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PCM.daily » Pro Cycling Manager 2006-2020 » Pro Cycling Manager 2011
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Colnago - CSF Inox - 2012 Season Preview
Tuco the Ugly
@ Pellizotti2: Pozzovivo was able to recover a bit on the last descent, although he really struggled on the Fedaia.

@ tsmoha: Thanks. Everything is still up in the air between 2-5 (maybe 6). Basso is unbeatable and I won't even attempt to follow him in the coming stages. My focus is on Antón, Scarponi, Mosquera, and Velits.

@ baia: Unfortunately we all do. Pozzovivo is a good tempo climber, but really struggles with the accelerations from the big guys.

Giro d'Italia: Stage 16


i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/186.jpg

Belluno - Nevegal: 12.7km (ITT)

After the last rest day of the Giro, the riders return to road with an individual time trial. However, riders will not be on their time trial bikes, as today is, surprise surprise, in the mountains.

Most of the first half setting off from Belluno is flat, but around the 5km mark, things really start to ramp up as the road heads to Nevegal. This could give a great indication of who is recovering well, and who will have the strength in the final days.

All day the weather would be dreadful.

Riders set off in reverse order of their overall standings. None of the lower ranked riders did anything too remarkable, so coverage picks up with 15th place, Marco Pinotti (HTC - Highroad).

Pinotti had a spectacular ride before the day off, and seems to be gaining some form. The Italian champ gives a good effort, finishing in 29'24.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/377.jpg
Pinotti is slowly edging closer to the Top 10.

Australian time trial ace, Richie Porte (Saxo Bank SunGard) was next out of the start house. One of last year's revelations, Porte has climbed fairly well so far, despite not being involved in any of the big moves. He used his skills to gain time in the flat sections of the course, setting a new reference time of 29'03.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/378.jpg
Porte was the fastest at this point.

John Gadret (AG2R La Mondiale) is a terrible time trialist. However, in the mountains, this fact is partly masked. One of the outside favorites at the beginning of the race, Gadret has not been quite on form, perhaps saving energy for the Tour. Either way, he finishes the day in 29'42.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/379.jpg
Gadret had the slowest time of any of the Top 15 riders.

Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) won last year's mountain time trial up Plan de Corones. He did not have the same strength this year, finishing in 11th in 29'25.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/380.jpg
Garzelli is on the verge of the Top 10, a huge achievement at 37.

Perhaps the most surprising rider in the group has been Yury Trofimov (Katusha Team). A solid rider, the Russian has been very impressive, limiting losses well, quite similarly to Vasil Kiryienka (Movistar Team) before his crash. Trofimov posted a time of 29'39.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/381.jpg
No one expected Trofimov to be so high at this point.

Polish super domestique Przemyslaw Niemec (Lampre - ISD) has always been the last domestique left for any of the big favorites, riding in service of Scarponi. His time of 29'33 sees him remain in the Top 10 overall.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/382.jpg
Niemec is one of the best domestiques in the high mountains.

Following the Pole was perhaps the biggest enigma of the Giro. At times, José Rujano has looked like the only rider capable of challenging Ivan Basso; other times, he throws away time carelessly. Today, he attacked the course with vigor, shooting up the climb. His time of 28'37 was almost half a minute faster than anything at that point.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/383.jpg
Rujano messed up his podium chances already, but he will fight until the end.

A pair of Rabobank riders were the next to take to the road. Steven Kruijswijk was first up. The maglia bianca wearer has all but sown up the U25 competition. The promising young Dutch is doing everything right, progressing from 18th in 2010 to a likely Top 10 place in 2011. He completed the course in 29'19.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/384.jpg
Kruijswijk has a bright future.

Luis León Sánchez is another rider showing good progression. Last year, he finished 11th in the Tour de France and 10th in the Vuelta a España. Always a threat in the one-week races that dot calendar, Sánchez is transforming himself nicely into a GT rider. His time of 29'11 was third fastest when he finished.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/385.jpg
Rabobank, led by Sánchez, has had a very good Giro.

Peter Velits (HTC - Highroad) has come to this Giro d'Italia with a mission; to prove his podium finish in the 2010 Vuelta a España was no fluke. So far, over an incredibly hard course, the Slovak has backed up his performance in Spain. However, his time of 29'32 was more in line with the "lower" favorites.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/386.jpg
Velits has ridden well, although not great today.

