Julich On Fire!

EL34

It's not even April and Bobby Julich has two stage race wins, Paris-Nice and Criterium International. If this kind of form continues and with his powerful CSC team behind him, maybe we'll see Julich on the podium in Paris this July.

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Virenque

Just hope that form didn`t come too early!

tcklyde

Hey, I *like* Julich a lot. Great guy. But let's take his season for what it is: two awesome wins!

But there is virtually no good reason to think Julich will podium in the Tour. Julich's in great form, but, as I pointed out in the other form, outside of once seven years ago he has never shown the form to win the Tour. Winning CI and P-N are great achievements, but the Tour is a different story. Basso and Sastre are the uncontested Tour leaders for CSC.

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Harry

mike7382

Why not believe he can podium in the tour. He did it once in 1998. So he knows what it is like. I think he can do it. At least there is another american who is trying to make a name for himself. Who knows one victory in the tour and people might know some else besides Lance.

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tcklyde

Like I said, I like Julich. I'm just being realistic. Take Julich's wins for what they are.

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Harry

davidbod

I think we may have a TDF leadership issue at CSC. Julich can TT better than Basso and at least right now he is climbing better than Basso also. I don't know what Julich's schedule is from here to the TDF, but if he eases back and then sets himself up for another peak for the tour, he could be the man for CSC.

davidbod

Well I just did some digging on the web. Julich will ride the tour of the Basque country then the Tour of Georgia (excellent), then he is off for 5 weeks returning for the dauphine, TTT and then the TDF. I am assuming the 5 weeks off is strictly for TDF preperation. Basso is riding to win the Giro and I have to now assume he won't also be riding to win the TDF, particularly since Julich will be fresher. I wonder what is in the cards for Voigt and Sastre

tcklyde

CSC has already announced that Basso will be riding to win the Tour. Sastre told Procycling that he and Basso are Tour co-leaders.

Look, I'm not trying to be negative here. Julich's two wins are great things. But I seriously, seriously doubt that Julich, CSC, the pro peloton, or any principle press organ consider Julich a prospect to be the leader at the Tour. Julich is a strong guy, but these early season races he and CSC were gunning for. Lots of people have won early season stage races. Sean Kelly won Paris-Nice seven times but never won a Tour. These races just aren't good indicators of Tour performance. I like Julich a lot and I wish him the best, but he's only finished less than 45 some-odd minutes down once, and that was seven years ago.

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Harry

Frihed89

Last year, Julich also started off well, then from the Georgia Tour onward fell down. I am sure he has this on his mind and wants to avoid a repeat.

I am also sure that Julich will go into the TDF as a support rider for Basso and Sastre. That will tax him to the limit as I don't think CSC is as strong as they were last year in the support department. However, if he continues to impress and is strong enough, that will not prevent Riis from changing horses in the mountains. But going from a support rider to a captain in the TDF is really unusual and requires tremendous performance and conditioning. But hey, it happened last year with T-mobil, didn't it.

My hat is off the Julich!

gntlmn

Let's put it this way. I think CSC believes Julich is pulling his weight and then some for the team. That he's getting his due and fame now, early on in the season is also great for the team. Julich won't mind providing support for the Tour with that kind of success early on. I think he's happy with the way his season is going too.

bellseven

CSC is a very disciplined team. Regardless of who we feel is the best GC contender on their team, you better believe they all want to win TdF for CSC.

Having said that, we can always dream of Bobby in the Maillot Jaune. He's a very classy rider. I'm glad he didn't retire.