That's what i wanted to see, an attack early on the climb. Such attacks hugely raises Ricco's chances, as mountain stages he has lost so far were all due to starting to late, which might be because PCM gives him the "super favorite role".
A race that was looking like another Corsica, turned out pretty well with 1 stage win, the overall and 2 jerseys.
I must be honest, i hadn't rly thought that i would win it in the last stage, and with Serpa leading (so rycadinho achieving his goal) and Ricco in second, i wasn't to unhappy about it. But the way Ricco did that final climb was just brutal. Gaining over 2 minutes on other top riders. You made a very good report, Alex. Was thrilling to read!
I think some managers might have expected more (Santander, UBS?, Mercedez). Although UBS got Perez Sanchez up there, i did expect a rider like Kohl to manage top 5, but it seems he wasn't put up as the 'leader'.
Falcon also must be disappointed with Eltink only coming in 66th in the GC while he might have the capabilities of a top 20.
Mercedez also can't be happy. Peterson just scoring some points but Stetina not doing what he was here for. The worst race so far after a good season start.
Santander did get a stage win and has Abal in 8th, but i think mb came here with the thought of a top 5.
My next race will be Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja, where i don't expect anything as i have a b-team there without a leader. But who knows, a break?
After that, Euskal Bizikleta, where Kirchen is the leader again. 4 hilly stages and 1 hilly TT. Should be perfect for him. Let's hope their isn't as much competition as there was here.
And then my first PT-race. Amstel Gold Race. It's the first race that Ricco and Kirchen will ride together and i'm hoping for a good result, although La Fleche might have been better due to the hill/mountain ratio PCM has for these races.
Edited by Kami on 23-08-2010 09:15
I have no problem with a race like that. 4 riders in the Top 25. Team GC win, a stage win, and some top 10 stage placings. Fine by me, especially as this was my only race with mountains in, and the only race Cataldo is my GC leader in, apart from the Giro. He could do with some training though for next season if he is to live up to my home-made-hype.
