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Farnese Vini - Selle Italia [July, signing new riders]
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| tyriion |
Posted on 20-03-2012 10:01
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Hi all,
Here I will tell you about my exploits playing PCM 11 with PCM daily's 2012 DB. I will play the continental team Farnese Vini - Selle Italia on normal difficulty as I just picked the game up again. Maybe some of you remember my TdF story, which I didn't finish. Halfway through I noticed I don't quite enjoy making big reports about stages and now I don't have the save anymore.
That's why this story will be a bit different. I will make one post per stage race or classic and only big races will get screenshots.
But first things first, here's the team presentation;
The teams most known rider is without a doubt Pozzato, who has taken a step back after some difficult years. But the goals we have set together will be ambitious nonetheless. We will try to get wildcards for the big cobbled monuments and get screentime with our bright yellow jerseys.
Other than Pozzato the 'stars' are young sprinter Guardini, who we have high hopes for, punchy sprinter Gatto and puncheur Failli. The other riders will have to help the 4 team captains by working or being in a break.
Edited by tyriion on 05-06-2012 15:13
Check out my ManGame team here
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| tyriion |
Posted on 20-03-2012 11:00
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Teamgoals
Our main sponsor Farnese Vini has set us the following goals;
Early in the season we will have to be there with stagewin(s) in the Tour of Qatar and top 10 places in the opening weekend of the Belgian cobbled season. Both goals should be achievable, the former by Guardini and the latter by Pozzato.
After that we go into march where we are expected to win the Strade Bianche. This will be hard, but we will try with Pozzato, Gatto and Failli to make this one of our strongest line ups in the season. Ascani will be the man who will get us a top 10 GC placing in the Settimana Coppi e Bartali.
After these goals we will have to get wildcards for the next ones, with both a top 5 in De Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix. These goals will be hard, but Pozzato will do the best he can. Hopefully he can take his form all the way to the Tro-Bro Léon to achieve a top 10 in our last early season goal.
The last two goals are two hilly Italian classics where both Failli and Gatto will try for top 10 finishes in the Giro del Lazio and the Giro dell'Emilia.
Our secondary sponsor Selle Italia expects the following;
These goals line up pretty nicely with our other goals. Pozzato will have to be strong to do well from late february all the way to half march. But a top 10 in Milano-San Remo should be possible if we manage to get a wildcard.
In the fall theres another stage race target where Ascani will have to show good form to get another top 10 in GC. And two more Italian classics will be targetted by Failli and Gatto with Milano-Torino and Giro del Piemonte.
These goals leave us with quite a slow summer, but this year will be too early for the team to target grand tours.
Check out my ManGame team here
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| dienblad |
Posted on 20-03-2012 12:22
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3772
Joined: 10-09-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Good luck with your story, as I like Farnese Vini (and of course their wine!).
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| tyriion |
Posted on 21-03-2012 10:44
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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To get early form our season will start in January, with Le Tour de Langkawi.
This 10 day stage race features 8 flat stages and 2 mountain stages. Our line up will be Guardini and Favilli for the sprints, Ascani for a good GC and Hulsmans, Balloni, Rabottini and de Negri as helpers.
Stage 1
The expected first sprint takes place and Kittel wins easily. Guardini finishes inside the top 10, but no chance for a win today.
Stage 2
Again a mass sprint and again Kittel with an easy win. Guardini again top 10, but more important was the wind today. There were several splits in the peloton and Ascani was caught out losing 7 minutes.
Stage 3
Another mass sprint. Today Favilli finally managed to deliver Guardini into a good position. Guardini finishes third behind the untouchable Kittel, who takes his 3rd win in a row.
Stage 4
As Ascani is far down in the GC we decide to send him into the break. At the bottom of the big climb he and his 4 companions have a good lead of about 10 minutes and no signs of pursuit yet. Ascani bides his time, but in the last quarter of the climb he decides to go solo as the peloton picked up speed. He manages to hold everyone off and celebrates the first Farnese victory of 2012. Not all good news today as de Negri falls and breaks his tailbone. Ascani takes the mountain jersey and moves back into the top 10 after this performance.
