Ewoud Dronkert said:Laz said:Just caught it on bbc sports- T mobile has dropped Zabel from their Tour
line-up.Yes excuse: Ullrich desperately needs help in the mountains.
I doubt, Ullrich will get support in the mountains that is comparable to
the Armstrong will get. With or without Zabel in the team. Who is there
in the T-Mobile Team? Of course Vino, and Guerini. Not heard much of
Sevilla this year, Klöden's form probably will be worse than last year,
Botero and Savoldelli, who are in good shape now, are gone. I don't see
how T-Mobile can match discovery in any way.
I read, that today Ullrich was alone in the TdS. Could not see the
stage, perhaps not so important on the final climb. In the stage to St.
Anton, one could see Guerini in the front a lot. But I was not really
impressed - there were still many riders there, when Guerini had to take
it a bit easier.
As a side note: I actually cannot remember, when a well known foreign
rider, that came to Telekom, showed good performance there. First case I
have in mind was Pulnikov (sp?) many years ago. He showed huge talent as
a young before, but basically showed nothing for Telekom. Don't
remember, what he has done after Telekom. The newer cases (Evans,
Botero, Savoldelli) are well known.
However, I think it is a very reasonable decision, to not take Zabel to
the TdF this year. Seems, he got sweetened this by an option of long
term occupation from T-Mobile (after his racing career).
Regards,
Dieter