Last in a mindlessly repetitive series... And revised in order of preference.
-
Damiano Cunego Rating: ★★★★★
Sky's the limit for the Kid. He gassed himself too early on the Mur de Huy, but with better tactics, Liège is his to lose.
-
Cadel Evans Rating: ★★★★★
Looked completely fab Wednesday. But the less steep finale in Ans tilts the race a bit more to the fast finishers. No way, though, does he get dropped beforehand.
-
Frank Schleck Rating: ★★★★★
I promised him a fifth star for this weekend, and I'm sticking with it. He didn't race La Flèche to win, apparently. Rested, ready.
-
Davide Rebellin Rating: ★★★★
Not blowing anyone away right now. But I know if I downgrade him any further, he's sure to win.
-
Kim Kirchen Rating: ★★★★
What I said about him for La Flèche: "Can't see him outkicking the Italians here. Like Schleck, Liège is a better fit." The lesson? Stop listening to me.
-
Thomas Dekker Rating: ★★★
Fifth at Amstel, fifth at La Flèche... why fight it anymore? He'll definitely come in fifth.
-
Alejandro Valverde Rating: ★★★
The sandbagging continues... only it's looking more like the truth.
-
Robert Gesink Rating: ★★★
Was outstanding Wednesday, but like Cadel the finish isn't perfect for him. Unlike Cadel, he's probably not going to shrug off that minor detail.
-
Joaquim Rodriguez Rating: ★★★
Going well, but I'm sticking with my earlier assessment: this one's a bit too hard for him to win.
-
Stefan Schumacher Rating: ★★
Crashed at La Flèche, but he's talking up his form. With the boss iffy, maybe he'll take a chance now?
-
Paolo Bettini Rating: ★
Return of the Rainbow. I can't imagine he's fit enough. If he were, he'd have at least three more stars here.
-
Denis Menchov Rating: ★
Hey! Isn't that Denis Menchov?