Date Posted:18:50:49 08/11/03 Mon Author:Vaughn Author Host/IP: 68.165.238.163 Subject: Book reviews In reply to:
Mark
's message, "Beloki...the new Ocăna?" on 16:28:23 07/14/03 Mon
Sorry I missed these great posts of yours Mark.
I agree on every counts.
The loss of Beloki was tragic from more than a few viewpoints, of course for him as he was hurt. I was looking forward to his testing both Ullrich and Lance in the mountains, which might have changed the race completely.
I also think it is odd that the mtn jersey is not apparently contested by the obvious best climbers in the last few tours.
Years ago the names Bahamontes, Van Impe, Charly Gaul were natural owners of the polka dot jersey and proved it by there presence at the top of each col.
In many ways Armstrong reminds me of Anquetil... whereas Jacques controlled his losses in the mountains and won the G.C. on the strength of his TT's, Armstrong tactically finds a minute or two near the top of the mountains in a superior effort in closing the stage, and then hammers the TT's to bury his opposition.
On the other hand above mentioned Climbers were known to escape early and dominate in the mountains to steal as much as 15 minutes in a stage.. an act of necessary bravery if they wanted to win the tour.
I think the talent is there to challenge among the top climbers and am surprised they have not done so... but then they may have played into Armstrongs strategy and are seeking to lose less instead of going early to gain more.
Cheers,
Vaughn
