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The Tour de France is just around the corner, so now
is the time to be bold enough and tip the winners of the world's biggest
bike race.
I've also asked some of my cycling journo colleagues to give their
selections.
It seems Cadel Evans is the man to beat in 2008.
The Aussie is on the brink of creating a slice of Tour history.
But who are the challengers?
Personally, I can't see an Italian figuring in the top 5 as they tend to
concentrate on doing well at the Giro - the national tour of Italy.
Marco Pantani was the last Italian winner in 1998, but let's face it he
was a freak of nature.
I've got a feeling Russian riders will rise to the occasion as will the
powerfully balanced combination of CSC.
But you can't go past Cadel - can you?
His entire year has revolved around this Tour.
His preparation has been meticulous. He has employed his own personal
bodyguard and a chef.
He has studied the course since it was announced last October - every
hill, corner, turn and climb, while at the Dauphine Libere (last week's
TdF warm-up) Cadel attacked his rivals - something he's been accused of
failing to do on a regular basis in past Tours.
The only thing stopping him is an unforseen disaster.
Let's hope that doesn't happen.
That said - here are the tips for 2008.
MIKE TOMALARIS - RBCC
OVERALL
1. Alejandro Valverde
2. Cadel Evans
3. Denis Menchov
4. Frank Schleck
5. Stijn Devolder
GREEN JERSEY
Baden Cooke
KOM
Stijn Devolder
RUPERT GUINNESS - SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
OVERALL
1. Cadel Evans
2. Alejandro Valverde
3. Carlos Sastre
4. Kim Kirchen
5. Damiano Cunego
GREEN JERSEY
Mark Cavendish
KOM
Frank Schleck
ROB ARNOLD - RIDE CYCLING REVIEW
OVERALL
1. Cadel Evans
2. Denis Menchov
3. Andy Schleck
4. Carlos Sastre
5. Alejandro Valverde
GREEN JERSEY
Thor Hushovd
KOM
Andy Schleck.
JOHN FLYNN - SBS
OVERALL
1. Cadel Evans
2. Alejandro Valverde
3. Andy Schleck
4. Denis Menchov
5. Damiano Cunego
GREEN JERSEY
Mark Cavendish
KOM
Carlos Sastre
Michael Tomalaris
Journalist/Presenter/Producer
+61 2 9430-3043
+61 (0)414 586052
OFFICIAL BROADCASTER
2010 FIFA World Cup
2008 Tour de France
ASSOCIATE BROADCASTER
2008 Olympics Games
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