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12 July 2005

13 July News ...

The Italian Stallion, Ivan Basso, Calls Shots

Yesterday was a day of rest for the riders of the 92nd Tour de France. Many riders were off on training rides and answering calls to the press. Ivan Basso (Team CSC) is the Italian tifosi's favorite. Basso gave his thoughts on the first week, "It was a very strange start to the Tour, with the variable weather conditions, the wind almost always from behind and climbs without major significance."

Basso and the other major tour contenders know that the start of the "real" Tour is today, stage 10. "The real test of valor will be tomorrow [stage 10] to Courchevel. It is the first severe test of the Tour, but we have six stages in the mountains in seven days and we will always need to be strong." Stage 10 starts a week long trek through the French mountains.

Only two months ago Ivan Basso was competing to win the Giro d'Italia. Basso explained his form, The sensations are very good, but I have come to the Tour after the Giro and I understand that I have paid a price." Then the Italian went on to call out his attacks, "If I want to battle Armstrong, I have to attack him. Courchevel will be the right occasion, but there has to be the right conditions to make it. I am not a climber like Pantani or Vinokourov, that can continuously attack. I have to attack only one time, strong, to make the difference."

There are growing rumors that Armstrong might have been bluffing over the last weekend. (Read The Dust Devil's Daily Wrap) Ivan Basso put fuel on that fire, "I can't believe that in this week they did not ride strong. They have won the Tour for six years, they are not inexperienced. The other day they underestimated the dangers and they found themselves unprepared, but Lance has calculated to arrive at the second week in maximum form."

Johann Bruyneel Speaks Out

Just about every Discovery Channel team member has spoken about what happened on stage 8. It was the day of the Disco downfall when Armstrong was left isolated. Now it was the turn of team DS, Johann Bruyneel, to speak. "We have searched in vain to find an explanation to our bad day. But I have the advantage of having riders that are experienced, that know how to handle this situation."

The Disco DS believes that the real battles are ahead. The riders face a week of mountains where a clear leader should appear. "The Alpe stages and Pyrenees is where we expect to prove all. The Tour will be decided at Pla-d'Adet (Saint-Lary Soulan) [stage 15] or in the last TT at Saint-Etienne [stage 20]."

Heras and Courchevel Meet Again

Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros - Würth) is back to fight the mighty Courchevel. Back in 2000 it was Marco Pantani tacking the stage victory, but Heras was right behind in third. Heras explains the meaning of stage 10, "... there will be no excuses. We are confident because our team has proved that it is in good shape. Until tomorrow [stage 10] I will not know if the podium is a possibility, but I am looking upwards awaiting the outcome after the Alps."

The Spaniard went on to talk about Vinokourov's attacking style. Heras is impressed with the T-Mobile rider's abilities, "He has demonstrated that it doesn't matter if he attacks at kilometer 2 or 100 to go. He has no problems. His presence is good for all of us and cycling in general."

Ullrich Gives His Thoughts

The mountains are looming in the distance for the riders of the 92nd Tour de France. Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) has shown to be a solid rider in the first week, despite a small crash. Ulle added, "These are the first big climbs in the Tour. Tactics will take a back seat, it will come down to legs. But I have trained hard for this, so I am optimistic about the coming stages."

Courchevel should shake out the pretenders from the true champions. Ullrich agreed, "Tomorrow [stage 10], the Tour really starts for the GC riders. The groups are going to be smaller and our legs are going to feel the pain, but that's why we are here and that's what we train for. Courchevel is a long and tough climb, and the climbs before it don't make it any easier, but I am looking forward to it."

Stage 8 was an exciting stage for tifosi world wide. The stage provided a vulnerable Armstrong and an open race. Ulle was happy with his team that day, "Vino's attacks were hard-core. And when Klödi attacked, Lance made a tactical decision not to follow. I understand that. Lance can't react to every attack. He has to keep his focus. ... I didn't attack, because Lance was still looking very strong, despite being isolated, and I knew that he would follow me."

92nd Tour de France:
Startlist, Classifications, Tour Challengers, Discovery Channel Profile
Key Stages, Key Stage Descriptions, Stages and Maps, Overall Map
Photos, Dust Devil's Daily Wrap

11 July News ...