Part IV: France, Italy and Some Pavement in Between
Running since 1974, Le Tour Med has been a stalwart on the French calendar. The most succesful at Le Tour Med is Dutchman Gerrie Knetemann, with 3 wins. Last seasons edition was won by Rinaldo Nocentini of AG2R La Mondiale. The race, riding through France and Italy, is quite hilly, but with a steep finish on the final stage, the winner should be a climber.
Garmin has brought Christophe Le Mevel to his home country to lead the race for yellow. The main contenders here are Phillipe Gilbert (Omega - Pharma), Thomas Voeckler (Europcar), Anthony Charteau (Europcar) and Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R), but Oscar Freire (Rabobank) or Daryl Impey (NetApp) may trick the punchers/climbers and steal the win...
This race was very interesting for Garmin. Daniel Lloyd entered the race as a domestique for Le Mevel, and about 4th in line for the leader position, but by the end, he was the highest ranked man for the team.
For the winner though, Phillipe Gilbert, the race was nothing less than a domination. His gap was only 1'21", but he still won three stages, and had no equal. Impey performed well, while I have to say, Le Mevel dissapointed, especially with his great form.
Today's Winner
Up next: Omloop het Nieuwsblad + Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne...
Part IV: France, Italy and Some Pavement in Between
The Omloop het Nieuwsblad is the first race on the Belgian calendar, and a traditional warm-up for De Ronde van Vlaanderen. Belgians have dominated the race ever since it's first edition in 1945. Thor Hushovd will be our leader here, but with Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara also here, it will be tough to win, especially with Thor's poor form.
Part IV: France, Italy and Some Pavement in Between
The Kuurne - Brussells - Kuurne is another one of the Belgian classics that highlight the spring in Europe. This race, although riddled with small cobbled sections, ends on a log flat, and is winnable for a sprinter, not just a cobble specialist. The startlist is strong, with nearly all the stars, Cancellara, Boonen, Ballan, Flecha, Gilbert. Our leader is Heinrich Haussler, but Tyler Farrar is a close second in charge. Ryder Hesjedal will also start the race, just to lift fitness for his build up toward the Giro d'Italia.
For this race, I will write a different style report, with big pictures, instead of a single picture. Tell me what you think, and enjoy!
Last year's race was an 'epic'. Let's see what 2011 can deliver.
The first cobbled section came quite soon, but no real break had formed, as the riders headed towards Brussels.
Would a strong BOTD form?
The eventual BOTD to form was a 9-manner. No cobblers meant no sudden threat, but they would still have to be brought back.
No one notable in this group.
The break was heading up the toughest section of the day. This cobbled section was uphill at about 10%, and was straining on the riders.
The cobbles were getting tough...
In the next cobbled section, the peloton finally split. A pair of favourites groups formed at the front, and started chasing.
Garmin were well represented in the favourites group.
The inevitable occurred, and the breakaway was caught. The race really began now, and with Farrar still at the front with good form, he had a real chance.
Heinrich and Tyler were happy to wait until the end...
The two favourites groups merged together, and the sprinters were ready to pounce. Surely the Cancellara types had no chance now?
The Kuurne crowd was loud and proud...
3kms left, and soemone is off! It is relatively unkown Stijn Joseph of Topsport! He develops a gap! Surely he won't hold on?
The kid was alright!
But he did! A closing Farrar was inches away, but in the end the brave young Belgian took his first ever win!
A young star on the way?
1
Stijn Joseph
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
4h22'32
2
Tyler Farrar
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
3
Steve Chainel
FDJ
s.t.
4
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
5
Philippe Gilbert
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
6
Tom Boonen
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
7
Tom Veelers
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
8
Matti Breschel
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Bert Scheirlinckx
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
10
Bert De Waele
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Staf Scheirlinckx
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
12
Roger Hammond
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
13
Martijn Maaskant
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
14
James Vanlandschoot
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
15
Steven Caethoven
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
16
Andreas Klier
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
17
Jempy Drucker
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
18
George Hincapie
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
19
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
20
David Millar
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
21
Juan Antonio Flecha
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
22
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
23
Rob Goris
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
24
Kevyn Ista
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
25
Fabian Cancellara
Leopard Trek
s.t.
