Liege - Bastogne - Liege
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 16:42
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The race starts in Liege, goes to Bastogne then comes back again, finishing in Ans (So technically the race should be called Liege -Bastogne - Ans).
Fleche Wallone winner Frank Schleck will be a favourite once more, as will fellow Luxembourg Kim Kirchen. The race comes close to Luxembourg, and goes through the Belgian province of Luxembourg - will this make them more motivated?
Cunego, Sinkewitz, Valverde, Bettini, Pozzato and Samuel Sanchez are just some of the other riders who will be looking for victory.
The teams battle could be interesting after this race too, Ag2r lead Lampre by just 20 points, with 3rd place T-Mobile already 74 points behind Ag2r.
Who will win the race?
Coverage begins shortly.
Edited by SportingNonsense on 27-07-2007 17:01
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:06
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Today's break has a distinct Fleche Wallone feel, with the 2-man break from Fleche making the break today.
Aguirre, Vaugrenard, Gavazzi,Vandevelde and Sampaio.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:10
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Well according to the race profile:
We have reached Bastogne!
Lets hope the 2nd part of the race is far more interesting.
Edited by SportingNonsense on 27-07-2007 17:11
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:14
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The last picture was 107km into the rac,e now theres 107km to go.
This race has so far been extremely boring.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:21
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The hills have begun and the break's lead is rocketing downwards.
Saunier Duval and Cofidis are obviously confident for Schleck and Valverde as they are setting the pace.
Edited by SportingNonsense on 27-07-2007 17:22
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:29
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Now comes the time of the day when we say goodbye to the breakaway who we knew would never, ever win.
The end for them comes in 2 parts, as a reward for their thrilling and exciting ride.
With 50km to go there are 59 riders left, it is still wide open.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:35
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Chavanel gets a little excited on the Cote de la Redoute.
And whats this? An attack? HURRAH!
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:37
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So the lead group is Kirchen, Cunego, Sinkewitz, Gilbert and Valverde. Frank Schleck was sat too far back in the pack and was the last man to counter, he did not manage to make it to the 5 leaders - which is bad news for him. Pipo Pozzato also attacked and did the worst, but still leads the pack by a minute.
Discovery Channel missed the move and are now pace setting.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:43
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Valverde sets the pace as the leading 5 try to move away from Schleck and Pozzato.
The pack behind are in disarray. A couple of riders each from Discovery, Liquigas, FDJ and Caisse d'Epargne are trying to set the pace but are quickly losing time. They are 2 and a half minutes behind Group Valverde, and nearly 2 minutes behind Pozzato.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:47
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The 5 are not gaining or losing time on Schleck or Pozzato but they are now over 3 minutes up on the pack. We are pretty sure who will be in the top 7 though, but which order?
ATTACK!
Its Valverde!
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:52
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That attack was a false alarm as Valverde stopped attacking practically as soon as the picture was taken - He must not have much blue bar.
Back in the pack at roughly the same spot and another attack. This time its Paolo Bettini and it looks like he's going to get a gap.
Back in the lead 5, Cunego and Valverde attempt an attack but barely move anywhere before stopping due to a descent.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:56
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The lead 5 really arent working well together.
Sinkewitz attacks from the back, Valverde gave an attempt at a counter before stopping and Cunego is now giving the counter a go. Behind them, Schleck is clinging on @ 30 seconds, but Pozzato has dropepd further behind. Bettini does now have a gap, he is 1'20 behind Pozzato, and 55 seconds ahead of the pack that is led by Caisse d'Epargne, Liquigas and FDJ.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 17:59
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Sinkewitz attack badly backfired though as disaster struck for Crommy!
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 18:01
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More drama! Cunego is dropped!
Some good news for Crommy is that Sinkewitz caught onto Schleck's wheel and they are now working together. Perhaps they can ctach Cunego?
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 18:05
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Schleck obviously wants to get at least a top 5 finish and attacks Sinkewitz - who has no response.
Gilbert, Kirchen and Valverde look set to sprint for victory. Advantage Valverde.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 18:07
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Gilbert leads with 1km to go. Back to Deuce?
Edited by SportingNonsense on 27-07-2007 18:09
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 18:08
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But Valverde is away at the final turn.
Match Point: Valverde
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 18:11
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Game, Set, Match: Alejandro Valverde!
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 18:15
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Samuel Sanchez won the pack's sprint for 9th.
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SportingNonsense |
Posted on 27-07-2007 18:20
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