Cadel Evans ready to step up to top place

Mike Tomalaris has gathered together a small echelon of cycling journalists to spin the Tour roulette and see just who comes out as yellow jersey favourite for the 2008 Tour de France.

The Tour de France is here, so now is the time to be bold enough and tip the winners of the world's biggest bike race.

I've also asked some of my cycling journo colleagues to give their selections.

It seems Cadel Evans is the man to beat in 2008.

The Aussie is on the brink of creating a slice of Tour history.

But who are the challengers?

Personally, I can't see an Italian figuring in the top 5 as they tend to concentrate on doing well at the Giro - the national tour of Italy.

Marco Pantani was the last Italian winner in 1998, but let's face it he was a freak of nature.

I've got a feeling Russian riders will rise to the ocassion as will the powerfully balanced combination of CSC.

But you can't go past Cadel - can you? Or can you?

His entire year has revolved around this Tour.

His preparation has been meticulous. He's even taken the extreme measures of employing a personal bodyguard and a chef.

He has studied the course and ridden many parts of it since it was announced last October - ever hill, corner, turn and climb.

At the Dauphine Libere (this month's TdF warm-up) Cadel attacked his rivals - something he's been accused of failing to do on a regular basis in past Tours.

The only thing stopping him is an unforseen disaster.

Let's hope that doesn't happen.

That said - here are the tips for 2008.

MIKE TOMALARIS - RBCC

OVERALL

1. Alejandro Valverde

2. Cadel Evans

3. Denis Menchov

4. Frank Schleck

5. Stijn Devolder

GREEN JERSEY

Baden Cooke

KOM

Stijn Devolder

RUPERT GUINNESS - SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

OVERALL

1. Cadel Evans

2. Alejandro Valverde

3. Carlos Sastre

4. Kim Kirchen

5. Damiano Cunego

GREEN JERSEY

Mark Cavendish

KOM

Frank Schleck

ROB ARNOLD - RIDE CYCLING REVIEW

OVERALL

1. Cadel Evans

2. Denis Menchov

3. Andy Schleck

4. Carlos Sastre

5. Alejandro Valverde

GREEN JERSEY

Thor Hushovd

KOM

Andy Schleck

JOHN FLYNN - SBS

OVERALL

1. Cadel Evans

2. Alejandro Valverde

3. Andy Schleck

4. Denis Menchov

5. Damiano Cunego

GREEN JERSEY

Mark Cavendish

KOM

Carlos Sastre