Entries are in for this, the first annual Tour de France Fantasy League, and in just a few short hours the 191km first stage of this years race will begin. The first 2 days of this years race will be 2 of the most decisive in recent years. Day 1 holds a cat 4 climb finish where all the tough "finisseur" and Classics riders will be up for the fight. Day 2 holds the Team Time Trial and will no doubt put some valuable time between the main contenders.
The 2011 Tour de France Fantasy League in numbers...
Total Teams: 13
Nations represented: 4
Most picked rider: Fabian Cancellara (chosen by over 50% of players)
Most picked team leader: Andy Schleck
Most picked team: Leopard Trek (21 total picks)
Least picked teams: FDJ and Saur Sojasun (zero picks between them)
It will be interesting to see how the race pans out for the leagues most picked rider Cancellara. The dominant yellow jersey wearer in the first week in 3 of the past 4 TDF's he will undoubtedly struggle more in this years race, with only 1 shorter time trial and no prologue.
It was no surprise to see Leopard Trek emerge as the most picked team. The new "Schleck" brothers outfit hosts a plethora of tour favourites including, of course, both Schlecks, Cancellara, Jens Voigt and Stuart O'Grady - it will be interesting to see how the team fairs in the overall team standings against the possibly stronger teams of Radioshack and Garmin-Cervelo.
Quickstep with its incredible showing in 2010 thanks mainly to the efforts of Sylvain Chavanel have also faired well in the Fantasy League selection process. Chavanel was selected in 4 teams and his team-mates picked up another 7 selections.
Good luck to all who entered, this is hopefully the first year of many future leagues so bare with me, I've hopefully got everything set-up to make this process fun, fair and fast.
Enjoy!
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