2011 Tour de France Preview – Luxembourg

The annals of cycling have been largely devoid of the citizens of Luxembourg. Until recently overshadowed by the neighbors in Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland, they became known in the modern era cycling first through the accomplishments of the now retired Kim Kirchen, and more recently through the achievements of two of the top riders of the current generation: Andy and Fränk Schleck of Leopard-Trek. A talented pair, the brothers Schleck have put up what little fight there has been against Alberto Contador in the last two editions of the Tour.

Nary a bad word is spoken in the cycling press...Continue Reading

2011 Tour de France Preview: Switzerland and Austria

Switzerland and Austria brings a small contingent to this year’s Tour de France, but representatives from each are quite likely to fly his nation’s flag admirably.

For starters, BMC brings two Swiss time trialists, Michael Schar and Steve Morabito. They’re part of BMC’s roleur-heavy roster whose job it will be to help Cadel Evans gain time in the Team Time Trial and keep him safe throughout the flat and rolling parts of this year’s parcours. The first week in particular will be important – a top-class stage racer needs top-class teammates to protect him from trouble, stay near the front, and...Continue Reading

2011 Tour de France Preview – Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia

Although a Czech has never won the Tour, their chances keep improving every season with the slow but steady rise of Roman Kreuziger. He already has two 9th place finishes in each of the last two editions and yet is still young enough to compete for the under 25 maillot blanc. It is even more impressive to consider that in both of those races Kreuziger rode in support of more established contenders on the stacked Liquigas squad.

Now racing for Astana his role will be to support team leader Alexander Vinokourov as an alpine super domestique. If Vino should falter...Continue Reading

2011 Tour de France Preview – Spain & Portugal

One recurring theme in contemporary Tour de France coverage is the decline of French cycling. The story that’s written less often is the rise of Spanish riders in the pro ranks, led, of course, by SaxoBank-Sungard’s Alberto Contador, winner of last year’s Tour, this year’s Giro, and most of the other races he’s entered. Contador is, like Armstrong and Indurain before him, the dominant big tour rider of his generation. Unlike his American predecessor though, Contador races (and wins) smaller races throughout the year, so that by the age of 28, he has already established a palmares to rival the...Continue Reading

2011 Tour de France Preview – Great Britain & Ireland

Great Britain has started to become a force on the road in particular two areas, Sprinting and Time Trails. This year the British riders have brought two from each discipline, and one really consistent all rounder. David Millar and Bradley Wiggins are both great under the clock, both with super aero positions and the power to punch out a good result on short to medium courses. Unfortunately for them, unlike in previous years, this year’s Tour has no Prologue for Time Trialists to try to bag an early Yellow Jersey. Out of the two riders the SKY Team is probably...Continue Reading