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[INACTIVE] The Stories Behind Team Liquigas - Cannondale
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kitface
justgoharder.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Logo_LIQ-CAN.jpg

This season, Team Liquigas - Cannondale has allowed a lone journalist and photographer, known simply as KB Brady, to follow their team around the world on the UCI World Tour. He will fly with the team to certain races and write reports, attend team meetings and team gatherings. He hopes he will be able to shed some light on the world of cycling and the life of a professional cyclist.

I am that journalist.
Edited by kitface on 22-08-2011 08:02
 
alexanderlens
Good luck with it!
 
kitface
Hello all,
I am thrilled to be here in the Liquigas - Cannondale camp for the season and can't wait for the year to unfold. Earlier this week, we had the team presentation. All the stars were there like Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali. I am not in this photo, but I still got to meet and greet all the riders and staff for the team.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/LIQUIGASTEAM-1.png
I have been flown to Melbourne for the Australian cycling season, which includes the Santos Tour Down Under. I had a great chat to Fabio Sabatino on the plane to Tullamarine. He will be the team's leading sprinter for the event and said he was looking forward to the tour and would also visit Perth for the week beforehand for the Australian ITT Championships. Cameron Wurf will be the lone rider in the ITT and the road race for Liquigas.

The team meeting was earlier this afternoon and the race schedule for January and February was shared with the team. Here it is:
Spoiler
09/01 - 09/01 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png Australian Road-Race Championships
11/01 - 11/01 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png Australian ITT Championships
19/01 - 24/01 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png Santos Tour Down Under
28/01 - 30/01 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Giro Della Calabria
02/02 - 06/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png Etoile de Besseges
05/02 - 05/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png GP Costa degli Etruschi
06/02 - 10/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SPA.png Vuelta a Mallorca
16/02 - 20/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SPA.png Volta ao Algarve
19/02 - 19/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Trofeo Laigueglia
20/02 - 24/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SPA.png Vuelta a Andalucia
22/02 - 26/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Giro de Sardegna
26/02 - 26/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png GP dell'Insubria-Lugano
27/02 - 27/02 : i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Classica Sarda Sassari - Cagliari

A huge couple of months ahead but right now, the team is concentrating on what they achieve Down Under. I can't wait for my first race on Sunday and i will be rooting for Cameron Wurf.
Until then,
KB Brady - Team Liquigas - Cannondale Photographer & Journalist
Edited by kitface on 08-08-2011 07:17
 
kitface
Hello all,
Today is my first race with the team and although there is only one rider for the team participating, Cameron Wurf, I will still take some snaps and write about some of the main events in the race.

Australian Road-Race Championships

Favoutites: Evans (BMC), Haussler (GAR), Gerrans (SKY)

The race started with only 40 riders and big star's Cadel Evans and German ex-Pat Heinrich Haussler were at the start line looking to wear the Aussie champ's jersey all season.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/Start-ARRC.png
Cam Wurf, who didn't have a big chance in the peloton, joined the first break and was getting his moment in the sun.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/WurfBreak-ARRC.png
I saw on the TV's that Rabobank's young gun Michael Matthews had fallen in the pack and was now well back.

The break, including Wurf, was setting a good pace and the timecheck said they were 6'23" ahead of the peloton. The rain began to fall and due to the dust, wind and wet roads, some ugly crashes could follow.

The 6-man break was home to 6 riders. They were Wurf, Luke Roberts, Leigh Howard, Adam Hansen, David Kemp and William Clarke. Cam, who I had chatted to on the bus up to Buninyong, saw me on the road and gave me a wave while he was getting some water.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/WurfWave-ARRC.png
At the 80km to go time check, the lead had been cut down to 6'31", proof that the peloton had increased pace. The boys at the front weren't worried and were enjoying their time at the head of the pack.

With 60kms to go, and the lead down to 4'20", Cam Wurf went for broke and sprinted ahead of his compatriots in the breakaway. He gained about 1'00 on the others.

