Tour of Qatar
1. Stage:
1.) RABOBANK 8'48"
2.) OMEGA PHARMA +7"
3.) SKY/FLY V AUSTRALIA +10"
Vuelta a Mallorca
The Challenge Vuelta Ciclista a Mallorca (English: Tour of Majorca, Catalan: Challenge Volta Ciclista a Mallorca) is a series of five professional one day road bicycle races held on the Spanish island of Mallorca in early February. The event is used as an early season preparatory event by many of the top teams in readiness for the bigger races later in the season. The five races are ranked 1.1 on the UCI Europe Tour. (from wikipedia.com)
The Shack: Our man in the Overall will be Haimar, he is not in shape now, but we want to show our best spanish rider in a spanish race! For the sprints, we set on the combination Muravyev-Lequatre-Impey. Ben Hermans should gain experience and could make a Top 15 in the GC. Fumiyuki Beppu should protect Haimar on the first flate stages and bring the bottles.
The opposition
For the GC, there are two big favourites: Alexandre Vinokourov and Samuel Sánchez. If they failed, maybe David De La Fuente, Ryder Hesjedal, Thomas Löfkvist or Sylvain Chavanel will win.
In the sprints, the top favourite is Mark Cavendish, worlds best sprinter. If he failed, André Greipel should be strong enough to win the sprint. HTC-Colombia should feel ashamed if they don't win any of the stages. Also Aitor Galdos, Yauheni Hutarovich, Wouter Weylandt (Stage winner TDU 2010) and Graeme Brown should be able to take the stage win in a masssprint.
Stage 1: Trofeo Palma, 113,1 km
The "Trofeo Palma" is made for sprinters. Probably a breakaway could make it, but that is not to realistic.
Team mission:
- Protect Haimar
- Make a Top 5 place with Daryl Impey
Favourites according to PCM: Mark Cavendish, André Greipel, Mark Renshaw (Three of colombia!!!) My insider's tip: I think Yauheni Hutarovich and Wouter Weylandt are already in shape and could get the stage win.
Bienvenida en Palma!
After many attackers which was parried, 53 km before the finish line two guys make it and build today's breakaway: Matthew Lloyd and Marco Cunha.
A little overview over the circuit of the "Trofeo Palma"
With 35 km to go, Colombia, Rabobank and Garmin started to chase the cyclists which break away (3'00" in front).
11 km before the finish, the pack caught the breakaway.
Oh no! Fall in the pack! At least, 11 cyclists fall. Prominent driver: Mario Aerts, Aitor Galdos, David Arroyo and Ryder Hesjedal. After the fall, Marcos Garcia (Xacobeo) and Edgar Pinto (Rota dos Moreis) give up. Garcia is off until Start March, Pinto End April.
With 3 km to go, the sprint begins. Who will make it today?
Flame rouge, Cavendish in the front, but he was to early in front and loses speed, while Graeme Brown, Russell Downing and Wouter Weylandt make up ground.
Graeme Brown had the best legs today and makes his first win 2010!
With 3'13" behind Brown, "group Hesjedal" came in. Also David de la Fuente lost 2 minutes because he falls 2km to go.
The result:
1.) Graeme Brown (Rabobank) 2h37'06"
2.) Koldo Fernández (Euskaltel) +0"
3.) Russell Downing (Sky) +0"
4.) Wouter Weylandt (QuickStep) +0"
5.) Mark Cavendish (Colombia) +0"
6.) Daryl Impey (The Shack) +0"
7.) Geoffroy Lequatre (The Shack) +0"
8.) Greg van Avermaet (Omega Pharma) +0"
9.) Yauheni Hutarovich (FDJ) +0"
10.) Matthew Goss (Colombia) +0"
Sprint:
1.) Graeme Brown (Rabobank) 25
2.) Koldo Fernández (Euskaltel) 20
3.) Russell Downing (Sky) 16
U25: Mark Cavendish
Team: Team RadioshackEdited by janne_837 on 19-09-2010 01:30
Fabian Cancellara saids in the magazin "Cycling Blog" that the race "Liège-Bastogne-Liège" was always a dream for him.
