I just have to comment once on this epic story. Great job It was great story to follow from your Rapha one, the reports were excellent. The follows ups and the pictures. Just epic Edited by Alakagom on 05-07-2011 18:01
Alakagom wrote:
I just have to comment once on this epic story. Great job It was great story to follow from your Rapha one, the reports were excellent. The follows ups and the pictures. Just epic
Wow, epic! That's very kind. Thank you very much!
I also want to say that this stroy isn't dead. Hopefully, the reports will be back on Sunday or Saturday.
@ Tombola: I will keep on. However, today's stage was cancelled due somebody have spilled oil on the road, probably sabotage. It really sucks so decided report Clásica San Sebastian and think about something else.
There is several attempts to create an breakaway at the beginnnig of this hilly classic. The spanish teams, Movistar and Euskaltel, seems to have the biggest interest in showing the team sponsors. However, all attacks are brought back by the bunch.
After more than 100kms of cycling the break is created! Spanish, Oscar Pujol is alone in the front of the race nand has an lead of three minutes.
BMC and HTC does the work in the bunch and it looks like they soon will catch an tired Pujol. Philippe is in some trouble and one thing is for sure. He won't win today!
Oscar Pujol is caught in the foot of Alto de Jaizkbel. This is 2nd time today the bunch climbs over this steep climb. If Philippe wants to finish within the top-10 today he must stay in the bunch over the top.
Jurgen Van Den Broeck is in good shape after his 5th in Tour de France. He tries to attack but the bunch can easily catch him.
Van Den Broeck's attack makes the pace harder and eventually Philippe drops the bunch. With only 75 fitness points and lack of races the last monts it's still an decent ride by Philippe today.
It's difficult to attack after Alto de Jaizkbel so the race ends up in a sprint. Damiano Cunego (Liquigas) wins ahead of Alejandro Valverde (HTC). Francis De Greef is the best placed Omega Pharma rider at 6th.
Four and half minutes later, the UCI ProTour leader Philippe Gilbert crosses the finish line as 36th. It's far from his best result but we must remeber that he is far, far away from his best shape...
Damiano Cunego wins Clásica San Sebastian 2013!
Results:
1
Damiano Cunego
Liquigas - Cannondale
6h06'58
2
Alejandro Valverde
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
3
Tejay Van Garderen
Rapha Condor - Sharp
s.t.
Spoiler
1 Damiano Cunego Liquigas - Cannondale 6h06'58
2 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad s.t.