Stage 5
The queensstage with a tough mountaintop finish. Ascani won't be able to repeat yesterdays feat so he bides his time in the peloton. The break gets duly caught and so the favourites fight it out on the final ascent. Arroyo proves to be the strongest and solidifies his yellow jersey. Ascani only loses 17 seconds and finishes 3rd, enough to move him up to 7th in GC.
Stage 6
Back to the flats and the mass sprints. Guardini comes ever closer, 2nd today behind again Kittel.
Stage 7
In this sprint Favilli again loses a wheel in the final 5 km and so Guardini only manages a top 10 finish. Kittel wins his 5th stage.
Stage 8
Guardini decides to position himself today and seeks Kittels wheel. As the German moves into the front in the final kilometre Guardini still holds on and is able to edge out the machine on the line for his first victory!
Stage 9
After yesterdays victory by Guardini we have high hopes for a repeat performance, but a break of 13 proves to be too much. In the last downhill kilometres the speed is so high and the wind so strong that there are again splits. This time Ascani pays attention though and is with the pack. Madrazo and Rui Costa however miss out and so Ascani moves into 5th in the GC.
Stage 10
Kittel won't be denied his 6th stage win today as no break is allowed more than a minute advantage. Guardini manages a 4th place. Landbouwkrediets Commeyne has been consistently taking bonification seconds and overtakes Ascani by 3 seconds, who keeps the mountain jersey.
Final general classification.
| 1 | David Arroyo | Movistar Team | 34h47'58 | | 2 | Pavel Brutt | Katusha Team | + 1'33 | | 3 | Markus Fothen | Team NSP – Ghost | + 3'03 | | ----------------------------- | | 6 | Luca Ascani | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 5'40 | | 66 | Matteo Rabottini | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 20'50 | | 98 | Kevin Hulsmans | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 27'13 | | 102 | Alfredo Balloni | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 27'36 | | 114 | Andrea Guardini | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 30'42 | | 119 | Elia Favilli | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 31'27 |
Edited by tyriion on 21-03-2012 10:46
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| tyriion |
Posted on 22-03-2012 14:15
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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While Le Tour de Langkawi is underway it's also time for the first race of 2012 on Italian soil. And of course we will send a team here as well.
3 hilly days in southern Italy means our biggest puncheurs will get to start their season here. Pozzato and Gatto are in full preparations for their early season goals and Failli will also attend, but his form isn't great yet so he will help the others. The other helpers will be Benenati, Mazzanti, de Patre, Giordani and Caccia.
Stage 1
Nothing noteworthy happens in the long run in to the final climb and Farnese helped by Lampre and Astana catch the break well before the ascent. So the strong men can battle it out. Failli delivers Pozzato and Gatto perfectly and as the climb flattens out Gatto has the kick to finish it off. Leader jersey for Farnese!
Stage 2
The same teams as yesterday control today's racing and catch the break before the big climb. On this climb many riders attack and about 10 get clear, divided over 3 or 4 small groups. Strongest is Lampres Pietropolli. Failli has nothing left, so it's up to Pozzato to chase and keep Gatto's good position safe. He manages to catch all but Pietropolli who was the strongest today. Gatto finishes 4th, 1'42" down and drops to third in GC.
Stage 3
As Lampre have taken over the yellow jersey we decide to opt for the attack today. Big gaps have been made by yesterdays racing, so most normal riders are down over 10 mins. A group of 9 forms early on, with Benenati present. Other big names are Cataldo and Schumacher. These 2 drive the group hard up the final climb, but by this time the peloton has already given up chasing the 10 minute gap. Benenati gets into trouble on the last steep part of the climb, but is able to catch up to the group on the descent. He is able to rest up while wheelsucking and proves to have chosen the right wheel in the final sprint where Cataldo pilots Benenati to a nice breakaway victory.