Race results:
Spoiler
Tour of Qatar:
2. Stage:
1.) Phillippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma) 2h57'50"
2.) Aleksandr Kuschynski (Liquigas) +0"
3.) Charles Dionne (Fly V Austalia) +0"
Vuelta a Mallorca Stage 2: Trofeo Cala Millor, 171 km
Team mission:
- Protect Haimar
- Get a Top 5 in the Sprint
Favourites according to PCM: Mark Cavendish, André Greipel, Graeme Brown. My insider's tip: Last stage, Koldo Fernandez and Russell Downing make fantastic sprints. They will be strong opponents today. Top favourite is (OF COURSE) Mark Cavendish.
JUST ANOTHER CRASH , NO PICTURES, SORRY!
KM 30: Coll des Pinagar
A break got away with 10 drivers, the only well known driver are Wilfried Cretskens and Kevn Hulsmans.
1.) E. García (Caja Rujal) 5
2.) H. Oliveira (Barbot-Siper) 3
3.) D. Gutiérrez P. (Footon) 1
KM 56: Pl. de Sant Josep
With already 3'00" in front, the break get the points here, too.
1.) W. Cretskens (Omega Pharma) 5
2.) G. Domínguez (Xacobro) 3
3.) A. Malori (Lampre) 1
KM 85 Intermediate Sprint 1
1.) M. Ortega (Andalucia) 6
2.) K. Hulsmans (QuickStep) 4
3.) W. Cretskens (Omega Pharma) 2
KM 116 Intermediate Sprint 2
1.) K. Hulsmans (QuickStep) 6
2.) A. Malori (Lampre) 4
3.) E. García (Caja Rujal) 2
KM 148 Coll d'Esquerda
23 km to go, and the break is still 1'57" in front...
1.) H. Oliveira (Barbot-Siper) 5
2.) D. Gutiérrez P. (Footon) 3
3.) G. Domínguez (Xacobeo) 1
3000 m to go, the pack caught the break. Lequatre and Impey aren't in good position, so it will be hard to make the top5 today.
Flame rouge, and a big gap between Mark Cavendish and Koldo Fernandez at his backwheel and the rest.
Finish: Fernandez don't try to left the backwheel from Mark, so "Cav" takes the stage win. With an fantastic move, Matthew Goss get 3rd. Daryl ends 6th.
The result:
1.) Mark Cavendish (Colombia) 4h06'32"
2.) Koldo Fernández (Euskaltel) +0"
3.) Matthew Goss (Colombia) +0"
4.) Daniele Pietropolli (Lampre) +0"
5.) Russell Downing (Sky) +0"
6.) Daryl Impey (The Shack) +0"
7.) Greg van Avermaet (Omega Pharma) +0"
8.) Geoffroy Lequatre (The Shack) +0"
9.) Yauheni Hutarovich (FDJ) +0"
10.) Mark Renshaw (Colombia) +0"
GC:
1.) Koldo Fernández (Euskaltel) 6h43'14"
2.) Mark Cavendish (Colombia) +4"
2.) Graeme Brown (Rabobank) +4"
4.) Kevin Hulsmans (QuickStep) +14"
5.) Russell Downing (Sky) +16"
5.) Matthew Goss (Colombia) +16"
7.) Manuel Ortega (Andalucia) +18"
8.) Adriano Malori (Lampre) +20"
9.) Wilfried Cretskens (Omega Pharma) +22"
9.) Egoitz Garcia (Caja Rujal) +22"
Points:
1.) Koldo Fernández (Euskaltel) 40
2.) Mark Cavendish (Colombia) 37
3.) Graeme Brown (Rabobank) 29
4.) Russell Downing (Sky) 28
5.) Matthew Goss (Colombia) 22
@ all
I'm a bit disapointed. Just playing the 3rd Stage (Took the 2nd and 4th place) and it crashed, as 60 drivers was in finish. So no update today, sorry!
Next update:
Tomorrow afternoon, the "Trofeo Inca"
Tour of Qatar:
3. Stage:
1.) Óscar Freire (Rabobank) 2h43'24"
2.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) +0"
3.) Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) +0"
Vuelta a Mallorca Stage 3: Trofeo Inca, 147,9 km
Team mission:
- Bring Haimar in the leading group
Favourites according to PCM: Samuel Sánchez, Alexandre Vinokourov, Ryder Hesjedal. My insider's tip: I think, there will be a leading group with maybe 15 riders, and all of them could win the sprint.