26
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
27
Bram Schmitz
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
28
Sylvain Chavanel
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
29
Koen Barbé
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
30
Grégory Rast
Team RadioShack
s.t.
31
Sjef De Wilde
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
32
Frédéric Amorison
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
33
Bert De Backer
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
34
Jan Bakelants
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
35
Koen De Kort
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
36
Martin Mortensen
Leopard Trek
s.t.
37
Dominique Rollin
FDJ
s.t.
38
Dennis Van Winden
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
39
Tom Stamsnijder
Leopard Trek
s.t.
40
Murilo Fischer
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
41
Matthew Hayman
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
42
Anders Lund
Leopard Trek
s.t.
43
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
44
Joost Posthuma
Leopard Trek
s.t.
45
Niki Terpstra
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
46
Dominique Cornu
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
47
Johann Tschopp
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
48
Kevin Van Impe
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
49
Marcel Kittel
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
50
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
51
Gianni Meersman
FDJ
s.t.
52
Kevin Hulsmans
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
53
Jonathan Breyne
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
54
Juan Manuel Gárate
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 1'20
55
Julien El Fares
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
56
Sander Armee
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
57
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
58
Steve Morabito
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
59
Stefan Denifl
Leopard Trek
s.t.
60
Kess Heytens
An Post - Sean Kelly
s.t.
61
Brice Feillu
Leopard Trek
s.t.
62
Gert Dockx
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
63
Baptiste Planckaert
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
64
Niels Van Dyck
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
65
Kurt-Asle Arvesen
Sky ProCycling
+ 7'21
66
Matthew Busche
Team RadioShack
s.t.
67
Tom Dumoulin
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
68
Ryder Hesjedal
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
69
Francesco Chicchi
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
70
Sébastien Rosseler
Team RadioShack
s.t.
71
Dominic Klemme
Leopard Trek
s.t.
72
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
73
Grégory Habeaux
Veranda's Willems - Accent
s.t.
74
Joris Cornet
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
75
Andrew Fenn
An Post - Sean Kelly
+ 11'52
76
Jonas Vangenechten
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
+ 12'24
77
Jonas Ljungblad
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
78
Luc Hagenaars
Team Eddy Merckx - Indeland
s.t.
79
Michael Tronborg
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
80
Gilles Devillers
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
s.t.
81
Fabio Polazzi
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
s.t.
82
Olivier Pardini
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
+ 13'21
83
Vytautas Kaupas
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
84
Stefan Cohnen
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
85
Tomasz Smolen
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
86
Blazej Janiaczyk
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
87
Gaetan Bille
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
s.t.
88
Joel Zangerle
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
89
Cédric Gaoua
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
90
Rafal Ratajczyk
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
91
Kamil Zielinski
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
92
Christian Poos
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
93
Łukasz Bodnar
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
94
Mateusz Taciak
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
95
Christian Patron
Team Eddy Merckx - Indeland
s.t.
96
Christophe Premont
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
s.t.
97
Addy Engels
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
98
Morten Knudsen
Team Differdange - Magic-Sportfood.de
s.t.
99
Mario Aerts
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
100
Tomasz Marczynski
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
101
Jose Mendes
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
102
Dario Cioni
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
103
Robin Steenuit
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
s.t.
104
Jochen Deweer
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
105
Dirk Finders
Team Eddy Merckx - Indeland
s.t.
106
Daniel Westmattelmann
Team Eddy Merckx - Indeland
s.t.
107
Derk Abel Beckeringh
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
108
Arnold Jeanneson
FDJ
s.t.
109
Joop De Gans
Team Eddy Merckx - Indeland
s.t.
110
Kenneth Vanbilsen
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
111
Bjorn De Decker
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
112
Stefan Ganser
Team Eddy Merckx - Indeland
s.t.
