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One in a Billion | Rise to the Summit
AbhishekLFC
I'm getting close but not making the right moves, like you said. Need to pay better attention going ahead.
 
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AbhishekLFC
April

A very busy month starts with me jetting off to the Basque country, followed by a couple of Ardennes classics before finishing off the month in Switzerland. My quest for the GC win remains at the top of my priority list.

Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco

Once again, Lotto sent both Meintjes and Betancur along with me to this race. I was used to this role by now, having the freedom to look out for my own prospects. The field was quite competitive and it would be a challenge to get a high result here.

Stage 1 didn't have very high climbs but there were five of them. I tried to get into the break twice early on, but the pack closed down those attacks. The last climb dropped the sprinters. Unfortunately for us, it dropped Meintjes too! The stage was decided by a reduced bunch sprint. Tinkoff swept the podium.

I tried to attack again on Stage 2 but the peloton wasn't having any of it. I guess I should be flattered with the attention they were giving me. However, at the time, it was just frustrating. I attacked on top of the last climb and got 20 seconds to the pack. The break had been swept up before this. I was cuaght with 5 km still to go and finished in the pack. We moved to the top of the team standings.

Stage 3

i.imgur.com/uJeDmPb.jpg


This stage was was a disaster! I felt good starting the stage but lost all power in my legs in third climb. I lost six minutes on the stage and fell out of contention for the GC. Betancur finished in 8th to move up to 10th in the GC.

Stage 4 started with a thunderstorm raging overhead. I attacked on the first climb with Gallopin, chasing the break. We caught up to them on the next climb. On the fourth climb, I was in the two man surviving break with Dombrowski, two minutes ahead of the pack. I dropped the American eventualy but three others joined up from the pack, one moving past us easily as I started to lose energy. we was caught by the peloton with just 4 km to go. I held on to the pack to finish in the reduced bunch.

Stage 5 had more climbs and I got into the break again. I was caught less than halfway into the stage. I remained in the pack till the end. It was Betancur's turn to have a bad day and this ended Lotto's chance of a high GC finish. I finished with the reduced bunch at the finish.

Stage 6 was a hilly ITT. When I crossed th eline, I was in 5th place, 55 seconds off the pace. I ended up in 15th, more than a minute down. I improved a couple of places to finish 17th in the GC, the best in our team.

General Classification

1Michał KwiatkowskiTinkoff-Saxo19h57'03
2Davide FormoloAstana Pro Team+ 48
3Rui CostaBora - Argon 18+ 1'04
4Geraint ThomasAstana Pro Team+ 1'09
5Sérgio HenaoAg2r La Mondiale+ 1'13
6Nairo QuintanaTEAM Cepsa+ 1'32
7Rafał MajkaTeam Sky+ 1'46
8Mikel LandaTEAM Cepsa+ 2'12
9Julian AlaphilippeStella Artois+ 2'18
10Jarlinson PantanoColombia+ 2'37

Spoiler
11Wilco KeldermanTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 2'46
12Bob JungelsAstana Pro Team+ 3'13
13Simon YatesAstana Pro Team+ 3'32
14Daniel MartinTinkoff-Saxo+ 3'33
15Lawson CraddockESPN+ 4'50
16Andrey AmadorTeam Sky+ 6'52
17Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal+ 6'58
18Fabio AruAstana Pro Team+ 6'59
19Moreno MoserIAM Cycling+ 7'41
20Roman KreuzigerAstana Pro Team+ 9'07
21Tony GallopinStella Artois+ 9'17
22Sam OomenTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 9'47
23Miguel Angel LopezStella Artois+ 10'05
24Sebastian HenaoColombia+ 10'37
25Tom DumoulinStella Artois+ 10'48
26Tim WellensESPN+ 10'55
27Chris FroomeTinkoff-Saxo+ 11'32
28Carlos BetancurLotto Soudals.t.
29Matej MohoricOrica-GreenEDGE+ 12'42
30Anastasio AniaTinkoff-Saxo+ 12'59
31Joseph DombrowskiTrek Factory Racing+ 13'11
32Ilnur ZakarinTeam Sky+ 13'30
33Ion IzagirreTinkoff-Saxo+ 16'19
34Omar FraileIberdrola+ 17'03
35Robert GesinkMTN-Qhubeka+ 17'27
36Cameron MeyerOrica-GreenEDGE+ 19'13
37Steven KruijswijkTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 19'15
38David De la CruzTeam Katusha+ 20'23
39Valerio ContiAstana Pro Team+ 20'30
40Peter KennaughTeam Sky+ 20'37
41Carlos BarberoTEAM Cepsa+ 21'58
42Víctor de la ParteTEAM Cepsa+ 22'33
43Carter JonesTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 22'48
44Sébastien ReichenbachIAM Cycling+ 22'50
45Gregorio IbañezTinkoff-Saxo+ 23'08
46Louis MeintjesLotto Soudal+ 24'12
47Merhawi KudusBora - Argon 18+ 24'33
48Mikel IturriaTeam Katusha+ 24'54
49Odd Christian EikingIAM Cycling+ 24'55
50Dominik NerzTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 24'56
51Diego UlissiTinkoff-Saxo+ 25'10
52Alexey LutsenkoTrek Factory Racing+ 26'24
53Patrick BevinBora - Argon 18+ 26'49
54Jesús HerradaIberdrola+ 27'34
55Clement PenvenAg2r La Mondiale+ 27'36
56Robert PowerTeam Sky+ 28'24
57Ander ArranzTEAM Cepsa+ 28'36
58Hugh CarthyTeam Sky+ 28'47
59Jordi van DingenenLotto Soudal+ 29'03
60Jonathan MonsalveIberdrola+ 29'06
61Luis León SánchezTEAM Cepsa+ 29'49
62Isaac BolívarColombia+ 30'03
63Rudy MolardAg2r La Mondiale+ 31'18
64Alexander FoliforovMTN-Qhubeka+ 31'42
65Luka MezgecMTN-Qhubeka+ 32'01
66Nikias ArndtTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 34'02
67Zico WaeytensStella Artois+ 34'57
68Caleb EwanOrica-GreenEDGE+ 35'54
69Ben SwiftTeam Sky+ 35'59
70Pierre-Luc PérichonDecathlon+ 36'17
71Michael MatthewsTinkoff-Saxo+ 38'35
72Reinardt Janse Van RensburgMTN-Qhubekas.t.
73Alex KirschTrek Factory Racing+ 41'24
74Jonathan HivertOrica-GreenEDGE+ 41'44
75Richie PorteOrica-GreenEDGE+ 43'51
76Steven LammertinkTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 44'16
77Jelle VanendertStella Artois+ 44'20
78Clément KoretzkyDecathlon+ 45'02
79Adrian Aas StienAg2r La Mondiale+ 45'15
80Simon GeschkeBora - Argon 18+ 46'30
81Tsgabu GrmayIberdrola+ 48'37
82Marcel AreggerIberdrola+ 48'43
83Garikoitz BravoIberdrola+ 49'50
84Jarl SalomeinLotto Soudal+ 49'52
85Michael HepburnTeam Sky+ 50'18
86Elia FavilliTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 50'36
87Hector SaezIAM Cyclings.t.
88Yoann PaillotTeam Europcar+ 50'44
89Gerald CiolekMTN-Qhubeka+ 50'57
90Daniel HoelgaardIAM Cycling+ 51'50
91Romain SicardAg2r La Mondiale+ 52'19
92Luke KeoughTrek Factory Racing+ 52'40
93Frederique RobertLotto Soudal+ 52'41
94Oscar GattoTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 52'47
95Juan Manuel PuntasIberdrola+ 53'07
96Adrien CostaTrek Factory Racing+ 53'24
97Eros CapecchiTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 53'56
98Mamyr StashTeam Katusha+ 54'04
99Jack BobridgeOrica-GreenEDGE+ 54'16
100Gijs Van HoeckeESPN+ 54'30
101Logan OwenTrek Factory Racing+ 54'46
102Edwin ÁvilaColombia+ 54'53
103Geoffrey CurranTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 57'18
104Aser EstévezIberdrola+ 57'47
105Robert-Jon McCarthyOrica-GreenEDGE+ 58'24
106Boris ValléeStella Artois+ 58'48
107Michael SchärESPN+ 59'33
108Jaime CastañedaColombia+ 59'42
109Peter ErdinIAM Cycling+ 1h00'48
110Shane ArchboldColombia+ 1h01'26
111Antoine DemoitieLotto Soudal+ 1h01'46
112Liam BertazzoTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h02'30
113Clément VenturiniDecathlon+ 1h02'44
114Afram IwuDecathlon+ 1h03'03
115Bertrand PradelTeam Europcar+ 1h04'02
116Marco HallerBora - Argon 18+ 1h04'03
117Jefferson ReáteguiColombia+ 1h04'07
118Daniel EatonTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h04'25
119Tejay Van GarderenAstana Pro Team+ 1h05'28
120Javier Francisco AramendiaTeam Katusha+ 1h05'31
121Sonny ColbrelliTEAM Cepsa+ 1h05'38
122Hugo PigeonTeam Europcar+ 1h08'22
123Eduard-Michael GrosuLotto Soudal+ 1h08'34
124Kevin De JongheTrek Factory Racing+ 1h08'46
125Nikodemus HollerBora - Argon 18+ 1h09'07
126Francisco José VentosoTeam Katusha+ 1h10'56
127Max WalscheidBora - Argon 18+ 1h11'38
128Jay ThomsonMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h12'29
129Andrea PiecheleAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h12'38
130Mateo PopovicESPN+ 1h12'53
131Pello BilbaoTEAM Cepsa+ 1h12'54
132Andreas SchillingerTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h13'05
133Steven TronetAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h13'11
134Théry SchirMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h13'54
135Romain GuyotTeam Europcar+ 1h14'25
136Rodolfo TorresColombia+ 1h14'52
137Pio ScarpatoAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h15'34
138Jeremy LeveauDecathlon+ 1h16'37
139Benjamin GiraudTeam Europcar+ 1h18'52
140Etienne FabreTeam Europcar+ 1h19'14
141Michaël BaerIAM Cycling+ 1h20'54
142Maxime DanielTeam Europcar+ 1h20'56
143Justin OienESPN+ 1h22'20
144Andrea ZordanTeam Katusha+ 1h22'22
145Nordin KrijgsmanOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h23'12
146Jan MaasTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h24'55
147Lukas SpenglerESPN+ 1h25'30
148Miguel BryonTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h26'59
149Philip LaveryMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h28'45
150Romain CardisTeam Europcar+ 1h29'17
151Bert De BackerStella Artois+ 1h32'28
152Grégory RastESPN+ 1h33'04
153Christophe LaborieDecathlon+ 1h33'44
154Jori van SteenberghenDecathlon+ 1h37'07
155Alexander PorsevTeam Katusha+ 1h41'05
156Joris DertinDecathlon+ 1h53'03