Cam was heading up the 3rd last climb with a 2 minute break on the other escapees and 5 on the peloton.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/WurfBreakNo2-ARRC.png
Back in the peloton with 15kms to go, Cadel Evans, Stuart O'Grady, Matt Goss and Simon Gerrans started the chase.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/CadelbreakformPelo-ARRC.png
10kms now and Wurfy, still in front, was starting to dig into the reserves to gain the energy he needed to stay in front to the line.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/Wurfcaughtupend-ARRC.png
It was now everyone vs Cameron Wurf as the breaks were all caught and chasing. He was close to breaking point but would never give up. He was eventually caught by a rampant Stuart O'Grady and faded back into the pack after a valiant and brave effort.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/SOGradyovertake-ARRC.png
The sprint was on and Baden Cooke had an early lead. SaxoBank teammate David Tanner was closing quick. Graeme Brown was finishing fast but Cooke just held on and earned a great victory.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/BadenCookevictory-ARRC.png
Baden Cooke will wear the Australian Champs jersey for the rest of the season!

Overall, a great day of racing. Cam Wurf had a really inspirational ride and despite finishing at the back, really caught the attention of the team and the general public.

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png B. Cooke - Saxo Bank Sungard - 4h50'27"

2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png G. Brown - Rabobank Cycling Team - +0"

3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png L. Howard - HTC - Highroad - +0"

4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png D. Tanner - Saxo Bank SunGard - +0"

5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png R. Dennis - Rabobank Continental Team - +0"
...
38. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Wurf - Liquigas - Cannondale - +0"

Next Tuesday is the ITT where Wurf can continue to shine and has a real chance at a top 10 or even 5. Can't wait, now I'm off to the bar to have a few drinks with Sylvester Szmyd.
Until next time,
KB Brady - Team Liquigas - Cannondale Photographer & Journalist
Edited by kitface on 06-08-2011 09:12
 
baia
I like this one...well done.
i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t525/baia3/FDJprofileban_zps42833c10.jpg
 
kitface
Hello readers,
The big road race yesterday was very exciting and now it's time for the ITT. Cam Wurf will be tired from Sunday's race but I had a chat to him this morning in the hotel and he was very excited for the ITT.

Australian ITT Championships
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/ATTCprofile.png

Favourites: Evans (BMC), Porte (SBS), Rogers (SKY)

M. Wilson was the first rider to start for Garmin and a good day's racing was ahead.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/FirstTT-ATTC.png
Cam Wurf set off soon enough.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/WurfStart-ATTC.png
Former World ITT Champ Michael Rogers, who was terribly out of shape, set off but would struggle to get a good time.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/Rogers-ATTC.png
Cam had a blistering first timecheck and was leading the provisional rankings ahead of Brett Lancaster. Richie Porte set an exactly equal time to Wurf.

Cameron finished fourth but still with Porte, Evans and Rogers to finish. Sutherland was leading ahead of Cameron Meyer.

Rogers finishes and takes third. Evans bests Rogers' time but still can't take first and knocks Wurf down to fifth.

Now just Richie Porte to finish and he takes it! First overall by 11"! Great ride and he will wear the Australian TT champions jersey all season! Wurf finishes 6th to top off a great few days for him.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/PorteEnd-ATTC.png

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png R. Porte - Saxo Bank SunGard - 55'20"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png R. Sutherland - UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling - +11"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Meyer - Team Garmin - Cervelo - +12"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Evans - BMC Racing Team - +13"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png M. Rogers - Sky ProCycling - +36"
...
6. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Wurf - Liquigas - Cannondale - +48"

I am flying over to Adelaide tomorrow for the Santos Tour Down Under and the team has also been announced in the team meeting. This is the team:
Spoiler
i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png A. Vanotti
i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Finetti
i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Sabatini
i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png J. Guarnieri
i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/POL.png S. Szmyzd
i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Wurf
i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png E. Viviani

Good to see Wurfy in there and it seems Sabatini will be the main sprinter and co-leader is Szmyd.
Until next time,
KB Brady - Team Liquigas - Cannondale Photographer & Journalist
Edited by kitface on 06-08-2011 14:12
 
kitface
Hello all,
The Santos Tour Dowm Under begins this morning and I am very excited. All 7 of the boys are pumped to get some good results and hopefully the crowds will be here in Adelaide to enjoy some terrific Pro Tour racing and maybe an early season display of speed from Mark Cavendish.

