Kloden speaks up

I like Andreas Kloden. The veteran German cyclist has seen his share of success but has spent most of his career fulfilling domestique duties for the likes of Jan Ullrich, Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador. He's got a lot of experience at the Tour de France and I he's chimed in on the merger of Team Radio Shack and Leopard Trek. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kloden-schlecks-must-forget-brotherly-love-to-win-tour-de-france

The merger created a "super team" as they have been called in the press, but as we saw with Team Sky's first year, it takes a bit of time for all the superstars to gel and get things right. In all reality, there's a half dozen riders on the new Radio Shack-Nissan-Trek squad that could win the tour. There will have to be some serious consensus on the road with regard to tactics. In the article above, I think Kloden nails it. And he has the podium finishes to back up his statements. He's no stranger to second place in France.

If you recall the podium at this year's Tour, it looked as the the Schleck's, who came in 2nd and 3rd, were more elated than Cadel Evans to be there. Their brotherly love may actually be hindering their opportunity to win.

The Tour de France rewards the best all around rider. Look at Indurain's 5 wins. The guy would basically hold his own on the climbs then rail the time trialing. While you do need some climbing ability, you don't need to be the best climber in the world. However, you do need some TT ability, of which the Schleck's have very little.

With Bruyneel at the helm of the newest super squad and all the veterans out on the road, its Radio Shack's Tour to lose. It would be wise for the Bros. Schleck to take heed to the advise of those who have gone many time before.