I have recently made a very simple face for Tim to use in game. It is not perfect I know, but it's my first try, so I'm pretty happy with it. I am having some trouble implementing it into the gaem though. I have read ll the tutorials but it still seems to be the normal face. Very strange, if anybody can help, that would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I put in a face for Kreuziger, and in game, he just had the generic black face.
Today is a pretty flat stage with a few small hills. Amael Moinard and I have both been advised to enter the break and have some fun, but we're not getting excited as Alex Kristoff will still be the main goal for this stage in the inevitable sprint finish.
Santos Tour Down Under
Amael and I both thought we should wait until the end of the first climb before we joined the break.
We joined the group with 110kms to go. They had a very small break and we lifted the tempo and eventually gained a 2'00" break.
On the short downhill with 74kms to go, we had a 5'45" lead.
We kept pushing hard, and the legs were feeling pretty sore now.
The lead was dropping quickly, as AG2R took control and lifted the peloton pace.
We were finally caught with 10 kms to go, but hey, it was fun, and now the sprinters have a job to do.
Cav was behind Renshaw as usual, Haussler was going too early, and Ciolek and Greipel were doing well. But speeding down the right side was the forgotten, leadoutless man in Matty Goss. He takes a great win, and outclasses his British superior, who takes 5th. Kristoff finishes in a solid 13th.
I end up solidly in the pack and near the front in 34th place.
1. M. Goss - HTC Highroad - 3h05'11"
2. G. Ciolek - QuickStep Cycling Team - +0"
3. A. Greipel - Omega Pharma Lotto - +0"
4. P. Sagan - Liquigas Cannondale - +0"
5. M. Cavendish - HTC Highroad - +0"
... 32.T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +0"
GC:
Spoiler
1. S. Hinault - AG2R La Mondiale - 13h23'30"
2. H. Haussler - Team Garmin Cervelo - +24"
3. A. Greipel - Omega Pharma Lotto - +26"
... 21.T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +39"
Points:
Spoiler
1. H. Haussler - Team Garmin Cervelo - 14 Pts
2. A. Greipel - Omega Pharma Lotto - 12 Pts
3. M. Tossatto - Saxo Bank SunGard - 10 Pts
... 24.T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - 2 Pts
Mountain:
Spoiler
1. T. Leezer - Rabobank Cycling Team- 20 Pts 2.A. Moinard - BMC Racing Team - 20 Pts
3. S. Hinault - AG2R La Mondiale - 16 Pts
... 12. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - 6 Pts
Young Riders:
Spoiler
1. M. Goss - HTC Highroad - 13h24'00"
2. G. Ciolek - QuickStep Cycling Team - +4"
3. D. Appollonio - Sky ProCycling - +6"
... 7. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +9"
Another fun day in the break, and although I fell out of the Top 20 GC, Amael Moinard is equal first in KoM and that will be our new goal. Tomorrow will be fun, can't wait!
Edited by kitface on 21-08-2011 09:23
Sorry guys, haven't been able to write in a few days, but once the TDU ends, the season will skip along a bit faster, and will get more exciting.
Hello readers,
Stage 5 of the TDU starts this morning in Snapper Point and this is probably gonna be the most exciting stage of the tour this year. There are two moderate hills near the end, and the punchers could play a few tricks on the sprinters. I will have lots of fun this stage, maybe get in a break, and try to get Moinard the KoM!
Santos Tour Down Under
As the race started, I was way at the back, and did not get in a good position to join the break, so I stuck around near the front of the pack, just in case an opportunity arose.
A big 15 man break formed, but was unsuccessful and caught after 50kms of tiring riding.
Joe Eldridge attacked, but nobody joined him, so I thought I would stay put.
Astana's Iglinskiy soon joined the American, but still, didn't think it to be the right time. The climbs would start soon.
With 1.5kms to go until the sprint, I went in front so I could grab that crucial 1 second time difference, and move back into the top 20 GC.
As the break reached the bottom of the first big hill, they had a relatively worrying 4 minute break on the pack. If I was leader Seb Hinault's AG2R, I would be at the fore of the pack, bringing the two strong men back to the pack.
Pablo Lastras took the third place and 8 points at the top of the first climb. Omega Pharma's Debusschere led us downhill, in pursuit of the two in front.
Near the top of the second climb, Allesandro Ballan attacked, and joined Eldridge, who had fallen behind of Iglinskiy.
Soon enough Ballan was caught, and Inglinskiy was alone at the front, about 25" ahead.
WIth 2kms to go, the Astana man was still 18" ahead, but the sprints were on. AG2R's Goddaert was the firts to jet off, and BMC had a good leadout of Wyss for Kristoff aswell.
Last km and Haussler had good speed to overtake the Kazakh, and was faster than most. He went a bit early, but held on and won easily ahead of J.J. Rojas. Kristoff is best for BMC and takes 12th.