Points Classification

1Michał KwiatkowskiTinkoff-Saxo92
2Daniel MartinTinkoff-Saxo74
3Julian AlaphilippeStella Artois64
4Geraint ThomasAstana Pro Team45
5Jarlinson PantanoColombia40


Mountain Classification

1Joseph DombrowskiTrek Factory Racing72
2Tony GallopinStella Artois28
3Pierre-Luc PérichonDecathlon27
4Alexey LutsenkoTrek Factory Racing14
5Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal12


Young Riders Classification

1Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal20h04'01
2Sam OomenTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 2'49
3Miguel Angel LopezStella Artois+ 3'07
4Matej MohoricOrica-GreenEDGE+ 5'44
5Anastasio AniaTinkoff-Saxo+ 6'01

i.imgur.com/ICnm92Q.jpg


Team Classification

1Astana Pro Team59h56'12
2Tinkoff-Saxo+ 1'39
3Team Sky+ 10'51
4Stella Artois+ 11'41
5TEAM Cepsa+ 13'45


A very disappointing race for us as all three GC candidates were not in top form. I wondered whether I had put too many race days in my schedule in the early season. This was a wake up call to better look after myself going ahead. The first dark spot in an other wise good season so far. The U25s classification victory was a small bright spot.
 
Tamijo
Not the best I guess, better luck in the Ardennes
 
AbhishekLFC
April

The Ardennes have never been my friend. The profiles don't seem to suit me, and I keep missing the decisive moves. Would this year be any different? Let's find out.

La Fleche Wallone

Betancur led the team as I was given the freedom the do as I pleased. What else is new, right? I started too far back in the peloton to join the break that got away and the pack wasn't in amood to let anyone else get away. I waited for my chance later on. The middle section proved uneventful. We caught the break with 12 km to go. At the 10 km marker, the pack was down to 40 riders. The attacks started soon after and inexplicably, once again, I didn't have it in me to stay in touch. Another year, the same disappointment. Turned out to be a bad race for our full team.

1Michał KwiatkowskiTinkoff-Saxo4h27'02
2Nairo QuintanaTEAM Cepsa+ 30
3Sérgio HenaoAg2r La Mondiales.t.
4Julian AlaphilippeStella Artoiss.t.
5Tim WellensESPN+ 1'17
6Odd Christian EikingIAM Cycling+ 1'39
7Valerio ContiAstana Pro Teams.t.
8Fabio AruAstana Pro Teams.t.
9Daniel MartinTinkoff-Saxos.t.
10Petr VakočIberdrolas.t.

