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Contenders at the Tour de France
Top contenders for the 1998 Tour de France, July 11-Aug. 2 (with country and team):JAN ULLRICH, Germany, Telekom: First in 1997 and second in 1996 in his two Tours de France and only 24. ... Took over as team leader and race winner when 1996 winner and Telekom teammate Bjarne Riis faltered. ... Out of shape early in the season, but so was Greg LeMond when he was winning the Tour. ... Strength is in the mountains.
RICHARD VIRENQUE, France, Festina: Second in 1997 and third in 1996 and again the top climber. ... Has taken over from Jalabert as France's great hope, as the country is still looking for its first Tour de France winner since 1985.... Has a good team that works well together.
MARCO PANTANI, Italy, Mercatone Uno: Won the Tour of Italy this year and was third in the Tour de France last year. ... Must shake off both Virenque and Ullrich in the mountains, because it is difficult for him to contend on the flats. ... Had a serious car accident in October 1995 that sidelined him most of the 1996 season.
BJARNE RIIS, Denmark, Telekom: Won in 1996, then supported Ullrich last year after Riis faded on the opening climbs. ... Now 34, he can be a solid teammate again for Ullrich and be ready to move in just in case Ullrich slips.
ABRAHAM OLANO, Spain, Banesto: Once branded as five-time Tour winner Miguel Indurain's successor after he won the world title in 1995. ... Still looking to live up to potential. ... With Banesto, he has a team that knows how to ride for a yellow jersey, but he has to wear it first.
LAURENT JALABERT, France, ONCE: Ranked No. 1 on Cycling Union's list, based on number of victories and high placings, even in small races. ... Won the world title last year in the time trial even when he was not in top form.
YEVGENY BERZIN, Russia, Les Francaise des Jeux: Still living off the reputation of the Tour of Italy victory over Indurain in 1994, but failed to fulfil later expectations. ... In 1996, won the mountain time trial to take over the yellow jersey.
ALEX ZUELLE, Switzerland, Festina: The Swiss veteran was leading the Tour of Italy until he dropped out. ... Being on the same team with Virenque could cause problems.