Could he be the "dark horse"? He def look to be in better form then other so called podium hopes Tylor&likes, and the way he, Jorge Jaksche and Bobby rode in the spring with Basso coming into form for tour, CSC looks like a team of podium finisher if not the tour winner.

I like Jens, and I think he is a good rider. His name is often in the mix.

But I don't think he has a shot. IIRC, DNF last year, never broke the top 40 in the TDF. A bit too big to climb with the climbers day after day. Getting a bit older now. I think he has a very good shot at taking a stage (especially if he loses a lot of time early and can catch onto a break), but podium? No way.

but I think he is a bit to big to survive in the high mountain finishes to hold. I think he could TT decently enough if he found himself fighting for a high place late in the tour.

The "dark horse" possibility here would be if he got in a break that finished 20 minutes ahead of the peleton (duing the first two weeks of course). Given that 20 minutes to play with during the last week of the tour, he could limit his loses against the climbers and hold on for a decent placing. And, what would the Riis factor add? I would put Jens right up there with any of the "strong men" one day riders...those who we watch during spring and forget about in July unless the are going for that stage win. Bartoli, Boogerd (remember '99 when he was a potential with no favorites around?) PVP etc. Rebellin may have a decent chance if his team rides to thier potential in the TTT.

This leads to the first big question of the CG, will a break be able to get a 20 minute gap during the first week? But, that is too big of a question to discuss here...

have you seen the face of LA in tour de Georgia on Brasstown Bald mnt? he caught up with Jens but couldn't shake him.

and what about tour de Romadie results? Basso rode a durn good prologe, desent TT, went for intermediate sprints and was nowhere seen on climbs. Something is going on here ;) With Jens, Jorg Jackshe, Basso, heck even Bobby Riis has many cards to play. Heck there will be enough flat stages with cross winds, and CSC has enough people who if you'd put in early break could walk away with win.

jens doesn't have a chance in the tour. he can't climb the high mountains well enough and team csc will not have him protected for the gc anyway.

have you seen the face of LA in tour de Georgia on Brasstown Bald mnt? he caught up with Jens but couldn't shake him.

and what about tour de Romadie results? Basso rode a durn good prologe, desent TT, went for intermediate sprints and was nowhere seen on climbs. Something is going on here ;) With Jens, Jorg Jackshe, Basso, heck even Bobby Riis has many cards to play. Heck there will be enough flat stages with cross winds, and CSC has enough people who if you'd put in early break could walk away with win.

I would take that as a sign that Armstrong is not in super form right now, just as one would expect with the tour so far away, not that Voight will be able to contend for the tour. He has never been able to climb with the real mountain goats.