Re: Astana not ready for Giro

hizark21 wrote:
> Contador and Leiphiemier have said they are not fully ready for the
> Giro. This is a bit of surprise considering how late in the season it
> is. If Astana does not peform well this could dampen any chances of
> getting accepted into the TDF.

As others have said, it is no surprise that Astana is not fully ready 
for a race they were not entered in until a couple of days ago.

Now, if they show up and ride the Giro, and if the ASO (that acronym 
reminds me of a derogatory word in English) caves and accepts them for 
the TdF (right now, they are the only grand tour that isn't allowing 
last year's Tour winner and third place rider to enter - seems kind of 
stupid, not to mention actionable), I would expect the TdF prospects to 
ride as much of the Giro as will aid their TdF preparation, and then 
drop out, citing the always popular food poisoning excuse, or something 
similar.