I'm just going to steal SN's idea, so here's a lowdown on the 4 teams likely to be in with a shout for the ProTour title. The Vuelta will be key, and we'll focus on that:
1. Carlsberg - 611 Best Rider: 6 Rasmussen 186
Carlsberg haven't really had one single rider who has picked up the points for the team. Strength in depth has seemed to be the motto, and that doesn't stop until the end of the season. Vuelta Success?: In a word - yes. They've brought along both Vinokourov and Menchov to lead the team, and have support with riders like Simoni and Ardila Cano. This will be the team to beat, and it looks like they will hold onto the top spot
2. La Gazetta Dello Sport - 600 Best Rider: 2 Di Luca 278
It's been a fantastic season for La Gazetta, with Di Luca and Cunego the dynamic duo leading the team superbly, getting 86% of the team's points Vuelta Success?: It looks unlikely. Bruseghin will lead the team, but doesn't really have the quality. However, if Daniele Bennati can take the points jerseys and some stage wins, they may be in with a chance
3. France Televisions - 549 Best Rider: 1 Alejandro Valverde 293
A great season form Valverde puts him top of the individual rankings, and it is this which has given France Televisions such a huge lift - however, the Spaniard has used all his race points up, so now will be a true test of the squad strength Vuelta Success?: Robert Gesink was unstoppable in the Tour de l'Avenir, and will hope to carry on that kind of form in the Vuelta. However, whether the rider is experienced enough and strong enough to take victory in the 3 week tour is very questionable
4. Accumalux - 514 Best Rider:4 Frank Schleck 229
It's been another fantastic year for the Luxembourg team, as there talisman Schleck stormed home to a Tour de France win, mainly due to their strong time trial squad Vuelta Success?: Accumalux have brought Mancebo and Intxausti, but the gap is surely too big to catch up now - 3rd place is a more realistic goal
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