3 Tejay Van Garderen Rapha Condor - Sharp s.t.
4 Christophe Le Mével Team Garmin - Cervélo s.t.
5 Rigoberto Urán Leopard Trek s.t. 6 Francis De Greef Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
7 Michele Scarponi Lampre - ISD s.t.
8 Peter Sagan Liquigas - Cannondale s.t.
9 Rafael Valls Pro Team Astana s.t. 10 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
11 Johann Tschopp BMC Racing Team s.t.
12 Rein Taaramäe Team Garmin - Cervélo s.t.
13 Philip Deignan Team RadioShack s.t.
14 Ivan Basso Liquigas - Cannondale s.t.
15 Daniel Martin Saxo Bank SunGard s.t.
16 Peter Velits HTC - Highroad s.t.
17 Janez Brajkovič Team RadioShack s.t.
18 Juan José Cobo Pro Team Astana s.t.
19 Robert Gesink Katusha Team s.t.
20 David López Pro Team Astana s.t.
21 Yury Trofimov Katusha Team s.t.
22 Alexandr Kolobnev Leopard Trek s.t.
23 Nicolas Roche AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
24 Michael Rogers Sky ProCycling s.t.
25 Bauke Mollema Rabobank Cycling Team s.t.
26 Richie Porte Rapha Condor - Sharp s.t.
27 Kevin Seeldraeyers Quick·Step Cycling Team s.t.
28 Michel Kreder Rabobank Cycling Team + 2'28
29 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling + 4'21
30 Damien Monier Cofidis, le crédit en ligne s.t.
31 Javier Moreno Geox - TMC s.t.
32 Rémy Di Gregorio Pro Team Astana s.t.
33 Przemyslaw Niemiec Lampre - ISD s.t.
34 Alberto Losada Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
35 Beñat Intxausti Pro Team Astana s.t. 36 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
37 Riccardo Riccò Liquigas - Cannondale s.t.
38 David Belda Burgos 2016 - Castilla y León s.t.
39 John Gadret AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
40 Arkaitz Durán Geox - TMC s.t.
41 Davide Malacarne Quick·Step Cycling Team s.t.
42 Manuel Vázquez Team RadioShack s.t.
43 Mauricio Ardila Geox - TMC s.t.
44 Matthias Frank BMC Racing Team s.t.
45 David De la Fuente Geox - TMC s.t.
46 Chris Horner Team RadioShack s.t.
47 Daniele Pietropolli Liquigas - Cannondale s.t.
48 Constantino Zaballa Leopard Trek s.t.
49 Egor Silin Katusha Team s.t.
50 José Ángel Gómez Marchante Leopard Trek s.t.
[img-l]https://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4009/96174730.png[/img-l]
Eneco Tour Results: 1st Stage 2,5 and 6, 1st in the GC
[img-l]https://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6029/22120487.png[/img-l]
Vuelta a España Results: Plenty of top-10 results and 3rd in Points Classifications
[img-l]https://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1568/36924603.png[/img-l] World Championships RR, Firenze Results: 2nd
[img-l]https://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1568/36924603.png[/img-l]
Giro dell'Emilia Results: 18th
[img-l]https://img684.imageshack.us/img684/1969/30203258.png[/img-l]
Paris - Tours Results: 1st
[img-l]https://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1568/36924603.png[/img-l] Giro di Lombardia - Last Race 2013! Results: 5th
The plan is to do the Eneco Tour and the Vuelta to get Philippe into the right shape before the Worlds. Of course there is also an small chance to take an stage win in one of thoose races but he isn't in any super shape at the moment so don't expect him to take the leader jersey in the Vuelta, even though the first week suits Philippe well.
After the worlds he will participate in Giro dell'Emilia and Paris - Tours, which he won twice. He will finish the season with another race he won twice, Giro di Lomabardia.
Edited by laidbackmarc on 15-07-2011 13:37
Philippe Info: Philippe's Comment:"I am not in the best shape. However, I don't think the other cobbler are in great shape either so I should acyually be able to take an stage and a top-5 in the GC. I am may the fastest guy in the hills and on the cobbles but I can loose the race in the final TT."
Omega Pharma Squad:
51. P.Gilbert
52. J.Bakelandts
53. J.Degenkolb
54. A.Deldaele
55. S.Kruijswijk
56. P.Pauly
57. J.Van den Broeck
58. J.Vanendert Marc's Comment:"The team is here to help Philippe. Van den Broeck and Bakelnadts are excellent team-mates in the hills while Degenkolb is an real "team-mate deluxe" on cobbles and in sprints."
A big break was formed in this windy landscape. We were lucky though, no crosswinds today.
The stage was finished on a hilly lap. When we passed the finish for the first of two times today the break was splitted. Pierre Pauly from Omega Pharma was still there.
John Degenkolb and Jan Bakelandts made an fantastic lead-out for Philippe and he won this uphill sprint with an amazing gap!He showed his oppennets that he's the man to beat this year!
Results - Stage 2: 1 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto 4h05'44
2 Grega Bole Lampre - ISD s.t.
3 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team s.t.
Stage 3
The only challange on today's stage was this tunnel and the uphill afterwards. However, it was to far way from the finish to create some trouble.
Once again, Bakelandts and Degenkolb amde the lead-out for Philippe. Yesterday, we won let's hope for the same today!
Philippe is close to win again! Francisco José Ventoso (Leopard) wins but Philippe is 2nd behind him. The other Lepard rider on this picture was an lapped rider.
Results - Stage 3:
1 Francisco José Ventoso Leopard Trek 4h28'56 2 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
3 Juan José Haedo Pro Team Astana s.t.
Stage 4
In the first cobbled climb of today, Wim De Vocht (Veranda) and Sep Vanmarcke (Garmin) attacked. It looked like an suicide but this attack played an key-role today!
Behind, the team worked for Philippe. Degenkolb paced on the cobbles and many riders struggled.
In the final climb, Philippe attacked. It was an good attack but he still had two riders ahead, De Vocht and Vanmarcke!
The other favourites know that they can't let Philippe go so they start to attck in the downhill. Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) and Heinrich Haussler (Leopard) are among thoose.
Philippe caught De Vocht and Vanmarcke with 3kms to go but De Vocht wins the sprint over an tired Philippe. Halfway through the race Philippe leads the GC.
Results - Stage 4:
1 Wim De Vocht Veranda's Willems - Accent 4h51'39 2 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
3 Sep Vanmarcke Team Garmin - Cervélo s.t.
4 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek + 31
5 Stijn Devolder Katusha Team s.t.
6 Taylor Phinney Rapha Condor - Sharp + 1'21
7 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team s.t.
8 Tomas Vaitkus Pro Team Astana s.t.
9 Arnoud Van Groen Veranda's Willems - Accent s.t.
10 Fabio Polazzi Quick·Step Cycling Team s.t.
GC after 4 stages: 1 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto 13h33'10
2 Wim De Vocht Veranda's Willems - Accent + 31
3 Sep Vanmarcke Team Garmin - Cervélo s.t.
4 Stijn Devolder Katusha Team + 58
5 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek + 1'02
6 Taylor Phinney Rapha Condor - Sharp + 1'36
7 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team + 1'44
8 Thor Hushovd Liquigas - Cannondale + 1'46 9 Jan Bakelandts Omega Pharma - Lotto + 1'48
10 John Degenkolb Omega Pharma - Lotto + 1'51
Wow, Philippe's quite dominating this without being in best shape He has already a decent lead, I think. 31" may reach for the overall win in the end. Good luck for upcoming stages!