The peloton after leaving Inca.
Todays break gets the points. Prominent riders: Matthieu Ladagnous, David Arroyo and Javier Moreno.
M. Á. Candil (Rota dos Móveis) 6
N. Maes (QuickStep) 4
R. García (Xacobeo) 2
INTERMEDIATE Sprint 2:
J. Moreno (Andalucia) 6
M. Wynants (QuickStep) 4
D. Arroyo (Caisse D'Epargne) 2
The break after la "Coll de Soller". The pack is not far away...
J. Moreno (Andalucia) 10
D. Bernabeu (Barbos) 8
D. Gutiérrez G. (Footon) 6
R. García (Xacobeo) 4
D. Arroyo (Caisse D'Epargne) 2
After la Coll de Puigmayor, just 28 riders stay in the front group. Haimar Zubeldia and Dimitry Muravyev () in there.
S. Chavanel (QuickStep) 16
D. Navarro (Astana) 12
R. Hesjedal (Garmin) 10
A. Vinokourov (Astana) 8
S. Sánchez (Euskaltel) 6
H. Zubeldia (The Shack) 4
T. Martin (Colombia) 2
10 km left, 6 riders losed contact (among them Sylvain Chavanel)
The finish! Two tired RadioShack riders finished 17. and 18. while Ryder Hesjedal wins the stage!
The result:
1.) Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin) 3h58'05"
2.) Daniel Navarro (Astana) +0"
3.) Matthew Lloyd (Omega Pharma) +0"
4.) Tom Danielson (Garmin) +0"
5.) David Arroyo (Caisse D'Epargne) +0"
6.) David de la Fuente (Astana) +0"
7.) Rui Costa (Caisse D'Epargne) +0"
8.) Thomas Löfkvist (Sky) +0"
9.) Jean-Christophe Peraud (Omega Pharma) +0"
10.) Benat Intxausti (Euskaltel) +0"
17.) Dimitry Muravyev (The Shack) +0"
18.) Haimar Zubeldia (The Shack) +0"
23.) Sylvain Chavanel (QuickStep) +1'26"
27.) Juan Manuel Gárate (Rabobank) s.t.
36.) Christophe Le Mével (FDJ) s.t.
41.) Vasil Kiryienka (Caisse D'Epargne) s.t.
61.) Maxime Monfort (Colombia) s.t.
@ ste117
Yeah. I was "a bit" surprised of Dimitry Muravyev, unbelievable, did not think he can stay in the front group. Haimar is not in shape now, but I hope he can stay there ;D
10. February
Race results:
Spoiler
Tour of Qatar:
4. Stage:
1.) Óscar Freire (Rabobank) 3h17'28"
2.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) +0"
3.) Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) +0"
Tour Méditerranéen
1. Stage:
1.) Oscar Gatto (ISD) 2h20'49"
2.) Enrico Rossi (Ceramica) +0"
3.) Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) +0"
Vuelta a Mallorca Trofeo Deia, 136,6 km
Team mission:
- Lost no time with Haimar
Favourites according to PCM: Samuel Sánchez, Alexandre Vinokourov, Ryder Hesjedal. My insider's tip: Sylvain Chavanel had a bad day yesterday, but I think he has a chance to win this stage.
The three riders at the top of the Coll de Femenies. They are in front with 3'41"
The breakaway, before climbing the Coll de Puig Mayor. 2'47" before the pack.
The rest of the pack after le Coll de Puig Mayor.
Velasco and Veloso (Mollema could not keep up) still with a big gap.
The pack at the last climb, the Coll d'en bleda. A few attackers, among them Haimar Zubeldia.
The attackers do not came away, but now Vinokourov with an accelaration. Strong performance of the kazak, only Ryder Hesjedal and Tony Martin could keep up.
The finish! The breakaway has make it today and win. How lot time lost the rest?
Alexandre Vinokourov cames in as third, but with only 55 seconds residue.
Haimar cames in as 11th.
The result:
1.) Iván Velasco (Euskaltel) 3h42'19"
2.) Gustavo César Veloso (Xacobeo) +0"
3.) Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) +45"
4.) Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin) s.t.
5.) Tony Martin (Colombia) s.t.
