*** OFFICIAL Lance in France with Tight Pants thread ***

[namknils]

So we're getting close to Paris, no more mountains left, when does this become "in the bag" for Lance? Can Ivan Basso do any more real damage before it's all over? Anyone else to worry about? What about Jan Ullrich, he's almost 6 full minutes behind, is he done for?

[razor]

It's basically over now... it would take something weird and unusual for Lance to lose. No one is capable of taking much, if any, time out of Lance in the time trial and the other stages are too flat to attack Lance.

Looks like T-Mobile's a complete bust. Kloden abandoned and according to ESPN.com Vinokurov is leaving the team at the end of the year. Says he wants to captain his own team.

Who will Discovery have as a team leader next year? Most of their guys are domestiques for Lance and are sufficiently weak in some area as to not be ideal overall contenders. Landis might start kicking himself for leaving.

[Patrick del Poker Grande]

They keep talking up Yaroslav Popovych as the next Discovery team leader. He's a young guy, too. He's got the white jersey right now for best young rider by 6:28 and is in 12th overall, 14:27 behind Lance.

[MEbenhoe]

there was actually talk of Vinokurov being the leader of discovery next year.

[Drac]

[ QUOTE ]
there was actually talk of Vinokurov being the leader of discovery next year.

[/ QUOTE ]

While I don't think he's the best guy for the job I'd be very happy to see Vinny in Discovery colors next year. He's a darn fun guy to watch ride. I also really like Valverde...strong, young guy but probably under contract to Baleares for next year. They'd be stupid to let him go although Mancebo is their #1 and he's in 5th so maybe they won't be able to hang onto him. It doesn't look like any of the other Americans are primed to be a number one on a top team. Competitive, yes, but not top of the heap.

[klagett]

I have a question. I know very little about bike racing first off.

I'm curious if Lance Armstrong doesn't win a stage would the other riders allow him to win the final race in paris if he still has a decent lead on the competition?

[Arnfinn Madsen]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a question. I know very little about bike racing first off.

I'm curious if Lance Armstrong doesn't win a stage would the other riders allow him to win the final race in paris if he still has a decent lead on the competition?

[/ QUOTE ]

No way, to win in Paris is very prestigeous. For French riders it is their big dream, so expect a hard fight.

[klagett]

ahh, Thanks I was just wondering as this is the first time i've really watched it daily.

[jakethebake]

[ QUOTE ]
No way, to win in Paris is very prestigeous. For French riders it is their big dream, so expect a hard fight.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hard fight? Against the French?