Let's face it BG, Froome is going to decline significantly the moment he leaves Sky much like Heras & co when they left Postal.
Its a big call to say Tejay is better than Evans based on this one race. It's pretty clear that Evans rolled the dice in the mountains in a last ditch effort to make something happen. It didn't come off and as a result he lost a lot of time. If he'd raced conservatively to just preserve his position, and perhaps not picked up the stomach bug, he would have probably finished top 3 or 4 and comfortably ahead of Tejay. Could Tejay have done better with the team riding for him? Perhaps, perhaps not. It's hard to compare the Tours of two riders with two different roles. To an extent the same can be said for Froome and Wiggins. Wiggins TTed better than Froome twice. It's what won him the race.
Conversely, Froome was better than Wiggins in the mountains. So there is no way of knowing what would have been the deciding factor. As for Evans, the added factor is his age. Only one rider has ever won the Tour beyond the age of 34 (Belgian Firmin Lambot did it in 1922 at the age of 36). He'll be 36 next year. It's more likely that Tejay will improve by next year than for Cadel to rediscover his 2011 form.
Come on let's be realistic Evans had issues in the mountain stages and it happened well before it was made known he had a stomach bug. He just did not have it in him to win this year.. I also agree with Belgium Guy Evans is on the down slope of his career.
I don't think anyone disagrees that Evans is not the racer he used to be. The question is if an inexperienced 24 year old like Tejay is better than him yet. I'm biased, but I'd say no. I'd also go so far as to say that if Evans isn't leading the team next year, I think that BMC would bring someone else in as their GC contender. I don't think TVG has the pedigree or experience yet to lead a super-team. This is, after all, only his second TdF. Personally I'd expect to see Tejay leading BMC in several stage races next year, but not the Tour.
Tour de France 2011 winner, Australia’s Cadel Evans (R) rides with Great Britain’s Christopher Froome in the 120 km and last stage of the 2012 Tour de France cycling race starting in Rambouillet and finishing in the famous Paris-Champs-Elysees Avenue, on July 22, 2012.
Sky Procycling rider and leader’s yellow jersey Bradley Wiggins of Britain (R) looks at sheep wearing leader’s jerseys as he prepares to start before the final 20th stage of the 99th Tour de France cycling race between Rambouillet and Paris, July 22, 2012. (via Photo from Reuters Pictures)
Sky Procycling rider and leader’s yellow jersey Bradley Wiggins of Britain prepares to start before the final 20th stage of the 99th Tour de France cycling race between Rambouillet and Paris, July 22, 2012. (via Photo from Reuters Pictures)
I've never been to Europe, and to be honest, touristy city (like Paris) is touristy, at least from afar. But nonetheless, Paris looks really lovely and decadent in its scenery. The C-E is quite amazing to see on TV.
Lelangue has already confirmed that Evans will be their team captain next year. Probably good for Evans' morale, but it's also a big commitment to a veteran who came up short this year and will likely be facing a more talented field (with the likely return of both Contador and Andy Schleck) next year.
Meh (and not at Evans, just at announcing a team leader a year in advance...that's bull)..They also need to find some more decent climbers as well. I am not a big fan of TT...so naturally, I was predisposed to despise this year's tour anyway. No way Andy would have won, but I think Contador would have had a great shot.
True. If I were still in elementary school, I'd write them and ask them to be the subject of my Show and Tell.
