GREEN
STEPHEN: The sprinter’s jersey is one of the biggest contests of the Tour. Zabel is the old master, McEwen is the lone wolf, O’Grady is the perennial bridesmaid, and Cooke is the wild card. And don't forget Friere. McEwen will find it difficult to stalk Zabel as he will be the rider the sprinters mark. I think his inferior team costs him this time. Zabel doesn’t go down without a fight, but I think it’s finally O’Grady’s turn.
1. O’Grady
2. Zabel
3. Friere
Spolier: Petacchi

JASON: Unlike the race for the polka dot jersey, this one has a clear cut list of favorites and there isn’t enough room in the peloton for all these heavy hitters. This should be very tight, and every stage, save the mountain stages and time trials, will be big. I think Zabel will take it back.

1. Erik Zabel (Telekom)
2. Baden Cooke (FDJeux)
3. Stuart O’Grady (Credit Agricole)
Spoiler: Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo)

STEPHEN: It'll come down to the last day again. But it will also come down to someone who can make it through the mountains. And that's what hurts McEwen. Honestly, I can't believe he won the Green the last time. Zabel's got more support than anybody, but he has lost a step. If teams weren't a factor, I'd take Friere, but they are. I don't see a reason to abandon my O'Grady pick. But, God. Is this race loaded with sprinters or what?

JASON: Excellent point about abandoning. The field is loaded, but at least a third will lose because of attrition. But really, the TdF is a war of attrition. I'm going to change my pick. I rate Petacchi as the #2. I rate Baden Cooke as the potential spoiler.