6.) Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel) s.t.
7.) Thomas Löfkvist (Sky) s.t.
8.) Thomas De Greef (Omega Pharma) s.t.
9.) Jean-Christoph Peraud (Omega Pharma) s.t.
10.) Daniel Navarro (Astana) s.t.
11.) Haimar Zubeldia (The Shack) s.t.
14.) Sylvain Chavanel (QuickStep) s.t.
15.) David Millar (Garmin) s.t.
16.) Maxime Monfort (Colombia) s.t.
26.) Dimitry Muravyev (The Shack) s.t.
32.) Christophe Le Mével (FDJ) s.t.
40.) Juan Manuel Gárate (Rabobank) s.t.
50.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) s.t.
55.) Vasil Kiryienka (Caisse D' Epargne) s.t.
Tour of Qatar:
Stage 5:
1.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) 2h51"45"
2.) Óscar Freire (Rabobank) +33"
3.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) +33"
Tour Méditerranéen
1. Stage:
1.) Noan Lelarrge (Bretagne) 3h56'37"
2.) Bert de Waele (Landbouwkrediet) +33"
3.) Jure Kocjan (CarmioOro) +1'02"
Vuelta a Mallorca Trofeo Calvia, 156 km
Team mission:
- Hold Zubeldia and Muravyev in the front group
Favourites according to PCM: Samuel Sánchez, Alexandre Vinokourov, Ryder Hesjedal. My insider's tip: In real life, sprinters win this stage. In the game, may be a breakaway?
The peloton leaves Magalluf, leaded by RadioShack.
Today's break at the Coll de Sa Gramola, important riders are Fredrik Kessiakoff, Jeremy Roy, Matthew Goss, Stephen Cummings,Greg van Avermaet and Kevin de Weert.
K. De Weert (QuickStep) 16
F. Kessiakoff (Garmin) 8
H. Oliveira (Barbot) 6
D. Loosli (Lampre) 4
S. Cummings (Sky) 2
Le Coll de Clouret, the breakaway in front with 4'10"
G. Van Avermaet (Omega Pharma) 16
D. Gutiérrez P. (Footon) 8
K. de Weert (QuickStep) 6
P. García Dapena (Xacobeo) 4
H. Oliveira (Barbot) 2
Le Coll de Soler, the break 4'50" ahead the pack.
F. Kessiakoff (Garmin) 16
G. van Avermaet (Omega Pharma) 8
P. García Dapena (Xacobeo) 6
D. Gutiérrez P. (Footon) 4
D. Loosli (Lampre) 2
INTERMEDIATE SPRINT:
D. Gutiérrez Dapena (Xacobeo) 6
D. Loosli (Lampre) 4
S. Cummings (Sky) 2
Another time the Coll de Clouret. The break has still 3 minutes.
D. Loosli (Lampre) 16
P. García Dapena (Xacobeo) 8
K. De Weert (QuickStep) 6
S. Cummings (Sky) 4
F. Kessiakoff (Garmin) 2
15km before the finish and the first attacks in the pack.
The last hill today, the Coll de Tords.
K. De Weert (QuickStep) 6
D. Loosli (Lampre) 4
F. Kessiakoff (Garmin) 2
Another attacks, and the first little gap. But Euskaltel gives them no chance...
The breakaway was a success! A close sprint was won by Kessiakoff.
The pack, with a residue of a minute, among them Muravyev, Zubeldia and Hermans.
The result:
1.) Fredrik Kessiakoff (Garmin) 4h47'30"
2.) David Loosli (Lampre) s.t.
3.) Kevin De Weert (QuickStep) s.t.
4.) Greg Van Avermaet (Omega Pharma) s.t.
5.) Stephen Cummings (Sky) s.t.
6.) D. García Dapena (Xacobeo) s.t.
7.) A. Marque (Palmeiras) s.t.
8.) H. Oliveira (Barbot) s.t.
9.) D. Gutiérrez Palacios (Footon) s.t.
