jandal7 wrote:
1. [1] (could be changed to two if those stat boosts could be sued for attacking anyway )
2. [2]
3. [2]
4. [1] (hard choice but those sprint stat boosts are too good)
5. [2] (obviously
It's the harder choices that is important
And(!), the answers here will play an effect later-on aswell. So it's not just the short term gain that's in play
And(!), the answers here will play an effect later-on aswell. So it's not just the short term gain that's in play Angry
Ok
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
"Good morning gentleman, finally we are here. A proper flat stage today with some bumps in the middle. I don't think Multeddu, Trinità d'Agultu or Santa Teresa di Gallura should be a problem. Theirfor, we all know our job today, deliver Nizzolo in the final. I will however, allow you Julian to chase some breakaways and maybe get some King of the mountain points today. Getting on the podium early could help us in the end, in case we need some time to get that stage win. If you, Giacomo, rather would like to go at the sprint solo. I would urge you to pick Ewan or Gaviria's wheel. Besides that, enjoy the day guys."
The stage started like one would expect in a grand tour, and to nobodies suprise, it was Julian Bernard who started the show. Going hard of the front as the flagged dropped.
He later got company from Albanese, Scully and Nakane. Every rider in the group had their eye on one thing, and one thing only: the King of the Mountain jersey. And a chance to get honors on the podium in Olbia.
As the race hit the Multeddu, the attacks came early and often in the breakaway. Scully looked punchy, but the frenchmen Bernard drew the longest straw at the line.
The group then settled down again, and everybody rolled over at the front as the managed to maintain their gap down to the peleton. Then the break started the climb over Trinità d'Agultu the attacks started again. Nakane started the party, but got the hammer early in the climb and Bernard blew right past him.
As Santa Teresa di Gallura drew closer, so did the finish in Olbia. The peleton was now chasing hard, as the teams of Gaviria and Ewan wanted to make sure the will of the riders out front, was non-exsistent.
The climb over Santa Teresa di Gallura was an intense one, as the break was now struggeling to stay clear of the peleton. Julian Bernard was the first one to make a move, and it looked to be a decisive one. He got a gap down to the others, and got over the climb first. And he will ride in the KOM jersey tomorrow.
After a short attempt on his own, Bernard gave up and went down the order quickly as he got caught. It was time for a show down between the gladiators in the city streets of Olbia. And the arrival was fast, as Quickstep, Trek and Orica all battled to get the control at the front.
With the finish line in sight, Stuyven went hard to the left and released Nizzolo - At the same time Edvald Boasson Hagen went on the inside of Nizzolo as Ewan and Gaviria went on the right side with Colbrelli there aswell.
The sprint became close, as Modolo and Colbrelli was making a late surge to the line. Nothing could be done about Caleb Ewan, as he took it on the line.
A great stage for the spectaters and of course for us, a podium for Nizzolo and the KOM jersey for Bernard. A good start.
A very nice start for Giacomo and Julien, very tight finish!
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
"Stage two guys, and it's the first hard day of this year. The last part of the race could be decisive, so be sure to be at the front. Our main objective is to get Nizzolo to the finish with the first group. Bernard, you have to stay with Nizzolo today, just to be safe. Buddusò and Dorgali, on paper, not the hardest in the world. But, like i said, stay at the front. Nizzolo handles the shorter hills like today. So this could be a great chance to get a stage win."
As the flagged dropped and the peleton moved out of Oblia, Bernard tried several times to break free. Without any luck, as the Orica squad would not allow him to. After the Bernard attacks had calmed down a bit, Lars Boom went of the front, without anybody grabbing his wheel. After about 10 KM's a group of four went after him. Mori, De Negri, Belkov and Hofstede. They caught up to Boom, and the five riders started working together.
Nizzolo reported that he was feeling great, so the Trek squad went to the front, to make sure the break did not get a huge gap. Or that the pace in the last part would need to be hard.
Then disaster struck as the peleton was in the downhill on their way to the start of the climb to Buddusò. Several riders went down, including Bernard.
A lot of the riders who went down, would not get back up. But in the cruel world of cycling, the race goes on. And the climb to Buddusò had begun. And the attacks started in the breakaway. Lars Boom just barely was over the line first, and got 7 points in the competition.
2'17 was the gap between the breakaway and the peleton, as the unoffical climb to Dorgali started.
With just about 6 KM to the top, and the breakaway in striking distance, Bernard made a move. Going off the front, mostly to capture some KOM points.
Bernard did not have it, he surely felt the crash from earlier and was quickly reeled back by the Orica squad, again. In the same effort the breakaway was caught, as Quickstep went to the front. And with Bernard not having any juice left, the peleton just rolled over the climb - giving Fernando Gaviria the points and the lead of the KOM competition.
Over the top, Jelle Vanendert made his move, going for the stage win.
