Le Tour 2011 - how would Lance have fared??

[willyjc]

When he launched comeback "2.0" it was intended for 3 years....he lasted less than 2.

Considering he reached the podium in 2009, had a good deal of bad luck in 2010 (but when Contador was v strong), would he have been competitive as leader of Radio shack in this years race??

[Kermit power]

I think more to the point, how much is Bradley Wiggins sitting at home thinking what might have been?

I was wondering yesterday whether we're seeing all the supposed favourites being so strong this year that there's nothing between them, or so weak that the result is the same?

OK, Andy Schleck was outstanding yesterday, but even then he only just brought himself back into contention.
The comparison point has to be Voeckler, doesn't it? Has he really suddenly become this much stronger than he has ever been, or is he a journeyman who happens to have peaked at the right time when Contador, Evans, Sanchez and the Schlecks have got it just a bit wrong?

Unless he's a superb actor, I don't think even Voeckler knows the answer to that!

I will now be staying away from this thread until after I've got home and watched today's stage, just in case anyone who saw it live chucks in spoilers!

[mcelliott]

willyjc said:

When he launched comeback "2.0" it was intended for 3 years....he lasted less than 2.

Considering he reached the podium in 2009, had a good deal of bad luck in 2010 (but when Contador was v strong), would he have been competitive as leader of Radio shack in this years race??

Would have struggled to have made the top 60. Nothing like the power he had 10 years ago, as for last year, ok he had some back luck but he just didn't have the form. In fact I would go as far to say he was a total emarrasment; I don't know why he even bothered turning up (yes I know some people will say it's for the Livestrong bks). I for one am glad that he's out of the sport.

[HundredthIdiot]

It's impossible to tell except by extrapolating his performances over time. That direction is down.

The biological passport system seems to be working.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

HundredthIdiot said:

It's impossible to tell except by extrapolating his performances over time. That direction is down.

The biological passport system seems to be working.

Seems to be. The times up the Alpe were c5 mins slower than Pantani's EPO rocket fuel ascent. And that on a short stage too.