Domenico Pozzovivo was the next up. Far from a natural time trialer, Pozzovivo found himself at home on the climb. Despite the inclement weather, the diminutive Italian moved up the road well, finishing in 29'10, good enough for third at that time.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/387.jpg
Pozzovivo used the rest day well.

Ezequiel Mosquera (Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team) has been another slightly inconsistent rider so far. Some stages he looks incredibly strong, while others, he loses time. Today, like Rujano, he looked strong. He blazed through the course in 28'50, becoming only the 2nd rider to break the 29 minute mark.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/388.jpg
Mosquera put up an impressive time.

Michele Scarponi (Lampre - ISD) is clearly building strength. He looked vulnerable in the first couple mountain stages, but since his win on the Grossglockner appears to be brimming with confidence. His time of 29'05 did not touch Rujano or even Mosquera, but he was still in the thick of the fight for the podium.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/389.jpg
Scarponi makes his way up the climb.

The rider to "struggle" the most on the day was Igor Antón (Euskaltel - Euskadi). The Basque finished the course in 29'38, conceding time to all his main rivals. He still remains in 2nd place, but given his history, it is possible Antón is tiring.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/390.jpg
Antón will need to ride better in the coming stages.

The winner, who else. Ivan Basso (Liquigas - Cannondale) tore up the climb, not content with admitting victory. He crushed the field once again, finishing in 28'03, over half a minute faster than any other rider. He now led Antón by nearly 8 minutes!

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/391.jpg
Basso, about to catch Antón...

RESULTS


Stage:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale28'03
2José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 34
3Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team+ 47
4Richie PorteSaxo Bank SunGard+ 1'00
5Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD+ 1'02
6Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox+ 1'07
7Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Team+ 1'08
8Jurgen Van den BroeckOmega Pharma - Lotto+ 1'16
9Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Teams.t.
10Marco PinottiHTC - Highroad+ 1'21

Spoiler


GC:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale70h07'40
2Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi+ 7'42
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD+ 9'00
4Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team+ 9'15
5Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox+ 9'53
6Peter VelitsHTC - Highroad+ 11'47
7Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Team+ 17'02
8Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team+ 18'39
9José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 19'23
10Przemyslaw NiemiecLampre - ISD+ 20'54

Spoiler


KOM:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale1070
2Filippo SaviniColnago - CSF Inox041
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD128
4José SerpaAndroni Giocattoli027
5José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli626

Spoiler


Points:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale25147
2Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team1694
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD1291
4José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli2077
5Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi174

Spoiler


U25:
1Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team70h26'19
2Bauke MollemaRabobank Cycling Team+ 13'03
3Kevin SeeldraeyersQuick·Step Cycling Team+ 26'28
4Rui CostaMovistar Team+ 53'48
5Carlos BetancourtAcqua & Sapone+ 1h05'27

Spoiler


Team:
1Rabobank Cycling Team210h23'37
2Lampre - ISD+ 34'21
3Colnago - CSF Inox+ 38'11
4Androni Giocattoli+ 38'46
5Katusha Team+ 40'56

Spoiler

Edited by Tuco the Ugly on 05-10-2011 00:51
 
Avin Wargunnson
Absolutely amazing reports Tuco, that one from the 15th stage is maybe the best i have ever seen. It was great how Pozzovivo fought back at Gardeccia and nice mountain TT aswell, however it will be very tough to pass Mosquera or Scarponi.
Your story + my cofee = best way to start a day Smile

I'll be back
 
cunego59
Very decent performance by Pozzo. I hope you can gain a minute on Mosquera and Scarponi to jump on the podium but fifth would be pretty great as well.
 
FreitasPCM
Basso is in a level above everyone. Absolutely fantastic. As for Pozzovivo, top-5 is almost certain, now it's just a little bit more for the podium spot. Pfft
 
Spilak23
Basso seems unbeatable! Good result with Pozz! Top 5 is secured. Go for the podium now!
 
dienblad
Doing great. The podium is so close, yet so far away...... Hope you can make it!!!
imageshack.us/a/img171/3023/petronasmesig2.png
 
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Tuco the Ugly
@ Avin Wargunnson: Thank you for the very kind words. It'll be very hard to pass Mosquera and Scarponi, especially with the final time trial.

