2008 Tour De France : Stage 1 Brest - Plumelec 195 km Saturday, July

Grater

Stegmens

Is Rebellin riding? - I havn't seen the full start list.

Voeckler is targetting stage 1

But I think Stage 1 will go to the man who has wore Yellow the last few years after day 1 Fabian Cancellara.

He will do a chrono in the last few km's to take it out.

Eldron

Man I'm going to miss the prologue - it's been tradition at my house for years for all my mates to come over - we go for a ride in the morning then settle down to a braai (a BBQ for the uninitiated) and watch the riders, TT and TT equipment. We also make ludicrous bets on the tour GCs based on split second shots of the riders (to gauge their form of course), 5km performance (because we all know that any rider who can prologue can climb like a mountain goat) and new equipment (duh - of course Lightweight wheels will allow Thos Hushovd to climb like with Evans).

Call me a spoil sport but I think the first stage will be - suicide breakaway, sprinters teams set pace, peleton catches suicide break away with 15km to go - mass(ish) sprint. The final uphill will provide a few minutes of excitement.

Give me a beer swilling prologue with wild predictions over a sprint any day!

classic1

Zabel won on what I understand is the exact same finish 11 years ago, beating a young Frank Vandenbrouke. It was so long ago I friggin swear VDB had downtube shifters on his bike..

I'm tipping Zabel again, from Pozzato and Hushovd.

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Crankyfeet

Pozzato for me.

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thunder

Crankiesfeet pulling out some tips

Crankyfeet

I am growing more confident in your tutelage... wise Master.

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thoughtforfood

I have to agree with that.

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scirocco

Time bonuses. None for intermediate sprints, but still exist at the finishing line (so there can be a winner). Is that correct?

MintID

no. no time bonus across the finish line.

Eldron

Given that most of the favourites have been used - I'm going for an outsider - one of the Schlek bro's.

Runitout

Hunter. Does well in carnage, and carnage it will be.

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thunder

cant climb run.

Cooke will be given the role in stage one for Barloworld.

Hunter might try and hold his wheel for points to stay in green contention, as with Hushovd and Steegmans and Freire potentially snagging points, he could be out if he does not score.

But no, sorry to shoot your pick down, can't see him holding his position to sprint for the win. He may well be there, but not in position to win.

Runitout

No, he can't climb, it's true. I just did my homework and looked at the last Km, and he doesn't stand a chance. Whoever said Pozzato is probably not far off.

__________________
And saying so to some
Means nothing; others it leaves
Nothing to be said.

classic1

Normally causes it IMHO

__________________
“I am the punishment of God...If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.”
Genghis Khan