10 Stages: Big Surprises - Tour de France 2008

Well 10 stages are now over and I am feeling a bit better. I'm still bitter over the exclusion of Team Astana with Leiphiemer and Contador.
I don't think we'll see Robbie win a sprint stage this year. This Tour is the most unfriendly I have ever seen toward the sprinters.
I also don't think Jens Voigt (my favorite) won't pull out a stage victory. That's too bad.
But lets look at the good that's happening in 2008.
The USA, for the first time has two teams in the race. I expected Team Columbia to do well, but not as well as they have done so far. If they all go home tomorrow, this will still be an excellant tour for them. It looks like the future for Team Columbia is set with Kim Kirchen and Mark Cavendish.
Thomas Lovkvist should improve also.
And how about Christian Vande Velde leading Garmin-Chipolte. He is probably the biggest surprise in this years Tour. I like the way he rides and I also like the way he interviews. Seems to have a Jens Voigt type personality. It would be nice to see him on the podium in Paris.

What about the future of pro cycling? I now can't wait for the next 12 years.
If Contador wasn't there, I could really start following Riccardo Ricco. Just think about the rivalries that are going to develop during the next decade. Contador, Ricco, F. Schleck, A. Schleck, Cunego, Soler and Valverde; all under 30 years old.
The sprinters are also developing a few good rivalries. Cavendish has already taken four stages in the first two grand tour events this season. Other under 30 sprinters include, Pozzato, Bennati and Boonen. It's going to be great.