Final general classification
| 1 | Daniele Pietropolli | Lampre ISD | 14h06'14” | | 2 | Kevin Seeldraeyers | Astana Pro Team | + 1'38" | | 3 | Oscar Gatto | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 1´59" | | ------------------------- | | 10 | Filippo Pozzato | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 3'35" | | 26 | Cristiano Benenati | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 5'02" | | 53 | Francesco Failli | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 9'07" | | 75 | Luca Mazzanti | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 16'00" | | 76 | Roberto de Patre | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 16'18" | | 95 | Leonardo Giordani | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 19'12" | | 103 | Giampaolo Caccia | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 19'12" |
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 23-03-2012 06:09
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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Nice start of a story with decent results and stage wins for Guardini,Ascani and Gatto. You have strong team, good luck in the next races 
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| tyriion |
Posted on 23-03-2012 06:12
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Avin Wargunnson wrote:
Nice start of a story with decent results and stage wins for Guardini,Ascani and Gatto. You have strong team, good luck in the next races
Don't forget Benenati. Winning from a break always feels nice. And the team is indeed well suited for the races I plan to race them in. Italian one-day races.
Check out my ManGame team here
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 23-03-2012 06:15
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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tyriion wrote:
Avin Wargunnson wrote:
Nice start of a story with decent results and stage wins for Guardini,Ascani and Gatto. You have strong team, good luck in the next races
Don't forget Benenati. Winning from a break always feels nice. And the team is indeed well suited for the races I plan to race them in. Italian one-day races.
Ouch, i forgot him 
You certainly have a team to dominate italian cotinental Tour with Pozzato,Gatto and Failli.
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| tyriion |
Posted on 23-03-2012 09:02
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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The first one-day race on Italian soil is of course important to us. As it's almost completely flat this one will be for the sprinters. Guardini will lead here, assisted by Favilli, Gatto, Hulsmans, Giordani, Caccia, de Patre and Andriato. Other Italian sprinters include Liquigas rider Viviani and Acqua e Sapones Napolitano. But for both of them it will be the first ride of the season, so we feel Guardini stands a good chance with the competition he got in Malaysia.
The weather is perfect and there is no wind at all, but from the start the tempo is pushed high. There are numerous attempts at breakaways, but Farnese, Acqua e Sapone and Miche keep a tight grip on the peloton. Some minor riders fall and in the final 10 km there's a bigger crash. But as it's behind the formed sprint trains there's no waiting and no big names that are hindered.
At about 3 km to go there are two trains competing, Hulsmans leads out Gatto and Guardini, while on the other side of the road Acqua e Sapone has got a train with Ginanni in the last wheel. As Hulsmans fades Gatto cleverly jumps into the Acqua e Sapone train and this proves to be decisive. Guardini is lead out perfectly and doesn't have to start his sprint until about 700 m to go. A big victory for him and Gatto holds on to 5th place, adding to the joy in the following team car.
Ponzi, Ginanni and Pietropolli are already fading, while Guardini storms on to a great victory.
Final classification
| 1 | Andrea Guardini | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | 4h35'47” | | 2 | Francesco Ginanni | Acqua & Sapone | s.t. | | 3 | Simone Ponzi | Astana Pro Team | s.t. | | ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- | | 5 | Oscar Gatto | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | s.t. | | 18 | Elia Favilli | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | s.t. | | 26 | Kevin Hulsmans | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | s.t. | | 56 | Leonardo Giordani | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | s.t. | | 69 | Roberto de Patre | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | s.t. | | 77 | Diego Caccia | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | s.t. | | 119 | Rafael Andriato | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 2'05" |
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 24-11-2024 18:01
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| tyriion |
Posted on 26-03-2012 11:30
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Our first season goal is here, the Tour of Qatar. All stages are pancake flat and to make the goal of a stage win Guardini will ride here and battle with the sprinters who prepare their season here. The line up is pretty strong, with Petacchi, Bozic, Bennati and Goss.
To help Guardini we will have Gatto, Hulsmans, Rabottini, Giordani, Balloni, Favilli and Andriato.
Stage 1
The first day in Qatar surprisingly has no wind, so there won't be splits because of that. The break stands no chance with 4 teams (Lmapre, Radioshack, GreenEdge and Farnese) chasing. In the sprint it's Farnese versus GreenEdge at the front with Bennati and Bozic sitting in Goss' wheel. But as the sprinters go down the final k it's Petacchi who appears from nowhere and beats Guardini to the line. 2nd is so close, but disappointing nonetheless as this was a perfect sprint.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is a team time trial and Farnese is no good at that. We finish 1'02" down from winners Movistar.
