Yellow Jersey/General Classification (with selected commentary):
1. Alexandre Vinokourov: I’m really looking forward to seeing him race this year. With the team he has, his exciting, unpredictable style of riding and his apparent form it could be an interesting three weeks.
2. Alejandro Valverde: A very strong rider. Still Vino was able to beat him on his home soil last year, I don’t see him beating Vino on a neutral track. As a note I could just as easily see him end up dropping out of the race entirely.
3. Levi Leipheimer: When he’s raced seriously this year, he’s looked phenomenal and the team he’s got with him is very, very strong. Probably second only to Astana.
4. Carlos Sastre
5. Andreas Kloden: But only if he actually does the super domestique thing and works for Vino. If he pulls a T-Mobile style mutiny and rides for himself he could finish anywhere.
6. Christophe Moreau: My sleeper pick? He looks very strong right now.
7. Denis Menchov
8. Cadel Evans
9. Michael Rogers
10. Andrey Kashekin
Looking at it, I realize this is actually a strong field. Sure, there’s no Basso looming over everyone as the prohibitive favorite, but all of the above guys could do something special.
White Jersey/Best Young Rider:
Alberto Contador: One of my favorite moments from the roads this year is his attack to win Paris-Nice. I’m sensing the possibility of a stage win…
Green Sprinters Jersey:
Robbie McEwen: With Petacchi out because of a heavy trigger finger on his inhaler, I don’t think anyone’s going to stand in McEwen’s way. Which is fine by me as McEwen is one of my favorite riders in the Peloton.
Polka Dot Jersey/King of the Mountains:
Michael Rasmussen: He’s starting to ride well again, and this is his competition. The dude can climb.
First Maillot Jaune:
Bradley Wiggins. As much as I’d like to see George Hincapie win the prologue, and get his second yellow jersey, I think Wiggins simply has to win. It’s the whole reason he’s in the Tour.
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