Can Kirchen win this thing?

stilesiii

I thought this tour might get interesting if Valverde didn't take control of this thing by showing some great form early. Even though he got into yellow early, today, he didn't show the form he had in the Dauphine.

Kirchen is looking very impressive.

What can he do in the mountains and does he have a chance?

I've been really impressed with Chipotle and Columbia, didn't think American teams would have any real impact. Encouraging for American cycling.

buckybux

US teams all seem very focused on the TdF. Thus, all the other races are all preparation, and they don't perform as well. If Astana was in the TdF, I doubt they would have performed as well in the Giro.

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He who dies with the most bikes.....Wins

thunder

no,

please close the thread or delete.

stilesiii

Nothing like being direct.

Wheel sucker Evans won't do it. Valverde didn't look good today.

After 4 stages, who's the man?

thunder

unnecessary bandwidth stupid. now shutup.

nns1400

Don't mind him...he's just upset about American teams showing well...

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This stuff is just crap...Hitchy

thunder

NS you have a penchant for horse faced flicks chix

missile

You must not be getting any or you wouldn't always be in such a bad mood.

doctorSpoc

I don't think he's ready... next year he might show well. i think he'll fade in the latter big mountain stages... but you never know... before last year's tour most (myself included) thought the same thing about Contador and look what he did.


Chipotle and Columbia are going for stage wins since they don't have a snowballs chance in hell at GC... Devolder might be able to pull off a top ten for Columbia... other than that they are looking to be opportunistic and go for stage wins.. that's their chance to get some air time for their sponsors.

Crockett

No, Kirchen cannot win. He will not be able to hang consistently in the high mountains with Menchov, Evans to mention a few. Kirchen is a high quality all around rider that is above Schumacher and below a Sammy Sanchez, Ricco or Valverde as a GC threat for a GT. All are similar in that they pack great punch on hilly courses, where guys like Evans, Menchov, and Schleck don't. I'll guess around 8th to 10th if he focuses on GC, but he could blow up in the Alps on GC if he switches focus to the Green Jersey.

C'dale Girl

Friggin' hysterical. I think I just said the same thing awhile back, eh thumper?

The boys should chip in and buy him a night of pleasure with a chick (or guy) already so he stops being such a cynical crabass, buzzkill.

thoughtforfood

...I think "night" is being generous..

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

Crankyfeet

I think (with the help of some expert advice) that he's going for green... he can do it by scoring in the rolly stages if the sprinters can't keep up.

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C'dale Girl

No, no, no . . . not under the circumstances. It appears to be LONG overdue. So, an hour won't work. We want long lasting, lingering effects from the release of his happy hormones . . . if you're gonna do it, do it right so we all get the most benefit out of it. Otherwise, you're just wasting your money.