Stage 3
And there is wind! The break is caught early as the peloton is completely unleashed. In the final third of the stage there are numerous splits and crashes, but our sprinttrain (Hulsmans, Gatto and Guardini) comes through unscathed. But in the lead up to the sprint Guardini gets bumped off of Gatto's wheel and drops back into the pack. Then the Lampre train slows somewhat and Hulsmans makes a strong push into the final 2 k setting up Gatto. He gets a gap, but Lampre wakes up and Petacchi again beats our rider on the line. 2nd again! Petacchi also takes the leader jersey again, with only 32 riders in the first peloton.
Stage 4
A windy day again, but after yesterdays mayhem the peloton takes it easier today. There are some splits at the end, but nothing major and no crashes today. Gatto manages to get dropped however, so Guardini has to make his own sprint. He latches onto Petacchis wheel and tries to overtake him in the final k.
After reviewing the finish photo several times the victory is awarded to Guardini!
Stage 5
The wind has died down again, so the peloton can enjoy the sun without worrying about getting dropped. The break once again stands no chance and there will be a mass sprint. Gatto gets bumped off of Hulsmans' wheel so Guardini has to make up a lot of ground. He manages a 7th place, the stage is won by Petacchi once again.
Stage 6
The profile of stage 6 looks like a hilly criterium, but it's as flat as the rest of the stages. The 5th mass sprint in 6 days sees a big crash going into the final 3k. Remembering stage 4 Gatto gets onto Petacchis wheel. The Lampre train is strong than ever and drops all other sprinters. As Petacchi pulls into the wind Gatto pulls up next to him and delivers Guardini perfectly. This time there is no need to review the finish as the result is clear.
Only the 2 domineering Italian sprinters on this picture
Thanks to this final win Guardini into the top 10 and takes the youth jersey by 2 seconds.
Final general classification
| 1 | Alessandro Petacchi | Lampre – ISD | 16h21'46” | | 2 | Matthew Goss | GreenEdge Cycling Team | + 33" | | 3 | Luca Paolini | Katusha Team | + 37" | | ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ | | 8 | Andrea Guardini | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 47" | | 24 | Elia Favilli | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 1'39" | | 25 | Kevin Hulsmans | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 1"46" | | 43 | Oscar Gatto | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 4"11" | | 52 | Rafael Andriato | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 5'34" | | 78 | Matteo Rabottini | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 7'50" | | 88 | Leonardo Giordani | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 9'31" | | 114 | Alfredo Balloni | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 15'45" |
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| Jeronen |
Posted on 26-03-2012 11:44
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Junior Rider
Posts: 27
Joined: 18-06-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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Nice wins and also great 2nd places 
Guardini looks to be a very good talent who can be very good one day !
Good luck ! |
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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 26-03-2012 12:20
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World Champion
Posts: 10497
Joined: 23-06-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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In stage 4, it looks like it was Petacchi that won it. Nice wins by Guardini. |
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| tyriion |
Posted on 26-03-2012 12:26
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Miguel98 wrote:
In stage 4, it looks like it was Petacchi that won it. Nice wins by Guardini.
I couldn't believe it myself really. Guardini was next to him for so long, I just took that picture during the race to show how close I missed out. Then it said I won.
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| Alakagom |
Posted on 26-03-2012 16:43
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World Champion
Posts: 10891
Joined: 19-11-2010
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Great team to play as and that's a very nice start to the season. Qatar is a tough race to play so well done on two stage wins and youth jersey, keep it going now
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| tyriion |
Posted on 26-03-2012 17:39
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Alakagom wrote:
Great team to play as and that's a very nice start to the season. Qatar is a tough race to play so well done on two stage wins and youth jersey, keep it going now
Thanks. It's on normal at the moment though, as I hadn't played in over 4 months. But it seems I picked up fairly quickly, so might go hard soon.