113
Jonathan Dewitte
Wallonie Bruxelles - Crédit Agricole
s.t.
114
James Spragg
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
115
Mark Cassidy
An Post - Sean Kelly
s.t.
116
Kevin Verwaest
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
117
Marc Goos
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
118
Matti Helminen
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
119
Johannes Fröhlinger
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
120
Oscar Riesebeek
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
121
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
122
Nico Eeckhout
An Post - Sean Kelly
s.t.
123
Stijn Neirynck
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
124
Maarten Tjallingii
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
125
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
126
Carlos Barredo
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
127
Jens Keukeleire
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
128
Aleksejs Saramotins
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
129
Rick Flens
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
130
Nico Sijmens
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
131
Frederik Willems
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
132
Jarl Salomein
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
133
Yaroslav Popovych
Team RadioShack
s.t.
134
Wilfried Cretskens
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
135
Geert Steurs
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
136
Romain Zingle
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
137
Grégory Joseph
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
138
Robert Hunter
Team RadioShack
s.t.
139
Bart De Clercq
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
140
Kurt Hovelynck
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
141
Sven Jodts
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
142
Jetse Bol
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
143
Ronan Van Zandbeek
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
144
Kenny Van Hummel
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
145
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
146
Maxim Debusschere
An Post - Sean Kelly
s.t.
147
Robin Chaigneau
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
148
Ben Hermans
Team RadioShack
s.t.
149
Bart Dockx
Landbouwkrediet
s.t.
150
Kevin De Weert
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
151
Frédéric Guesdon
FDJ
s.t.
152
Steven De Neef
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
153
Laurens Ten Dam
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
154
Ian Stannard
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
155
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
156
Kenny Dehaes
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
157
Sibrecht Pieters
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
158
Bjorn Brems
An Post - Sean Kelly
s.t.
159
Bjorn Selander
Team RadioShack
s.t.
160
Kenny Terweduwe
An Post - Sean Kelly
s.t.
161
Nicky Cocquyt
Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly
s.t.
162
Sven Vandousselaere
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
163
Roel Paulissen
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
164
Michał Kwiatkowski
Team RadioShack
s.t.
165
Joaquim Durant
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
166
Francis Mourey
FDJ
s.t.
167
Stijn Steels
Jong Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
s.t.
168
Chris Barton
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
169
Wilco Kelderman
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
170
Ramon Sinkeldam
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
171
Jesper Asselman
Rabobank Continental Team
s.t.
172
Serge Pauwels
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
173
Tristan Valentin
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 15'29
174
Kevin Claeys
An Post - Sean Kelly
+ 21'44
Today's Winner
Well, we are disappointed that we let the young man get away, but we shouldn't be! Two men in the top-5 is fine, and now we can't wait for the PT races!Edited by Teddy The Creator on 05-11-2011 01:32
This month, in the cycling universe: - The early season stage races were won by a wide range of names, such as Phillipe Gilbert, Samuel Sanchez, Tyler Farrar and J.J. Rojas.
- Bert De Waele (Landbouwkrediet) took two stage race wins, and looks strong for 2011.
- The beggining of the cobbles season was kicked off with an easy win for Tom Boonen in the Het Nieuwsblad, and Stijn Joseph surprised everyone by winning the KBK with a late attack.
March for Garmin will be very interesting, here is the schedule.
