To me, the name of this great race conjures up images of Joan of Arc helping the king of France to claim his crown. The riders, of course, are knights charging through the french countryside. They visit the "hills" because they have no sense of direction.
Anyways, cycling4all has a timely startlist with some interesting names.
www.cycling4all.com/r03rdali.htm
There has been some talk about Hamilton challenging Armstrong this year in the TdF. Frankly, I don't see it. Furthermore, I don't believe Hamilton is strong enough to challenge for the podium.
Hamilton's excellent results haven't come from being a stronger cyclist, but from being a different type of cyclist. He'll do better in the flat stages, but as usual, will lose too much time in the high mountains.
Besides, he lacks freshness due to all the racing he's done.
Leipheimer is a better bet for a top 5 finish due to his superior climbing ability, but like Hamilton, he won't reach the podium.
Of course, my main attention in the Dauphine will be focused on Armstrong, who seems to be slipping this year ... not nearly as much as my Lakers, but enough to cause some suspense.
Other items of interest include the health of Hincapie and Landis and the rematch between Vandevelde and Vasseur.
(Matthew WILSON rides for FDJ.)
The official site: criterium.ledauphine.com/.../index.php
Anyways, cycling4all has a timely startlist with some interesting names.
www.cycling4all.com/r03rdali.htm
There has been some talk about Hamilton challenging Armstrong this year in the TdF. Frankly, I don't see it. Furthermore, I don't believe Hamilton is strong enough to challenge for the podium.
Hamilton's excellent results haven't come from being a stronger cyclist, but from being a different type of cyclist. He'll do better in the flat stages, but as usual, will lose too much time in the high mountains.
Besides, he lacks freshness due to all the racing he's done.
Leipheimer is a better bet for a top 5 finish due to his superior climbing ability, but like Hamilton, he won't reach the podium.
Of course, my main attention in the Dauphine will be focused on Armstrong, who seems to be slipping this year ... not nearly as much as my Lakers, but enough to cause some suspense.
Other items of interest include the health of Hincapie and Landis and the rematch between Vandevelde and Vasseur.
(Matthew WILSON rides for FDJ.)
The official site: criterium.ledauphine.com/.../index.php
