KELME (Gutierrez)
STEPHEN: All right, this is misleading, Kelme should be near the top of this list with Oscar Sevilla leading the charge. He just didn’t finish last year, so he didn’t appear in the final GC standings. Well, it’ll be weird without the two-headed monster of Sevilla and Botero. But Gonzalez sort of pulled this team apart and they had to take sides. Personally, I think they chose the wrong guy. Sevilla just isn’t a great climber or time trialist, and that’s just the kiss of death. Sevilla’s a podium threat, but I think this team is in serious trouble losing two of its top three riders.

JASON: THUD! One of the elite teams in recent years. Sevilla hasn’t been healthy all year & is recovering from surgery. Botero rides for Telekom. They’re left with support personnel. I recommend they send a man to pick up points on the early mountains so they can get a contender in the KoM competition. Thud!

STEPHEN: Thud is also the sound of Sevilla on the last day of any major event. Is there a guy who has choked away more leads currently on the
circuit?

JASON: Beloki had a great thud in the Vuelta two years ago.

STEPHEN: Sevilla choked away the Vuelta to his own teammate on the last day. His own teammate. The last day.