@ cungeo59: Me too!

@ FreitasPCM: Basso is incredible. I'd like to secure a bit more time before the final time trial on Velits, but I agree, Top 5 should be secured.

@ Spilak23: Thanks. I will try!

@ dienblad: Thanks. Hopefully Pozzovivo can pull something out.

Giro d'Italia: Stage 17


i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/187.jpg

Feltre - Tirano: 226.1km

Well into the final week of a grand tour, no stage is simple at this point, especially one of this length. Today, the peloton heads west through the Alps from Feltre to Tirano. Along the way they will tackle two well-known climbs, the Passo del Tonale and the Aprica. Neither should prevent too much challenge to the top riders.

From the beginning of the day, dozens of riders tried to form a breakaway. Given the stage parcours and the importance of the upcoming stages, today has undoubtedly been marked by the escape artists. Stefano Pirazzi was the man for Colnago, jumping in various groups.

However, in the early kilometers of the day, Simone Stortoni fell hard. Along with Pirazzi, Stortoni has almost always been the last man with Domenico Pozzovivo. While Stortoni made it back in the peloton, he was clearly laboring. With Filippo Savini tired from his many breakaways, Pirazzi was called back to lend support to his team leader.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/392.jpg
Some of the unsuccessful break attempts.

After all the fighting, only three riders eventually got away. They were Maxim Iglinskiy (Pro Team Astana), Mauro Santambrogio (BMC Racing Team), and Mikaël Chérel (AG2R La Mondiale).

At the sprint point in San Michele all'Adige they had an advantage of 3'21.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/393.jpg
The break.

Their lead continued to grow, and most in the peloton appeared quite content to let them ride away. However, not all were. On the slopes of the Passo del Tonale, Team Garmin - Cervélo took to the front. It wasn't clear why they took up the pace, seeing as they only have 5 riders left, with the highest being David Zabriskie in 61st.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/394.jpg
Garmin working on the front, perhaps for TV exposure.

Up the road, Chérel was dropped by the other two break riders. It is unfortunate for Chérel, who has been a popular figure during the Giro, constantly attacking and riding in the breaks.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/395.jpg
Chérel is dropped on the Tonale.

At the top of the climb, the two leading riders had a lead of 5'30 over the peloton.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/396.jpg
Iglinskiy and Santambrogio reach the high point of the day.

Behind them, the peloton had picked up speed, putting some riders into difficulty. The main bunch still finished the climb with 64 riders.

However, when taking stock of the situation, two major riders were missing. 16th placed Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma - Lotto) and 4th placed Ezequiel Mosquera (Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team) were in the chase group around 1 minute down!

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/397.jpg
Mosquera descends, with Van den Broeck just behind.

Ultimately, no one in peloton pushed the advantage and Mosquera and Van den Broeck made it back.

On the Aprica climb, Iglinskiy broke free from Santambrogio and was now riding alone at the head of the race.

In the peloton, a familiar foe attacked.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/398.jpg
Basso goes from 30km out.

Basso's first attack was rather weak and he didn't create any separation. Still, it was a worrying sign for the riders who had seen him ride to 4 stage wins already.

Not long after Basso's attack, Mosquera went. Whatever happened on the Tonale that caused him to be dropped appeared to be over. Basso followed the Spaniard and José Rujano jumped aboard as well.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/399.jpg
Mosquera attacks with Basso and Rujano in his wheel.

No one else in the peloton followed the three. They worked together and made their way up to Iglinskiy by the top of the climb. However, their lead was only 46 seconds.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/400.jpg
The leading group at the end of the Aprica climb.

Luis León Sánchez (Rabobank Cycling Team) led the peloton down the descent. Once again, his skills came in handy.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/401.jpg
The peloton descends after Basso et al.

They caught the leaders quite easily. 24 riders were in this lead group. No one important was missing.

A sprint from this group was to determine the day. Pozzovivo found Basso's wheel.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/402.jpg
The riders head into the line in Tirano.

Pozzovivo was well positioned near the front of the group, but he is no sprinter. He came in 8th on the day, a good result.

The winner was Peter Velits (HTC - Highroad). Perhaps he has picked up some advice from teammate Mark Cavendish. He moved early and maintained his lead over the field until the finish, calculating his effort perfectly. Closing fast was Giovanni Visconti (Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli).

