Vaughters’ views: Jonathan the Magnificent’s mid-Tour predictions
Okay, I made my original predictions about the Tour de France way back in the beginning of May. Some of them are coming true and some aren't. Which is about the same thing my broker is telling me right now. Anyhow… I figured that midway into the Tour would be a good time to let the world know of my revised thoughts on the 2002 Tour. First off, Lance Armstrong is still going to win the Tour de France. Yeah, yeah, I know, he lost the first time trial, and honestly I think he is getting a little slower in TT's. I think he feels that way too. I know because when I spoke to him in the
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By Jonathan Vaughters, Crédit Agricole cycling team
Okay, I made my original predictions about the Tour de France way back in the beginning of May. Some of them are coming true and some aren’t. Which is about the same thing my broker is telling me right now. Anyhow…
I figured that midway into the Tour would be a good time to let the world know of my revised thoughts on the 2002 Tour.
First off, Lance Armstrong is still going to win the Tour de France. Yeah, yeah, I know, he lost the first time trial, and honestly I think he is getting a little slower in TT’s. I think he feels that way too. I know because when I spoke to him in the Midi-Libre he was talking about how each year, he gets a little better in the mountains , but a little worse in the TT’s.
He’s a diesel now, as he’s getting a little older, and it takes just a little longer to get warmed up. However, strong as he is, this is going to be a hard-won war for the Postmaster General, and what seemed a sure thing in June is going to be tough going.
So, who’s going to be second, well, I still say Oscar Sevilla, which seems an admittedly foolish pick considering he’s already some five minutes down. But really, to me, he’s the sleeper who has yet to awake.
ONCE I think is a whole lotta’ flash right now, but won’t prove to be too difficult to keep in check for Lance. Levi will pick his way slowly to a top ten, along with a whole horde of Spanish riders. What of Botero? He’ll do great, except one really bad day, maybe on the Ventoux, and that will be that.
The green jersey? Now this is a tough pick. Mr. Zabel or Mr. McEwen? McEwen is faster, but Zabel has the experience and a stronger team. I really don’t know on this one, but since Robbie’s got a bit more (which in this case, means any) personality I’ll go with him.
The polka-dot is up for grabs, so I’ll venture to not have any idea on this one, (sorry kids) and that’s that.
Till next time, JJV
Tyler Hamilton and Jonathan Vaughters are sending in regular updatesfrom peloton throughout this year’s Tour de France.To read other diary entries go to the “Riders’Diaries” section and follow the appropriate links.