With Nizzolo still in the front, we decided to make sure Vanendert was within striking distance. Not catching him to early, but still making it rather ok to catch him when we want to.
On the decent down towards Tortolì, disaster struck again. This time at the front of the peleton, making a huge number of riders going down. Including Pinot, Chaves, Van Garderen, Zakarin, Martin, Landa, Kruijswijk and Dumoulin.
The team, who was pacing at the front, did not notice that Nizzolo was missing. And kept putting the pressure on, trying to catch Vanendert. Stuyven, noticed when the group was on the flat before the arrival into Tortolì. He went to the back of the group, to save energy as he now had a golden possibility to win a stage.
The sprint started fast, as Van Poppel went first. Getting the hammer early. Stuyven was trapped in the back of the group, and couldn't start his sprint before it was to late, even he was tired, being at the front for the last part of the race setting the pace.
Nothing could be done about Yates, taking a commanding win and also gaining valueable time on his rivals.
"A day filled with major drama, GC contenders going down, and loosing valueable time. The lingering question in everybodies mind is, was it etichal to not wait?"
1
Simon Yates
Orica - Scott
4h59'59
2
Rigoberto Urán
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
3
Jasper Stuyven
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
4
Primož Roglič
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
5
Nathan Haas
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
6
Michael Gogl
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
7
Gregory Daniel
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
8
Boy Van Poppel
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
9
Eugenio Alafaci
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
10
Marco Coledan
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
11
Ion Izagirre
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
12
Vincenzo Nibali
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
13
Valerio Agnoli
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
..
...
...
...
19
Esteban Chaves
Orica - Scott
+ 1'29
20
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
27
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
28
Ilnur Zakarin
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
42
Daniel Martin
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
43
Mikel Landa
Team Sky
s.t.
46
Tom Dumoulin
Team Sunweb
s.t.
49
Steven Kruijswijk
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
88
Thibaut Pinot
FDJ
s.t.
100
Damiano Cunego
NIPPO - Vini Fantini
s.t.
1
Simon Yates
Orica - Scott
9h33'55
2
Rigoberto Urán
Cannondale - Drapac
+ 4
3
Jasper Stuyven
Trek - Segafredo
+ 6
1
Simon Yates
Orica - Scott
25
32
2
Caleb Ewan
Orica - Scott
0
27
3
Sonny Colbrelli
Bahrain - Merida
0
20
1
Fernando Gaviria
Quick-Step Floors
14
14
2
Pieter Serry
Quick-Step Floors
9
9
3
Julien Bernard
Trek - Segafredo
0
9
1
Simon Yates
Orica - Scott
4h59'59
9h33'55 (1)
2
Jasper Stuyven
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
+ 6 (2)
3
Michael Gogl
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
+ 10 (3)
1
Trek - Segafredo
14h59'57
28h42'15(1)
2
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
+ 0 (2)
3
Orica - Scott
+ 2'58
+ 2'58 (6)
Riders having to throw in the towel, including Rast.
Don't have much time these weeks but when I do check in to Daily, this is the one thread I need to read.
One of the best stories I've seen on this site, honestly. Graphical work is neat, writing is great, involvement with the story and the team is high.
Keep up the great work and don't get discouraged by the low amount of commenters. There are always more people reading and enjoying the story than there are commenting
Ian Butler wrote:
Don't have much time these weeks but when I do check in to Daily, this is the one thread I need to read.
One of the best stories I've seen on this site, honestly. Graphical work is neat, writing is great, involvement with the story and the team is high.
Keep up the great work and don't get discouraged by the low amount of commenters. There are always more people reading and enjoying the story than there are commenting
Thank you sir!
It's been a bit hard at times, to be honest, as the respons has been low. The motto is "Keep trucking" with this one
"Good morning everybody. I hope everybody had a good night sleep. It's a flat stage, and we are going to make sure this one ends in a bunch sprint. Nobody is allowed to take a day off, or try their luck in a break. Everybody around Nizzolo, no mather what! Yes, im looking a you Bernard. I want you guys to control the race if we need to. I do expect Orica and Quickstep to do a lot to make sure a potential break don't get to much. So we might get away without doing much in the first part of the race. After the climb to Capo Boi, i want a red train at the front. High pace, no mercy! Now go get'em!"
The start of the race in Tortolì went slow, everybody basked in the glory and the gandering looks of the crowd. It actually took fifthen minutes before somebody tried their luck. And it was Rivera who started the party. He quickly got company from Politt, Wallays, Bresciani and Bico. The group of five worked well together, but Orica and Quickstep never allowed them to get anymore then 2'45 in advantage.
As the race got closer to the only climb of the day, Capo Boi, disaster struck. The second day in a row, a large number of riders went down. Amongst them was a hot favourite for the stage, Edvald Boasson Hagen. And it looked like he felt that one.