Spoiler
11Simon YatesAstana Pro Team+ 1'58
12Sam OomenTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
13Wilco KeldermanTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
14Carlos BetancurLotto Soudal+ 2'20
15Miguel Angel LopezStella Artoiss.t.
16Tony GallopinStella Artois+ 2'29
17Jan PolancLotto Soudals.t.
18Gijs Van HoeckeESPN+ 2'41
19Bob JungelsAstana Pro Teams.t.
20Ion IzagirreTinkoff-Saxo+ 2'50
21Dayer QuintanaCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 3'02
22Elmar ReindersTeam Roompot-Oranje Pelotons.t.
23Diego UlissiTinkoff-Saxos.t.
24Jarlinson PantanoColombias.t.
25Robert GesinkMTN-Qhubekas.t.
26Moreno MoserIAM Cyclings.t.
27Samir JabrayilovMTN-Qhubeka+ 3'23
28Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal+ 3'38
29Alexis VuillermozAg2r La Mondiales.t.
30Geraint ThomasAstana Pro Teams.t.
31Edward RavasiTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
32Tejay Van GarderenAstana Pro Teams.t.
33Dylan TeunsLotto Soudals.t.
34Warren BarguilIAM Cyclings.t.
35Roman KreuzigerAstana Pro Team+ 4'24
36Romain BardetTeam Skys.t.
37Francesco BongiornoTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
38Davide FormoloAstana Pro Teams.t.
39Gianni MeersmanLotto Soudals.t.
40Floris De TierTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
41Benjamin BrkicTeam Jokers.t.
42Tom DumoulinStella Artoiss.t.
43Mikel LandaTEAM Cepsas.t.
44Dominik NerzTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 4'57
45Jan HirtMTN-Qhubekas.t.
46Sebastian HenaoColombias.t.
47Jan BakelantsTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
48Ian BoswellTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
49Derk Abel BeckeringhTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
50Clement PenvenAg2r La Mondiales.t.
51Cameron MeyerOrica-GreenEDGE+ 5'26
52Simon SpilakESPNs.t.
53Jeppe Lykke Hartvig NielsenTinkoff-Saxo+ 5'36
54Stefano PirazziESPNs.t.
55Goredema DabengwaIberdrolas.t.
56Mattia CattaneoTEAM Cepsas.t.
57Alberto ContadorTEAM Cepsas.t.
58Eurico SemeanoTeam Skys.t.
59Lachlan MortonOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
60Alessandro De MarchiTeam Katushas.t.
61Richie PorteOrica-GreenEDGE+ 6'05
62Eros CapecchiTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 6'39
63Kristijan DurasekIAM Cyclings.t.
64Yukiya ArashiroTeam Roompot-Oranje Pelotons.t.
65Jacques Janse Van RensburgMTN-Qhubekas.t.
66Kenichi KondoIAM Cyclings.t.
67Nick Van Der LijkeTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
68Grégory AmbroiseAg2r La Mondiales.t.
69Tim DeclercqLotto Soudals.t.
70Romain GuyotTeam Europcars.t.
71Ilnur ZakarinTeam Skys.t.
72Jérémy CornuDecathlons.t.
73Tsgabu GrmayIberdrolas.t.
74Clément KoretzkyDecathlon+ 7'23
75Carter JonesTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
76Serghei TvetcovTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
77Romain SicardAg2r La Mondiales.t.
78Peter VelitsIberdrolas.t.
79Léo VincentDecathlon+ 7'50
80Miguel Angel BenitoTEAM Cepsa+ 8'46
81Rudi MilicMTN-Qhubekas.t.
82Tilegen MaidosTeam Jokers.t.
83Matvei MamykinTinkoff-Saxos.t.
84Mikel IturriaTeam Katushas.t.
85Marko DíazColombias.t.
86Axel DomontDecathlons.t.
87Vincenzo NibaliTeam Skys.t.
88Dario CataldoTeam Skys.t.
89Jelle VanendertStella Artoiss.t.
90Elia FavilliTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
91Francis De GreefTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
92Evgeny ShalunovTeam Katushas.t.
93Rudy MolardAg2r La Mondiales.t.
94Leonardo PajueloIAM Cyclings.t.
95Cayetano SarmientoIberdrolas.t.
96Arnaud CourteilleAg2r La Mondiales.t.
97Laurens De PlusTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
98George PreidlerIAM Cyclings.t.
99Jean-Albert CarnevaliTrek Factory Racings.t.
100Geoffrey DuteilStella Artoiss.t.
101Aurélien Paret-PeintreIAM Cyclings.t.
102Théry SchirMTN-Qhubekas.t.
103Peter StetinaTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
104Brad MalkinsonTeam Roompot-Oranje Pelotons.t.
105Eduardo SepulvedaTinkoff-Saxos.t.
106Dylan GirdlestoneMTN-Qhubekas.t.
107Anastasio AniaTinkoff-Saxos.t.
108Floris GertsTeam Roompot-Oranje Pelotons.t.
109Gijs De BerlangerLotto Soudals.t.
110José MendesIberdrolas.t.
111Kenny ElissondeTeam Europcars.t.
112Robert PowerTeam Skys.t.
113Alexey LutsenkoTrek Factory Racings.t.
114Primož RogličTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
115Sergei PomoshnikovTeam Katushas.t.
116Alexey VermeulenESPNs.t.
117Óscar GonzálezTEAM Cepsas.t.
118Daryl ImpeyMTN-Qhubekas.t.
119Jarosław MaryczCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
120Serge PauwelsLotto Soudals.t.
121Daniel EatonTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
122Eliot LietaerTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
123Luis LargoTEAM Cepsas.t.
124Isaac BolívarColombias.t.
125Sander ArmeeCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
126Esteban ChavesTeam Katushas.t.
127Michael CarbelTeam Jokers.t.
128Kristoffer SkjerpingTeam Jokers.t.
129Muhamad OthmanCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
130Joachim VanreytenTrek Factory Racings.t.
131Simon GeschkeBora - Argon 18s.t.
132Juan Manuel PuntasIberdrola+ 11'18
133Clément ChevrierTeam Europcars.t.
134Merhawi KudusBora - Argon 18s.t.
135Aldo Di SommaTeam Jokers.t.
136Rodolfo TorresColombias.t.
137Thomas SprengersTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
138Alexander EdmondsonOrica-GreenEDGE+ 11'36
139Ben HermansTrek Factory Racings.t.
140Timo RoosenTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
141Jack BobridgeOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
142Beñat TxoperenaTeam Katushas.t.
143Stefan DeniflBora - Argon 18s.t.
144Vegard Stake LaengenTeam Jokers.t.
145Gorka CeballosIberdrolas.t.
146Anthony VandrepotteDecathlon+ 12'06
147Tibor KozakTeam Katushas.t.
148Daniel Felipe MartinezColombias.t.
149Mitchell Lovelock-FayOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
150Oczan HenrichsTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
151Finn E. RosenkildeTeam Europcars.t.
152Kenneth VanbilsenTrek Factory Racings.t.
153Marco HallerBora - Argon 18s.t.
154Juan ChamorroColombias.t.
155Víctor de la ParteTEAM Cepsas.t.
156Alexander GeuensTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
157Julien VermoteStella Artoiss.t.
158Jasper OckeloenTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 13'14
159Alexis DulinCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
160Bertrand PradelTeam Europcars.t.
161Kamil MałeckiCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
162Mickaël RougeTeam Europcars.t.
163Jonathan HivertOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
164Bernard ThielBora - Argon 18s.t.
165Jeffrey PerrinTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
166Stig BroeckxTrek Factory Racings.t.
167Paul VossDecathlons.t.
168Dennis VanendertTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloise+ 13'50
169Bernardo PedoneStella Artois+ 14'06
170Jonathan FumeauxESPN+ 14'40
171Dirk Jan RijsbergenTeam Roompot-Oranje Pelotons.t.
172Adrian TeklińskiCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
173Maxime DanielTeam Europcars.t.
174Pierre GouaultTeam Europcars.t.
175Alex CarmichaelESPN+ 14'59
176Jenthe BiermansAg2r La Mondiales.t.
177Robbe CasierTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
178Emiel DolfsmaTeam Roompot-Oranje Pelotons.t.
179Andrey AmadorTeam Skys.t.
180Nolberto LópezBora - Argon 18+ 15'49
181Michael SchärESPNs.t.
182Ramon SinkeldamBora - Argon 18+ 16'58
183Julius van den BergTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
184Kevin De JongheTrek Factory Racings.t.
185Pierre-Henri LecuisinierDecathlons.t.
186Joe EvansTeam Skys.t.
187Clément Saint-MartinCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 17'39
188Aljaz HocevarTeam Jokers.t.
189Joris DertinDecathlons.t.
190Alex HowesTrek Factory Racings.t.
191Leigh HowardOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
192Arvid MelchiotTeam Roompot-Oranje Peloton+ 19'26
193Bjørn Vidar RisethTeam Joker+ 19'54
194Davy GunstTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 20'45
195Nikodemus HollerBora - Argon 18s.t.
196Fredy Antonio ReáteguiTeam Katushas.t.
197Alfonso LópezColombias.t.
198Aidan van NiekerkTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 21'33
199Donny SchrijversTeam Roompot-Oranje Peloton+ 31'03


Liege - Bastogne - Liege

Meintjes led the team this time around. My situation was similar to what it was in Fleche Wallone. Here, however, the attacks from favourites started from a long way out. A t 30 km to go, and with the break long caught, there were 2 riders out in front with a 17 man group chasing. I was in the latter group but Meintjes was in the bigger peloton behind us. With 15 km to go, the situation had changed to me being in the 40 man peloton, behind three nearly two minutes behind the lead riders. There were two more groups between us and the lead group of three. It would be those three riders who contested the finish for the win. Alaphilippe beat the Tinkoff duo of Martin and Kwiatkowski to win LBL. I managed 25th.