Country
Date
Race
Class
3.03
Giro del Friuli
1.1
5.03
Strade Bianche
1.1
6.03 - 13.03
Paris - Nice
UWT
9.03 - 15.03
Tirreno Adriatico
UWT
19.03
Milano - Sanremo
UWT
21.03 - 27.03
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya
UWT
23.03
Dwars door Vlaanderen
1.1
25.03 - 27.03
Criterium International
1.HC
26.03
E3 Prjis Vlaanderen - Harelbeke
UWT
27.03
Gent - Wevelgem
UWT
We will bring lots of good riders to the Paris Nice and Tirreno, so top-5's in both are our aims. The Sanremo is another key race, and Tyler will aim for the victory. The Criterium International is a sponsor goal too, so we will aim for the win, to get started before th big-3 cobbled races.Edited by Teddy The Creator on 05-11-2011 04:07
Part IV: France, Italy and Some Pavement in Between
The Giro del Friuli is a 37 year old classic, held in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. A traditional warm up for the cobbled classics, and the Tirreno Adriatico, the race is quite hilly and should be won by a puncher, or a sprinter who can survive the hills. Although the race has been on and off in the last 15 years, it has still had some big names win here, such as Davide Rebellin, Franco Pellizzoti and most recently Roberto Ferrari.
We have brought Ryder Hesjedal to his first race as leader, but due to poor fitness, Christophe LM is here too for backup. Our main rivals are Lampre and Liquigas, but Callegarin (TT1), Garzelli (AQS) and Rasmussen (CWO) may challenge for the win.
Giro del Friuli - The Race
After 50kms of struggling, a BOTD finally formed aroubd 12 riders, the strongest being Masciarelli of Acqua & Sapone, who was no real threat. They led by 3'50" with 130kms left.
After a hard chase from Garmin and Lampre, the break was caught, which allowed Michael Rasmussen (Christina Watches) and Matteo Carrara (Vaconsoleil) to attack. A fit Bobridge followed.
They were caught soon though, and this time, as the hills approached, Muraglin (D'Angelo) and Wielinga (Itera) broke away.
Garmin, Lampre and Acqua Sapone were the only teams chasing, with Klier, Talansky and Bobridge (All Garmin) in front. The pair were only 1'00" ahead.
Soon, As others fell behind, Ryder, Christophe and Bobridge, who was still setting a fast pace with the break caught, were the only Garmin buys left in the peloton.
But they kept dropping, and with 18kms left, Bobridge was dropped, leaving a favourites group to fight it out over the final hill.
11kms left and the climb approaching, Vandewalle (Quickstep) attacks, forcing Le Mevel to follow!
They were caught though, as the rest of the favourites attack, with Frapporti (Colnago) leading them down to the finish line!
The sprint begins, and the Garmin pair are too tired! Pietroppoli (Lampre) leads the whole way, and just holds off Simone Ponzi (Liquigas) and Callegarin (Team Type 1)...
1
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - ISD
4h42'27
2
Simone Ponzi
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
3
Daniele Callegarin
Team Type 1
s.t.
4
Eros Capecchi
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
5
Simon Spilak
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
6
Stefan Schumacher
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
7
Mikhail Ignatiev
Katusha Team
s.t.
8
Sergey Firsanov
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
9
Francesco Failli
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
10
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Marco Frapporti
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
12
Leonardo Bertagnolli
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
13
Kristof Vandewalle
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
14
Kevin Seeldraeyers
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
15
Ryder Hesjedal
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
16
Danilo Di Luca
Katusha Team
s.t.
17
Christophe Le Mével
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
18
Mauro Finetto
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
19
Luca Ascani
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
20
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
21
Vladimir Efimkin
Team Type 1
s.t.
22
Davide Malacarne
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
23
Paolo Longo Borghini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
24
Giuseppe Muraglia
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
25
Pavel Brutt
Katusha Team
s.t.
26
Davide Rebellin
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
27
Manuel Belletti
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
28
Henry Frusto
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
29
Remmert Wielinga
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
30
Daniel Oss
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
31
Matteo Carrara
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
32
Carlos Betancourt
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
33
Domenico Pozzovivo
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
34
Fabio Taborre
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
35
Fortunato Baliani
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
36
Federico Canuti
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
37
Constantino Zaballa
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
38
Cayetano Sarmiento
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
39
Claudio Corioni
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
40
Alberto Losada
Katusha Team
s.t.
41
Andrey Kashechkin
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
42
William Aranzazu
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
43
Leonardo Giordani
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
44
David Loosli
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
45
Rubens Bertogliati
Team Type 1
s.t.
