TDF: Rabobank

Rabobank brings a very top heavy squad to this year's Tour. They have a duo of strong riders (Gesink and Menchov) as well as a top sprinter (Freire) but not much beyond that. Either (or both) of their top 2 riders can pull off a top 10 finish in the Tour. The first, and the more celebrated, is Denis Menchov.

Menchov is a top class rider who has hit a bit of a rough patch lately. His last few rides, including the Dauphine, ended up in a disappointing result and Menchov has clearly shown signs of strain. These troubles aside, he is still a top class rider and can still be a factor throughout the race. Menchov's struggles have opened the door for another young rider.

Robert Gesink nearly won the Tour de Suisse this year and has been riding incredibly well. His time trial skills leave a lot to be desired, but he makes up for it in the mountains. He is an incredibly smart rider, and knows how to conserve his energy well in the long, mountainous stages. He could steal a stage win later in the race and possibly move into the top 10 or higher.

Oscar Freire was once considered among the best sprinters in the world. He has since fallen from that positon but that should not count him out this year. Status may disappear, but talent does not. Freire is still among the more dangerous men in the field if it comes to a mass sprint.

Full Roster:

Denis Menchov

Robert Gesink

Oscar Freire

Lars Boom

Bram Tankink

Grischa Niermann

Maarten Tjallingii

Koos Moerenhout

Juan Manuel Garate