Tour de france 2012 predictions

[djconnel]

Posted long ago in the pro discussion, I stick with my picks 1, 2, and 4 since my #3 (DeGendt) isn't in:

1. Wiggins (lock)
2. Evan (the clear best of the rest)
3. Hesjedal

Then it gets fuzzier...
4. Robert Gesink
5. Van den Broeck
6. Frank Schleck
7. Froome

Then even fuzzier:
7. Voeckler
8. Rodgers
9. Horner
10. Danielson

[stella-azzurra]

And as a black horse I would go with Vande Velde.

Well that kinda blows for Vande Velde when it was announced today that he will be working for Hesjedal. I know Hesjedal is the front runner but I would have given Vande Velde a shot.

[NAKaveli]

Garmin's selection looks quite strong to support Ryder.

Tom Danielson
Tyler Farrar
Ryder Hesjedal
Robbie Hunter
Dan Martin
David Millar
Christian Vande Velde
Johan Vansummeren
David Zabriskie

CVV, Danielson and Martin should be great help pacing Ryder in the mountains.

Curious what happened to Heinrich Haussler?

[wojchiech]

I predict there will be lots of French riders in breaks in an attempt to get their sponsors some screen exposure, and Phill Liggett will comment about it.

[beardking]

wiggins will win

[stella-azzurra]

Curious what happened to Heinrich Haussler?

That is a very good question.
I think he said something about wanting to be chosen for the worlds or Olympics.
He was trying hard in California.

[elSid]

Christian Vande Velde will win.

[NAKaveli]

Curious what happened to Heinrich Haussler?

That is a very good question.
I think he said something about wanting to be chosen for the worlds or Olympics.
He was trying hard in California.

I noticed his hard efforts in ToC as well, unfortunately Sagan got the best of everyone.

[HillRPete]

Really surprised that Garmin is sending Hesjedal as their captain, top (podium) performances in both Giro+Tour seem not to be very common. Anyway I guess they can always change tactics if Danielson or someone else starts to shine ...

[HarryS]

Its hard to predict, but my favourite riders to watch are Phillipe Gilbert, Thor Hushovd, Samuel Sanchez and Thomas Voekler so I hope they all do well!

[airwise]

Sagan for Green

Evans for Yellow

Nibali for KOM

No one in the top twenty will be riding with the massive advantages of a dedicated aero bike

[daj]

Two Frenchies to watch:
Pierre Rolland (finished 10th last year, seems to be at least as strong this year)
Jeremy Roy (will grab the yellow jersey after being in an escape, then surprisingly will keep it for a long time)

[artray]

One thing for sure , Voeckler will attack every climb he can and may catch out a few big names . Cadel for me is the man to beat. Wiggins will lose time on the climbs and there are quite a lot of them if you include all the stages, not just the obvious big mountain ones. Riders are going to be more inclined to attack early because of the TT, so unless you can respond to most of the attacks you will lose time . This could be the most exciting tour .

[stella-azzurra]

That is what Wiggins is counting on responding to attacks and following wheels. Cadel needs to attack, Mercks, Armstrong or Contador style.

[dereksmalls]

Wiggins
Evans
Tony Martin

Outsiders Voeckler, Horner, Leipheimer