46
Davide Ricci Bitti
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
+ 1'31
47
Maciej Paterski
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 2'15
48
Alexander Kvachuk
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
49
Simone Masciarelli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
50
Jack Bobridge
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 3'34
51
Sergey Rudaskov
Itera - Katusha
+ 3'53
52
Alexandre Geniez
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
53
Dario Cataldo
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 5'55
54
Roy Curvers
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
55
Francesco Reda
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
56
Danilo Napolitano
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
57
Andreas Klier
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
58
Andrew Talansky
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
59
Dries Devenyns
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
60
Artem Ovechkin
Katusha Team
s.t.
61
Massimo Codol
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
62
Pavel Kochetkov
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
63
Daniele Righi
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
64
Balint Szeghalmi
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
65
Filippo Savini
Colnago - CSF Inox
+ 7'17
66
Michael Rasmussen
Christina Watches - Onfone
+ 7'41
67
Marcel Kittel
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
68
Nikolas Maes
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
69
Roberto De Patre
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
70
Krzysztof Szczawinski
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
71
Gianluca Mirenda
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
72
Diego Caccia
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
+ 11'26
73
Nikolai Trussov
Katusha Team
+ 11'54
74
Santo Anza
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
75
Jacopo Guarnieri
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 12'56
76
Cristiano Fumagalli
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
77
Alexander Mironov
Katusha Team
+ 13'25
78
Volodymyr Zagorodny
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
79
Leopoldo Rocchetti
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
80
Elia Favilli
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
+ 13'46
81
Roger Kluge
Skil - Shimano
+ 14'54
82
Julian Dean
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 15'46
83
Oleksandr Martynenko
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
84
Marco Bandiera
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
85
Kenny Van Hummel
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
86
Thierry Hupond
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
87
David Millar
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 17'12
88
Thomas Peterson
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
89
Matej Gnezda
Adria Mobil
+ 18'04
90
Laurent Beuret
Atlas Personal
s.t.
91
Cristiano Benenati
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
92
Tomasz Lisowicz
Bank BGZ
s.t.
93
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
94
Yuriy Agarkov
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
95
Stanislav Kozúbek
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
96
René Jørgensen
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
97
Joost Van Leijen
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
98
Blaz Jarc
Adria Mobil
s.t.
99
Alessandro Bazzana
Team Type 1
s.t.
100
Blaz Furdi
Adria Mobil
s.t.
101
Mitja Mahoric
Adria Mobil
s.t.
102
Krzysztof Jeżowski
Bank BGZ
s.t.
103
Vladislav Borisov
Amore & Vita
s.t.
104
Paolo Bailetti
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
105
Mirco Saggiorato
Atlas Personal
s.t.
106
Tomasz Nose
Adria Mobil
s.t.
107
Mikhail Antonov
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
108
Marius Bernatonis
Atlas Personal
s.t.
109
Jiri Hudecek
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
110
Rob Ruijgh
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
111
Frantisek Padour
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
112
Volodymyr Bileka
Amore & Vita
s.t.
113
Robin Chaigneau
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
114
Guytan Lilholt
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
115
Dmytro Grabovskyy
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
116
Giuseppe De Maria
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
117
Ryohei Komori
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
118
Alberto Ongarato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
119
Tomáš Bucháček
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
120
Angelo Furlan
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
121
Danilo Andrenacci
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
122
Andrey Klyuev
Amore & Vita
s.t.
123
Pavel Gorenc
Adria Mobil
s.t.
124
Jakob Madsen
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
125
Edoardo Girardi
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
126
Valery Kobzarenko
Team Type 1
s.t.
127
Yann Huguet
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
128
Manuele Caddeo
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
129
Alessandro Vanotti
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 19'22
130
Andrea Guardini
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
131
Damiano Margutti
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
132
Bernardo Riccio
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
133
Javier Megías
Team Type 1
s.t.