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/403.jpg
Velits takes the win in a sprint.

RESULTS


Stage:
1Peter VelitsHTC - Highroad5h53'12
2Stefano GarzelliAcqua & Sapones.t.
3Giovanni ViscontiFarnese Vini - Neri Sottolis.t.
4Yury TrofimovKatusha Teams.t.
5Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Teams.t.
6John GadretAG2R La Mondiales.t.
7Emanuele SellaAndroni Giocattolis.t.
8Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inoxs.t.
9Danilo Di LucaKatusha Teams.t.
10Richie PorteSaxo Bank SunGards.t.

Spoiler


GC:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale76h00'52
2Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi+ 7'42
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD+ 9'00
4Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team+ 9'15
5Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox+ 9'53
6Peter VelitsHTC - Highroad+ 11'27
7Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Team+ 17'02
8Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team+ 18'39
9José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 19'23
10Przemyslaw NiemiecLampre - ISD+ 20'54

Spoiler


KOM:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale575
2Filippo SaviniColnago - CSF Inox041
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD028
4José SerpaAndroni Giocattoli027
5José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli026

Spoiler


Points:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale1148
2Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team094
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD293
4Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox879
5José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli077

Spoiler


U25:
1Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team76h19'31
2Bauke MollemaRabobank Cycling Team+ 13'03
3Kevin SeeldraeyersQuick·Step Cycling Team+ 26'28
4Rui CostaMovistar Team+ 57'00
5Carlos BetancourtAcqua & Sapone+ 1h08'39

Spoiler


Team:
1Rabobank Cycling Team228h03'13
2Lampre - ISD+ 37'33
3Androni Giocattoli+ 43'59
4Katusha Team+ 44'08
5Colnago - CSF Inox+ 44'35

Spoiler

 
Tooom3k
Top 5 is a great result for Pozzo, hope you can keep it in last stages Wink
 
baia
No time lost...that´s good.Keep this results as top5 is only secured when peloton crosses finish line in 21th stage.
i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t525/baia3/FDJprofileban_zps42833c10.jpg
 
Tuco the Ugly
@ Toom3k: It has been a great Giro so far.

@ baia: That's my mentality too.

Giro d'Italia: Stage 18


i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/188.jpg

Morbegno - San Pellegrino Terme: 147.0km

Today the peloton starts in Morbegno, rides next to the picturesque Lake Como, tackles the Passo di Ganda, all before ending in San Pellegrino Terme. The Ganda climb is 9.5km in length at 6.9%. Much like yesterday, don't expect gaps.

Having survived the mountains so far, Manuel Belletti got into the break for Colnago. If the break stays away, and he can survive the climb, he will surely have the fastest finish in the break. With him were Maxim Iglinskiy and Assan Bazayev (Pro Team Astana), Matteo Montaguti (AG2R La Mondiale), Joost Posthuma (Leopard Trek), Carlos Betancourt (Acqua & Sapone), Francisco Pérez (Movistar Team), Mauro Santambrogio (BMC Racing Team), and Michal Kwiatkowski (Team RadioShack).

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/404.jpg
The break. The day started rainy.

10km from the sprint point in Bergamo, Emanuele Sella (Androni Giocattoli) attacked.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/405.jpg
Sella has been quite active in the past couple stages.

The break reached the sprint point 5'10 ahead of the peloton and 4'25 ahead of Sella.

They reached the Passo di Ganda before the peloton and with Sella still trying to bridge. At the bottom of the climb, Betancourt attacked.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/406.jpg
Betancourt goes at the bottom of the Ganda.

Some of the breakaway riders responded well to the attack, containing the Colombian. Belletti was not one of them and was dropped.

Going with Betancourt was Iglinskiy, Santambrogio, and Pérez.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/407.jpg
The leading group on the road goes up the one climb on the day.

Behind them, Sella was coming fast. He bridged to the leaders on the road and continued at his pace. Much like Pinotti's attack on Stage 15, his pace was too much for all the riders in the break except Betancourt. For the second time, the Colombian followed an Italian up the rest of the climb.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/408.jpg
Betancourt gets another Italian escort, this time Sella.

Sella did all the work up the slopes and the pair finished the climb 2'02 ahead of the peloton.

The descent into the line was not especially technical. This fact made it fairly easy for the peloton to gain time and catch the two leaders on the road.