10.) S. Sánchez (Euskaltel) +50"
Tour Méditerranéen
Stage 5:
1.) John Gadret (AG2R) 3h30'47"
2.) Thomas Voeckler (Bbox) +0"
3.) Pierre Rolland (Bbox) +0"
GC:
1.) John Gadret (AG2R) 15h40'21"
2.) Anthony Geslin (FDJ) +29"
3.) Thomas Voeckler / Pierre Rolland (BBox) +32"
Points: Anthony Geslin (FDJ)
Mountain: John Gadret (AG2R)
U25: Pierre Rolland (Bbox)
Team: Bbox Bouygues Télécom
Tour of Oman
The Tour of Oman is a road bicycle race race held in Oman and is part of the UCI Asia Tour. The race is classified as a 2.1. The race is run by the A.S.O., and was held for the first time between 14 and 19 February 2010.[1] The race is a men's competition consisting of six stages. The race contains mainly flat stages, with some hillier parts.
During the race, the leader of the General Classification wears a red jersey, the leader of sprinter's points classification is denoted by a green jersey and best young rider by white. The race does not contain a mountains jersey. The most aggressive rider wears a white jersey with green and red polka-dots. (wikipedia.com)
The Shack: Our leader will be Janez Brajkovic. For a stage race rider, he's already in a good shape and he'll attack at the TT at the last stage.
For the sprint, I have my best leadouttrain: Rosseler - Vaitkus - Steegmans. It's a weak field, so I think Steegmans could win one stage. Sam Bewley and Bjorn Selander, two talented riders for the cobble classics, should bring themself in shape for the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne.
The opposition
The biggest opponents in the GC will be the TT-Specialists. There are not big guns expext one: The master and worldchampion, Fabian Cancellara! He will be the strongest concurrent. Also Gustav Larsson, Edvald Boasson Hagen and Manuel Quinziato are good TT-Rider.
Stage 1: Muscat Corniche, 118,9 km
I didn't will post the profiles of the tour of oman, I think you know how look the stages ;D. Like the whole Tour of Oman, the stage will be end in a mass sprint.
Team mission:
- Protect Janez
- Win the stage
Favourites according to PCM: Edvald Boasson Hagen, Gert Steegmans, Fabian Cancellara. My insider's tip: I don't know, today could be many riders make a surprise.
Depart.
Todays breakaway: Well-known riders: Jesus Hernández and Kenny De Haes.
15km before the finish, the last man (K. De Haes) is caught up. Also interesting: There are just 49 riders in the pack.
5 km to go. The Shack in position. The pack with incredible speed (60 km/h!)
The sprint begins, and just Jimmy Engoulvent from Saur-Sojasun keeps up with our guys.
Just one kilometer, RadioShack dominates the sprint, but... Jimmy Engoulvent looks strong today. I didn't thought he is such a good rider...
But at the finish, just the second place for the French. Gert takes it!
The result:
1.) Gert Steegmans (RadioShack) 2h38'11"
2.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) s.t.
3.) Sébastien Rosseler (RadioShack) s.t.
4.) Tomas Vaitkus (RadioShack) s.t.
5.) Marcel Sieberg (Colombia) s.t.
6.) Stéphane Poulhiès (Saur-Sojasun) s.t.
7.) Jonathan Bellis (Saxo Bank) s.t.
8.) Bernhard Eisel (Colombia) s.t.
9.) Baden Cooke (SaxoBank) s.t.
10.) Freddy Bichot (Bbox) s.t.
GC:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 2h37'51"
2.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) +8"
3.) Sébastien Rosseler (The Shack) +12"
4.) Koen de Kort (Skil-Shimano) +14"
5.) Jesús Hernández (Astana) +16"
6.) Michiel Elijzen (Omega Pharma) +18"
Points:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 25
2.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) 20
3.) Sébastien Rosseler (The Shack) 16
U25: Stéphane Poulhiès (Saur-Sojasun)
Team: Team RadioShack
Tour of Oman Stage 2: Nizwa, Samail, 135,2 km Another flat stage.
Team mission:
- Protect Janez
- Win the stage
- Protect leader jersey
Favourites according to PCM:Gert Steegmans, Francesco Chicchi, Edvald Boasson Hagen. My insider's tip: I don't know, but if Engoulvent sprints, he can surprise us a second time.
The riders after leaving Nizwa.
Today's breakaway at the first Intermediate sprint. Expect Said Haddou, theres today no better known rider.