134
Frederik Veuchelen
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
135
Alexey Shmidt
Team Type 1
s.t.
136
Oleg Opryshko
Amore & Vita
s.t.
137
Junya Sano
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
138
Lilian Pommier
Atlas Personal
+ 22'21
139
Andrea Piechele
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
140
Piotr Kieblesz
Bank BGZ
s.t.
141
Jesper Odgaard
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
142
Filippo Baggio
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
143
Wouter Mol
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
144
Omar Lombardi
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
145
Marc Reynès
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
146
Pirmin Lang
Atlas Personal
s.t.
147
Kristian Sobota
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
148
Jarosław Rębiewski
Bank BGZ
s.t.
149
Guillaume Dessibourg
Atlas Personal
s.t.
150
Radoslav Romanik
Bank BGZ
s.t.
151
Giorgio Brambilla
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
152
Artur Detko
Bank BGZ
s.t.
153
Alexey Tsatevitch
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
154
Raphael Addy
Atlas Personal
+ 23'43
155
Jakub Vecera
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
156
Sergio Laganà
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
157
Peter Erdin
Atlas Personal
s.t.
158
Denys Karnulin
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
159
Kirill Baranov
Itera - Katusha
+ 27'32
160
Alex Bowden
Team Type 1
s.t.
161
Viktor Shmalko
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
162
Nicolas Sanderson
Amore & Vita
s.t.
163
Kristian Forbord
Amore & Vita
s.t.
164
Artem Topchanyuk
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
165
Mads Moltke Steen
Christina Watches - Onfone
+ 28'48
166
Maksym Vasilyev
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
Today's Winner
I have to admit, we are very dissapointed. We expected a win or at least top-5, but 15th and 17th? Not good enough. Let's hope for better in the Strade Bianche tomorrow.
Part IV: France, Italy and Some Pavement in Between
The Montepaschi Strade Bianche has been growing momentum since it's induction in 2008, and is on the brink of UWT status for 2012. The race is a hilly classic held in Tuscany, Italy. With names like Kolobnev, Cancellara and Lofkvist on the winners list, the race is sure to be exciting. We will bring a strong group of riders, most in warm-up for the Milano - Sanremo. Tyler Farrar is our best sprinter, but may fall off due to the hills, so we have Ryder Hesjedal here too. But our main man is Thor Hushovd, who can ride the hills very well, and we all know he can sprint.
The race gets its name from the white, gravel roads that the characterize the race. Strade Bianche is Italian for 'White Road'.
The race started slowly, with no attacks, and a slow pace for about 30kms, until a successful break finally formed. It consisted of 6 riders, the only threatening one being Rafael Valls (Geox), who is a decent puncher.
The break reached the bottom of the Moltacino, the biggest challenge of the day. The pack was not too far behind.
Soon 2 more riders joined the break, neither with any notable threat for victory. The lead was at 2'00".
After passing over the climb, the hills were short and sweet for the rest of the race. Up and down, up and down, all day. The break grew to 3'20".
And a fall! It is Italian champ, and one of today's favourites, Giovanni Visconti (Farnese Vini). He will struggle to rejoin the front.
Soon, the break was caught. The peloton was down to 48-men, and Garmin were at the fore, pushing a hard pace.
15kms, Ignatiev (Katusha) attacks! Hesjedal thinks about following, but says no.
He made the right decision, as Ignatiev is caught nearly immediately. But then, Garzelli reacts, and sets off uphill! Efimikin follows, and forces the rest of the favourites, including Hesjedal, to do so also.
But no gap! They are brought back, and the bunch sprint is now firmly on the cards!
The final sprint begins with 1.5kms remaining, and Oscar Gatto (Farnese Vini) gets a small gap ahead!
Hushovd tries to follow, but the uphill sprint gets the better of him, and Gatto rides alone to the line!
He wins! Great win for the Italian, and saved Farnese - Vini's day after Visconti's fall! Hushovd sprints to 4th, with Hesjedal in 6th.