1Julian AlaphilippeStella Artois6h16'19
2Daniel MartinTinkoff-Saxos.t.
3Michał KwiatkowskiTinkoff-Saxos.t.
4Sam OomenTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 57
5Fabio AruAstana Pro Teams.t.
6Moreno MoserIAM Cycling+ 2'38
7Samir JabrayilovMTN-Qhubekas.t.
8Alexis VuillermozAg2r La Mondiales.t.
9Odd Christian EikingIAM Cycling+ 2'57
10Alexandre GeniezESPN+ 3'08

Spoiler
11Wilco KeldermanTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
12Tony GallopinStella Artois+ 3'26
13Jan HirtMTN-Qhubekas.t.
14Adam YatesAg2r La Mondiales.t.
15Romain BardetTeam Skys.t.
16Clement PenvenAg2r La Mondiales.t.
17Petr VakočIberdrolas.t.
18Gregor MühlbergerZunos.t.
19Tim WellensESPNs.t.
20Ian BoswellTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
21Nairo QuintanaTEAM Cepsas.t.
22Mikel LandaTEAM Cepsas.t.
23Simon YatesAstana Pro Teams.t.
24Sérgio HenaoAg2r La Mondiales.t.
25Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudals.t.
26Robert PowerTeam Skys.t.
27Arnaud DuteilTeam Europcars.t.
28Diego UlissiTinkoff-Saxo+ 4'25
29Ion IzagirreTinkoff-Saxos.t.
30Sebastian HenaoColombia+ 4'43
31Vincenzo NibaliTeam Sky+ 5'07
32Loïc VliegenLotto Soudals.t.
33Geraint ThomasAstana Pro Teams.t.
34Sébastien ReichenbachIAM Cyclings.t.
35Anastasio AniaTinkoff-Saxos.t.
36Edward RavasiTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
37Michael MatthewsTinkoff-Saxos.t.
38Warren BarguilIAM Cyclings.t.
39Roman KreuzigerAstana Pro Teams.t.
40Tom DumoulinStella Artoiss.t.
41Jacques Janse Van RensburgMTN-Qhubekas.t.
42Ilnur ZakarinTeam Skys.t.
43Esteban ChavesTeam Katushas.t.
44Michael ValgrenIAM Cyclings.t.
45Jean KüpperTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
46Louis MeintjesLotto Soudals.t.
47Jasper OckeloenTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
48Tejay Van GarderenAstana Pro Team+ 7'24
49Bob JungelsAstana Pro Teams.t.
50Richie PorteOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
51Davide FormoloAstana Pro Teams.t.
52Arnaud CourteilleAg2r La Mondiales.t.
53Eduardo SepulvedaTinkoff-Saxos.t.
54Graham TrainoOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
55Dylan TeunsLotto Soudals.t.
56Hugo PigeonTeam Europcars.t.
57Rigoberto UránStella Artoiss.t.
58Alejandro ValverdeTEAM Cepsas.t.
59Aurélien Paret-PeintreIAM Cyclings.t.
60Dominik NerzTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
61Benjamin BrkicTeam Jokers.t.
62Dayer QuintanaCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
63Gijs De BerlangerLotto Soudals.t.
64Gavin MannionTrek Factory Racings.t.
65Peter SaganTinkoff-Saxos.t.
66Valerio ContiAstana Pro Teams.t.
67Eurico SemeanoTeam Sky+ 10'19
68Rafał MajkaTeam Skys.t.
69Anthony DelaplaceESPNs.t.
70Mattia CattaneoTEAM Cepsas.t.
71Yury TrofimovTeam Katushas.t.
72Hector SaezIAM Cyclings.t.
73Jordi van DingenenLotto Soudals.t.
74Jelle VanendertStella Artoiss.t.
75Grégory AmbroiseAg2r La Mondiale+ 11'08
76Serghei TvetcovTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 11'25
77Simon SpilakESPNs.t.
78Robert GesinkMTN-Qhubeka+ 13'15
79Ulf HausweilerBora - Argon 18s.t.
80Dylan GirdlestoneMTN-Qhubekas.t.
81Marko DíazColombias.t.
82Tilegen MaidosTeam Jokers.t.
83Steff CrasESPNs.t.
84Rudi MilicMTN-Qhubekas.t.
85Yoann BagotTeam Europcars.t.
86Andrey AmadorTeam Skys.t.
87Eros CapecchiTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
88Laurens De PlusTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
89François BidardAg2r La Mondiale+ 13'40
90Léo VincentDecathlons.t.
91Marcel WyssESPNs.t.
92Jenthe BiermansAg2r La Mondiales.t.
93Elia FavilliTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
94Tiago MachadoCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
95Cayetano SarmientoIberdrolas.t.
96Tsgabu GrmayIberdrolas.t.
97Mitchell Lovelock-FayOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
98José Vicente ToribioTEAM Cepsa+ 14'52
99Mathias FrankTrek Factory Racing+ 15'29
100Merhawi KudusBora - Argon 18s.t.
101Francis De GreefTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
102Yelko GomezZunos.t.
103Emanuel BuchmannTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 16'20
104Anthony RouxDecathlons.t.
105Ramon CarreteroZunos.t.
106Vegard Stake LaengenTeam Jokers.t.
107Søren Kragh AndersenTeam Jokers.t.
108Luis LargoTEAM Cepsas.t.
109Sander ArmeeCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
110Sergei PomoshnikovTeam Katushas.t.
111Philip LaveryMTN-Qhubekas.t.
112David WöhrerZunos.t.
113Maxime DanielTeam Europcars.t.
114Björn ThurauTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 17'21
115Jack HaigOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
116Yannick EijssenStella Artoiss.t.
117Pieter SerryStella Artois+ 17'50
118Isaac BolívarColombia+ 18'23
119Haritz OrbeIberdrolas.t.
120Matteo RabottiniTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
121Julien DuvalDecathlon+ 19'20
122Ivar SlikTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 19'29
123Primož RogličTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
124Simone PetilliTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
125Kilian FrankinyTrek Factory Racings.t.
126Óscar GonzálezTEAM Cepsas.t.
127Larry WarbasseTeam Skys.t.
128Finn E. RosenkildeTeam Europcars.t.
129Tosh Van der SandeTrek Factory Racings.t.
130Carter JonesTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
131Diego RubioTEAM Cepsas.t.
132Floris De TierTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloise+ 20'15
133Tommy McCooshOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
134Gini TuranoBora - Argon 18s.t.
135Thomas SprengersTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
136Lukas MeilerZunos.t.
137Jonathan HivertOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
138Bernard ThielBora - Argon 18s.t.
139Felix GroßschartnerZunos.t.
140Moritz BackofenBora - Argon 18s.t.
141Juan ChamorroColombias.t.
142Kevin De JongheTrek Factory Racings.t.
143Stig BroeckxTrek Factory Racings.t.
144Anthony VandrepotteDecathlon+ 21'05
145Peter VelitsIberdrolas.t.
146Aldo Di SommaTeam Jokers.t.
147Matthew BuscheESPNs.t.
148Patrick OlesenTeam Jokers.t.
149Karel HníkMTN-Qhubekas.t.
150Kamil MałeckiCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
151Yoeri HavikTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
152Aidan van NiekerkTeam Giant-Alpecins.t.
153Michael GoolaertsESPNs.t.
154Geoffrey CurranTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 22'22
155Juan Manuel PuntasIberdrolas.t.
156Ricardo van DongenTeam LottoNL - Jumbos.t.
157Chad HagaTeam Cannondale - Garmins.t.
158Paweł PoljańskiCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
159Kris BoeckmansTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
160Romain GuillemoisTeam Europcars.t.
161Bertrand PradelTeam Europcars.t.
162Miles ScotsonOrica-GreenEDGEs.t.
163Max WalscheidBora - Argon 18s.t.
164Franco CantaluppiIAM Cyclings.t.
165Serge PauwelsLotto Soudals.t.
166Nolberto LópezBora - Argon 18s.t.
167Pieter JacobsTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloise+ 23'35
168Pierre-Luc PérichonDecathlons.t.
169Josh BerryCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
170Marco TizzaColombias.t.
171Eliot LietaerTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
172Mickaël RougeTeam Europcars.t.
173Muhamad OthmanCCC Sprandi Polkowices.t.
174Carlos QuinteroColombias.t.
175Joseph DombrowskiTrek Factory Racings.t.
176Jelle DondersLotto Soudals.t.
177Miguel Angel LopezStella Artois+ 24'26
178Pablo LechugaIberdrola+ 26'44
179Simon GeschkeBora - Argon 18s.t.
180Aser EstévezIberdrolas.t.
181Paul VossDecathlons.t.
182Jaime CastañedaColombia+ 27'05
183Rémy MertzTrek Factory Racings.t.
184Sergey BelykhTeam Katusha+ 28'26
185Michael CarbelTeam Joker+ 30'10
186Brent LuyckxTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloise+ 31'16
187Christian QuerterTopsport Vlaanderen - Baloises.t.
188Alessandro De MarchiTeam Katusha+ 31'35
189Alfonso LópezColombia+ 32'41
190Nordin KrijgsmanOrica-GreenEDGE+ 33'40
191Axel DomontDecathlon+ 35'29
192Javier Francisco AramendiaTeam Katushas.t.
193Tobias WauchZuno+ 37'11
194Léonard QuentinZuno+ 37'26
195Joris DertinDecathlon+ 38'05
196Fredy Antonio ReáteguiTeam Katusha+ 39'02
197Bjørn Vidar RisethTeam Jokers.t.
198Artem NychTeam Katusha+ 46'50

