they paint themselves into a corner tactically. They may steal a stage win in the mountains, but why not try for the polka dot jersey for once? The good news is that Iban Mayo has developed very well and is a legit contender or the top10.

STEPHEN: Euskatel gets slaughtered in the early stages, when even crappy French teams can hang. It's like they get bored with flat straightaways. They can climb, but that don't have a heavy hitter like Beloki. They probably have the strongest roster of climbers top to bottom, but the top ain't that great. Maybe Mayo, but I still need convincing. We each have our soft spots, mine is for Rabobank, yours is Euskatel.

JASON: It must be something to do with the color orange. Last year they didn't have a pulse. Hey, I don't mind if they are a one trick pony, but at least impress me with the trick!