Damiano Cunego- Cunego is a major mystery in the world of professional cycling. His ride at the 2004 Giro was one of the most spectacular grand tour wins of this decade and his ascendancy to the top of the sport was all but assured. Team politics had him working for Gilberto Simoni on the year of his title defense and an ill timed bout with mono had many questioning whether or not that win was a fluke. Subsequent years had him placing fourth and fifth at the Giro and taking the best young rider's jersey at the Tour. These results don't happen by accident. Following his brilliant win in this year's Amstel followed by a third at Fleche, many believe he should focus his energies on one day races. There is validity to this line of thinking, but he continually posts highly respectable results in stage races and grand tours. If he were to rediscover his aggressive riding of '04 and forgo the conservative racing style he has employed at grand tours in recent years, he will be a force in July, especially with the attack friendly course.
Frank Schleck- Frank Schleck rode well, but not spectacularly throughout the week. Being at the sharp end of the action in these three races is no easy task and Schleck is to be admired for his resilience. However, it did seem as if there was a little something lacking from his typically decisive attacks. Failing to drop Cunego at Amstel put him in the runner up slot and despite the advantage of a strong teammate in Liege, Schleck was unable to follow through with the win. It was surprising that he didn't counter harder when his brother was caught on the St. Nicholas and the fact that he had to be ordered to attack on the Cauberg in Amstel by his director is curious. Despite all this, Schleck is clearly a strong and aggressive rider and there is little doubt he will one day win Liege, but he seemed to be missing that little extra something needed to win in 2008.
Andy Schleck- Andy Schleck is the future of cycling. Period. He rode brilliantly in Liege, trying to set up his brother. It will be a sight to see him try his hand at the Tour this year.
Davide Rebellin- Rebellin is phenomenally resilient and his continued ability to excel in the Ardennes classics despite his advancing age displays his true strength. Each and every year, he is a factor in these races and 2008 was no exception, with his worst finish being sixth at Fleche. There is something about him that doesn't exactly inspire passion or excitement, but he continually posts strong results in his major appointments and the ability to do so year in and year out is highly commendable.
Cadel Evans- Cadel Evans is currently enjoying the early season form of his life and, more importantly, he is attacking. It is refreshing to see Evans attempting to make the race and achieving victories through aggression rather than staying power. Despite the fact that he claims everything is for the Tour this year, Evans has spent the early part of the year solidifying his role as leader and showing that he can actually attack when needed. Hopefully, his build up to the Tour will continue its upward momentum and he will continue to use his newfound aggression to make for some exciting racing. If Evans, Valverde and Cunego all race aggressively come July, the world of cycling might see its most exciting Tour for some time.
All images copyright 2008 Graham Watson
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