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#91
07-26-2010, 12:48 PM
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i think the marathon is not quite the same as the tour. one day vs many, and knowing when to hold back is key in the 3 week event.
but do agree that the old saw about marathoners is off. younger = faster, and the raw speed these guys bring is unbelievable. 
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#92
07-26-2010, 01:06 PM
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OK, so 1st and 2nd place this year are both under "peak age" and you're arguing that it still holds?
On the strategy front, that's what the teams can do for younger riders. Athletes don't formulate their own strategy now as much as they did even 10 years ago. Youth is going to take over in cycling. Another thing: youth has quicker recovery time, which is a HUGE advantage over a long event. Just like in pro sports, you need to get through a season or two to get the hang of the fatigue levels, but that still leaves plenty of spots for 22-25 y/o winners.
__________________
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#93
07-26-2010, 02:39 PM
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i was saying that a one day event (like an olympic marathon) isn't as good a comparison event. but I gree that the historical peak ages are too old for reality.
i agree that the longstanding thought of a peak age is off and is actually younger in such an event (one day) as the speed the younger guys can bring matters more than the savvy that being older can bring over a multiday event. yes, youth allows you to recover, and that counts for something. as does a good team. as does some experience.
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#94
07-26-2010, 03:05 PM
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I agree the marathon is a poor comparison given the one day versus 3 weeks, so I added the full season comparison for NBA, since rookies always tend to tire out at the end of the year from over-exertion. Experience is important, but only to the point where you know what you will feel like the next day. You only need a couple of tours for that.
__________________
Who would win in a fight...Mike Ditka or a hurricane? And da hurricane's name is Ditka.
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#95
07-26-2010, 03:10 PM
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Quote:
I agree, but teams, at least historically have not tended not put the really young riders into the TDF. They try to build them into it. How many under-25s participated this year?
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"It makes no difference who you vote for — the two parties are really one party representing four percent of the people." GORE VIDAL (RIP)
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#96
07-26-2010, 03:33 PM
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Its not just at what age can an athlete be a top contender, its also how long can they stay at that level. Contador could be an elite rider for years to come. Even though there may be younger riders that may be capable of being the top of the ticket, if they can't get past the current top rider of the teams - it won't mean much.
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#97
07-26-2010, 03:37 PM
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Quote:
Good point, Contador's 2007 Yellow Jersey was a bit of a surprise. He wasn't even the team leader, Leipheimer was I believe.
__________________
"It makes no difference who you vote for — the two parties are really one party representing four percent of the people." GORE VIDAL (RIP)
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#98
07-26-2010, 05:07 PM
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Last year, it was top rider by committee on Contador's team. The had Leipheimer and Lance, so it was basically whoever ended up in the right position around day 14 they would go with. He had a fair shot.
It seems like a lot of teams are starting to go for 2 or 3 lead riders to combat the whole luck issue instead of the team postal service model. A great lead rider can always support, but not the other way. Back to the argument at hand, I bet you will see 1 established rider plus another young gun on several teams, and a couple young guns will squeak through as their team's lead for the year.
__________________
Who would win in a fight...Mike Ditka or a hurricane? And da hurricane's name is Ditka.
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#99
07-26-2010, 05:16 PM
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Quote:
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#100
07-26-2010, 05:18 PM
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Accidents happen, too. Teams need alternative leader for just such emergencies.
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