Santos Tour Down Under
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/STDUstage1.png

Favourites: Cavendish (THR), Boasson Hagen (SKY), Breschel (RAB)

The race started on a very sunny South Australian day.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/start-STDU.png

A small break of 8 riders soon formed.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/2ndphoto-STDU.png
The Liquigas riders were sticking together in the pack and looking forward to a nice sprint at the end.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/liqui3rd-STDU.png
The break had a 5'25 lead and was now riding through the main city of Adelaide. The pack was speeding up and the break was looking tired.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/breakadelaide-STDU.png
The break was caught and the sprint was on. Many trains were struggling to take form and Cavendish was sprinting very early. Sky's train was working well.

Boasson Hagen was absolutely blistering and won by several seconds over Cavendish and Haussler. He is in really good touch.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/boassonhagenwin-STDU.png

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - 3h25'01"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/GBR.png M. Cavendish - HTC Highroad - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png H. Haussler - Team Garmin Cervelo - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/DEN.png M. Breschel - Rabobank Cycling Team - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png B. Bozic - Vaconsoleil DCM Pro Cycling Team - +0"
...
18. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Finetto - Team Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
Spoiler
19. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Sabatini - Team Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
25. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png E. Viviani - Team Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
26. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png J. Guarnieri - Team Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
35. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png S. Szmyd - Team Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
36. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png A. Vanotti - Team Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
42. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Wurf - Team Liquigas Cannondale - +0+

A bit of a dissapointing day for Liquigas but still Boasson Hagen really sped away and it looks like Cav will have some competition this year.
Until next time,
KB Brady - Team Liquigas - Cannondale Journalist & Photographer
Edited by kitface on 07-08-2011 04:26
 
kitface
Greetings readers,
After last night's stage, team manager Roberto Armadio told 5 riders they would be going on a training camp this February. Young riders Dominik Nerz, Kristjan Koren and Damiano Caruso would travel to Granada, Spain and ride the mountains. Two more riders, Davide Cimolai and Simone Ponzi would also travel to the Iberian Peninsula. They will go to Castelo di Vide, Portugal and ride some of the flat and hilly lands. These camps ares scheduled for the 5th and 10th of February and will last for 10 days each.

Yesterday's first stage of the Santos Tour Down Under was a little uneventful but hopefully Liquigas - Cannondale can lift and maybe get on the podium. HTC - Highroad will also probably look to get a better train than yesterday when Cavendish had no teammates to work with but still managed a lazy second place.

P.S. I have been given a ride in the TV station OneHD chopper today and will hopefully take some good photos for the report!

i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png Santos Tour Down Under i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png

Favourites: Cavendish (THR), Boasson Hagen (SKY), Haussler (GAR)

The day was again very hot but the usual early break formed, this time slightly spread out into a couple of groups.

Brett Lancaster won the first sprint points of the day.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/lancastersprint.png
The Liquigas - Cannondale riders were working very hard in this heat to keep a good pace.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/packaboveSTDU.png
The break, now in one piece, had a decent gap of about 5 minutes from the peloton.

Brett Lancaster again won the next sprint.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/2lancastersprint2.png
The break now had a 2 minute lead with just about 23 kms to go. It will be hard for them to stay until the end.

The pack was now caught but M. Boaro of Saxo Bank attacked. 10kms to go and the Liquigas train took shape. HTC and Sky also took shape ahead.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/train.png
Cavendish was let go late but was speeding up very fast. He was blocked on the side by Haussler though and had to settle for fourth while Eddy the Boss won his second straight stage!
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/eddybosswin2.png

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - +0"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png H. Haussler - Team Garmin Cervelo - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png B. Bozic - Vaconsoleil DCM Pro Cycling Team - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/GBR.png M. Cavendish - HTC Hghroad - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Gavazzi - Lampre ISD - +0"
...
20. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Sabatini - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
Spoiler
33. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Finetto - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
35. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Wurf - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
39. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png J. Guarnieri - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
47. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png A. Vanotti - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
50. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png E. Viviani - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
59. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png S. Szmyd - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"


