RABOBANK (Leipheimer)
STEPHEN: The sprinters. I really like Rabobank, and they are really trying to change their traditional image as a bunch of sprinters. Okay, they still have Dekker (I have Stage 10 in the annual When Does Dekker Drop Out? pool), but they now added Oscar Friere, who probably was a good team away from winning the green. OK, he crashed out, but he’s got to feel good about having a bunch of Dutch speed freaks around him.
On top of that, Rabobank seems intent on actually trying to win the GC. Leipheimer is now the best American rider not named Lance Armstrong and Michael Boogerd is a consistent top 20 guy. He makes a nice lieutenant for Leipheimer. I don’t think this team is strong enough to take the yellow, but I think they’ll be in the mix as well as for the Green. Think Telekom Light.
JASON: Dekker’s not in the starting team, but they do bring Marc Wauters and Robbie Hunter to aim for sprint wins. Then there is former world champion Oscar Friere–probably their best chance for a stage win.
STEPHEN: No Dekker? That's not right! I'll miss his annual descent down the standings as the race hits the mountains. For the record, here are his finishes in order: 101, 70, 74, 81, DNF, 107, 51, 91, 136. That's remarkable consistency.
JASON: Once they get to the mountains, it’ll be Boogerd & Leipheimer. They’ve both proven they can hang with the lead pack, but neither has ever mounted an attack. Still, Leipheimer is a resilient rider and could also contend for the top 10. Last year Rabobank was trying to decide whether to ride for Leipheimer or Boogerd. Hopefully, they know who their man is now.
STEPHEN: And it's Leipheimer. Boogerd had his time, and he blew it. He never built on that 5th in 1998. He managed to finish 10th in 2001, but this is a guy who's been in 7 Tours and has won 2 stages. He ain't winning anything.
STEPHEN: The sprinters. I really like Rabobank, and they are really trying to change their traditional image as a bunch of sprinters. Okay, they still have Dekker (I have Stage 10 in the annual When Does Dekker Drop Out? pool), but they now added Oscar Friere, who probably was a good team away from winning the green. OK, he crashed out, but he’s got to feel good about having a bunch of Dutch speed freaks around him.
On top of that, Rabobank seems intent on actually trying to win the GC. Leipheimer is now the best American rider not named Lance Armstrong and Michael Boogerd is a consistent top 20 guy. He makes a nice lieutenant for Leipheimer. I don’t think this team is strong enough to take the yellow, but I think they’ll be in the mix as well as for the Green. Think Telekom Light.
JASON: Dekker’s not in the starting team, but they do bring Marc Wauters and Robbie Hunter to aim for sprint wins. Then there is former world champion Oscar Friere–probably their best chance for a stage win.
STEPHEN: No Dekker? That's not right! I'll miss his annual descent down the standings as the race hits the mountains. For the record, here are his finishes in order: 101, 70, 74, 81, DNF, 107, 51, 91, 136. That's remarkable consistency.
JASON: Once they get to the mountains, it’ll be Boogerd & Leipheimer. They’ve both proven they can hang with the lead pack, but neither has ever mounted an attack. Still, Leipheimer is a resilient rider and could also contend for the top 10. Last year Rabobank was trying to decide whether to ride for Leipheimer or Boogerd. Hopefully, they know who their man is now.
STEPHEN: And it's Leipheimer. Boogerd had his time, and he blew it. He never built on that 5th in 1998. He managed to finish 10th in 2001, but this is a guy who's been in 7 Tours and has won 2 stages. He ain't winning anything.
posted by Poseur at 2:18 PM
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