Can Savoldelli Capture The Maglia Rosa Again in 2006?
Year after year the American sponsored US Postal Team / Discovery Channel have been very impressive with 7 TDF Wins under the guidance and strength of Lance Armstrong. While Armstrong was undeniably the “alpha male” of the pro peleton Discovery did have some very impressive showings last year with George Hincapie winning a stage in the Tour de France and the whole team taking the team time trial in the Tour (even though team csc probably would have won it if David Z would not have crashed in the closing kilometers).
Most impressive however for the team was the Giro win by Paolo Savoldelli and this year team Discovery plans on sending an even strong team in hopes of a podium finish. Savoldelli has mentioned that the course might be a bit too step for his liking, none the less the Italian rider has set his goals on defending his title. While Paolo might not have the acceleration in the mountains of some of the smaller and younger riders he will make up for it with excellent strategy and incredible stamina.
Savoldelli will also have a more experienced team to back him up this year with the likes of Viatcheslav Ekimov back in action after a nasty crash last season and up and coming Tom Danielson who has just a bit more experience under his belt and is free of injuries. Manuel Beltran and Jose Luis Rubiera will take to the mountain stages as the Giro gets into it’s second and third week. While Paolo is defending champ it is clear that Discovery Channel has put together a strong team with several riders who could end up on the podium.
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