Meanwhile...Back At The Ranch

I have a good feeling that 2009 is going to be a big year for Mongo. I've already started it off with a bang by deciding to grow my hair out. To most people, this wouldn't seem like a big deal...But considering I have been closely shaved since an unfortunate, hallucinogen-fueled, sideburn trimming accident over seven years ago...it really is. So, I've got that going for me...which is nice.

The bigger news though, is that today, Mongo is announcing which team and GC rider he will be supporting throughout the Grand Tours. This is a very difficult decision for many reasons. Mongo's favorite cyclist, AK47(Andreas Kloden), rides for what, on paper, seems to be an unbeatable team. The problem is that he'll never win anything substantial as the fourth wheel behind El Pistolero, Mellow Johnny, and Li'l Bronze Medalist. Unless, of course, he goes Bandit..."Reynolds Style!" Though I will continue to support AK47's individual achievements...I 'aint supporting Astana.

So where does this leave me? There are many cyclists that I respect, but they are spread around among many different teams. When you look at the list and lineup of Pro Tour teams, there are actually very few that have the makeup to win the Giro, Tour, or Vuelta. My decision finally came down to which rider I really liked and thought had a legitimate chance to win with the team assembled around him. And he couldn't ride for either of the "Chemical Brothers".

Before I announce my selections, let me just say that an official shout-out from Mongo has more juice than a nod from Oprah's Book Club...It's that powerful. So I hope the newly anointed take this power and run with it. It would be a shame to waste.

I didn't have to go to the far corners of unshaven Europe to find my guys. The best candidate was right here at home. With a powerhouse lineup(Yeah, TTT !), a GC contender in his prime, and the dorkiest Team Director around, Mongo is proud to announce his full support of Team Garmin-Chipotle and the man himself, Christian VandeVelde. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!