Tour de France Odds Released

WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO -- The biggest question entering this year’s Tour de France is which cyclist will emerge from the crowded pack to claim the yellow jersey Lance Armstrong has held for the
Who will be the next Lance Armstrong?  past seven years. With the 93rd edition of cycling’s most prestigious race beginning this weekend, PinnacleSports.com has released odds on which rider will win the 2006 Tour de France.

The largest sports betting site on the Internet, PinnacleSports.com has calculated individual odds on 30 individuals participating in the grueling three-week long race. Italian cyclist Ivan Basso, who finished second to Armstrong last year, has been inserted as the odds-on favorite to win the Tour de France at 11/10 odds. PinnacleSports.com lists five-time Tour runner-up Jan Ullrich with the second best odds to win his first yellow jersey at 9/4 odds. Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, who’s known for his prowess in the mountain stages, is listed at 11/1 to emerge victorious followed by Kazakh rider Alexander Vinokourov at 13/1. Meanwhile, Floyd Landis (14/1) and Levi Leipheimer (30/1) are solid contenders to become only the third American to capture the Tour de France title in the race’s illustrious history. Other riders that should compete for the championship include: Cadel Evans (25/1), Yaroslav Popovych (30/1), George Hincapie (35/1) and Francisco Mancebo (50/1).

“Without Lance Armstrong returning to defend his title, this year’s Tour de France appears to be a two-horse race between last year’s runner-up and third place finisher,” said Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com. “While any number of riders could challenge for the title, Basso and Ullrich are two skilled cyclists supported by excellent teams that should help guide them into cycling history. Although Landis and Leipheimer are both underdogs, they could both be in contention in the final stages as both excel in mountains which are crucial in the Tour de France.”

Current Odds:         *All Odds Subject To Change*

Odds To Win 2006 Tour de France

Ivan Basso            11/10
Jan Ullrich           9/4
Alejandro Valverde    11/1
Alexander Vinokourov  13/1
Floyd Landis          14/1
Cadel Evans           25/1
Levi Leipheimer       30/1
Yaroslav Popovych     30/1
George Hincapie       35/1
Francisco Mancebo     50/1
Iban Mayo             73/1
Andreas Kloeden       85/1
Michael Rasmussen     85/1
Damiano Cunego        100/1
Oscar Pereiro         100/1
Andrey Kashechkin     100/1
Carlos Sastre         100/1
Haimar Zubeldia       100/1
David Millar          100/1
Denis Menchov         100/1
Georg Totschnig       100/1
Paolo Savoldelli      100/1
Valdimir Karpets      100/1
Santiago Botero       100/1
Gilberto Simoni       100/1
Danilo Di Luca        100/1
Bobby Julich          100/1
Joseba Beloki         100/1
Eddy Mazzoleni        109/1
Aitor Gonzalez        150/1