de Suisse, is one of cycling's brightest young stars. He can climb very well, but his time trialing must improve. However, the Czech finished 12th in 2008, and at 23, he has plenty of time to improve. He will finish ninth in 2009.

Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Slipstream) suffered a broken collarbone when he crashed in this year's Tour of Italy. The crash probably threw off his preparation enough to drop him from fourth, where the American finished last year. Vande Velde will finish 10th in 2009.

In other competitions, Kreuzinger will win the white jersey competition, with Schleck winning the polka dot jersey and, Hushovd grabbing the green one. Stay with www.roadcycling.com during the Tour de France 2009 and beyond for cycling as it should be.

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