[Dude]

I've been looking forward to this one for a couple of reasons:

1. The 19 KM Prologue TT.
2. The emphasis on mountains.

Having an opening TT that is 19 KM is huge. Guys like LA and Jan Ulrich- overall favorites- will be able to put a minute- maybe two- on guys like Beloki, who is strong in the mountains but weak in the "race of truth". That gap is huge to start a race, which means we'll see more surprise attacks in the flat stages by teams looking to put one of their climbers into contention.

The fact is, even if LA has a tough day in the hills, he's a strong enough athlete, mentally, to recover. He will never lose gobs and gobs of time to anyone. He proved that in 2003 when he arrived to the Tour not quite as prepared as in previous years, and suffered through a flu in the first week. He still won, even a key mountain stage.

I look to LA And Ulrich to be within a few seconds of each other after the Prologue, with perhaps a smattering of TT specialists in the same time frame. Their nearest rival will be about 30' to a minute back. Once in the Pyrenees and Alps, Armstrong will look to putting the biggest stamp he's ever placed on this race by not only winning, but devastating his challengers.

Can't wait; should be good.