A plain stage so Omega Pharma is up in the front to control the race. The pace is hard and some riders struggles.
The big guns sprints for the last intermediate sprint so when we reach the finish Degenkolb kakes the lead-out for Philippe. The other sprinters look very tired so there is abig chance for victory today, again!
Philippe takes his 2nd stage win at Eneco Tour thanks to an amazing lead-out and the late intermadiate sprint. Samuel Dumolin is 2nd and Degenkolb olds off to take the 3rd, an amazing day for Omega Pharma!
Results - Stage 5: 1Philippe GilbertOmega Pharma - Lotto4h52'59
2 Samuel Dumoulin Cofidis, le crédit en ligne s.t. 3 John Degenkolb Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
Stage 6
Up and down all day on stage 6! Omega Pharma is in the front in the final kms and our hard pace makes the other riders tired. Finally, Philippe attacks!
Philippe wins again. Actually, it's a little bit boring when he wins stage after stage but I can't stop him either.
Results - Stage 6 1 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto 5h00'03
2 Arnoud Van Groen Veranda's Willems - Accent + 34
3 Rafael Valls Pro Team Astana s.t.
Stage 7
It's the last road stage and with 10kms to go, Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) attacks. Omega Pharma does everything to catch him!
On the cobbled selection at the end of the stage, Philippe attacks. However, he looks a bit tired and the attack is not his best.
With 2.5 kms to go, Philippe is caught. He finishes as 21th today.
Filippo Pozzato takes the victory! It was an great attck with 10kms to but Philippe keeps the overall lead even though he looses 41 seconds on Boonen and Pozzato today.
After two succesfull GT's this year it's time for the third, and final, Grand Tour of this year: Vuelta a España. The Giro was won by Steven Kruijswijk and Jurgen van den Broeck was 5th in Tour de France were Armand Deldaele won a stage. Kruisjwijk and van den Broeck is on the statline in the Vuelta, will they cooperate and manage to finish on the podium? However, Deldaele stays at home but there is another stage hunter here: Philippe Gilbert. Phlippe have an big chance to win the points classifications since there is only 3 mountain stage in this Vuelta. We also know that he's in great shape after an fantastic Eneco Tour!
Short Review - Vuelta a España
Omega Pharma Squad:
31. S.Kruijswijk 32. P.Gilbert
33. A.Greipel
34. A.Hansen
35. Ó.Pujol
36. J.Roelandts
37. M.Sieberg
38. J.Van den Broeck
39. J.Veikkanen Marc's Comment:"An perfest squad for an Grand Tour. Kruijswijk and van den Broeck for the GC. Greipel for the sprints. Hansen, Roelandts and Sieberg as team-mates on flat stages while Pujol and Veikkanen are for the mountain stages. Finally, we also have Philippe for some stages!"
Philippe Info: Philippe's Comment:"I am really looking forward to this Vuelta! There is plenty f hilly stages wich suits me well and only 3-5 mountainous stages were I will suffer! I am in great shape as well!"
Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma) Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel) Steven Kruijswijk (Omega Pharma)
Ryder Hesjedal (Rapha) Bauke Mollema (Rabobank)
Marc's Comment:"Andy Schleck is the big favourite but he just won the Tour si I am not sure about his motivation? The course suits Valverde well but I think Van den Broeck or Kruijswijk will have an big chance! Van den Broeck is hungry after his 5th at the Tour and Kruijswijk is fully recovered after the Giro."
Favourites Points:
Alejandro Valverde (HTC) Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma)
Andy Schleck (Katusha) Heinrich Haussler (Leopard) Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma)
Andre Greipel (Omega Pharma) Steven Kruijswijk (Omega Pharma) Ryder Hesjedal (Rapha) Tom Boonen (Quickstep)
Marc's Comment:"The points classifications is very hard to predict. There is only a few flat stages and 3-5 mountain stages so I think an puncheur will take it! However, guys like Valverde and Schleck are able to take point on thoose hilly stages as well. Philippe won't take any points on the mountain stages so he has to be up there on the flat stages!"Edited by laidbackmarc on 11-07-2011 14:59
@ skeltik: Thank you, but what happend with your awesome avatar?
Vuelta a España - Week 1
"The first weeek of this years Vuelta is mainly hilly and flat stages. Philippe aims at the points jersey so should be up there on every stage and even better, take an win or two?"
