National Championships Week Approaches

Over the next few weeks, the majority of national championships will take place, and wearing one's own distinctive national kit tends to bring out the best in many different types of riders each summer. With the exception of Australia and the USA, almost every other cycling nation will run it's national championship just ahead of the Tour de France. Many current national champs are scheduled to take place in the Grande Boucle, and they'll likely look different once the Tour arrives.

Stijn Devolder will defend his chamionship for Belgium, but will be up against some stiff competition in Tom Boonen and Leif Hoste. Philippe Gilbert too will be a threat. Finally, Greg Van Avermet could impress with a touch of luck. For the Dutch, Thomas Dekker will be a heavy favorite, with Robert Gesink and Bauke Molleme dark horses.

Joaquím Rodríguez will have to contend both with Oscar Freire and Alejandro Valverde. In all liklihood, he won't make it to the tour in his country's colors. And in France, Christophe Moreau will have a chance to defend his national jersey, and show it off on homke soil providing he can thwart the efforts of Sylvain and Sebastian Chavanel, Thomas Voekler and Remy Di Gregario. Finally, Giovanni Visconti will try to keep the tricolor Italian kit, having to watch out for Enrico Gasparotto, Filippo Pozzato, Daniele Bennati, and Danilo Napolitano.

For America, Levi Leipheimer gets to keep the jersey until the end of August, when the US Pro Championships occur. He'll face tough competition again no doubt, with Christian Vande Velde, Chris Horner, Dave Zabriskie, Fred Rodriguex, Andy Bajadali, Steven Cozza, and George Hincapie on hand to battle it out for the stars and stripes.