2004 La Vuelta a Espana

gntlmn

I just thought I'd get some discussion going on the Vuelta this year since for one it's not going to be on OLN and another it's not nearly as publicized as the TdF.

Who is going to replace Roberto Heras as designated Vuelta leader this year for USPS? Will it be Azevedo? Landis? Who is favored to win the Vuelta? Who are the big names riding in it this year? Is Basso riding in it? Ullrich? Kloden? Are there any young riders wishing to make their mark in the Vuelta as a stepping stone to the Tour de France next year?

Let's hear some chatter about the Vuelta.

musette

Azevedo isn't representing Portgual in the Olympics, I think.

I'd guess the USPS team for the Vuelta would be as follows:

Jose Azevedo (co-leader)
Floyd Landis (co-leader)
Chechu Rubiera (permitted to sometimes ride for himself)
Manuel Beltran
Benoit Joachim
Max Van Heeswijk (sprints)
Victor Hugo Pena
Michael Barry
One of Benjamin Noval or Daniel Rincon (it's Noval's spot if he wants it; I think Bruyneel has a soft spot for Noval because of the latter's effort and really caring about helping the team. See how Noval is signed on for two years by Discovery and how he's next to Bruyneel in the USPS all-cyclists photos in front of the Arc de Triomphe)

Cycling4all's views is:

http://www.cycling4all.com/

Provisional Startlist

Floyd Landis (Usa)
Manuel Beltran Martinez (Spa)
Víctor Hugo Peña Grisales (Col)
Daniel Rincón Quintana (Col)
Max van Heeswijk (Ned)

- C4all candidates also
Benoît Joachim (Lux)
Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Spa)
José L.Rubiera Vigil (Spa)

Miguel_garcia83

Cunego

Vinokourov
Savoldelli
Evans

Garzelli

Frigo

Casagrande

Rasmussen
Leipheimer

Jaksche

+ spaniards

DiabloScott

Haven't seen any official start lists, but here are my predictions

* Hot *
Valverde
Menchov
Mancebo


* Disappointing *
Beloki
Danielson
Azevedo
Heras

__________________


http://diabloscott.blogspot.com

musette

According to Daily Peloton, "Chechu confirmed that ... Triki Beltrán will be team leader in the Vuelta Espana, a race that he will not participate in."

If Beltran is team leader, than Azevedo is not participating either.

Miguel_garcia83

US Postal team for la vuelta a españa

Landis
Beltrán
Peña
Rincón
Van Heeswijk
Joachim
Barry

the 2 other riders could be Noval, Cruz, Mikhailov, Ventura or Zabriskie

musette

I wonder why Azevedo is not racing the Vuelta. It would have been clear he would have at least been USPS co-leader, had he wanted to race. He might have actually been USPS leader, like Heras last year. Is he happy with his TdF performance and just resting because he doesn't have strong personal aspirations to win a grand tour?

gntlmn

Maybe the Tour de France is his focus now. He sure did good this year, albeit as domestique.

gntlmn

Heras is not in it? Wow! That's a surprise.

gntlmn

What team/rider do you think will win the Vuelta this year?

mocka58

Like most Aussies I've always put big wraps on Cadel Evans. I'll be looking forward to seeing if he is as good as we from Downunder all think he is.

Miguel_garcia83

Valverde is very strong now preparing for the olympics, dont know if he could this fitness in la vuelta
Beloki is not in a good condition yet
Heras? I hope he wont win
Menchov & Mancebo, probably the most dangerous tandem. mancebo will recover in time for la vuelta
Mayo & Zubeldia? I wouldnt bet for them, if Mayo was good it would be a very interesting vuelta because the sierra nevada time trial is perfect for him
Aitor González
I dont think a non spanish rider will win, because they only come here in september to get some tan, meet some chicks, well thats only for cipollini and guidi

philoakley

Valverde is the big favourite for me. I think that it is possible that he will put in a Jalabert type performance winning 6 or 7 stages plus the overall. His Bugos performance was very good to say the least.

musette

Azevedo must know LA is going to race the TdF 05. It's in LA's nature.