2008 Tour de France : Stage 4 Cholet 29 km Individual time trial Tuesday, July 8

limerickman

Stage 4 : Individual Time Trial.

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.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets" - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

thunder

only question is, how many seconds can Cancellara put into second place.

I reckon he can win by a minute. Which is huge. Remember most time splits occur disproportionately from 40-50kms in the long tts.

Eldrack

I want to say Millar even though he probably doesn't stand a chance now he's not using dope. Cancellara does seem a more likely winner though.

RAGT

According to the weather forecast I've seen, there might be some rain and wind, and so probably quite changing conditions.

So the start order might be decicive. The best ITT-ers will probably be scattered all over the GC by the 4.th stage, due to no prologue, time splits on the 1st stage and maybe also some tactical "slow" riding on stage 3 by some non-GC ITTer who will gamble on an early start.

I think there will be more surprises in the top 10 than usual, and maybe someone can beat Cancellara - which on paper is impossible on a 29 km flat ITT on the 4th stage.

thunder

unless it was an in form Wiggins or Mcgee, I could not see anyone beating him unless the conditions are +60 seconds influence from Cancellara's start.

respect to Zabriskie '05. I really don't think anyone bar Mcgee and Wiggins can get near him, and then only with 60 seconds up their sleeve. Under 20kms, perhaps Hushovd.

Crankyfeet

I'm more interested in what you experts think the placing and time gaps will be for the GC contenders on this chrono.

And apologies RAGT for forgetting you in my list of GT forum regulars.

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thunder

Evans
Menchov +20 seconds
Popo +30 seconds
Valverde +80 seconds
Sastre +85 seconds
F Schleck +100 seconds
A Schleck +130 seconds

Crankyfeet

Thanks thunder. Hazard a guess on Cunego?

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thunder

if you can tell me, is his tattoo temporary or ink?

thunder

I think Cunego +75

Crankyfeet

It has to be permanent. No washable crap. It allows him a convenient spot to stick the needles into without leaving marks...

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adamastor

temporary

adamastor

Sorry guys, but Andy Schleck will beat at least his brother. I saw him last Sunday ride alone for 50kms during the Luxembourg Champs. Thanks to him, Kirchen and Joachim had to organise a huge chase (together with Poos and Centrone), while Frank was resting in the back. Andy will be in HUGE shape.

Crankyfeet

Notwithstanding my limited experience, I prefer Frank's preparation strategy in that anecdote. What's he doing thrashing himself the weekend before a GT?

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