The only notable rider not with the leading group was Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma - Lotto). However, at this point, not much is expected from the Belgian.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/409.jpg
Pozzovivo descends next to Basso.

The peloton, containing 24 riders like yesterday approached the line.

The run-in wasn't as calm as yesterday though. Domenico Pozzovivo launched an audacious attack from 3.5km out in a bid to gain some time on his rivals.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/410.jpg
Pozzovivo attacks close to the finish.

His burst was rather weak and he never created the necessary break. Once again, the stage would be determined by a sprint.

This time, Yury Trofimov (Katusha Team) bested the field, taking his second stage in the Giro. Sitting in 11th, it has been a very successful ride for the Russian.

Guillaume Bonnaford (AG2R La Mondiale) abandoned with a fractured patella. 133 riders remain.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/411.jpg
Trofimov easily wins the sprint.

RESULTS


Stage:
1Yury TrofimovKatusha Team3h32'16
2Stefano GarzelliAcqua & Sapones.t.
3John GadretAG2R La Mondiales.t.
4Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadis.t.
5Bauke MollemaRabobank Cycling Teams.t.
6José SerpaAndroni Giocattolis.t.
7Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Teams.t.
8Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Teams.t.
9Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondales.t.
10Carlos BetancourtAcqua & Sapones.t.

Spoiler


GC:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale79h33'08
2Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi+ 7'42
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD+ 9'00
4Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team+ 9'15
5Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox+ 9'53
6Peter VelitsHTC - Highroad+ 11'27
7Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Team+ 17'02
8Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team+ 18'39
9José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 19'23
10Przemyslaw NiemiecLampre - ISD+ 20'54

Spoiler


KOM:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale075
2Filippo SaviniColnago - CSF Inox041
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD028
4José SerpaAndroni Giocattoli027
5José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli026

Spoiler


Points:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale7155
2Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team094
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD093
4Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi1488
5Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox079

Spoiler


U25:
1Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team79h51'47
2Bauke MollemaRabobank Cycling Team+ 13'03
3Kevin SeeldraeyersQuick·Step Cycling Team+ 28'29
4Rui CostaMovistar Team+ 1h02'13
5Carlos BetancourtAcqua & Sapone+ 1h08'39

Spoiler


Team:
1Rabobank Cycling Team238h40'01
2Lampre - ISD+ 42'46
3Androni Giocattoli+ 43'59
4Katusha Team+ 51'54
5Colnago - CSF Inox+ 54'11

Spoiler

 
baia
3 away from top5...keep it up...oohh...and nice try with Pozzo,pity he couldn´t gap the rest...
i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t525/baia3/FDJprofileban_zps42833c10.jpg
 
Avin Wargunnson
Top 5 is near, keep up the great work.
And great win by Velits btw. Pfft
I'll be back
 
dienblad
2 chances left for Pozzovivo to improve his position in the GC. Think the Macugnana-climb will suit him! Good luck.
imageshack.us/a/img171/3023/petronasmesig2.png
 
valverde321
Amazing reports! Such great writing! Pozzo looks good for at least 5th in the GC too!
 
Tuco the Ugly
@ baia: It was always going to be tough to get a gap on the flat. Still going to try!

@ Avin Argunnson: Velits has been really impressive in this Giro. I keep waiting for him to falter but he's riding very well.

@ dienblad: Hope so!

@ valverde321: Thanks!

Giro d'Italia: Stage 19


i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/189.jpg

Bergamo - Macugnaga: 208.4km

Two summit finishes stand in the way of the peloton and the final individual time trial. The first sees the riders climb up to Macugnaga. The final climb is not incredibly steep, but very, very long at 27.3km.

In the middle of the stage, the Mottarone is a taxing climb and will be a nice warm-up for the last ascent.

Not many riders initially wanted to get into the day's break. Originally, only Francisco Pérez (Movistar Team), Fabian Wegmann (Leopard Trek), and Enrico Gasparotto (Pro Team Astana) were in the move.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/412.jpg
Three riders escaped from the peloton.

Eventually, they were joined by 4 more riders; Morris Possoni (Sky ProCycling), Murilo Fischer (Team Garmin - Cervelo), Cayetano Sarmiento (Acqua & Sapone), and Luca Mazzanti (Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli) completed the group.

