FASSA BORTOLO (Basso)
STEPHEN: Basso won the white jersey for the best young rider, and it remains to be seen whether he can build on that. 11th overall is tough to top in a field as quality as the Tour de France’s. Frigo is a solid
rider, he’ll be a good support guy once he gets any thoughts of actually winning the race out of his head.
What is most interesting is Aitor Gonzalez. He won the Vuelta last year with a furious rally on the last day, but he did it for Kelme and he was supposed to be riding in support of Sevilla. It’s understandable why his former team might be a little peeved, even with the win. It’s doubtful Gonzalez will ride to support Basso or Frigo, he’s going to go for the win himself. Will his team ride for him?
JASON: Last year we were amazed that an Italian team was taking the Tour seriously, and it looks like Fassa might do it again this year. Aitor Gonzales will be saving his best for the Vuelta in September, but he’s still a threat in the mountains and the time trials. Petacchi won 6 stages in the Giro. Um, maybe he’s a threat to win a sprint finish here?
STEPHEN: Fassa is sort of like a talented FDJ. They are not a heavy hitter, but they do deserve a bid, and they make the most of it by wreaking havok, only they do it with riders who are pretty good. Will Gonzalez, Frigo, or Basso win the yellow? No, but they might contend for the podium. Will they win the King of the Mountains? Don't bet on it, but they will contend. Green? Petacchi's got an outside shot, if nothing else, the sprints he wins will be points he costs other contenders. He's a classic spoiler. So is the rest of the team. Heck, they might be a spoiler in the team standings, particularly the time trial. It's an interesting team which merits watching just to see whose Tour they ruin.
STEPHEN: Basso won the white jersey for the best young rider, and it remains to be seen whether he can build on that. 11th overall is tough to top in a field as quality as the Tour de France’s. Frigo is a solid
rider, he’ll be a good support guy once he gets any thoughts of actually winning the race out of his head.
What is most interesting is Aitor Gonzalez. He won the Vuelta last year with a furious rally on the last day, but he did it for Kelme and he was supposed to be riding in support of Sevilla. It’s understandable why his former team might be a little peeved, even with the win. It’s doubtful Gonzalez will ride to support Basso or Frigo, he’s going to go for the win himself. Will his team ride for him?
JASON: Last year we were amazed that an Italian team was taking the Tour seriously, and it looks like Fassa might do it again this year. Aitor Gonzales will be saving his best for the Vuelta in September, but he’s still a threat in the mountains and the time trials. Petacchi won 6 stages in the Giro. Um, maybe he’s a threat to win a sprint finish here?
STEPHEN: Fassa is sort of like a talented FDJ. They are not a heavy hitter, but they do deserve a bid, and they make the most of it by wreaking havok, only they do it with riders who are pretty good. Will Gonzalez, Frigo, or Basso win the yellow? No, but they might contend for the podium. Will they win the King of the Mountains? Don't bet on it, but they will contend. Green? Petacchi's got an outside shot, if nothing else, the sprints he wins will be points he costs other contenders. He's a classic spoiler. So is the rest of the team. Heck, they might be a spoiler in the team standings, particularly the time trial. It's an interesting team which merits watching just to see whose Tour they ruin.
posted by Poseur at 2:19 PM
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