This is a new Tyler Hamilton. He's has been improving consistently...progressively...and remarkebly since going under Bjarne Riis! Bjarne has taught him a new level and this could perhaps be a very dangerous american at the Tour. Tyler has never been stronger. I think he is about 10% better than at Giro last year when he finished 2nd...and let me tell ya, when you are at this level of the sport...10% is a helluvalot! I see Tyler on the podium. I see a strong performance coming from the Pirate riding for Vini Caldirola...who rode into fine form after suffering like a champion at the Giro. I see Jan Ullrich coming into great form during the Tour's 2nd week, albeit too late to challenge for the overall. Maybe a 5th place for Ullrich. Here's my list for a possible top 10....(in no particular order)

Simone
Hamilton*
Basso*
Armstrong*
Ullrich
Pantani
Leipheimer
Botero*
Casero
Gonzalez*
Mercado
Beloki*
Heras

*asterisk marks a potential winner!!!!!!!