GEROLSTEINER (Rebellin)
STEPHEN: They think Totschnig can contend for the podium. He’s done well in the Giro and he attacks the mountains, so he’s got a shot. I wouldn’t put money on the guy, but he does have a chance. Rebellin always shows up in the World Cup standings, so he could be a factor on the sprints. It’s their first Tour, but they have the makeup of an older team.

JASON: Not a great team, but with Udo Boltz, Georg Totschnig, and Davide Rebellin, they’ll be in the mix. A stage win makes their Tour a success, but they’re not a bunch of chumps who don’t belong.

STEPHEN: Exactly. It's like someone has to ride next to CSC and Cofidis. We don't expect them to rock anyone's world, but they deserve the bid. They have good riders and I'd rather see them get in than some of the driftwood that passes by.