Jul 14, 2006
Bobby J on Big George
(pic from Yahoo! Sports)
Bobby Julich is writing for ESPN.com about the Tour de France. Since his crash in the Time Trial Bobby J has been healing up at home in Nice. He wrote about his Stage 11 impressions including some gentle words about George Hincapie’s GC intentions.
George Hincapie
I don’t know whether George’s injury from earlier this season is catching up with him, but it might have hindered his preparation for the Tour de France. It’s easy for me to sit here at home and make comments on his performance. I’ve known George since he was 12 years old and he will go down as one of the most successful riders in the world. I really think it was unfair at this late in his career to put all of this expectation on him. And he didn’t pick an easy race to go over the general classification!When I first heard that he was challenging for a leadership role and the GC, I didn’t really believe it. I just don’t think it was fair to push him into that. It’s like going from 0-to-60 without shifting gears. He is taller and heavier than most of us out there. The fact that he is so successful with such a bigger frame shows you how talented and professional he is.
I’ve knocked on Hincapie because I simply did not believe that his GC intentions were serious especailly for a rider of his build. In some ways it is not fair to George to get that pressure placed on him late in his career and in the toughest race in cycling. Maybe I would have believed Hincapie’s GC intentions if he placed high in the Tour of California, Georgia, Suisse, Romandy or any other race. Just liek Danilo DiLuca should not be racing for GC in Grand Tours Hincapie should stick with what he knows best and dominate. So, hope to see George go for the win in Paris-Roubaix next year and not think about being the next Lance, but being himself.