A fun day up in the helicopter and another great performance by Team Sky and Eddy Boasson Hagen. The young Norwegian is a real star of the future. Sylvester Szmyd will look to get a stage win tomorrow on the hilly third stage and move up in to GC contention. Off to dinner now with sport directors Paolo Slongo and Stefano Zanatta to discuss next month's Etoile de Besseges.
Until next time,
KB Brady - Team Liquigas - Cannondale Journalist & Photographer
 
kitface
22/01/11 - Cyclingnews.com

This morning back in Italy, Team Liquigas - Cannondale announced the signing of young puncher/sprinter Peter Sagan for three more years. He is an extremely promising young rider and at just 20 years of age, has his whole career in front of him. He will debut his season at the Etoile de Besseges in Beaucaire, France.
Edited by kitface on 07-08-2011 12:56
 
aas169
I'm going to follow this it's really good so farBanana

And can you post a screen of the liquigas stats?
 
kitface
@aas169 Thanks, great to hear some positive feedback. The stats for Liquigas are attached.

Hello all,
Today's stage is the first real hilly stage all season and although it is moderately flat, it should be an exciting finish. Boasson Hagen has a tight grip on the leaders and points jerseys and should defend them today. Szmyd will do his best to win.

i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png Santos Tour Down Under i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png
i53.tinypic.com/15nm3nk.png

Favourites: Fuglsang (LEO), Popovych (RSH), Boasson Hagen (SKY)

The first break was home to 6 riders best of whom was arguably Euskatel's G. Izagirre. Their biggest lead was about 6'25" at the 75kms to go mark.
i51.tinypic.com/ftg55j.png
With 30kms to go the lead was down to 2'43" and BMC had control of the front of the pack. Karsten Kroon attacked but failed miserably, falling back almost immediately.

10kms now and the break still had 1'00 on the pack. it was shrinking away slowly.

3kms now and the break is caught as Boasson Hagen, Szmyd and Popvych go on the attack! Boasson Hagen just won't stop in this race!
i51.tinypic.com/4r51lg.png
The sprint is on and Boasson Hagen is flying ahead and celebrates but teammate J.A. Flecha just flies past him on the line but replays show he finished just behind Eddy!
i52.tinypic.com/1ze8qr6.png
Scintillating finish and Boasson Hagen has been the model of dominance and consistency all tour!

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - 3h26'30"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SPA.png J.A. Flecha - Sky Pro Cycling - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/DEN.png M. Breschel - Rabobank Cycling Team - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png J. Peraud - AG2R La Mondiale - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SWI.png M. Wyss - Geox TMC - +0"
...
13. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png S. Szmyd - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
Spoiler
19.i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Finnetti - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
38. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png A. Vanotti - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
41. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Sabatini - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
53. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png E. Viviani - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
65. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png J. Guarnieri - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
85. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png C. Wurf - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"


Well, after three days hard racing, I'm not sure there will be much change in the GC. Eddy has ridden like a man possesed down here in South Australia and he would be very hard to beat from here. Tomorrow is flat again and Cavendish has really under performed so far so he will look to take some of Boasson Hagen's glory.
Until then,
KB Brady - Liquigas - Cannondale Journalist & Photographer
kitface attached the following image:
liquigasteam.png
 
kitface
Greetings readers,
Unfortunanetly, I was sick yesterday and missed the entire fourth stage of racing. i watched it on TV and enjoyed a great win by Mark Cavendish but did not get to write a report. Fabio Sabatini was our best placed rider in 18th. I'm still not feeling great but I will watch it on telly and write a report of the 5th stage of the Tour Down Under in Norwood.

Stage 4 Rankings
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/4stdu.png
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/GBR.png M. Cavendish - HTC Highroad - 2h37'00"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png G. Brown - Rabobank Cycling Team - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png M. Renshaw - HTC Highroad - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/RUS.png D. Galimzyanov - Katusha Team +0"
...
18. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Sabatini - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"

i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png Tour Down Under i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/5stdu.png
This stage is fairly flat but with two short climbs near the end, could be a non-sprint finish. I'm predicting another Boasson Hagen win to put the icing on the cake.