The same story repeats at Ardennes for me. After a good start to the season, April has been a disappointment so far. Time to turn things around in Romandie I believe. And what's up with Meintjes I wonder...

@Tamijo: So such luck, unfortunately Sad

 
Ripley
I dunno cycling well enough to know Odd Christian Eiking, but I'm a fan already, I love the name. Smile Apart from that, these Ardennes races are very tough, Sinha would have to work more on his classics skills. And be prepared to dig deep when the attacks start, the others aren't holding back, there's no tomorrow to worry about like in a Grand Tour.
 
AbhishekLFC
@Ripley: Right you are about the Ardennes. Not strong enough to stay with the best punchers when they put hammer down. Time to step up the training I think.

Here's all you need to know about Eiking Smile

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odd_Chr...ian_Eiking

https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/...ian_Eiking
 
Tamijo
Guess Ripley is right, Classic are very diffrent from the long constant climbs, that Sinha do so well, either have to put focus on it, or just accept he is better suites for the stage race. Smile

Louis Meintjes flopping big time (again), odd how bad he has been lately.
 
AbhishekLFC
Stage races are where my heart is. Maybe it's time to start specializing.

There's something going on with Meintjes, which probably has more to do than just his early season injury setting him back. I'm trying to figure that out too. He's not very keen to talk about it though.
 
AbhishekLFC
April

The next race and the last chance to redeem a poor month was in Romandie.

Tour de Romandie

Despite Betancur's presence, I was the designated leader for Lotto! I couldn't help but smile to myself when I read the team-sheet. The profile was one that did suit me and I was quite keen to do better than the previous couple of races.

The prologue on Stage 1 was decent for me. I finished 34th, just 16 seconds off the pace.

Stage 2 was flat with a slightly uphill finish. Betancur finished in 10th.

Stage 3

i.imgur.com/5ZcHXHx.jpg


I stayed in the pack. Dylan Teuns did much of the pace making throughout the stage. After the fifth climb, with 30 km to go, the lead group was down to 30 riders. The first major attack happened just at the base of the last climb with eight riders, including me and Betancur leaving the rest behind. Another attack followed from Barguil, Pinot and Van Garderen, who were never caught. The rest of us were swept up by the peloton on the downhill. Despite this, me and Betancur finished 7th and 6th respectively out of the bunch.

Stage 4

i.imgur.com/hCgZ0Pm.jpg


de Troyer joined up with the break. They didn't survive. I made my move 2 km from the top of the third climb. one by one the counters followed and I got left behind by four riders. I finished in a group of 11 riders at the finish picking up 7th place with Betancur 9th. Simon Spilak was the strongest on the day. I moved up to 10th in the GC.

Stage 5

i.imgur.com/Kd3tTYJ.jpg


I felt really good on the this stage. All but one rider from the break was reeled in after the first climb. Betancur attacked at the base of the second climb. I too attacked out of the pack and joined up with Betancur. After the second climb, it was Betancur, Pinot and myself chasing down the stubborn break, still thirty ahead on the road. The break was caught and dropped on the climb to the finish. I couldn't hang to the others and started being caught by the next group on the road. Meanwhile, Betancur's next attack was enough to distance and win the stage. I hung on for 3rd place, just as the trio of Froome, Bardet and Barguil caught up to me. Betancur was up to 4th in the GC, while I moved up to 6th.

Stage Result

1Carlos BetancurLotto Soudal4h44'42
2Thibaut PinotStella Artois+ 9
3Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal+ 1'18
4Chris FroomeTinkoff-Saxos.t.
5Romain BardetTeam Skys.t.
6Warren BarguilIAM Cyclings.t.


Stage 6

i.imgur.com/0MrONfn.jpg


It remained to be seen how much my efforts up the mountain would affect my ITT. It did affect me to some extent. I was already down a minute at the second intermediate to then leader and eventual stage winner Nathan Brown. I lost 94 seconds by the time the last rider crossed the line. I lost a place in the GC to finish 7th, while Betancur slipped two spots to finish 6th.

General Classification

1Warren BarguilIAM Cycling18h01'26
2Romain BardetTeam Sky+ 8
3Thibaut PinotStella Artois+ 37
4Tejay Van GarderenAstana Pro Team+ 2'42
5Chris FroomeTinkoff-Saxo+ 2'58
6Carlos BetancurLotto Soudal+ 3'18
7Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal+ 3'33
8Simon SpilakESPN+ 4'35
9Gregorio IbañezTinkoff-Saxo+ 5'37
10Eddie DunbarTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 6'17