1
Oscar Gatto
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
5h19'39
2
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
3
Vladimir Efimkin
Team Type 1
s.t.
4
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
5
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
6
Ryder Hesjedal
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
7
Enrico Gasparotto
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
8
Mikhail Ignatiev
Katusha Team
s.t.
9
Ruggero Marzoli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
10
Grega Bole
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Maxim Iglinskiy
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
12
Sylvain Chavanel
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
13
Simon Spilak
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
14
Mirco Lorenzetto
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
15
Miguel Rubiano
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
16
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
17
Paolo Tiralongo
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
18
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
s.t.
19
Jérôme Pineau
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
20
Daniele Callegarin
Team Type 1
s.t.
21
Julian Dean
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
22
Francesco Masciarelli
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
23
Dries Devenyns
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
24
David Millar
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
25
Dario Cataldo
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
26
Francesco Failli
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
27
Vladimir Miholjevic
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
28
Kristof Vandewalle
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
29
Tyler Farrar
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 1'21
30
Cayetano Sarmiento
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
31
Massimo Codol
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
32
Davide Malacarne
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 2'29
33
Tomas Vaitkus
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
34
Pierpaolo De Negri
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
35
Ramunas Navardauskas
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
36
Giuseppe Muraglia
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
37
Alessandro Spezialetti
Lampre - ISD
+ 3'11
38
Cameron Meyer
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 3'41
39
Paolo Locatelli
Colnago - CSF Inox
+ 4'04
40
Giovanni Visconti
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
+ 4'46
41
Gorazd Stangelj
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
42
Rafael Valls
Geox - TMC
s.t.
43
Stefan Schumacher
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
44
Pavel Gorenc
Adria Mobil
s.t.
45
Luca Mazzanti
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
46
Enrico Magazzini
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
47
Maxim Belkov
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
48
Damiano Margutti
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
49
Andrew Talansky
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
50
Roberto De Patre
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
+ 5'35
51
Aleksandr Kuschynski
Katusha Team
s.t.
52
Gianluca Mirenda
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
53
Martin Lind
Christina Watches - Onfone
+ 6'53
54
David Dvorsky
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
55
Roberto Ferrari
Androni Giocattoli
+ 8'01
56
Danilo Napolitano
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
57
Fredrik Kessiakoff
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
58
William Aranzazu
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
59
Alessandro Bazzana
Team Type 1
s.t.
60
Rafaâ Chtioui
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
61
Davide Rebellin
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
62
Alessandro Bertolini
Androni Giocattoli
s.t.
63
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli
s.t.
64
Andrea Grendene
Team Type 1
s.t.
65
Matteo Carrara
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
66
Henry Frusto
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
67
Luca Solari
Androni Giocattoli
s.t.
68
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
69
Cristiano Benenati
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
70
Mitja Mahoric
Adria Mobil
s.t.
71
Dmitry Kosyakov
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
72
Simone Stortoni
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
73
Dimitry Ignatiev
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
74
Marcello Pavarin
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
75
Vitaliy Popkov
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
76
Wout Poels
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
77
Pavel Kochetkov
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
78
Eduard Vorganov
Katusha Team
s.t.
79
Giairo Ermeti
Androni Giocattoli
s.t.
80
Carlos José Ochoa
Androni Giocattoli
s.t.
81
Andrey Klyuev
Amore & Vita
s.t.
82
Andrea Pasqualon
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
83
Alexander Prishpetniy
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
84
Paolo Ciavatta
Acqua & Sapone
+ 9'49
85
Leopoldo Rocchetti
Miche - Guerciotti
+ 10'03
86
Laszló Bodrogi
Team Type 1
+ 11'08
87
Iván Melero
Team Type 1
s.t.
88
Alberto Ongarato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 11'47
89
Domenico Pozzovivo
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
90
Sergey Rudaskov
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
91
Constantino Zaballa
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
92
Danilo Hondo
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
93
Michele Gaia
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
94
Elia Favilli
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
95
Tomasz Nose
Adria Mobil
s.t.
