TDF: HTC Columbia

If you look at my above roster picture, you will notice one name that stands out above the rest. If you do not, you first need to get some glasses then learn the name Mark Cavendish.

With Cavendish, it is not a question as to whether or not he will be able to win a stage, but how many he will win. Last year, he was able to bag 6 so the bar is certainly set high for the man from the Isle of Man. He is flat out the fastest man in the world right now, but that is only half of the reason for his success. Team HTC Columbia is famous for their "train" of riders they put in place before a sprint finish and perfectly leadoff Cavendish to the finish line. This total team domination of the sprint finishes should again be the central focus of the team.

Besides winning the sprints, HTC also has as good a chance as any with the individual time trial stages thanks to Tony Martin (above). Martin is considered one of the top 2 time trial riders, and should be the favorite for the ITT stages this year. If he rides well enough, he may even get to have the yellow jersey for a few days. The closest thing HTC Columbia has to a climbing specialist is Michael Rogers.

Rogers is fresh off his win in the Tour of California this season, and looked extremely good in the final climbs. He could get a top 15 overall finish (barring trouble) and really solidify a good season for himself.

Full Roster:

Mark Cavendish

Tony Martin

Michael Rogers

Mark Renshaw

Maxime Monfort

Konstantin Suitsou

Adam Hansen

Bert Grabsch

Bernhard Eisel