Stanislav Kozúbek (PSK-Whirlpool) 6
Aljaz Hocevar (Adria Mobil) 4
Said Haddou (Bbox) 2
55km to go, the break in front with 4'19"
Paolo Ciavatta (Acqua&Sapone) 6
Lorenzo Bernucci (Lampre) 4
Said Haddou (Bbox) 2
20 km before the finish, and I don't think that the breakaway has any chance today.
10km to go. No breakaway, just the riders which prepare the mass sprint.
3 km to go. The sprint will begin in just a few seconds.
Flame rouge! Henderson and Chicchi in front, but Steegmans has still not make his move...
Steegmans came with an amazing move, pass Paolini and Chicchi, but Henderson is still in front. Can Steegmans reach him?
No, he can't. A nice victory by Greg Henderson!
The result:
1.) Greg Henderson (Sky) 3h03'05"
2.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) s.t.
3.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) s.t.
4.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) s.t.
5.) Andrea Grendene (Lampre) s.t.
6.) Bernardo Riccio (CDC-Cavaliere) s.t.
7.) Tomas Vaitkus (The Shack) s.t.
8.) Jacopo Guarneri (Liquigas) s.t.
9.) Giuseppe Palumbo (Acqua & Sapone) s.t.
10.) Robert Wagner (Skil-Shimano) s.t.
GC:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 5h40'44"
2.) Greg Henderson (Sky) +12"
3.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) +20"
4.) Sébastien Rosseler (The Shack) +24"
4.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) s.t.
6.) Koen De Kort (Skil) +26"
7.) Said Haddou (Bbox) +28"
7.) Lorenzo Bernucci (Lampre) s.t.
7.) Jesús Hernández (Astana) s.t.
7.) Aljaz Hocevar (Adria Mobil) s.t.
Points:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 45
2.) Greg Henderson (Sky) 25
3.) Tomas Vaitkus (The Shack) 23
4.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) 20
5.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) 17
U25: Aljaz Hocevar (Adria Mobil)
Team: Adria Mobil
I must say I´m impressed by quality of your story!
There is only thing I´d change - low difficulty. It´s much easier to collect wins in PCM2010 than in previous version(s). Even on extreme you could be able to compete with best sprinters in some of flat stages and it´s much more challenging and enjoyable...but it´s just my opinion, make your story as you wish...gl, keep up great work!
Thank you, it is great to here that and motivates me a lot!
If you mean, I could play flat stages at hart - hilly or mountain stages not, because I'm not as good there as in the sprints. It will be more challenging ;D
Tour of Oman Stage 3: Saifat Ash Shiekh - Quravy, 139,5 km Just another flat stage.
Team mission:
- Protect Janez
- Win the stage (and protect leader jersey)
Favourites according to PCM:Gert Steegmans, Francesco Chicchi, Edvald Boasson Hagen. My insider's tip: I don't know, its such a weak startlist, there could be a few who could surprise me.
Depart in Aifat Ash Shiekh.
The first of two intermediate sprints today. The break (prominent: Marcin Sapa, Kenny De Haes, Freddy Bichot), who is six minutes in front, gots it.
Gabor Fejes (Tecnofilm-B. 2000) 6
Gianluca Coletta (Tecnofilm-B. 2000) 4
Floris Goesinnen (Skil) 2
The second. 50km to go, the breakaway has still 3'48". Looks like a mass sprint later.
Gianluca Coletta (Tecnofilm-B. 2000) 6
Floris Goesinnen (Skil) 4
Kristjan Fajt (Adria) 2
Just 10km before the finish. The break is caught, but there are many riders with problems because the high speed of the peloton. But no important rider lost time.
The sprint begins. RadioShack well positioned (Thank you Sébastien!) and just Chicchi at the backwheel of Steegmans.
It will be the 1vs1 sprint today, Francesco Chicchi against Gert Steegmans. But it looks like that I have build the train for the italian rider, Steegmans was with 1,5 km to go in front. Will it reach for the stage win?
No, with an amazing move, Francesco Chicchi caught Steegmans and wins!
The result:
1.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) 3h10'43"
2.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) s.t.
3.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) s.t.
4.) Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank) s.t.
5.) Greg Henderson (Sky) s.t.
6.) Alexander Mironov (Itera-Katusha) s.t.
7.) Tomas Vaitkus (The Shack) s.t.