Stage 1
Cordoba - Cordoba
The big climb was placed on the middle of the stage so we know that it would be hard to get rid of the best srinters. However, we tried to get rid of the weak climbers like Cavendish, by putting Pujol and Veikkanen in the front. They didnät drop but, at least, we made them tired!
Heinrich Haussler won the sprint with Philippe on his wheel! Greipel and his lead-out failed today but luckly we had placed Philippe in the right posistion: behind Haussler.
Results - Stage 1
1 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek 3h58'16 2 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
3 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team s.t.
Stage 2
Cordoba - Cadiz
Not much happend today so the only thing worth to mention today was that Mark Cavendish won the sprint. Philippe was 7th and Greipel 8th after another bad lead-out by the team (Omega Pharma)
Andre Greipel is to tired after the hills so the team works for Philippe in the final kms. He makes an good sprint, only beaten by Bos, Boason Hagen and Farrar. He stays in the point jersey as well after another top-10, great!
Results - Stage 3
1 Tyler Farrar Team Garmin - Cervélo 4h33'37
2 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling s.t.
3 Theo Bos Rabobank Cycling Team s.t.
... 4 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
Stage 4
Malaga - Granada
Philippe is up there again but he didn't reached all the way to Alejando Valverde (HTC) who wins this uphill sprint. Haussler is 2nd but Philippe stays in the green points jersey for one day more, at least!
This is one of the decesive stages at this years Vuelta! The final climb is really steep and yesterday's winner, Alejandro Valverde (HTC) attacks. Philippe counters and Francesco Gavazzi (Katusha) tries to follow him. However, the other GC contenders, for example Schleck and van den Broeck, stays calm even if Valverde is an big threat in the GC.
Valverde wins the staga and makes an big leap in the GC. Schleck and Van den Broeck is 1'51 behind and another favourite, Steven Kruijswijk, lost 3'03 today.
Philippe is 3rd again! He and Gavazzi finishes 1'07 behind Valverde but Philippe takes some points and jumps away from Haussler in the point classifications!
Results - Stage 5
1 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 4h56'20
2 Francesco Gavazzi Katusha Team + 1'07 3 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
Spoiler
4 Bauke Mollema Rabobank Cycling Team + 1'51
5 Andy Schleck Katusha Team s.t.
6 Robert Kiserlovski Team RadioShack s.t. 7 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
8 Arkaitz Durán Geox - TMC s.t.
9 Juan José Oroz Caja Rural s.t.
10 Rigoberto Urán Leopard Trek + 3'03
11 Mauro Finetto Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli s.t. 12 Steven Kruijswijk Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
13 Peter Kennaugh Rapha Condor - Sharp s.t.
14 Simon Gerrans Sky ProCycling s.t.
15 Juan José Cobo Pro Team Astana s.t.
16 David López Pro Team Astana s.t.
17 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek s.t.
18 Cyril Gautier Team Europcar s.t.
19 Daniel Navarro Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
20 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling s.t.
Stage 6
Alicante - Valencia
Tom Boonen wins this flat stage between Alicante and Valencia. Greipel is 4th while Philippe is having an bad day and only manages 14th. This result can be important in the end, because Philippe most take every single point he's able to!
Results - Stage 6:
1 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team 4h31'01
2 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek s.t.
3 Koldo Fernández Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
... 14 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
Stage 7
Palma de Mallorca - Palma de Mallorca
Oscar Pujol is in the break today! He is in great shape and in the last climb he leaves the other breakaway-riders behind and rides away solo. With 20kms left of stage 7, his gap is 2'20 minutes.
However, the gap wasn't enough and he is caught with 3kms to go. José Joaquín Rojas (Movistar) wins the sprint while Philippe is 7th. Haussler is 3rd and keeps the points jersey.
Results - Stage 7:
1 José Joaquín Rojas Movistar Team 4h24'18
2 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling s.t.
3 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek s.t.
... 7 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
GC after 7 stages:
1 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 32h18'50 2 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto + 1'07
3 Francesco Gavazzi Katusha Team + 1'27
Spoiler
4 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto + 2'11
5 Andy Schleck Katusha Team s.t.
6 Bauke Mollema Rabobank Cycling Team s.t.
7 Juan José Oroz Caja Rural s.t.
8 Robert Kiserlovski Team RadioShack s.t.
9 Arkaitz Durán Geox - TMC s.t.
10 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek + 2'39 11 Jussi Veikkanen Omega Pharma - Lotto + 3'05
12 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling + 3'11 13 Steven Kruijswijk Omega Pharma - Lotto + 3'23