As the break started the climb of Capo Boi, the break attacked for the glory and the euro's. Jelle Wallays sat on for a while, before he went around everybody and rolled over the line in first. 3 points and some euro's for him. Chapeau
As the peleton went over Capo Boi, the pace was turned up significantly as Orica and Quickstep could smell blood.
With under 10 KM left of the stage, Trek went to the front, starting their lead-out for the fast Giacomo Nizzolo.
As the finish line in Cagliari drew ever closer, and the group of angry gladiators could see the finish, Van Poppel went hard with Stuyven and Nizzolo on his wheel.
Stuyven delivered Nizzolo perfectly, with Ewan and Gaviria close by. This would be a "who blinks first" kind of a duel.
Like the first stage to Olbia, nothing could be done about Caleb Ewan. He just out sprinted Nizzolo and Colbrelli to the line. As Gaviria had yet another dissapointing performance, as his form would most likely be questioned in tomorrows newspaper.
"Another good day for us, we made our mark, but lacking a bit in the end. Stuyven and Van Poppel did their job perfectly. Ewan is just to strong."
"Good morning gentleman, i hope you all are super motivated after a we nearly made it yesterday. The lead-out was perfect, i loved what i saw in the last 3 KM there. The plan today is this. We ride 2 hours before a little coffee break. Then we ride 30 min back to the hotel. A huge day tomorrow for the GC guys, wich means it will be hard for us. So we need to stay ready.
After a meal and some rest, it's media time. So keep your cool in front of the reporters. That's about it, let's go out and enjoy ourselfs today"
Overheard on the ride
"Well that's your problem, if i where you, i would do what im told. And stop bitching about it. It's pathetic"
"I don't envy them at all. Sleeping at that height, and training at that level. Jeeeez, i'd rather lead you out for the rest of my carrer. Hahah"
"Caleb looks strong, i don't know if i can take him. I guess i have to keep trying."
The same as before the Giro, please write questions for the squad. I'll pick the best ones and use them in the Press Conference
Wow, only just noticed this one but seriously awesome story as Ian said! Awesome reports, awesome graphical work, awesome structure.
Don't 100% understand how the press conference phase works but looking at the last one I'll go with this:
To Nizzolo: "Are you frustrated to miss out on the win twice, or are you satisfied with successive podium places and the points that come with that?"
And for Bernard: "You've been very aggressive in your search for mountains points, are you worried you won't have the legs to chase KOMs in the third week or do you think that getting early points is an important headstart on the climbers?"
VoetsT wrote:
Wow, very stunning presentation
I hope you can get that win soon.
So do i! If you have any questions to the squad, feel free to post them.
trekbmc wrote:
Wow, only just noticed this one but seriously awesome story as Ian said! Awesome reports, awesome graphical work, awesome structure.
Don't 100% understand how the press conference phase works but looking at the last one I'll go with this:
To Nizzolo: "Are you frustrated to miss out on the win twice, or are you satisfied with successive podium places and the points that come with that?"
And for Bernard: "You've been very aggressive in your search for mountains points, are you worried you won't have the legs to chase KOMs in the third week or do you think that getting early points is an important headstart on the climbers?"
"Welcome to the first rest day. Next up, Trek - Segafredo!"
Giovanni Ellena:"Hey everybody and welcome. Let's get right into the questions. You sir, right there."
trekbmc: "This one is for Nizzolo, are you frustrated to miss out on the win twice, or are you satisfied with successive podium places and the points that come with that?"
Giacomo Nizzolo: [1]"No, not at all. It's part of the game i guess. Ewan has been looking strong so far. A podium is nothing to sneeze at."
[+1 FL +1 RES +1 SPRINT]
[-1 MO -1 REC -1 DH]
[2]X1 "Yes, loosing twice is hard. I've not had the best of lead-outs and the team have some stuff to work out."
[+1 ACC +1 STA +1 HILL]
[-1 FL -1 RES -1 SPRINT]
trekbmc: "And for Bernard, you've been very aggressive in your search for mountains points, are you worried you won't have the legs to chase KOMs in the third week or do you think that getting early points is an important headstart on the climbers?"
Julian Bernard: [1]X1 "No, i got the mindset of get it done early. If a GC contender have a bad day and gives up on the GC. Then i might have tougher competiton then intended. So i need to make my move early."
[+1 REC +1 STA +1 HILL]
[-1 FL -1 RES -1 DH]
[2]"It might not have been the smartest thing to do, considering i only got 9 points out of it. Time will tell."
[+1 RES +1 STA +1 HILL]
[-1 FL -2 REC -1 SPRINT]
Giovanni Ellena:"Thank you all for showing up. Until next time."