They reached the top of the Mottarone with a lead of 6'11 over the peloton. The main bunch contained 69 riders when they crested the climb.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/413.jpg
The break goes over the Mottarone.

The peloton, under the auspices of Euskaltel - Euskadi, slowly began to reel in the break. Still, they managed to reach the final Macugnaga climb 3'45 ahead of the main field.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/414.jpg
The break begins the final climb; a potential stage victory does not appear to be in the cards.

The length of the climb offered hope to some of the contenders who found themselves with significant time to make up on their rivals. 22km from the line, Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) and John Gadret (AG2R La Mondiale) attacked.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/415.jpg
Garzelli and Gadret, still harboring hopes of a Top 10 finish.

Their attacks didn't create a large gap, but did awaken the favorites. As the response came, the break was swept up.

15km out, Ivan Basso (Liquigas - Cannondale) went. No one went with him; no one even blinked.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/416.jpg
Basso attacks; his acceleration raises no response.

With Basso gone, the rest of the big riders began looking at each other. They were all content to let Basso go unchallenged, but the fight between themselves would soon begin. The nervy kilometers passed; tension filled the air.

Finally, with 7km to go, José Rujano (Androni Giocattoli) instigated more attacks. Following him was Michele Scarponi (Lampre - ISD) and Peter Velits (HTC - Highroad).

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/417.jpg
Rujano goes.

Rujano displayed the acceleration he is known for, and neither Scarponi nor Velits could remain in his wheel. The combined forces of Ezequiel Mosquera (Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team), Igor Antón (Euskaltel - Euskadi), and Domenico Pozzovivo brought those two back into the fold.

Rujano reached Basso's wheel. A small chase group had formed, 30" back. It was made up by 13 riders.

Almost as soon as Rujano reached Basso, the Italian attacked. Basso is insatiable.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/418.jpg
Basso goes as soon as Rujano connects.

The road was running out and few opportunities to gain time were left. Pozzovivo had to act. He could tell his rivals were suffering with the climb and took the front of the chase group. Almost as soon as he upped the pace, he created a gap. No one could follow him and he was off trying to catch Rujano alone.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/419.jpg
Scarponi, Mosquera, and the rest can't follow Pozzovivo.

Just before the flamme rouge Pozzovivo caught Rujano. The two pushed hard, but no one was going to catch Basso. In repetitive fashion, the overall leader took another summit finish.

35 seconds later, Rujano and Pozzovivo crossed the line together. Then, all eyes turned to the clock as the seconds ticked away.

46 seconds after Pozzovivo, Mosquera and Scarponi finished. 1'14 after, Antón crossed the line.

Once the GC was tabulated, it was revealed that Pozzovivo had jumped into 3rd overall! With two stages left, only a shade over a minute separated Antón, Pozzovivo, Mosquera, and Scarponi.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/420.jpg
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

RESULTS


Stage:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale5h14'44
2José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 35
3Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inoxs.t.
4Marco PinottiHTC - Highroad+ 1'21
5Michele ScarponiLampre - ISDs.t.
6Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Teams.t.
7Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team+ 1'38
8Stefano GarzelliAcqua & Sapone+ 1'49
9Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadis.t.
10Yury TrofimovKatusha Teams.t.

Spoiler


GC:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale84h47'32
2Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi+ 9'51
3Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox+ 10'40
4Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD+ 10'41
5Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team+ 10'56
6Peter VelitsHTC - Highroad+ 13'36
7Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Team+ 19'11
8José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 20'06
9Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team+ 20'37
10Yury TrofimovKatusha Team+ 24'22

Spoiler


KOM:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale1590
2Filippo SaviniColnago - CSF Inox041
3José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli1036
4Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox631
5Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD230

Spoiler


Points:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale25180
2Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD12105
3Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team10104
4José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli2097
5Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi795

Spoiler


U25:
1Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team85h08'09
2Bauke MollemaRabobank Cycling Team+ 14'56
3Kevin SeeldraeyersQuick·Step Cycling Team+ 30'22
4Rui CostaMovistar Team+ 1h08'49
5Carlos BetancourtAcqua & Sapone+ 1h15'47

Spoiler


Team:
1Rabobank Cycling Team254h31'11
2Androni Giocattoli+ 43'29
3Lampre - ISD+ 47'32
4Katusha Team+ 55'07
5Colnago - CSF Inox+ 1h01'03

Spoiler

 
cunego59
Gee, that is close! I guess Scarponi is a stronger time trialist than Pozzo, how about the others?
 
