Vino against Voigt in the "mini tour"
Alexander is well prepared for the Critérium
The Critérium Intenational in the french Ardennes is a so called compressed Tour de France. In two days the prfessionals have to ride one mountainstage, one flat stage and a time trial.
The first stage will take place on Satruday with a 190.5 kilometer flat race from Rethel to Charlevill-Mézière. On Sunday they will go into the mountians before the 8.3 km race against the clock stands on the program.
Vino, Klöden and Hieke are fighting for T-mobile
The T-mobile team is however a strong competition. "Andreas klöden ended fourth in 2003 and this year he wants to completely show up in front" , says Ludwig and adds: "but Vino is my favorite, after his three stage wins in Paris-Nice he is full of self-confidence."
Also youngster Torsten Hekmann, who's like Voigt from Berlin, has some small outsider chances. "I felt extremely good during Paris-Nice and the last few days I've been training very well. Maybe the time trial is my chance" explains Hieke.
Also Armstrong at the start
"Beside Voigt and the T-mobile riders, Lance Armtrong will be one of the five, to six cyclists who can go for the overall victory", prognosticates Ludwig, who's also counting on the native athletes. "The Frenchmen have been very disappointing lately, but I'm sure they will be rehabilitating themselves here." Title defender Laurent Brochard will be in front of the other hot candidates like David Millar and Tyler Hamilton.
Source: www.t-mobile-team.com |