Spoiler
11Alexander FoliforovMTN-Qhubeka+ 6'57
12Steven KruijswijkTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 7'10
13Alberto ContadorTEAM Cepsa+ 7'49
14Dominik NerzTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 9'21
15Esteban ChavesTeam Katusha+ 9'23
16Lawson CraddockESPN+ 9'25
17Vincenzo NibaliTeam Sky+ 9'33
18Serghei TvetcovTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 9'49
19Jeppe Lykke Hartvig NielsenTinkoff-Saxo+ 10'17
20Larry WarbasseTeam Sky+ 10'44
21Rafael VallsTinkoff-Saxo+ 11'37
22Lennard KämnaMTN-Qhubeka+ 11'48
23Jay McCarthyTeam Sky+ 11'56
24Nathan BrownESPN+ 12'01
25Mathias FrankTrek Factory Racing+ 13'00
26Arnaud CourteilleAg2r La Mondiale+ 14'32
27Jacques Janse Van RensburgMTN-Qhubeka+ 17'23
28Moritz BackofenBora - Argon 18+ 18'15
29Romain SicardAg2r La Mondiale+ 18'45
30Matej MohoricOrica-GreenEDGE+ 19'30
31Yury TrofimovTeam Katusha+ 21'49
32François BidardAg2r La Mondiale+ 21'52
33Matteo RabottiniTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 22'38
34Joshua EdmondsonTeam Sky+ 22'44
35Gorka CeballosIberdrola+ 23'54
36Michael ValgrenIAM Cycling+ 24'03
37Frederico FigueiredoIberdrola+ 24'12
38Tobias LudvigssonStella Artois+ 24'34
39Bakhtiyar KozhatayevAstana Pro Team+ 25'22
40Tony MartinTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 25'42
41Alexey LutsenkoTrek Factory Racing+ 26'21
42Théry SchirMTN-Qhubeka+ 26'37
43Rafal PalikOrica-GreenEDGE+ 27'36
44Enrico BattaglinAstana Pro Team+ 27'48
45Rigoberto UránStella Artois+ 28'04
46Dylan TeunsLotto Soudal+ 29'33
47Hugo PigeonTeam Europcar+ 29'37
48Ben SwiftTeam Sky+ 30'39
49Tsgabu GrmayIberdrola+ 30'52
50Peter VelitsIberdrola+ 31'08
51Reinardt Janse Van RensburgMTN-Qhubeka+ 31'48
52Sergei PomoshnikovTeam Katusha+ 31'55
53Ildar ArslanovTinkoff-Saxo+ 32'06
54Pello BilbaoTEAM Cepsa+ 32'07
55Cayetano SarmientoIberdrola+ 32'14
56Arthur VichotAg2r La Mondiale+ 32'17
57Kilian FrankinyTrek Factory Racing+ 33'07
58Chad HagaTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 34'20
59Mads Würtz SchmidtTinkoff-Saxo+ 34'43
60Carlos BarberoTEAM Cepsa+ 38'24
61Eurico SemeanoTeam Sky+ 38'37
62Magnus Cort NielsenTinkoff-Saxo+ 38'39
63Ulf HausweilerBora - Argon 18+ 40'18
64Clément KoretzkyDecathlon+ 41'16
65Jack HaigOrica-GreenEDGE+ 41'39
66Marcel AreggerIberdrola+ 42'16
67Salvatore PuccioAstana Pro Team+ 43'00
68Kevin LedanoisAg2r La Mondiale+ 44'20
69Nick Van Der LijkeTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 44'35
70Geoffrey CurranTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 45'45
71Romain GuillemoisTeam Europcar+ 45'54
72Jasha SütterlinStella Artois+ 46'03
73Lukas SpenglerESPN+ 46'32
74Luis LargoTEAM Cepsa+ 46'51
75Victor CampenaertsStella Artois+ 46'57
76Alex KirschTrek Factory Racing+ 47'30
77Silvan DillierIAM Cycling+ 47'38
78Simon GeschkeBora - Argon 18+ 47'50
79Steven LammertinkTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 48'17
80Jérémy CornuDecathlon+ 48'19
81Ivan BalykinTinkoff-Saxo+ 48'22
82Lorenzo ManzinDecathlon+ 48'23
83Elia FavilliTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 48'33
84Jonas BokelohTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 48'35
85Rudi MilicMTN-Qhubeka+ 48'38
86Julien VermoteStella Artois+ 49'38
87Carlos RibeiroTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 49'53
88Davide MartinelliESPN+ 49'56
89Luka MezgecMTN-Qhubeka+ 49'59
90Matthieu LadagnousIAM Cycling+ 50'40
91Jasper LindenberghTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 50'42
92Miguel Angel BenitoTEAM Cepsas.t.
93Adrien PetitESPN+ 51'43
94Robert-Jon McCarthyOrica-GreenEDGE+ 52'02
95Miles ScotsonOrica-GreenEDGE+ 52'24
96Andrea GuardiniAstana Pro Team+ 53'52
97Jesse SergentAstana Pro Team+ 54'22
98Zamrat BachurinOrica-GreenEDGE+ 54'48
99Peter ErdinIAM Cycling+ 54'53
100Andrea FediAstana Pro Team+ 54'59
101Ivar SlikTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 55'23
102Roy JansStella Artois+ 56'23
103Ricardo van DongenTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 56'26
104Nikias ArndtTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 56'50
105Kenneth Van RooyLotto Soudal+ 57'09
106Nicolas BaldoTeam Europcar+ 57'12
107Romain CardisTeam Europcar+ 57'42
108Guillaume ThevenotIAM Cycling+ 57'45
109Michael SchärESPN+ 57'54
110Jingbiao ZhaoIAM Cycling+ 58'54
111Nacer BouhanniDecathlon+ 59'10
112Ramon SinkeldamBora - Argon 18+ 59'28
113Sjoerd Van GinnekenTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 59'35
114Yoeri HavikTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 59'36
115Jurgen van DiemenTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 1h00'33
116Logan OwenTrek Factory Racing+ 1h01'25
117Aser EstévezIberdrola+ 1h01'35
118Luke KeoughTrek Factory Racing+ 1h03'01
119Tim De TroyerLotto Soudal+ 1h03'29
120Cees BolTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 1h03'48
121Jenthe BiermansAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h04'55
122Max WalscheidBora - Argon 18+ 1h05'37
123Frederique RobertLotto Soudal+ 1h05'52
124Afram IwuDecathlon+ 1h05'55
125Manuele BoaroTeam Katusha+ 1h06'05
126Jan MaasTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h07'21
127Liam BertazzoTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h07'59
128Angelo TulikAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h08'46
129Jelle DondersLotto Soudal+ 1h08'51
130Michaël BaerIAM Cycling+ 1h09'50
131Marco HallerBora - Argon 18+ 1h10'07
132Sebastian LangeveldTeam Katusha+ 1h10'31
133Philip LaveryMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h10'33
134Maxime DanielTeam Europcar+ 1h10'47
135Brenton JonesOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h11'18
136Kevin De JongheTrek Factory Racing+ 1h12'44
137Clément VenturiniDecathlon+ 1h12'55
138Jempy DruckerTrek Factory Racing+ 1h13'40
139Johann Van ZylTEAM Cepsa+ 1h13'44
140Benjamin GiraudTeam Europcar+ 1h14'14
141Javier Francisco AramendiaTeam Katushas.t.
142Justin OienESPN+ 1h14'39
143Yevgeniy GidichTeam Sky+ 1h15'40
144Nicola RuffoniBora - Argon 18+ 1h19'32
145Antoine DemoitieLotto Soudal+ 1h20'09
146Steven TronetAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h25'31
147Francisco José VentosoTeam Katusha+ 1h26'37
148José Vicente ToribioTEAM Cepsa+ 1h27'05
149Wouter WippertDecathlon+ 1h29'10
150Tom BoonenTeam Katusha+ 1h31'34
151Nordin KrijgsmanOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h32'23
152Connor O'LearyTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h32'46
153Alexandre PichotTeam Europcar+ 1h41'34
154Bert De BackerStella Artois+ 1h41'59
155Bertrand PradelTeam Europcar+ 1h43'56
156Joris DertinDecathlon+ 1h45'25
157Jon AberasturiTEAM Cepsa+ 1h52'08


Points Classification

1Warren BarguilIAM Cycling48
2Romain BardetTeam Sky46
3Thibaut PinotStella Artois45
4Chris FroomeTinkoff-Saxo42
5Carlos BetancurLotto Soudal38


Mountain Classification

1François BidardAg2r La Mondiale068
2Thibaut PinotStella Artois030
3Cayetano SarmientoIberdrola028
4Carlos BetancurLotto Soudal020
5Pello BilbaoTEAM Cepsa019


Young Rdiers Classification

1Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal18h04'59
2Gregorio IbañezTinkoff-Saxo+ 2'04
3Eddie DunbarTeam LottoNL - Jumbo+ 2'44
4Lennard KämnaMTN-Qhubeka+ 8'15
5Moritz BackofenBora - Argon 18+ 14'42


Team Classification

1Team Sky54h20'22
2Tinkoff-Saxo+ 32
3ESPN+ 10'05
4MTN-Qhubeka+ 19'10
5Lotto Soudal+ 20'32


A much better outing than the rest of the month. I felt I could still have done better, expecially in both the ITTs. The mountain stages saw me get into the top 10 consistently, the podium on the Queen Stage the highlight of the race. The win in the U25s has become a habit and has lost some of its charm in these races. A good race from Betancur too as he found himself high on all the classifications. A rare top 5 finish from the team.

I'll be off racing for a month as I go for altitude training. See you at the Dauphine in about 5 weeks' time...
 
Tamijo
Great comeback with a good Romandie, especially the hard stage 5.
 
AbhishekLFC
Timely boost of confidence indeed. Now to start concentrating on Tour preparations.
 
Ripley
Revenge from Betancur, this time you were the leader and he left you behind to win stage 5. Smile
 
AbhishekLFC
What goes around comes around I guess Pfft
 
AbhishekLFC
Something More to Think About

Date: 7th June, 2019

I haven't been racing over the past month. But that's not accurate for the state my mind is in right now. Let me take you back to how the month has panned out for me, and more importantly for the team.

