Fun Racing in a Serious Race

Due to a lack of riders during the Vuelta, I had to race in the Vattenfall Cyclassics. I was very active at the start, showing myself, but I just sat back in the finish, coming in last out of the team. The race was won by Mark Cavendish.

A nice circuit which favours our team well. With a weak startlist we could do really well.

We have a strong team here, and there isn't much of a startlist, so we should be looking for the win. Getting into the break will take pressure off uss to chase, so we should all be fresh for the finish.

Let's tune in to the Canadian radio today.

An 8 man break has got away, and it includes Ospina of Colombia.

The break becomes 9 now. Still a long way to go.

Vanendert (LTB) and Ginnani (OPQ) attack with 27.5km to go, but are brought back swiftly.

The break is brought back now, and we see an immediate attack from Quintana (MOV). Melani is the first to react, while his teammate Grazhys stays in the bunch.

There are a flood of attacks now. Melani tries to follow them, but is looking exhausted. Grazhys tries to jump up and salvage something for Colombia.

But it's too late. Quintana wins it ahead of Argos man Simon Geschke. Grazhys catches the back of the lead group, while Melani finishes last out of them.


My Views

Damn. I misplayed that race quite badly. I spent myself following the attacks, like I did earlier this year in Dauphine. At least I was able to hang on to the lead group, but I was also overtaken by Virgilijus in the final metres. I need to improve that.

I write to you know from France, a few days after Quebec. I am here practising for the Chrono des Nations, but now that I have some spare time, let me update you on the team's endeavours - and some great endeavours they have been.


Virgilijus did very well in Prato, surviving the hills with consumate ease and sprinting to 4th place, with 2nd out of his group. At just 20 years old, this guy is showing some serious talent.



Colombian Carlos Betancur took home the WC Road Race - a great honour for the country, but also for the team, which comprised over half of the National Squad. However, look at 5th place. I know right! This kid is on fire! He's only 20 years old, and he kept up with the 2 best punchers in the World, despite losing to them in a sprint. This is something special I tell you.



And again the Lithuanian was our best. The hills were a bit to much for him in the last WT Classic of the year, but he still beat guys like Uran and Quintana. Betancur with another victory.




And now he wins! Virgilijus broke away with some other punchers and was able to hold them off in an uphill sprint. Well played my friend, well played...






He also took 2nd on Stage 2 of Beijing and finished 12th in the final GC.


Preparation for the Chrono des Nations/Herbiers is getting more intense now. Hopefully the Lithuanian can continue his outstanding form and I can also produce something as well. So you soon...

The UCI has made the decision to integrate a Rising Star Award. This award will be given to a rider 23 years old or younger to recognise great results and signs of huge potential. This coincides with Virgilijus' great run of form, so maybe he's the favourite to win it.

A gruelling near-50km time-trial which will test the stamina of the riders. Get ready for some pain.

I'm just the 2nd rider from the team to set off. I get in my saddle and prepare for the day ahead.


With 9km to go I am passing Cofidis rider Mate. Things are looking good.


I finished a provisional 13th, with 2'06" to Rasmussen.


And the amazing Lithuanian gets another great result! He finishes a provisional 2nd to Amador by just 12 seconds and ends up 4th.



My Views

Things went well today. Another amazing result from my friend Virgilijus, but I only managed to finish 54th. Props to Alex Dowsett for his huge win. Now off to Japan!

A tough hilly circuit which will be decided by the last couple of climbs.

***
Virgilijus Grazhys

**
Fabio Melani

*
Simon Geschke

We have the two top favourites here, so we have a really nice chance. I want Fabio to stay with the attacks and Virgilijus to stay in the peloton for the bunch sprint.