14 José Joaquín Rojas Movistar Team s.t.
15 Beñat Intxausti Pro Team Astana s.t.
16 Peter Kennaugh Rapha Condor - Sharp s.t.
17 Cyril Gautier Team Europcar s.t.
18 Peter Sagan Liquigas - Cannondale s.t.
19 David Herrero Movistar Team s.t.
20 Daniel Navarro Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
Points Classifications after 7 stages:
1 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek 65 2 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto 61
3 Tyler Farrar Team Garmin - Cervélo 54
Spoiler
4 Mark Cavendish Rapha Condor - Sharp 53
5 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling 44
6 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team 41
7 Koldo Fernández Euskaltel - Euskadi 41
8 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 30
9 Theo Bos Rabobank Cycling Team 29
10 Mattia Gavazzi HTC - Highroad 24
KoM after 7 stages: 1 Jussi Veikkanen Omega Pharma - Lotto 28
2 Paolo Longo Borghini Liquigas - Cannondale 25 3 Óscar Pujol Omega Pharma - Lotto 23
@ Alakagom and tsmoha: Thank you very much and indeed it's much more exciting to read, and play, when you don't dominate like in Eneco Tour! Philippe will have an hard fight against Haussler but don't forget Schleck and Valverde.
" After the first week comes the 2nd and more decesive week. It starts with an 38km long time-trail and then there is two mountain stages, one is rated as hilly though but Philippe won't take any points on theese stages. The rest of the stages (11,12,13,14) suits Philippe well so then he has to take back what he lost on Valverde and Schleck on the previous stages while he keeps Haussler behind him. An hard mission but if somebody is going to make it, then it's Philippe!"
Stage 8
Alcudia - Alcudia ITT
An horrible time-trail for Omega-Pharma! Janez Brajkovic (RadioSchack) wins the stage and Philippe is 16th even though Valverde caught him during the stage. Lucky for Philippe, Valverde tirened in the end and dropped him with 10kms to go. Steven Kruijswijk lost 2'22 on Brajkovic and Van den Broeck lost 2'34. Van den Broeck is now 10th overall, 3'43 behind Alejandro Valverde (HTC)
Results - Stage 8:
1 Janez Brajkovic Team RadioShack 52'34
2 Arkaitz Durán Geox - TMC + 10
3 Taylor Phinney Rapha Condor - Sharp + 36
... 16 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto + 2'03
Stage 9
Vic - Andorra Estacio de Pal
This is the first mountain stage of this years Vuelta and Philippe drops in the first of the two final climbs.
The final climb to Andorra Estacio de Pal is on gravel roads and Jurgen VAn den Broeck sees his chance to gain back some time. He is 3'43 behind the Overall leader, Alejandro Valverde (HTC), before today's stage.
Andy Schleck (Katusha) is the only who can follow Van den Broeck. It looks like Van den Broeck is stronger than the recent TDF champion but in the end Schleck is the coolest and outsprints Van den Broeck.
Like expected, Philippe is way down in the results today. He finishes with Chris Horner (RadioSchack), 13'35 behind Schleck and Van den Broeck.
Results - Stage 9:
1 Andy Schleck Katusha Team 5h21'47 2 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto + 8
3 Julián Sánchez Pimienta Geox - TMC + 37
... 69 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto +13'35
Stage 10
Andorra - Cerler
Rated as an hilly stage but this is definately one for the climbers! Philippe knows that it will be hard to challange Schleck and Valverde today so he attcks to take the Intermediate Sprints. There is 3 sprints today and they give you 4 points each if you win them!
his was an good move by Philippe! He wins two of three intemediate sprints which means 8 points and in the end he helps Van den Broeck to pace uphill the final climb to Cerler.
Van den Broeck and Schleck are the strongest today as well and just like yesterday, Schleck outsprints Van den Broeck!
Philippe is tired after his effort and finishes 6'34 behind Schleck, even though he entered the final climb with him!
Results - Stage 10:
1 Andy Schleck Katusha Team 5h23'57
2 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
3 Robert Kiserlovski Team RadioShack + 22
... 57 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto + 6'34
Points Clasifications after 10 stages:
1 Andy Schleck Katusha Team 69 2 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto 69
3 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek 65
4 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 61
Stage 11
Benasque - Canfranc
Omega Pharma fails again! Alejandro Valverde wins the stage and Andy Schleck is 2nd. Philippe is 3rd, Van den Broeck 4th and Kruijswijk 5th! Schleck keeps the lead in the points classifications while Philippe is 4 points behind thanks to an horrible team-work...
Results - Stage 11:
1 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 4h38'58
2 Andy Schleck Katusha Team s.t. 3 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
Stage 12
Sabiñanigo - Sabiñanigo
Oscra Pujol is in the breakaway today! When the break enter the final climb Pujol realises that they have an big chance to stay away to the finish! Pujol is an bad sprinter so he sees his chance to attack and he stays away all the way to the finish! Oscar Pujol takes Omega Pharma's first stage win at this Vuelta!
This is an great day for Omega Pharma! First Pujo takes an stage win and then Philippe sprints to the 2nd! Great double but Philippe isn't given any points!? An annoying classifications bug that may decided the points classifications!