Time to make some choiches again. Please do it like this:
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
"Good morning guys. I hope everybody is refreshed and ready for Portella Femmina Morta and the climb to Mount Etna. The task today is simple, stay with Nizzolo and at the same time let's make sure Bernard gets some points in the KOM competition. Im not going to speak to much, let's just keep it simple. And of course, enjoy the day."
The race started fast and hard. After an early rest day, a lot of riders felt fresh and ready to attack. Amongst them was Bernard, but the peleton would not let him go, as they constantley chased down his attempts.
As Bernard was gassed and unable to follow anymore attacks, a smaller group of three managed to get away, and at the start of the climb over Portella Femmina Morta, Bernard tried his luck again.
Over the top, Bernard was unable to bridge the gap to the riders in front, but still managed to get some points. Bisolti was the first rider over.
As the peleton swallowed up the breakaway, including Bernard. Stuyven went on the attack with Nizzolo on his wheel, as the intermediate sprint in Bronte drew ever closer. It was ment as a lead-out but it caught both Qucikstep and Orica napping. And the duo looked over their shoulder and they had gotten a gap.
Then the peleton came back together and nobody wanted to make any moves, as the final in Etna was a couple of kilometeres away now.
At the foot of the climb to Mount Etna, Rein Taaramäe went on the attack, and quickly got Egan Arley Bernal and Rafael Valls. The game was on!
As the peleton now was nervous and awaiting attacks, the heat got turned up, and Bernal felt it - as he went on his own as Rein Taaramäe now was feeling it.
Back in the peleton, FDJ was setting the pace, which was a clear indication that Pinot felt great.
Then Steven Kruijswijk felt it was time to invite the others to dance, as he attacked the main field.
Nothing came of Kruijswijk's attack, and as the peleton brought him back - Dan Martin went on the counter.
Tom Dumoulin and Thibaut Pinot followed Martin's attack, and as Martin sat down. Dumoulin went again, with Pinot on his wheel.
With the high pace and the attacks, Bernal got swallowed up by Dumoulin, as he now had put a gap between him and Pinot - Who was clearly starting to hurt.
Tom Dumoulin rode solo to the finish on Mount Etna, and had managed to make up 27' seconds on the maglia rosa. As Yates went solo in the last KM after Chaves had been towing him the entire way up the mountain.
This was cleary a day where you could loose the Giro, and a lot of riders got caught lacking. The biggest suprise of the day, had to be Rigoberto Uran being unable to follow the best climbers.
Further more, Yates keeps his lead in the general classification and Primož Roglič is now the second man, with Tom Dumoulin at third.
"Today is the day gentleman, i can smell it in the air! We have been close several times now, and after a hard day in the mountains, i belive that is to our advantage. Everybody around Nizzolo today, no big gaps to the break and Van Poppel and Stuyven, make sure that we deliver Nizzolo perfectly today.
Quickly before im done, and this is important. Pay attention! The final 6.3-km circuit shall be covered once, on wide and straight avenues alternating with 90-degree bends. The route takes a U-turn with 1,500 m to go, then a long home straight, descending slightly in the first part, leads all the way to the finish. The home stretch is 1,500 m long, on 7.5-m wide, flat and asphalt road. So we need to be at the front at that point. Good luck today."
At drop of the flag, a group of six riders tried their luck. Amongst them, and the initater, Jelle Wallays.
The route was up and down from the get go, then came an uphill stretch to Fornazzo where it was a battle for KOM points. Followed by a fast-running and technical descent.
Even after the first rest day, it was nervous in the peleton, and a group of riders hit the tarmac.
After the crash, nothing much happend. Besides a bunch of domestiques deciding to roll to the finish at their own pace. Then the peleton decided to finally end the hopes of the breakaway. And with 20 KM left of the stage, the peleton had full control.
As the peleton hit the final circuit in Messina the break was still out in front without it seeming to be to much of a danger. During the lap, the sprinters and their teams could recon the finishing stretch before the sprint.
Then the race hit the most important part of the day, the last 3 KM of the stage. And with Trek - Segafredo having command of the peleton, they reeled in the break.
Stuyven and Trek - Segafredo delivered Nizzolo perfectly as he had , without a doubt, the easiest rider to the sprint. And it was set for another showdown between Nizzolo, Gaviaria and Ewan.
Giacomo Nizzolo, in tri-color, out sprinted the rest. He was the first to cross the line, and could throw his hands in the air and let emotions fly.
Now the pressure was off, Trek - Segafredo got what they came for. A stage win. Will they now focus on the Classificazione dei Punti? Time will tell.
)
Caleb Ewan
Fernando Gaviria
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sonny Colbrelli
Jakub Mareczko
Thibaut Pinot
Simon Yates
Tom Scully
Daniel Martin
Jasper Stuyven
Primož Roglič
Michael Gogl
Gregory Daniel
Boy Van Poppel
Ion Izagirre
Ilnur Zakarin
Bahrain - Merida
Nikias Arndt
Michael Albasini