8.) Vicente Reynès (Colombia) st,
9.) Sébastien Rosseler (The Shack) s.t.
10.) Robert Wagner (Skil) s.t. Who is Alexander Mironov? Not bad for a young rider like him. Also Wagner's second top10 place is astonishing.
GC:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 8h51'15"
2.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) +16"
3.) Greg Henderson (Sky) +24"
4.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) +32"
5.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) +36"
5.) Sébastien Rosseler (The Shack) s.t.
7.) Gabor Fejes (Tecnofilm-B. 2000) +38"
7.) Floris Goesinnen (Skil) s.t.
7.) Koen De Kort (Skil) s.t.
10.) Said Haddou (Bbox) +40"
10.) Lorenzo Bernucci (Lampre) s.t.
Points:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 65
2.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) 41
3.) Greg Henderson (Sky) 37
4.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) 33
5.) Tomas Vaitkus (The Shack) 32
U25: Gabor Fejes (Tecnofilm-B. 2000)
Team: Tecnofilm - Betonexpressz 2000
Edited by janne_837 on 23-09-2010 22:12
Volta ao Algarve
Stage 1:
1.) Mark Cavendish (Colombia) 3h13'28"
2.) André Greipel (Colombia) s.t.
3.) José Joaquín Rojas (Caisse D'Epargne) s.t.
4.) Mark Renshaw (Colombia) s.t.
Tour of Oman Stage 4: Ibri - Nakhal, 135,3 km Let me guess.... a flat stage?
Team mission:
- Protect Janez
- Win the stage (and protect leader jersey)
Favourites according to PCM: Edvald Boasson Hagen, Gert Steegmans, Francesco Chicchi My insider's tip: Don't know.
The first intermediate sprint goes to the breakaway, just caught by the pack.
Davide Ricci Bitti (ISD) 6
Kristjan Fajt (Adria) 4
Marcin Sapa (Lampre) 2
2,6 km before the finish line! A lot of riders who want to get the stage win today.
But 1 km to go, we could already see the winner. Chicchi has chosen the leadouttrain for Bernhard Eisel and makes an amazing sprint, Eisel and Lemoine behind him. But Steegmans and Henderson make not yet their move...
Steegmans with a powerful acceleration. Chicchi could celebrate his win, but the fight for the second place is not over yet.
With just a few centimetres, Eisel hold his second place. Chicchi was unbeatable today.
The result:
1.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) 2h58'15"
2.) Bernhard Eisel (Colombia) s.t.
3.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) s.t.
4.) Cyril Lemoine (Saur-Sojasun) s.t.
5.) Greg Henderson (Sky) s.t.
6.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) s.t.
7.) Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank) s.t.
8.) Bernardo Riccio (CDC - Cavaliere) s.t.
9.) Robert Wagner (Skil) s.t.
10.) Marcel Sieberg (Colombia) s.t.
GC:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 11h49'22"
2.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) +4"
3.) Greg Henderson (Sky) +32"
4.) Bernhard Eisel (Colombia) +40"
4.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) s.t.
6.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) +44"
6.) Sébastien Rosseler (The Shack) s.t.
8.) Gabor Fejes (Tecnofilm-B. 2000) +46"
8.) Floris Goesinnen (Skil) s.t.
8.) Koen De Kort (Skil) s.t.
8.) Dimitry Kryvtsov (ISD) s.t.
8.) Kristjan Fajt (Adria) s.t.
8.) Davide Ricci Bitti (ISD) s.t.
Points:
1.) Gert Steegmans (The Shack) 81
2.) Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas) 66
3.) Greg Henderson (Sky) 49
4.) Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) 43
5.) Bernhard Eisel (Colombia) 36
U25: Gabor Fejes (Tecnofilm-B. 2000)
Team: Astana
Edited by janne_837 on 26-09-2010 00:11
Thank you! The next race after the Tour of Oman will be the "Vuelta a Andalucia", there is one mountain stage, but no Lance
I don't know, but after the TDU, his next race will be probably Mailand-San Remo and de Ronde van Vlaanderen.
Like your story, hope you'll reach important races soon. And if you can, could you make Klöden peak for Tour de Romandie or Suisse and have him win one of them.
, NO PICTURES, SORRY!
) in there.