96
Santo Anza
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
97
Artem Ovechkin
Katusha Team
s.t.
98
Fabio Duarte
Geox - TMC
s.t.
99
Pawel Cieslik
Bank BGZ
s.t.
100
Marcel Wyss
Geox - TMC
s.t.
101
Frantisek Padour
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
102
Yuriy Agarkov
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
103
Stanislav Kozúbek
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
104
Gianluca Brambilla
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
105
Alexandre Pliuschin
Katusha Team
s.t.
106
Edoardo Girardi
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
107
Junya Sano
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
108
Matteo Bono
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
109
Simone Campagnaro
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
110
Pedro Merino
Miche - Guerciotti
+ 13'10
111
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
112
Anatoliy Pakthusov
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
113
Patrik Moren
Amore & Vita
+ 14'16
114
Ariel Maximiliano Richeze
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
+ 14'35
115
Frederique Robert
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 14'56
116
Andreas Stauff
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
117
Olaf Kerkhof
Team Type 1
s.t.
118
Kiel Reijnen
Team Type 1
+ 16'36
119
Andrey Solomennikov
Itera - Katusha
+ 17'35
120
Volodymyr Kogut
Amore & Vita
s.t.
121
Krzysztof Jeżowski
Bank BGZ
s.t.
122
Denys Kostyuk
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
123
Patrick Schubert
Bank BGZ
s.t.
124
Gianluca Maggiore
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
125
Sergey Kolesnikov
Amore & Vita
s.t.
126
Juan José Cobo
Geox - TMC
s.t.
127
David Gutiérrez Gutiérrez
Geox - TMC
s.t.
128
Marko Kump
Geox - TMC
s.t.
129
Gianluca Randazzo
Miche - Guerciotti
s.t.
130
Angelo Furlan
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
131
Guytan Lilholt
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
132
Luca Barla
Androni Giocattoli
s.t.
133
Radoslav Romanik
Bank BGZ
s.t.
134
Blaz Furdi
Adria Mobil
s.t.
135
Daniele Colli
Geox - TMC
s.t.
136
Jiri Hudecek
PSK Whirlpool - Author
s.t.
137
Jesper Odgaard
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
138
Alexey Tsatevitch
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
139
Vyacheslav Kuznetsov
Itera - Katusha
s.t.
140
Pawel Sztobryn
Bank BGZ
s.t.
141
Pelle Clapp
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
142
Artem Topchanyuk
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
143
Omar Bertazzo
Androni Giocattoli
s.t.
144
Stefano Pirazzi
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
145
Alberto Contoli
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
146
Maksym Vasilyev
ISD - Lampre Continental
+ 18'37
147
Philipp Mamos
Amore & Vita
s.t.
148
Niv Libner
Amore & Vita
s.t.
149
Jarosław Rębiewski
Bank BGZ
s.t.
150
Denys Karnulin
ISD - Lampre Continental
s.t.
151
Mads Hardahl
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
152
Bernardo Riccio
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
153
Wouter Mol
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 19'18
154
Michele Merlo
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
+ 19'37
155
Kohei Uchima
D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo
s.t.
156
Giorgio Brambilla
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
157
Marc Hester
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
158
Daniel Malmros
Christina Watches - Onfone
s.t.
159
Stefano Borchi
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
s.t.
160
Dimitry Kozontchuk
Geox - TMC
s.t.
161
Marco Haller
Adria Mobil
s.t.
162
Aljaz Hocevar
Adria Mobil
s.t.
163
Tomas Danacik
PSK Whirlpool - Author
+ 20'47
164
Jakub Vecera
PSK Whirlpool - Author
+ 23'13
165
Federico Rocchetti
De Rosa - Ceramica Flaminia
+ 24'12
Today's Winner
Although the win and a podium eluded us, two men in the top-6 is still a good result. The Paris - Nice starts tomorrow, and we will hope for the best.
)
