Mallorca

[RICHARDH]

Steegmans won the first stage and McEwen got the second. Looking like a better year for Robbie even with the bung arm he got in the TdU. If his on song come July and Boonen doesnt have another run in with the Belgie police should make the flat stages of the Tour more intresting than last year. Cav might not win quite so many stages.

[shiv]

Can Robbie outsprint Cav though?

[RICHARDH]

Depends on the conditions Cav at the moment has serious issues with hills, well did anyway. Robbie doesnt like them either but they probably take a little less out of him. Depends on the respective teams aswell Cav has a good leadout but that may change this year if Columbia decide to go seriously after GC with Mick Rogers, last year they left him out and seemed to really target the first week and half with Cav. Dont think that will be the case this year and with Robbie with a team thats going to be a sprint based team this July. Dont forget that Robbie was pretty much overlooked by his team last year and Tom Boonen wasnt present so as impressive as Cav was there were some big names not there or seriously disadvantaged.

[toolonglegs]

Cav has lost a lot of weight and looks like he is aiming for the green jersey this year,he is the strongest sprinter in the field and how old!!!.Made Boonen look a bit sluggish in Qatar when he could finish in the front bunch...and apparently Qatar was very tough this year.Might be flat but very windy and the Belgians love echelons!.

[RICHARDH]

True but its Feb. not July the other one to look out for in Alby Davis he looks like his in red hot form as well. Cav will be there but im not convinced his an absolute favourite for Green.

[toolonglegs]

I think he is aiming at stage wins mainly,but it is a tough tour for the sprinters.It is hard to tell until latter in the season...April is the best month IMO