Two weeks after Romandie ended, I was off to the Alps for altitude training for the Tour. We had some reconnaissance rides over Tour stages and put in hundreds of kilometers in the week that we were there. We even managed to squeeze some sightseeing into our busy schedule.

All the while, we kept ourselves updated with the progress of the Giro d'Italia. The first week was uneventful for us. After we returned from the Alps and took up training in the flats, the Giro reached it's climax. As the stages progressed, Meintjes kept rising up the GC standings. On the last mountain stage, he picked up the stage win after attacking on the climb to the finish. He moved up from 7th to 4th in the GC after putting serious time into his rivals. He stayed out of trouble on the ceremonial ride into Milan. This was Lotto's highest GC finish in a Grand Tour ever. Understandably, the management and most of the team were chuffed to bits.

The last stage of the Giro was on Sunday, 2nd June. Just two days later, we woke up to discover the following article in the newspaper:

South African Cycling Superstar Signs with MTN Qhubeka

"...we cannot hide our delight at having captured the signature of Louis Meintjes for the coming season. MTN Qhubeka have always strived to promote and popularise cycling in Africa and we cannot think of a better rider to lead our Grand Tour ambitions than Louis. For now, he has signed a one year contract with the team but we hope, and sincerely believe, that the partnership will be extended..."

Judging by the shocked messages I received from some teammates and the responses I got from those I had messaged myself, no one had any clue about Louis planning a move away from Lotto. Needless to say, the team management were seething.

I later realized that this perhaps better explained Louis's early season results! I don't know what to make of all this right now. I'm caught between hoping for finally getting the leader role in Grand Tours next season and trying to better understand the reasons for Louis's sudden departure. Was there something going on behind the scenes that I wasn't aware of?

The Criterium Dauphine starts in two days' time and I don't know how well I'm prepared for it. It hasn't been easy concentrating on cycling over the past week...
Edited by AbhishekLFC on 14-06-2017 12:19
 
Tamijo
Shock Interesting !
A leader role or will Lotto hire a new leader ?
 
AbhishekLFC
Tamijo wrote:
Shock Interesting !
A leader role or will Lotto hire a new leader ?

That is the question!!
 
Croatia14
stunning episode, tension arises!
pcmdaily.com/files/Awards2019/moty.png
 
Raziz
AbhishekLFC wrote:
Tamijo wrote:
Shock Interesting !
A leader role or will Lotto hire a new leader ?

That is the question!!


Don't go all Hamlet!
 
AbhishekLFC
@Croatia: Thanks. I had been writing this particular episode over and over in my head for the past couple of days. I'm glad you liked it Smile

@Raziz: I'm afraid I've already gone there!!
 
AbhishekLFC
June

After the crazy week that had just passed, it was actually time to go racing again. June would see me ride my preparation race for the Tour de France - the Criterium Dauphine.

Criterium Dauphine

A strong field turned out for this race. I would have to be at my best to get a high GC finish.

Stage 1 was a Prologue ITT but it was in no way flat. The results reflected the terrain as Nairo Quintana took the win and announced his claim for the race win. I finished 20 seconds off the pace. A good start no doubt.

Stage 2

i.imgur.com/dV6iMWP.jpg


I stayed with the pack as we swept up the berakaway and reached the last climb. I attacked 1.5 km from the top of the last climb. Two more pairs of attackers followed, with first Quintana and Kreuziger and then Sergio Henao and Eiking countering and catching me. Quintana and Kreuziger proved too strong, got a small gap to the rest of us and contested the finish. The trio of me, Henao and Eiking finished and few seconds later, but we were given the same time. The peloton rolled in more than a minute later. I moved up to 4th in the GC.

Stage 3 had a similar profile to the previous one. Beukens did an excellent job protecting me till the last climb of the day before dropping back. A very select bunch of just 19 riders, with me in it, reached the finish line together. None of the GC leaders lost time.

Stage 4

i.imgur.com/cJMbf32.jpg


I was looking forward to the long ITT. I felt good from the start and it showed on the timing screens too. I was in pole position through the first two intermediate time checks. I got tired at the end and lost a minute to stage winner Taylor Phinney by the end. However, I gained enough time on the riders ahead of me in the GC - Quintana lost 2'34" - and took over the lead in the GC! This was the first time ever that I was the GC leader in any race in professional cycling!!

I lived a dream on Stage 5, that of wearing a leader's jersey in a professional cycling race. Could I keep it till the finish? Only time would tell...

i.imgur.com/of2i72R.jpg

(Me in the leader's jersey, with Declerq in tow)

The team took turns, first chasing down the break and then chasing down an attack from Quintana. They did a fantastic job of the latter as there was a point Quintana had become the virtual leader on the road. I lost about a minute to the Colombian but held on to my jersey by a mere 11 seconds.

Stage 6

i.imgur.com/6GHkf7C.jpg


This stage saw an early attack from Pierre Rolland who was seven minutes down in the GC. We took no chances as we kept the berak on a leash throughout. However, on the second climb, both me and Quintana lost teammates and the break got a second wind. They held on for the win but the damage wasn't major. I got past the climb and the descent in a 12 man group behind the break and won the bunch sprint to take 5th place, with Quintana right on my tail.

Stage 7

i.imgur.com/1vpYrIB.jpg


The early break did not seem to pose much of a threat. Ion Izagirre was the highest placed among them, nine minutes down in the GC. This time however, our team couldn't handle the climbs and got decimated in the second climb itself. I was with the group of GC leaders till a quarter way up the HC climb. Beyond that, I cracked. It was a hard ride up that climb, as I kept dropping down the groups. My hopes of winning, or even salvaging a podium were done.

I rode across the line eleven minutes down on Quintana, who took over the GC lead. I had even lost my place to Izagirre!

I tried to get into the break on Stage 8. But every time I tried, I was reeled in. I gave that up and settled in to try again later. I did attack and was successful on the final categorised climb. I was in a group of eight riders behind the four man break at the base of the last (un-categorised) climb. Eight became two at the top of the climb and I rode alonside Craddock till the finish, him beating me in the sprint at the line for 5th place. I climb up two spots in the GC to finish 8th.

General Classification

1Nairo QuintanaTEAM Cepsa28h00'05
2Simon YatesAstana Pro Team+ 4'59
3Davide FormoloAstana Pro Team+ 7'48
4Warren BarguilIAM Cycling+ 7'53
5Thibaut PinotStella Artois+ 8'08
6Chris FroomeTinkoff-Saxo+ 8'34
7Ilnur ZakarinTeam Sky+ 8'44
8Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal+ 8'57
9Arnaud DuteilTeam Europcar+ 10'40
10Pierre RollandTeam Sky+ 11'03

