Who will win the 100th edition of the Giro d'Italia

Can't bring myself to write "Basso"

Cunego - I doubt it, he's never shown race winning form in the grand tours so far, as far as I can tell. Leipheimer... I'm not sure he has this one in him, tbh.

Of the options, Levi seems most likely, but a dislike for Astana in general prevents me choosing him. Maybe Menchov can shake off his bad luck and surprise us all?

I'm pinning my hopes on outsiders for this one.

I think it will be an Italian this year, not sure which one, but it feels like an Italian year and they need a new hero after all of the drug BS. Cunego, not got the bottle...

Sastre for a couple of stage wins...

What about Sastre?

He's in it, he's got a good team behind him, and he's a proven grand tour winner… who probably doesn't have such a good chance in the TdF.

There was much hoo ha about the route being set up for Armstrong, but as he doesn't have a realistic chance it's wide open. Although got to admit I could see Leipheimer being there or there abouts.

If it's going to be an Italian then who?

There's a fair few Italians riding in the race, but aside from some old familiar names, who may or may not be up to it (partly cos they are old) none of the rest leap out of the start list as potential grand tour winners… not that I follow Italian racing closely.

Simoni - too old
Cunego - no bottle
Di Luca? - he hasn't done much in the last couple of years

Most of the rest of the Italian riders seem to be in those guys teams

I reckon it will be Levi, astana hacve a strong team there and armstrong will be supporting Levi for once.

Levi for the tour and Im really really hoping for a cav win in the Milan special stage.

Well look at Sella last year, where did he come from? Im not saying that it would be a 'clean' Italian

...and before anyone starts Im not tarring with the same brush, but facts speak!

A long punt - Garzelli?

"Astana do grand tours better than anyone"

Maybe you should change that to "did"