Olympic Cycling Men's Road Race Beijing 2008 On Tap: The Toughest Yet

This year's Olympic road race promises to be one of the toughest in years. Riders will battle bad air, narrow roads and steep ramps as each tries to take the elusive gold medal for their country. The 2004 champ, Paolo Bettini, is back to defend, and a slew of contenders will come prepared to do their best to unseat the Italian.

What a race course, for starters. The main climb of the race, that the riders will climb seven times, is about 11 kilometers long and is fairly steep. It will provide a stiff test for the riders, and will probably determine the winner of the race. Most of the sprinters will be dropped well before the finish line, leaving it to the climbers to battle for the win.

My hopes will lie with the Luxembourgian trio of the Schleck brothers and Kim Kirchin, winner of this year's Fleche Wallonne race. If Kirchin has been able to hold his form from the Tour, he'll be a very tough adversary on Saturday. Hopefully the Schlecks will help him to victory, in what would be a huge coup for the tiny Luxembourg nation.

It wouldn't be bad to see Bettini win again either. "Il Grillo" has been quiet so far in 2008, and another gold medal would make his season a success right away. The only rider I don't want to see take the win is Alejandro Valverde. I feel, and have felt for a long time, that Valverde should have been suspended for his involvement in Operacion Puerto years ago. His name was referenced several times, and he has yet to step up and admit his cheating ways. Until he does, I'll hope he finishes last in every race he enters.

Finally, to the American contingent. The exclusion of Chris Horner from the road team still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I can't believe that USA Cycling was so short sighted as to leave Horner off the roster. I think it will cost the US team's chances dearly. Everyone is saying that Levi Leipheimer is primed for a legit run at the gold medal. I'll believe it when I see it.

Besides his win at the US Pro championships last year, Levi has never been able to win a one day race. Yes, the race course suits his abilities, but I just don't see him being able to stay with the world's best down the stretch. I would give a better chance to Hincapie or Vande Velde. In fact, CVV is coming off a trancendent performance in the Tour de France, and has probably earned the right to lead the team. Unfortunately though, he'll probably have to ride in support of Levi. Oh well, there's always 2012 and London.