Favourites: Cavendish (THR), Boasson Hagen (SKY), Goss (THR)

Nothing interesting happened for about 100kms but with 20kms, the break of 5 riders, which had a 2'30" break on the pack, started to unfold and attack.

With 13kms to go, Liquigas took hold of the peloton and Szmyd was right near the front, looking to attack on the final climb. Boasson Hagen was on his tail.

Ouch, I wish i was there with my camera today, a huge crash in the peloton has occurred and about 50 riders are involved!

5kms to go now, and Szmyd attacks! Nobody follows and he is going for it! Due to the massive crash, nobody has organised a train except Liquigas, who are now organised.

But everyone has forgotten about the break, which has rolled across the line first, with M. Lorenzetto of Astana winning!

Szmyd finishes in 9th..

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Lorenzetto - Pro Team Astana - 3h11'07"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Bandiera - QuickStep Cycling Team - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SAF.png R. Hunter - Team RadioShack - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png A. Kristoff - BMC Racing Team - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/GER.png M. Sieberg - Omega Pharma Lotto - +0"

Overall GC Rankings:

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png A. Kristoff - BMC Racing Team - 16'05'15"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png L. Giordani - Farnese Vini - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - +19"
...
19. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Sabatini - Liquigas Cannondale - +55"

Well, it's suprised everyone, but due to that horror crash, the riders were caught off guard and allowed the break to cruise to victory and grab the lead. Amazing stage that went completely off script. Unless there is an attack from Boasson Hagen or Giordani tomorrow, which I highly doubt due to the fact tomorrow's last stage is a flat 92km stage, the GC is sealed up for Kristoff.
Until tomorrow,
KB Brady - Liquigas - Cannondale Journalist & Photograper
 
baia
Wish you fast recovery..
i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t525/baia3/FDJprofileban_zps42833c10.jpg
 
kitface
@baia Thank you, I have actaully been sick and I accidentaly simmed the 4th stage so I though i would mix it up a bit!
 
kitface
Hello readers!
I am feeling great this morning and have completely overcome my flu! The big last stage is today, and the whole city of Adelaide is buzzing. After today's stage I will be on a plane back down to Melbourne to enjoy a week in the city before I head to France for the Etoile de Besseges.

i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png Tour Down Under i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png

i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/6sTDU.png

Favourites: Cavendish (THR), Boasson Hagen (SKY), Haussler (GAR)

The first break of the day was a 15 man break and contained Allesandro Vanotti. They were caught at the 60kms mark though but Vanotti attacked again, and was soon by himself at the front with a 3 minute lead.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/vanottibreakstage6.png
He was soon joined by four riders, D. Hondo, K. Van Impe, M. Boaro and M. Sieberg.

They had a small lead and were nearly caught with 25kms to go. Soon enough. Vanotti was caught but the 4 others rode off with one goal in mind, breakaway victory!
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/nearlycuaghtstage6.png
The next break was caught though and the bunch sprint trains were taking form. Liquigas was struggling to get in a good position. The HTC train was perfect and Cav was let go with 1km to go. Boasson Hagen is third as Cavendish sprints away for victory!
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/massprintstage6.png
And the wet is rally taking it's toll on this race, with another crash at the back of the peloton! Nobody has retired, but a bad way to end the race nevertheless.

Stage Rankings:
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/GBR.png M. Cavendish - HTC Highroad - 2h07'09"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png D. Galizmyanov - Team Katusha - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/DEN.png M. Breschel - Rabobank Pro Cycling - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/AUS.png H. Haussler - Team Garmin Cervelo - +0"
...
17. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png F. Sabatini - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"

Overall - General Classification:
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/OVERALL.png
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png A. Kristoff - BMC Racing Team - 18h12'24"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png D. Giordani - Farnese Vini - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - +15"

Overall - Points:
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/points.png
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - 34 Pts
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/GBR.png M. Cavendish - HTC Highroad - 22 Pts
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png D. Galimzyanov - Katusha Team - 16 Pts