José Joaquín Rojas (Movistar) wins one of easiest stages in this Vuelta and Philippe is 3rd! 3rd place means 16th points and that's enough to take back the Green Jersey!
Results - Stage 13:
1 José Joaquín Rojas Movistar Team 3h22'05
2 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team s.t. 3 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
Stage 14
Zaragozza - Soria
Andy Schleck attcks on this hilly stage! Philippe follows him with ease and asks him: "What are your doing you young stupid Luxembourgian? It's flat!?"
Another breakaway stays away even though Omega Pharma worked hard to catch them in the final 100kms.
Philippe makes an counter-attack on Schleck an leaves the bunch behind! He finshes as 13th which means he takes another 3 points and keeps the jersey!
Results - Stage 14:
1 Mirco Lorenzetto Pro Team Astana 4h14'23
2 Maciej Paterski Liquigas - Cannondale s.t.
3 Aurélien Passeron FDJ s.t.
... 13 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto +28
GC after 14 stages:
1 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 61h27'07
2 Andy Schleck Katusha Team + 37 3 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto + 2'50
4 Juan José Oroz Caja Rural + 3'17
5 Samuel Sánchez Euskaltel - Euskadi + 4'06
Spoiler
6 Bauke Mollema Rabobank Cycling Team + 4'21
7 Robert Kiserlovski Team RadioShack + 4'41 8 Steven Kruijswijk Omega Pharma - Lotto + 5'07
9 Javier Moreno Geox - TMC + 6'51
10 Cyril Gautier Team Europcar + 7'35
11 Arkaitz Durán Geox - TMC + 7'36
12 David Belda Burgos 2016 - Castilla y León + 7'51
13 Julián Sánchez Pimienta Geox - TMC + 8'27
14 Peter Kennaugh Rapha Condor - Sharp + 8'57
15 Thomas Bonnin Skil - Shimano + 9'14
16 Juan José Cobo Pro Team Astana + 9'24
17 Janez Brajkovič Team RadioShack + 9'34
18 Rigoberto Urán Leopard Trek + 9'40
19 David Herrero Movistar Team + 10'39
20 Iban Mayoz Caja Rural + 10'41
21 Daniel Navarro Euskaltel - Euskadi + 11'31
22 Antonio Colom Geox - TMC + 13'28
23 David López Pro Team Astana + 13'59
24 Ryder Hesjedal Rapha Condor - Sharp + 14'39
25 Peter Sagan Liquigas - Cannondale + 15'31
26 Marcos García Movistar Team + 15'47
27 Jaume Rovira Burgos 2016 - Castilla y León + 16'01 28 Jussi Veikkanen Omega Pharma - Lotto + 17'20
29 Alexandr Kolobnev Leopard Trek + 18'10
30 Yury Trofimov Katusha Team + 18'20
31 Beñat Intxausti Pro Team Astana + 18'58
32 Constantino Zaballa Leopard Trek + 19'34
33 Simon Gerrans Sky ProCycling + 19'43
34 Giampaolo Cheula Geox - TMC + 19'45 35 Óscar Pujol Omega Pharma - Lotto + 21'02 36 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto + 21'14
37 Clément Lhotellerie Team Europcar + 22'51
38 Óscar Sevilla Movistar Team + 22'53
39 José Joaquín Rojas Movistar Team + 23'50
40 Mauricio Ardila Geox - TMC + 24'02
41 Thomas Voeckler Team Europcar + 24'40
42 Gorka Verdugo Team Garmin - Cervélo + 24'41
43 Denis Menchov Quick·Step Cycling Team + 25'57
44 Igor Romero Caja Rural + 26'06
45 Rafael Valls Pro Team Astana + 26'12
46 Jérémy Roy Team Europcar + 26'17
47 John-Lee Augustyn Sky ProCycling + 26'18
48 Enrico Gasparotto Liquigas - Cannondale + 27'36
49 Benoît Vaugrenard FDJ + 29'03
50 Mikel Nieve Movistar Team + 31'05
Points Classifications after 14 stages: 1 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto 104
2 Andy Schleck Katusha Team 89
3 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 86 4 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto 77
5 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek 65
Spoiler
6 Tyler Farrar Team Garmin - Cervélo 64
7 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team 61
8 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling 59
9 Mark Cavendish Rapha Condor - Sharp 58
10 Koldo Fernández Euskaltel - Euskadi 53
KoM after 14 stages:
1 Andy Schleck Katusha Team 78
2 Óscar Pujol Omega Pharma - Lotto 67 3 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto 66
4 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 52 5 Jussi Veikkanen Omega Pharma - Lotto 48
Spoiler
6 Manuel Vázquez Team RadioShack 37
7 Bert De Waele Leopard Trek 35
8 Samuel Sánchez Euskaltel - Euskadi 34
9 Steven Kruijswijk Omega Pharma - Lotto 31
10 Guillaume Bonnafond Team Europcar 31
Bad luck with the classification-bug But good to see Philippe back in the points-lead after another couple of good stages! I don't know, how many mountain-stages we will see in final week, but you definitely have a chance to beat Schleck in points!
