Predictions and wrapup

Amstel Gold Race: AGR is another one-day classic but unlike Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, this spring race features a lot of climbing. The next few classics, including AGR, typically feature a rider that is considered a climber or a power climber. Don't expect a sprinter to be near the finish for Amstel Gold. Last years winner, David Rebellin, has a great chance of repeating and should be considered a favorite. In my book he is. Here are my top 5 picks:

1. David Rebellin - Ita, Gerolsteiner
2. Danilo Di Luca - Ita, Liqui-gas
3. Jorg Jaksche - Ger, Liberty Seguros
4. George Hincapie - USA, The Discovery Channel
5. Jens Voight - Ger, CSC

I would pick George a bit higher, except he is possibly more tired from the past few weeks than the others. But he certainly wouldn't surprise me with a win.

Tour de Georgia: The TdG gets underway with a special news conference from Lance Armstrong on April 18th. Speculation has run wild over what he will be announcing. Rumors run the gauntlet from outright retirement, riding the Giro (Tour of Italy) and Tour double, to indicating girlfriend Sheryl Crow is pregnant. I think he will announce that 2005 will be the last he is racing in Europe and 2006 will be spent trying to pump of cycling in the states. But we will see.

Tyler Hamilton's blood doping case is rumored to have a decision coming on Monday which may also clear him for inclusion to TDG. That is wild and would be great to see. With Tyler possibly taking part, the startlist would include 5 top USA cyclist and all but two representing different teams: Defending TdG champion Lance Armstrong (Discovery), Bobby Julich (CSC), Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner), Floyd Landis (Phonak) and Tyler Hamilton (Phonak).

As Bobby Julich has already won twice this year (Paris-Nice and Criterium International) I am betting on a more than solid performance from him this year. But as all the other top Americans listed above are actually tour hopefuls, you can expect a great battle for the top podium position. Lance will fight it out with Bobby for the win, and third will be edged out by Floyd Landis just over Levi. Let me state that if allowed to race, you will see Tyler instead of Floyd in the top 3.

The big name missing this year's TdG is Saunier Duval's new signing, Chris Horner (USA). Chris had a bad wreck in his season opener Terreno-Adriatico and was forced to quit. A few weeks later he nabbed a top 20 GC finish and a 6th place stage finish in Setmana Catalana. However the pain in his leg wouldn't go away and after coming back to the states it has been confirmed that he broke the tip of his femur. Bad news for Chris, but hopefully we will see him in the tour this year.