Spilak23
Very good climb for Pozzo! With Anton fading, a podium seems almost certain and a 2nd place maybe after a good finestre stage!
 
Pellizotti2
Another brilliant climb by Pozzo. Hopefully he can gain a few more seconds on the Sestriere stage.
i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq112/Gustavovskiy/microjerseys14/kzi.png Manager of Kazzinc Procycling i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq112/Gustavovskiy/microjerseys14/kzi.png

pcmdaily.com/images/awards/2012/storywriter.png

pcmdaily.com/images/awards/2012/stagemaker.png
 
dienblad
Great report! Great stage! It's so close, a ral thriller for the podium. Hope you can gain some more time in the next stage, because Pozzovivo needs it before the ITT.
imageshack.us/a/img171/3023/petronasmesig2.png
 
Tuco the Ugly
@ all: Thanks. Unfortunately, Pozzo is the worst TTer (65) out of the bunch so he will definitely need to gain time today...

Giro d'Italia: Stage 20


i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/190.jpg

Verbania - Sestriere: 242.2km

The penultimate stage of this year's Giro d'Italia. Fittingly, it is a summit finish. However, the riders will have nearly 200km of flat riding before going up.

Once there, the riders will have to tackle the Colle delle Finestre. The monster climb is 19.8km long at 8.5%. To make matters even harder, the last few kilometers of the climb aren't paved.

A short descent will greet the riders before the final climb up to Sestriere. A demanding finish in this demanding Giro. With the riders so close, seconds are vital.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/421.jpg
The riders begin the last road stage of the Giro.

Only two riders escaped the peloton today. Simone Stortoni and David Zabriskie (Team Garmin - Cervélo). Stortoni has been a valuable asset to Domenico Pozzovivo so far, and the team felt he deserved a chance to ride for himself. However, nearly 200km of flat riding did not suit him.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/422.jpg
Stortoni and Zabriskie on the lonely roads to Torino.

At the sprint point in Torino, their lead was sitting at 8'47. They had ridden nearly 140km together ahead of the peloton.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/423.jpg
Stortoni and Zabriskie got plenty of television time today.

As the Finestre began to loom, Euskaltel - Euskadi controlled the pace. Their lead, Igor Antón has appeared to be fading in the final week and will need to gain time before the time trial tomorrow.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/424.jpg
Euskaltel marshaling the bunch, a role they have assumed for much of the race.

Stortoni and Zabriskie reached the Finestre a couple of minutes ahead of the peloton. They were not going to stay away.

A few kilometers into the climb, Stortoni dropped off, exhausted from all the work he did on the flat.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/425.jpg
Stortoni can't keep up.

As the peloton winded their way up the climb, they soon captured Zabriskie.

The pace was fairly high, putting some riders in difficulty. All of the big favorites were still in the lead group.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/426.jpg
The riders ascend the Colle delle Finestre. Around 25 riders are in the leading group.

When the riders reached the sterrato sections of the climb, the action heated up. Pozzovivo was looking good, but isolated.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/427.jpg
Yury Trofimov (Katusha Team) leads the group onto the gravel.

34km from the line, and 6km from the top of the Finestre, Ezequiel Mosquera (Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team) and Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) attacked.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/428.jpg
The first serious attacks are launched.

Mosquera's move was a real threat to Pozzovivo's chances at a podium finish. After seeing that neither Michele Scarponi (Lampre - ISD) nor Antón was going to respond, Pozzovivo moved to the front. He needed to chase down the Spaniard.

Like yesterday, Pozzovivo's pace put riders into trouble. Today, the main victim was Peter Velits (HTC - Highroad). The young Slovak looked worse than he has all race. He would finish the day in 12th, 5'54 off the time of the stage winner.

Basso, Scarponi, Antón, and Rujano were all still with Pozzovivo.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/429.jpg
Pozzovivo leads the charge up the Finestre.

Despite the high pace, Rujano jumped from the group. The Venezuelan is currently in 8th overall, but has been steadily moving up the table. 7th place was definitely in reach, and with Velits faltering, maybe even 6th.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/430.jpg
Rujano has been very good in the last week.