Overall - Mountain:
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/mount.png
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/BEL.png K. Van Impe - QuickStep Cycling Team - 44 Pts
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/DEN.png M. Mortensen - Leopard Trek - 40 Pts
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Boaro - Saxo Bank SunGard - 36 Pts

Overall - Young Riders:
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/young.png
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png A. Kristoff - BMC Racing Team - 18h12'24"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NOR.png E. Boasson Hagen - Sky Pro Cycling - +15"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png D. Galimzyanov - Katusha Team - +44"

Overall - Team:
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/team.png
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/LUX.png Leopard Trek - 54h39'02"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NED.png Vaconsoleil - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Liquigas Cannondale - +55"

And although Kristoff took the overall victory, Boasson Hagen was still the most impressive rider all week for me. His all round ability was just amazing.

Phew, what a week. Can't wait for the Etoile de Besseges but in between I will keep you up to date with whats going on.
Until next time,
KB Brady - Liquigas - Cannondale Journalist & Photographer
Edited by kitface on 09-08-2011 08:35
 
kitface
Hello all,
It's been a very exciting first two weeks with the team and just before the start of the Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria in Italy last week, was the Euro Team Presentation. Since all the riders were there, I thought i would do some small profiles on a few of our riders. The monthly awards have also been adjudged and Eddy the Boss deservedly won the Rider of the Month award. The Giro Della Calabria also ended yesterday, the rankings are below.

Player Profiles:
Spoiler
Vincenzo Nibali
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/nibali.png
Age: 26
Specialisation: Stage Races/Climber
Height: 180cm
Weight: 63kg
Career Highlights: 1st Vuelta d'Espana Overall 2010, GP Del Trentino 2008
Vincenzo Nibali is one of the world's best riders and with his great TT ability, will be our leader for the future and this year, The Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta d'Espana, aiming for victory. He will also participate in the Tirreno Adriatico, Milan - San Remo and the Liege - Bastone - Liege.


Ivan Basso
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/ivanbasso.png
Age: 33
Specialisation: Climber/Stage Races
Height: 183cm
Weight: 70kg
Career Highlights: Giro d'Italia Overall 2006, 2010, Tour De France Young Rider 2002, Giro del Trentino 2009, Criterium International 2006
Ivan Basso is one of the strongest climbers in the peloton and as a 2-time Giro champion, will focus his attention on to the Tour de France and will aim for a podium finish. He will join Nibali in the Tirreno - Adriatico and will ride the Volta a Catalunya and GP di Lugano.

Peter Sagan
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/petersagan.png
Age: 21
Specialisation: Sprinter/Puncher
Height: 184cm
Weight: 73kg
Career Highlights: Paris - Nice Points Classifications 2010, Tour of California Points Classification 2010
Peter Sagan will be looking for a breakout season in 2011 and repeat his points jersey victory in the Paris - Nice and Tour of California. His main goal although will be a victory in the Milan - San Remo. A win in the Slovakian National Road Race would be good too.

Monthly Awards:
Spoiler
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/MONTHKYAWARD.png

Giro della Provincio di Reggio Calabria:
Spoiler

General Classification:
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/CZE.png Petr Bencik - PSK Whirlpool Author - 12h40'49"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Gianluca Maggiore - De Rosa Ceramica Flaminica - +37"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png Grega Bole - Lampre ISD - +1'07"

Points:
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/CZE.png Petr Bencik - PSK Whirlpool Author - 37 Pts
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Daniele Pietropolli - Lampre ISD - 35 Pts
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/RUS.png Alexander Efimkin - Team Type 1 - 33 Pts

Mountain:
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/CZE.png Petr Bencik - PSK Whirlpool Author - 16 Pts
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png Kristjan Fajt - Adria Mobil - 16 Pts
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/RUS.png Sergey Kolesnikov - Amore & Vita - 16 Pts

Young Riders:
1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/CRO.png Robert Kiserlovski - Pro Team Astana - 12h42'46"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Fabio Felline - Geox TMC - +25"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png Daniel Oss - Liquigas Cannondale - +45"


