Vuelta a España 2007

I am pulling for Evans. I think with his consistency and time trialing he can pull it off.

IF Evans wins the Vuelta then we know he's doped to the gils... I'm gonna throw a flier out there and say Cunego. His primary race isn't the Giro but I think he could do it.

Otherwise I think Sastre will be a contender as will Marchante...

Menchov or Cunego,

evans to abandon...

I reckon Menchov will have more of a sour face on him that usual. I'll go with him for emotional reasons.

I think Menchov could be the man.

I read that Cunego had targetted the Vuelta as an objective this season.
But Damiano tends to be inconsistent these days.

Both riders have powerful squads : but my head says Menchov.

limerickman said:

I think Menchov could be the man.

I read that Cunego had targetted the Vuelta as an objective this season.
But Damiano tends to be inconsistent these days.

Both riders have powerful squads : but my head says Menchov.

My head says Menchov, but I hope Evans will win....

After his great TDF, Evans simply has to be red hot favorite for Vuelta. It much depends on how he used these five weeks to recover and prepare for another three weeks of hard racing. This Vuelta demands top form during all three weeks, so maybe it will be to much for TDF riders.
Menchov has to be considered as second favorite. He'll want to save his GT season after unexpected change of role in Tour, also he's ex winner, but he'll surely like to win it on the road.
Sastre should do great race in his home tour, but that first, specialists', TT will force him to attack in mountains... After TDF, maybe it'll be too much for him.
Pereiro will try to use this opportunity to impose himself as a Caisse leader for next season in this Valverde situation. But again, he's not extraordinary climber nor TTist and his freshness is doubtful too.
Cunego can climb, but not much better than Evans (if at all), Sastre and Menchov, and they all are significantly better against clock than him.
Marchante, same as Cunego.
Samuel Sanchez can follow in the mountains and can limit losses in TTs, but that's not enough for overall victory... He has to attack at some point and I'm not sure if he's able.
Devolder is having a great season... Huge improvement in his climbing and always good in TTs. He missed the Tour 'cause of Vuelta and there's maybe his chance, he's fresher and could take advantage when someone from above has a bad day.
And at the end, it's home tour for Spaniards, so expect some surprises from Spanish climbers.

Evans, Menchov, and Sastre are spent.

Cunego, Pereiro, and Danielson just don't have it.

This Vuelta is a climber's tour - and Sanchez will destroy all.

Sanchez is an interesting selection.
Worth watching out for, certainly.

limerickman said:

I read that Cunego had targetted the Vuelta as an objective this season.
But Damiano tends to be inconsistent these days.

Cunego:- "In the vuelta, I think that I can aim for one or two stages but I will not fight for the general classification as it is not my goal."

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I'm thinking Samuel Sanchez or Menchov

Being an Aussie I would love to see Cadel win, but I'm wondering how well he'll hold out over the 3 weeks given his efforts in the TDF. He might just feel the pinch when he needs it most.

Trev_S said:

I'm thinking Samuel Sanchez or Menchov

Being an Aussie I would love to see Cadel win, but I'm wondering how well he'll hold out over the 3 weeks given his efforts in the TDF. He might just feel the pinch when he needs it most.

Even with the distaste I have for his riding methods, I think Evans is the favorite to win.