Tour de France 2008 - CSC name strong Tour team

Eurosport - Mon, 23 Jun 18:12:00 2008

Carlos Sastre and Luxembourg brothers Andy and Franck Schleck will spearhead CSC's bid for the Tour de France.

CYCLING 2007 Vuelta a Espana Benasque-Ordino Arcalís Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) - 0

CSC's general manager Bjarne has put together a strong team which includes Swiss time trialist Fabian Cancellara, who won the prologue in 2004 and 2007, and four-time green jersey runner-up Australian Stuart O'Grady.

"Once again we have extremely big ambitions for the race. With Sastre, and the Schleck brothers we have some of the best climbers on the race," Riis said in a team statement.

This is the final time CSC will sponsor the team in the Tour with new sponsor Saxo Bank set to takeover in 2009.

Team:

Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Nor), Fabian Cancellara (Swi), Volodymyr Gustov (Ukr), Stuart O'Grady (Aus), Carlos Sastre (Spa), Andy Schleck (Lux), Frank Schleck (Lux), Nicki Sorensen (Den), Jens Voigt (Ger)

Eurosport

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  1. well you may be right - frank is a helluva rider to be sure, and andy is looking to be at least as good. but the team hasn't really used frank as a grand tour leader so far. even last year it was sastre they ended up working for, right? maybe this is the year for schleck...guess we'll see!
    i'd be happy either way - i like both riders, so more power to 'em!

    From epoche, on Tue 1 Jul 6:57PM

  2. I think you might find either Frank or Andy usurping Carlos as Riis will be leaving the door open to see who strips fitter in the mountains - thats where this years tour will be won or lost. The Schlecks will not work for Sastre but will work with him. The other guys including Cancellera will have to work doubly hard with the domestic chores of the day. I cant see the Schlecks doing much in the way of water carrying or pushing the pace unless it is a team chase down to catch a breakaway which might affect their standings.

    From MadMitch, on Sat 28 Jun 12:35PM

  3. this is a very very strong team. i can't wait to see if frankandy can drag sastre over the mountains and onto the podium.

    From epoche, on Fri 27 Jun 6:39PM

  4. Cancellera will squeak a top 10 but is not a poium contender. He might try the lone break but will be required as a domestique for the Schlecks and Sastre. But it shows the strength and depth CSC have. They will be out to impress their new sponsor (Saxo) and say thanks to their old (CSC)so what better than 2 on the podium and the Team prize with a spattering of stage wins.

    From MadMitch, on Wed 25 Jun 5:51PM

  5. But what about Cancellara? He can win time trials and mountain stages. It is capabil to make the big surprise, in my opinion.

    From Lucian L, on Wed 25 Jun 10:01AM

  6. Wow
    This is the team to watch. Riis will allow the Schleck's freedom to go for top spot. Along with Sastre I predict CSC will have 3 in the top 5. It is an open race which doesn't favour the TT specialists for a change.
    Frank Schleck would have undoubtedly won the Suisse Tour ad he stayed on his bike so is in top form. Andy will win best young rider.
    A STRONG TEAM

    From MadMitch, on Tue 24 Jun 3:34PM

  7. Sastre is not the best rider in the world. However, he may be the best clean rider in the world and I give him credit for that. In order to beat Cadel Evans, Sastre's going to need a huge break away stage win due to Evan's exceptional lead in time trials. I see him going for it and, for me, that's the only thing making this year's tour exciting.

    From Doctor Marty, on Tue 24 Jun 3:33PM
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