The Etoile de Besseges starts tomorrow and I'm very excited!
Until then,
KB Brady - Liquigas - Cannondale Journalist & Photographer
Edited by kitface on 12-08-2011 16:17
 
kitface
Greetings,
I have been here in Beaucaire in the south of France for a couple of days and the weather has been beautiful. The Etoile de Besseges has 5 moderately flat stages but i don't think a sprinter will win overall. Our leader will be Peter Sagan and he will be aiming for victory.

i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png Étoile de Bessèges i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png


Favourites: Domoulin (COF), Casper (SAU), Sagan (LIQ)

The first break formed and had a 4 minute lead and growing.

T. Mertens won both of the first two mountain sprints and will wear the climbers jersey tomorrow. The lead reached about 5'20" when the rain began to fall.

With a stage win in mind, The Liquigas boys took control of the front of the peloton and lifted the pace.

27kms now and the final climb started and Peter Sagan attacked. He led the pack for about 22kms until he was caught. Finetto then attacked next as the trains were forming.

He was soon caught and the sprinters were off. Domoulin had good speed but the others were closing fast. He was holding but NO, he was caught on the line by Daryl Impey! Very close finish! Finetto finishes 9th..
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/impeywins.png

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SAF.png D. Impey - Team NetApp - 4h06'46"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png S. Dumoulin - Cofidis - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png L. Mondory - AG2R La Mondiale - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/NED.png S. Van Djik - Veranda's Willems Accent - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png Se. Chavanel - Team Europcar - +0"
...
9. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Finetto - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"

Very interesting first stage that proved Peter Sagan's lack of fitness could be a real factor in this race. A slightly less flat stage tomorrow will be very interesting indeed.
Until then,
KB Brady - Liquigas - Cannondale Photographer & Journalist
 
Avin Wargunnson
Very nice project you have here, you must have a lot of free time to manage two stories simultaneously Smile
I'll be back
 
kitface
@Avin Wargunnson Thank you, I'm still in high school and in between jobs at the moment so I spend a bit of time playing my PCM! Haha, I need a job badly!


Hello everyone,
Big race today and Peter Sagan will improve his fitness and look to move up in the rankings.

i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png Étoile de Bessèges i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png

i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/edbstage2.png

Favourites: Sagan (LIQ), Duque (COF), Martens (RAB)

By the start of the first climb, there was no established break and the pack was heading up alone. By the top, with percentages around 12, Sagan attacked and set off down the mountain alone.
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/sagandownhill.png
He was now leading by 4 minutes and heading down the hills at a fast pace. 50kms to go and he lead by 5 minutes.

He was soon to be caught though, at 20kms he was up by 1'30". He was eventually caught with 12.2kms to go and the dream was over, for now.

3kms to go and the leading pack was getting ready for a bucnh sprint. Finetto and Sagan were in the pack. Sagan was very tired and fell back.

Finetto was on Impey's wheel and sprinted off with 800ms. He timed it perfectly and took the win! Liquigas' first stage win of the season!
i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/kitface/finettoiwn.png

1. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/ITA.png M. Finetto - Liquigas Cannondale - 4h35'20"
2. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SAF.png D. Impey - Team NetApp - +0"
3. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png L. Mondry - AG2R La Mondiale - +0"
4. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/FRA.png Y. Huguet - Skil Shimano - +0"
5. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/BEL.png P. Van Hecke - Topsprt Vlaanderen - +0"
...
21. i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc62/jolly_anutnes/daily/SLK.png P. Sagan - Liquigas Cannondale - +32"

Very good day for the team. Finetto rode terrifically to come out of nowhere and take the stage win, Sagan will wear the polka dot jersey tomorrow and Finetto is 3rd in the overall GC.
Until tomorrow,
KB Brady - Liquigas - Cannondale Photographer & Journalist
 
mascered
Good work. Just a little footnote:

In the first post the photographer/journalist is known as KB Brown, but later he is called KB Brady.... What is his name?
Edited by mascered on 12-08-2011 12:09
_________________________________________
HÃ¥kan Bogg ftw
 
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