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 26-03-2012 17:55
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Some nice results being achieved in your story so far, well done and keep it up  |
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| baia |
Posted on 26-03-2012 18:48
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5398
Joined: 04-10-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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Good memories...althought not for long
Good luck with this team.
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 27-03-2012 09:44
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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Great wins with Guardini and the sponsor goal completed, some nice battles with Petacchi
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| tyriion |
Posted on 28-03-2012 18:19
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Sprinter
Posts: 1510
Joined: 29-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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It´s time for another preparation course. For this we will travel to France for the Tour Méditerranéen. The thing that stands out most in the course is the ascent of Mt Faron on the final stage. This is probably where the general classification will be decided. The riders who aren´t in Qatar, but have there goals in early March this will be a perfect course to gain some form.
The squad will consist of Ascani, Failli, Pozzato, Mazzanti, Bertolini, Caccia, de Patre and Benenati.
Stage 1
The first stage is rated hilly, but doesn´t look that selective on paper. The wind compicates things though as it is strong. The peloton lead by Cofidis and Europcar leave the breakaway of 5 too much time and so Bellemakers from Landbouwkrediet gets the stage win. He succesfully attacked his fellow escapees in the final and gets a 1´25" lead.
Stage 2
Stage 3 is flatter than yesterday and finishes on a circuit that will be done three times. As the break stayed out yesterday we put in Mazzanti today just in case. He tries to get some mountain points, but others are after that as well in the group of 9 riders who go clear of the peloton today. The break doesn't make it to the finish though and Dumoulin easily outsprints the other French sprinters.
Stage 3
Today Mazzanti is the first to escape and gets the early mountainpoints. Together with his points haul yesterday that puts him firmly in the KoM jersey. Eventualy 8 riders join him. Again Cofidis and Europcar can;t manage to haul them back, but tired from the climbs Mazzanti can't compete for the stage. It's Saurs Galland who takes this stage.
Stage 4
Today all early escape attempts are hotly pursued and the tempo is very high. On the wet roads there are some crashes, most notably Duque who needs 20 km to get back into the pack. In the end 7 riders get clear and they start the final 50 km on hard terrain with 4' advantage over the peloton. The 7 are remarkably resilient though and the peloton has to pay for the high starting speed. The escapees once again battle for the stage. But behind that there are numerous attacks in the peloton that all get neutralized soon though. At 5 km Ascani puts in his try and he manages to get a 30" gap. While Bibby takes the stage and the yellow jersey, Ascani manages to hold off the other favorites and gets a 13" seconds lead on them.
Stage 5
The day of truth is here, with the biggest challenge in this stage race. 9 riders escape, but as Ascani is in a good position and feels very strong (+5) Farnese keeps the gap down. Helped by Bibby and his Endure team the break is caught just at the foot of the final climb. And those tired out riders block Pozzato and Ascani who prepared an attack! On the other side of the road Mombaerts gets clear and gets a big lead over the Endure lead peloton.
It takes half the climb for Pozzato and Ascani to get back to the front, but they immediately gap the others. Only Tankink tries to follow. Mombaerts is safe though and takes the stage and the GC as it turns out. Ascani takes 2nd, but through bonus seconds he looses out by 11 seconds to Mombaerts. Pozzato holds on to third and this means he is short 1 point for the points classification that is won by Dumoulin. The KoM classification and team classification are meagre compared to what could have been.
Final general classification
| 1 | Johan Mombaerts | BigMat – Auber 93 | 17h49'30” | | 2 | Luca Ascani | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 11" | | 3 | Ian Bibby | Endura Racing | + 31" | | ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- | | 4 | Filippo Pozzato | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 41" | | 23 | Francesco Failli | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 2'23" | | 86 | Cristiano Benenati | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 9'57" | | 103 | Thomas Bertolini | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 14'41" | | 109 | Roberto de Patre | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 17'05" | | 119 | Luca Mazzanti | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 20'07" | | 138 | Diego Caccia | Farnese Vini – Selle Italia | + 46'35" |
Edited by tyriion on 30-03-2012 11:24
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 29-03-2012 07:02
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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Nice results in France, good teamwork in the last stage
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