Spoiler
11Ion IzagirreTinkoff-Saxo+ 11'16
12Julian AlaphilippeStella Artois+ 11'42
13Alexis VuillermozAg2r La Mondiale+ 12'11
14Tejay Van GarderenAstana Pro Team+ 12'37
15Dominik NerzTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 14'07
16Peter KennaughTeam Sky+ 17'16
17Roman KreuzigerAstana Pro Team+ 19'49
18Dario CataldoTeam Sky+ 21'59
19Nelson OliveiraMTN-Qhubeka+ 23'42
20Lawson CraddockESPN+ 28'43
21Fredrik GaltaTEAM Pirelli+ 29'24
22Damiano CarusoAstana Pro Team+ 30'44
23Jérémy MaisonAg2r La Mondiale+ 31'02
24Simon SpilakESPN+ 31'36
25Cyril GautierAlcatel+ 32'50
26Tom SlagterTeam Katusha+ 34'12
27Evgeny ShalunovTeam Katusha+ 35'28
28Emanuel BuchmannTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 37'47
29Tiesj BenootLotto Soudal+ 39'44
30Bart De ClercqStella Artois+ 40'22
31Dylan TeunsLotto Soudal+ 40'34
32Odd Christian EikingIAM Cycling+ 42'01
33Daniele Dall'OsteTinkoff-Saxo+ 44'31
34Maxime BouetTEAM Pirelli+ 44'36
35Geoffrey DuteilStella Artois+ 45'10
36Stefan DeniflBora - Argon 18+ 45'39
37Francesco BongiornoTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 47'23
38Jonathan CastroviejoTinkoff-Saxo+ 47'48
39Beñat IntxaustiMTN-Qhubeka+ 48'56
40Joseph DombrowskiTrek Factory Racing+ 50'12
41Sergey ChernetskiyTinkoff-Saxo+ 51'27
42Marcos GarcíaTEAM Cepsa+ 51'37
43Bernard ThielBora - Argon 18+ 52'01
44Rudy MolardAg2r La Mondiale+ 52'07
45Gini TuranoBora - Argon 18+ 52'13
46Rudi MilicMTN-Qhubeka+ 52'25
47Alexis DulinCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 52'57
48Arnold JeannessonIAM Cycling+ 54'51
49Gianni MeersmanLotto Soudal+ 55'03
50Philip O'DonnellTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 55'35
51Nick Van Der LijkeTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 55'38
52Thomas BonninAlcatel+ 55'51
53Alexey LutsenkoTrek Factory Racing+ 55'54
54Thomas De GendtLotto Soudal+ 56'35
55Hugo HouleTEAM Cepsa+ 56'43
56Rayane BouhanniStella Artois+ 57'08
57Maciej PaterskiTEAM Pirelli+ 57'55
58Stéphane RossettoAg2r La Mondiale+ 57'57
59Mitchell Lovelock-FayOrica-GreenEDGE+ 57'59
60Gracjan GregorekTinkoff-Saxo+ 59'26
61Romain HardyTeam Europcar+ 59'54
62Toms SkujinsMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h00'21
63Karel HníkMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h01'06
64Joey RosskopfAlcatel+ 1h01'17
65Jean KüpperTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h01'36
66Vitaliy ButsTEAM Cepsa+ 1h02'16
67Tim DeclercqLotto Soudal+ 1h02'26
68Nacer BouhanniDecathlon+ 1h02'48
69Taylor PhinneyTinkoff-Saxo+ 1h03'06
70Eurico SemeanoTeam Sky+ 1h03'28
71Alexander EdmondsonOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h03'46
72Ricardo GarcíaTeam Katusha+ 1h04'03
73Pierre-Luc PérichonDecathlon+ 1h04'16
74Maxime RouletMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h05'14
75Javier MorenoTEAM Cepsa+ 1h06'31
76Moreno HoflandTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h07'44
77Victor LafayAlcatels.t.
78Moritz BackofenBora - Argon 18+ 1h09'25
79Michał PalutaCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 1h09'36
80Hugo PigeonTeam Europcar+ 1h10'04
81Maxime CamDecathlon+ 1h10'22
82Carlos RibeiroTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h12'37
83Igor AntónTEAM Cepsa+ 1h12'51
84Luca ChiricoAstana Pro Team+ 1h13'43
85Dylan van BaarleTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h14'47
86Adrian Aas StienAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h15'08
87Youcef ReguiguiCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 1h15'44
88Sérgio HenaoAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h15'55
89Damien HowsonOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h16'36
90Kevin LedanoisAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h17'05
91Alexander RomanIAM Cycling+ 1h18'21
92Luis LargoTEAM Cepsa+ 1h18'36
93Johan Le BonESPN+ 1h19'45
94Davide GabburoTEAM Pirelli+ 1h21'26
95Julien VermoteStella Artois+ 1h21'34
96Jonathan HivertOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h21'45
97Tom WirtgenMTN-Qhubeka+ 1h24'37
98Jasper LindenberghTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h25'23
99Sondre Holst EngerCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 1h25'49
100Maximilian SchachmannTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h26'14
101Robin CarpenterTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h26'27
102Clément Saint-MartinCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 1h26'40
103Davide MartinelliESPN+ 1h26'59
104Pierre-Henri LecuisinierDecathlon+ 1h27'55
105Romain GuillemoisTeam Europcar+ 1h28'11
106Sander ArmeeCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 1h28'58
107Jempy DruckerTrek Factory Racing+ 1h29'59
108Zdenek StybarIAM Cycling+ 1h30'01
109Alex PetersTeam Sky+ 1h30'08
110Rafal PalikOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h31'07
111Andrea ZordanTeam Katusha+ 1h32'05
112Geoffrey SoupeCCC Sprandi Polkowice+ 1h32'13
113Roy JansStella Artois+ 1h35'30
114Gianni MosconTEAM Pirelli+ 1h39'06
115Alex DowsettTeam Sky+ 1h39'13
116Daniel HoelgaardIAM Cycling+ 1h39'46
117Morgan LamoissonTeam Europcar+ 1h40'30
118Afram IwuDecathlon+ 1h40'38
119Jan KovarTEAM Pirelli+ 1h40'59
120Miles ScotsonOrica-GreenEDGE+ 1h41'23
121Joeri StallaertLotto Soudal+ 1h41'36
122Manuele BoaroTeam Katusha+ 1h42'57
123Jean-Lou PaianiTeam Europcar+ 1h43'47
124Roland ThalmannIAM Cycling+ 1h45'14
125Sieben WoutersTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h45'58
126Paul MartensBora - Argon 18+ 1h46'20
127Kevin RezaTeam Europcar+ 1h47'27
128Pierre MorletESPN+ 1h47'38
129Francesco LascaTEAM Pirelli+ 1h47'52
130George PymTeam Sky+ 1h50'38
131Michael GoolaertsESPN+ 1h50'48
132Emil WangAlcatel+ 1h51'12
133Liam BertazzoTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 1h51'35
134Claude ThevenonTEAM Cepsa+ 1h51'43
135Gero WalbrülBora - Argon 18+ 1h53'30
136Matteo CollodelAstana Pro Team+ 1h55'25
137Etienne TortelierAg2r La Mondiale+ 1h58'04
138Sébastien TurgotTeam Giant-Alpecin+ 1h58'27
139Julien DuvalDecathlon+ 1h58'44
140Jean-Albert CarnevaliTrek Factory Racing+ 2h02'36
141Nikita ZharovenAlcatel+ 2h03'31
142Mohammed Mat SenanIAM Cycling+ 2h03'39
143Araik StorozhukTinkoff-Saxo+ 2h04'49
144Louis RohdeMTN-Qhubeka+ 2h06'51
145Connor O'LearyTeam Cannondale - Garmin+ 2h14'45
146Jon GaitánDecathlon+ 2h14'52


Points Classification

1Nairo QuintanaTEAM Cepsa97
2Warren BarguilIAM Cycling74
3Simon YatesAstana Pro Team56
4Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal56
5Arnaud DuteilTeam Europcar49


Mountain Classification

1Nairo QuintanaTEAM Cepsa63
2Ion IzagirreTinkoff-Saxo52
3Dario CataldoTeam Sky47
4Warren BarguilIAM Cycling40
5Nelson OliveiraMTN-Qhubeka38


Young Riders Classification

1Abhishek SinhaLotto Soudal28h09'02
2Tiesj BenootLotto Soudal+ 30'47
3Odd Christian EikingIAM Cycling+ 33'04
4Geoffrey DuteilStella Artois+ 36'13
5Bernard ThielBora - Argon 18+ 43'04


Team Classification

1Astana Pro Team84h17'51
2Team Sky+ 2'30
3Stella Artois+ 26'14
4Tinkoff-Saxo+ 27'41
5Ag2r La Mondiale+ 58'21


Ecstacy, followed by Agony, followed by a measure of Redemption. That is probably how I would describe this race. I cannot explain the exhilarating feeling that came with stepping stepping on to the podium as the race leader. I got the chance to do it for three stages. A lot of high finishes also in this race. One bad stage put paid to a brilliant result. The huge loss in the high mountain stage is a big worry going into the Tour. I wish I did better on that stage...
 
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