This just in......

http://sports.yahoo.com/sc/news?slug=re ... &type=lgns

So with Beloki and Vino out that only leaves a few to challenge Lance. Vino had to be a big loss to Urlich. I would imagine Vino was going to be used to push the hills and try to wear down Armstrong.

man, even if Beloki had ridden, he wasn't going to be a threat this year. After his accident and the time off, he is so far from peak condition that top FIVE would've been damn impressive...

Sure sounds more and more like Ulli, Hamilton and Mayo being the opposing team.

Beloki wasn't really a contender this year anyway. Armstrong could care less if he was in the tour.

Vino on the other hand, that makes life easier for Armstrong, but Ullrich is still gonna kick his ass.

My prediction, Armstrong will get second or third, and Mayo will be the other man on the podium.

Here come the flames!

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MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT! HUH!

I agree, Beloki wasn't a threat for a podium spot, but he was one of those guys that would have been attacking Armstrong on the hills trying to wear him down. It's now just one less thing to worry about for Armstrong.

If he didn't crash last year I'd agree. He would be lucky just to finish this years tour.

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MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT! HUH!

I think Armstrong beats Ullrich, and Hamilton beats Mayo....
Armstrong is not the LA Lakers: he'll be ready.

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"Gimondi è un eroe umano, che viene sconfitto ma che continua la sua corsa fino a tornare a vincere." - Enrico Ruggeri