"Gobsmackingly Brilliant" rides of 2000Alexander Vinokourov---- Alex Vinokourov's come from behind stage win at the Vuelta. Paula Weber ---- All of the performances submitted here are exceptional, but I also appreciate the sport from a different angle. When a break of the sports cover models goes off the front, I move closer to the TV. But I'm looking for the poor SOB's who are going to have to drive the break so the Museeuws and Zabels can save themselves for the deciding kilometers still up the road. I'm looking for the expendables who will drive the chasing field at 60+km/hr for 60+km. I'm looking for guys like Aldag, Bolts, Stephens (now retired) and the others that make up the majority of the field. In talking with many of my racing friends I realize that I am not alone in this appreciation for those who turn themselves inside out for their teams. Here are my nominations for the great domestique efforts: 1 While not the most courageous effort of the year, Alexandre Vinokourov's silver medal is a shining example of the domestique's sacrificial lifestyle/career. Brent Kametz ---- Olympic RR: Ullrich, Vinokourov, Kloden. I wonder what Kloden said to Vinokourov as Ullrich went away? Did you see the look on Vinokourov's face? I bet he would have beat them in a three up sprint. T Sexton ----
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