"We enter the 3rd and final week of this years Vuelta. It will be an great battle about the GC between Valverde and Schleck and they will also fight with Philippe Gilbert about the Green Points Jersey. Who will take it? You will find the answer below!"
Stage 15
Soria - Laguna Negra de Nelia
Another mountain stage rated as hilly so Philippe is far from the battle about the stage win today... Andy Schleck (Katusha) is the strongest and he leaves Valverde and Van den Broeck behind with yet another attack!
The stage goes to Schleck who also takes the Overall lead! An great double for the luxemburgian. There is just one question: will make another great double by winning the Tour and the Vuelta in the year?
Valverde beats Van den Broeck in the sprint about 2nd, 59 seconds behind Schleck. Philippe is 30th, + 5'14 behind.
Results - Stage 15:
1 Andy Schleck Katusha Team 3h52'56
2 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad + 59
3 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto s.t.
... 30 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto + 5'14
Stage 16
Burgos - Leon
Alejandro Valverde wins the stage, even though it's flat! Andy Schleck is 5th but were is Philippe? Can you see him!?
Ah, there he is squeezed between Bos and Farrar but he manages to take the 6th anyway.
Philippe is in the break to take some Points! He wins the first and the 2nd intermediate sprint and then he drops the break.
Even though he was in the break the half day, Philippe manages to finish as 7th in the sprint. He takes 16 points today and is only 1 point behind Valverde after 17 stages!
Points Classifications after 17 stages:
1 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 131 2 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto 130
3 Andy Schleck Katusha Team 126
Stage 18
Avila - Segovia
Philippe attacks and takes 8 points of 8 possible in the two intermediate sprints! However, he is brought back by the Katusha team.
Oscar Pujol is in great shape and have already won one stage in this year's Vuelta and currently he rides in the KoM jersey. He attacks when Philippe is caught and creates an breakaway with a couple of other riders.
Oscar Pujol leaves the rest of the break in the final climb and wins yet another stage. He is probably in the shape of his life!
Jurgen Van den Broeck attacks with 5kms to go when the favourites are eye-balling each other. He stays away and takes 2nd a move who rescues Philippe's chances in the Point Classifications.
Results - Stage 18: 1 Óscar Pujol Omega Pharma - Lotto 4h12'35
2 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto + 1'23
3 Andy Schleck Katusha Team s.t.
... 58 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto + 3'39
Stage 19
Segovia - Alto de Navacerrada
Oscar Pujol is in the break again to secure his KoM jersey. It's also an tactical move because if an big break stays away it will be impossible for Valverde and Schleck to take any points today.
Oscar Pojul tkaes 2 victories in a row! He outsprints Nieve (Movistar) with some inches.
Unlucky, Schleck and Valverde takes 4th and 5th behind Pujol, Nieve, and Valls. Van den Broeck is 6th and it looks like he have secured his 3rd so we are still happy, even though Philippe probably lost the battle about the Points Jersey today.
Results - Stage 19: 1 Óscar Pujol Omega Pharma - Lotto 6h03'09
2 Mikel Nieve Movistar Team s.t.
3 Rafael Valls Pro Team Astana + 1'58
... 32 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto +7'08
Stage 20
Fuenlabrada - Fuenlabrada ITT
The only chance for Philippe to save the points classifications today is to finish within the top 5 while Valverde and Scleck is outside the top-15. However, Philippe is tired after 20 days of racing and he is 26th today, 2'40 behind today's winner...
... who is Alejandro Valverde. Nevertheless, Schleck stays away in the GC with with 8 seconds by finishing 2nd on the stage. Van den Broeck is caught by Valverde but he keeps his 3rd in the GC.
José Joaquín Rojas (Movistar) wins the final stage in Madrid ahead of Valverde and Phiulippe is 3rd. Valverde takes 12 bonus seconds and wins this year's Vuelta on the last stage with 4 seconds.
Price Cermoni
Alejandro Valverde wins Vuelta a España 2013.