The chase group had contained the lead, which was sitting at around 1 minute. 3km from the top, Scarponi tried to accelerate and join the leading three.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/431.jpg
Scarponi was next to attack.

Unlike Rujano, Scarponi was not able to create separation with his attack.

At the very top of the climb, Mosquera had dropped Garzellia and Rujano. This was a very strong ride by the Spaniard. He went through the KOM sprint 15 seconds ahead of Rujano.

58 seconds back was Pozzovivo, Basso, Scarponi, Antón, and Garzelli. Everyone else had been dislodged and was far behind.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/432.jpg
Mosquera reaches the top of the Finestre.

On the descent, Rujano quite easily came back together with Mosquera.

Behind them, the chase group flew down the slopes, hoping to reach the leading two before the climb to Sestriere.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/433.jpg
A fast descent from the chase group.

They did not connect.

Pozzovivo again found himself on the front of the group. He was doing all the work trying to pull Mosquera back. This irked him, as Scarponi and Antón had just as much to lose. Despite this, he had to ride on.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/434.jpg
Pozzovivo sits on the front.

With 5km to go, Mosquera and Rujano were still out in front by 40 seconds.

Then, Scarponi attacked. This after Pozzovivo had done all the work. With no time to complain, he jumped into Scarponi's wheel. Basso and Antón also went with them.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/435.jpg
Pozzovivo follows Scarponi.

Basso blasted past all three of them. Quite easily, he made the junction with Rujano and Mosquera.

Down the road, Scarponi had failed to dislodge Pozzovivo or Antón. With 2km, he went again.

This time, neither Pozzovivo nor Antón could keep up.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/436.jpg
Scarponi looks back to see he's dropped Pozzovivo and Antón.

He would not make the junction with the leaders on the road.

Mosquera, Rujano, and Basso all reached the flamme rouge together. Surely, Basso would concede the day.

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/437.jpg
The flamme rouge.

But alas, he did not break stride. With an icy cool demeanor, he blasted by the other two to capture his 6th win in this year's Giro.

Mosquera and Rujano crossed the line 17 seconds later, stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Scarponi came in alone 35" after Basso.

A shade under a minute after Basso, Pozzovivo crossed the line. Antón followed 1'09 down. They are the weakest time trialists out of those fighting for the podium; they could ill afford to lose time today.

Heading into the final day, Basso sits alone. The time between the podium contenders has shrunk to 39 seconds!

i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae338/Tuco39/Colnago/438.jpg
Basso has ruled the slopes of Italy with an iron fist.

RESULTS


Stage:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale6h28'54
2José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 17
3Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Teams.t.
4Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD+ 35
5Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox+ 59
6Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi+ 1'09
7Stefano GarzelliAcqua & Sapone+ 1'48
8Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Team+ 4'10
9Yury TrofimovKatusha Team+ 4'18
10Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team+ 4'27

Spoiler


GC:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale91h16'06
2Igor AntónEuskaltel - Euskadi+ 11'20
3Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team+ 11'25
4Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD+ 11'36
5Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox+ 11'59
6Peter VelitsHTC - Highroad+ 19'50
7José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli+ 20'31
8Luis León SánchezRabobank Cycling Team+ 23'41
9Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team+ 25'24
10Stefano GarzelliAcqua & Sapone+ 27'09

Spoiler


KOM:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale797
2José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli945
3Filippo SaviniColnago - CSF Inox041
4Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox435
5Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD030

Spoiler


Points:
1Ivan BassoLiquigas - Cannondale25205
2Ezequiel MosqueraVacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team16120
3Michele ScarponiLampre - ISD14119
4José RujanoAndroni Giocattoli20117
5Domenico PozzovivoColnago - CSF Inox12107

Spoiler


U25:
1Steven KruijswijkRabobank Cycling Team91h41'30
2Bauke MollemaRabobank Cycling Team+ 18'57
3Kevin SeeldraeyersQuick·Step Cycling Team+ 34'48
4Rui CostaMovistar Team+ 1h24'48
5Carlos BetancourtAcqua & Sapone+ 1h33'33

Spoiler


Team:
1Rabobank Cycling Team274h14'58
2Androni Giocattoli+ 57'10
3Lampre - ISD+ 59'32
4Katusha Team+ 1h10'55
5HTC - Highroad+ 1h27'51

Spoiler

 
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