Slipstream

EmPat

Julian Dean for a sprint stage.

classic1

Wouldnt take Pate. He needs a full year in Europe to harden up IMO

thunder

lol, Julian Dean needs to concentrate on keeping the bike upright.

Does that for the Tour, he can start thinking about winning.

helmutRoole2

Pate can ride with those guys because, what he does, he's so good at, and everyone in the peloton has to be able to do it to a certain degree, and that is motor in the flats. He's got the engine. He likely won't win a stage, but he can tow the field around most of the day.

I'm interested to see what Little Tommy D will do.

I think it's safe to say that the Little Tommy D fan club, of which I'm the president, is picking up momentum on cyclingForums.

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"Bait in 08" --nns1400

Bro Deal

We got another one, eh?

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"You are like the wind and I like the lion. You form the tempest. The sand stings my eyes and the ground is parched. I roar in defiance but you do not hear. But between us there is a difference. I, like the lion, must remain in my place. While you like the wind will never know yours." -- Mulay Hamid El Raisuli, Lord of the Riff, Sultan to the Berbers, Last of the Barbary Pirates

earth_dweller

I think Tommy D's head will play games with him everytime he comes close to winning or being a leader. He just can't take the pressure.

And WTF he still doesn't know how to position himself in the peloton? wasn't he paying attention all those years, he's no spring chicken.

So not on the Tommy D bandwagon but would be happy to be proven wrong.

Got to agree about Pate, he's got a huge motor just like the energizer bunny he can keep on going and....

slovakguy

against the grain on this one. can't see a top ten for anyone on the squad, even if they catch a basketful of breaks

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helmutRoole2

I don't see a top-10 GC there. Danielson maybe? I'd like to see him focus on the climber's jersey. Not so much pressure competing for points.

But SS has a good chance of winning a stage, possibly the prologue, and they have the horses to protect the jersey in the flats.

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"Bait in 08" --nns1400

thoughtforfood

when you count out Astana and possibly another team who would have riders placing that high, I think we are really counting whether they could place someone top 15 if all the teams are there, and yes, I think Tommy D has the potential for that. (being the top 10 without Astana, <team to be named later>

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Casa

It will be interesting to see how they do this season as they do have some serious talent. The question I have is, is it too spread around to truly focus on a certain objective in a race?

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slovakguy

don't let me get off on the wrong foot, but i can't see a team this "new" coming together that quickly. even though i was unclear and did mean the g.c., but, even so, to vie for one of the other jerseys? just don't think they will amass the team smarts with a wham-bam-thank-you-aso euro schedule. maybe if vaughters decides to keep pushing the same line-ups in seleceted races....

__________________
"To Hell with poverty, we'll get drunk on cheap wine."
--Gang of Four, To Hell With Poverty

thoughtforfood

Very true. I was wish/hoping for a stage or jersey. Maybe a long break on the right day with some cat 2's or something propelling a rider to push for the red spots or a stage win or something. Really, just a hope that circumstances could put them in it.

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Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
-- Albert Einstein

slovakguy

very much in agreement. i'd also like to see this team do well, but, well, mainly because i'd like the victories for a little distana nose rubbing...

__________________
"To Hell with poverty, we'll get drunk on cheap wine."
--Gang of Four, To Hell With Poverty

TheDarkLord

If they do manage some stage wins, it might go to prove the concept of clean racing, which in turn may attract more funding for the team. If that happens, then they can hire better riders in future, and have a better chance for next year.