Final GC:
1
Alejandro Valverde
HTC - Highroad
88h19'38
2
Andy Schleck
Katusha Team
+ 4
3
Jurgen Van den Broeck
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 6'24
Spoiler
4 Juan José Oroz Caja Rural + 7'40
5 Samuel Sánchez Euskaltel - Euskadi + 10'12
6 Robert Kiserlovski Team RadioShack + 10'16 7 Steven Kruijswijk Omega Pharma - Lotto + 11'32
8 Bauke Mollema Rabobank Cycling Team + 11'48
9 Arkaitz Durán Geox - TMC + 12'41
10 David Belda Burgos 2016 - Castilla y León + 15'11
11 Cyril Gautier Team Europcar + 16'21
12 Javier Moreno Geox - TMC + 16'44
13 Thomas Bonnin Skil - Shimano + 16'51
14 Ryder Hesjedal Rapha Condor - Sharp + 17'43
15 Juan José Cobo Pro Team Astana + 18'15
16 Rigoberto Urán Leopard Trek + 18'18
17 Julián Sánchez Pimienta Geox - TMC + 18'32
18 Janez Brajkovič Team RadioShack + 18'34
19 David Herrero Movistar Team + 19'49
20 Iban Mayoz Caja Rural + 21'14
21 Peter Kennaugh Rapha Condor - Sharp + 21'19
22 Daniel Navarro Euskaltel - Euskadi + 22'16
23 Peter Sagan Liquigas - Cannondale + 23'06
24 Antonio Colom Geox - TMC + 23'33
25 David López Pro Team Astana + 23'49
26 Marcos García Movistar Team + 26'20 27 Óscar Pujol Omega Pharma - Lotto + 27'57
28 Beñat Intxausti Pro Team Astana + 29'54
29 Alexandr Kolobnev Leopard Trek + 30'35
30 Yury Trofimov Katusha Team + 32'16 31 Jussi Veikkanen Omega Pharma - Lotto + 32'40
32 Simon Gerrans Sky ProCycling + 33'17 33 Philippe Gilbert Omega Pharma - Lotto + 33'47
34 José Joaquín Rojas Movistar Team + 35'22
35 Giampaolo Cheula Geox - TMC + 36'25
36 Clément Lhotellerie Team Europcar + 38'05
37 Rafael Valls Pro Team Astana + 38'48
38 Constantino Zaballa Leopard Trek + 38'50
39 Thomas Voeckler Team Europcar + 39'00
40 Mikel Nieve Movistar Team + 40'16
41 Mauricio Ardila Geox - TMC + 40'30
42 Óscar Sevilla Movistar Team + 41'22
43 Jérémy Roy Team Europcar + 41'44
44 Christian Knees Sky ProCycling + 43'12
45 Denis Menchov Quick·Step Cycling Team + 43'23
46 Enrico Gasparotto Liquigas - Cannondale + 44'33
47 Benoît Vaugrenard FDJ + 44'40
48 Igor Romero Caja Rural + 45'42
49 Gorka Verdugo Team Garmin - Cervélo + 48'37
50 John-Lee Augustyn Sky ProCycling + 48'57
...
162 Ruben Jimenez Burgos 2016 - Castilla y León + 5h01'30
Alejandro Valverde wins the Points Classifications.
Poins:
1
Alejandro Valverde
HTC - Highroad
198
2
Andy Schleck
Katusha Team
188
3
Philippe Gilbert
Omega Pharma - Lotto
154
Spoiler
4 Jurgen Van den Broeck Omega Pharma - Lotto 128
5 Juan José Oroz Caja Rural 90
6 Heinrich Haussler Leopard Trek 88
7 Tyler Farrar Team Garmin - Cervélo 83
8 Edvald Boasson Hagen Sky ProCycling 80
9 Tom Boonen Quick·Step Cycling Team 77
10 Koldo Fernández Euskaltel - Euskadi 76
11 José Joaquín Rojas Movistar Team 73
Oscar Pujol is the King of the Mountains!
KoM:
1
Óscar Pujol
Omega Pharma - Lotto
196
2
Andy Schleck
Katusha Team
126
3
Jurgen Van den Broeck
Omega Pharma - Lotto
98
Spoiler
4 Alejandro Valverde HTC - Highroad 95
5 Mikel Nieve Movistar Team 57 6 Jussi Veikkanen Omega Pharma - Lotto 48
7 Rafael Valls Pro Team Astana 48
8 Guillaume Bonnafond Team Europcar 46
9 Robert Kiserlovski Team RadioShack 41
10 Pello Bilbao Euskaltel - Euskadi 40
Thomas Bonnin (Skil-Shimano) wins the Youth's Classifications.
Bad luck for Gilbert in last week.. but he did a nice job contending Valverde and Schleck for the points-jersey.. awesome week and Vuelta for Pujol! Well done And, yeah, what a close battle between Valverde and Schleck! A for Pujol and VDB's 3rd overall!
It was great story to follow from your Rapha one, the reports were excellent. The follows ups and the pictures. Just epic 
He has already a decent lead, I think. 31" may reach for the overall win in the end. Good luck for upcoming stages!
Vuelta is much more intresting mainly due to the 'Haussler' factor 
But good to see Philippe back in the points-lead after another couple of good stages! I don't know, how many mountain-stages we will see in final week, but you definitely have a chance to beat Schleck in points!
for Pujol and VDB's 3rd overall!
