TDF: Liquigas

Liquigas made a few interesting lineup decisions in this year's Tour, leaving out some clearly more talented riders in favor of building a team around the co-leadership of Ivan Basso and Roman Kreuzinger. Both riders have different styles, but both can be effective in the Tour this year. The favorite considered by many is Ivan Basso.

Basso is fresh off his victory in this year's Giro, and believes he could also win the Tour. He showed some great strength in his legs and upper body. His climbing skills are paralleled by very few in the field, and he can potentially get himself into a shootout with Contador, Schleck, Armstrong, and other top climbers for the win. While Basso is widely celebrated by many after his Giro win, Kreuzinger is a quiet force.

Kreuzinger is an all rounder, and is very strong in mid-level climbing stages and certain time trials. He is quite young, and experience may work against him. None the less, if something were to happen to Basso (or if Kreuzinger simply gets ahead of Basso), the team would be ready to switch all of their support to him. Kreuzinger believes he is ready for the challenge, and embraces the opportunity. The rest of the Liquigas lineup is missing some of the big names expected, and the only other well-known rider is Daniel Oss. Oss can find himself in position for a stage win if he chooses his time to attack.

Full Roster:

Ivan Basso

Roman Kreuzinger

Daniel Oss

Sylvester Szmyd

Manuel Quinziato

Kristjan Koren

Francesco Bellotti

Alexander Kuschynski

Brian Vandborg