1. H. Haussler - Garmin Cervelo -
2. J.J. Rojas - Movistar Team - +0"
3. G. Ciolek - QuickStep Cycling Team - +0"
4. M. Goss - HTC Highroad - +0"
5. R. Feillu - Vaconsoleil DCM - +0"
... 27. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +0"
GC:
Spoiler
1. S. Hinault - AG2R La Mondiale - 16h43'02"
2. H. Haussler - Team Garmin - Cervelo - +14"
3. A. Greipel - Omega Pharma Lotto - +26"
... 19. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +38"
Sprint:
Spoiler
1. H. Haussler - Team Garmin Cervelo - 22 Pts
2. V. Iglinskiy - Pro Team Astana - 14 Pts
3. A. Greipel - Omega Pharma Lotto - 12 Pts
... 26. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - 4 Pts
Mountain:
Spoiler
1. V. Iglinskiy - Pro Team Astana - 40 Pts
2. J. Eldridge - Team Type 1 - 28 Pts
3. T. Leezer - Rabobank Cycling Team - 20 Pts
... 15. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - 6 Pts
Young Riders:
Spoiler
1. G. Ciolek - QuickStep Cycling Team - 16h43'32"
2. M. Goss - HTC Highroad - +0"
3. D. Appollonio - Sky ProCycling - +6"
... 6. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +8"
The team was very proud of my efforts up front, lifting the pace, and getting the team in the limelight. My 27th on the stage, wasn't bad either and just one more stage to go, before I can maybe finish with a top 20 in my first ever ProTour race. I am currently 19th.
Also, Mark Cavendish's fitness must be really low this early in the season, as again he was beaten by teammate Matty Goss this stage. He has finished 10th, 9th, 118th, 5th and 7th so far down under, well below par for the Manx Missile. Until tomorrow's ultimate stage..
Final stage is today, and all the jerseys but sprinter's have been decided unless a crash forces some riders out. I will hopefully control my top 20 place, and get in a break. Alex Kristoff will look for a top 10 on Adelaide's answer to the Champs d'Elysees, a 92km, pancake flat stage.
Santos Tour Down Under
I started the race, by getting in the break. We were riding through the city centre, and the crowds were out today to enjoy some great racing.
At the first mountain points spot, I took third and gained 8 points.
We were joined by 4 more riders, and our lead was being cut. I was running out of energy to keep lifting the pace, and nobody really wanted to help.
We were inevitably caught but Vaitkus, Vaugrenard and Gutierrez were still ahead.
BMC set up what looked like a devastatingly fast train, led by veteran Allesandro Ballan.
This race was very strange, nobody else bothered setting up a train, and the BMC guys were miles ahead! Kristoff started sprinting and was closing very fast on Vaitkus, but the Astana man held on and took a very weird win.
1. T. Vaitkus - Pro Team Astana - 2h05'17" 2. A. Kristoff - BMC Racing Team - +0"
3. B. Vaugrenard - FDJ - +29" 4. D. Wyss - BMC Racing Team - +29"
5. I. Gutierrez - Movistar Team - +29"
... 64. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +1'48"
GC:
Spoiler
1. A. Kristoff - BMC Racing Team - 18h48'53" 2. D. Wyss - BMC Racing Team - +35"
3. S. Hinault - AG2R La Mondiale - +1'14"
... 23.T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +1'52"
Sprint:
Spoiler
1. H. Haussler - Team Garmin Cervelo - 22 Pts
2. V. Iglinskiy - Pro Team Astana - 14 Pts
3. A. Greipel - Omega Pharma Lotto - 12 Pts
... 26.T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - 4 Pts
Mountain:
Spoiler
1. E. Sella - Androni Giocattoli - 48 Pts
2. V. Iglinskiy - Pro Team Astana - 40 Pts
3. J. Eldridge - Team Type 1 - 28 Pts
... 10. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - 14 Pts
Young Riders:
Spoiler
1. A. Kristoff - BMC Racing Team - 18h48'53"
2. G. Ciolek - QuickStep Cycling Team - +1'44"
3. M. Goss - HTC - Highroad - +1'44"
... 9. T. Roe - BMC Racing Team - +1'52"
One of the strangest stages I have ever participated in and amazingly, Alexander Kristoff has taken the overall individual time lead, and wins the GC! Danilo Wyss is second overall and the team rankings are also ours. Just amazing! Unfortunantely though, I fall to 23rd!
The Vuelta a Mallorca is my next race, but first I'm off to a training camp in Granada to ride the mountains!
After arriving back from Granada Training Camp, which was great, we travel north for the Vuelta a Mallorca. Team Sky have brought a great team with Bradley Wiggins, J.A. Flecha, Riogberto Uran, E.B. Hagen, Geraint Thomas and Simon Gerrans all riding. When you bring a TDF squad to the Vuelta a Mallorca, you mean business.
As you can see, our team is moderately strong but probably wont compete in the GC. Our main goal is to win the KoM and maybe win a stage if we get lucky. I will get a chance in a break or two along with Martin Kohler and Yannick. Now I've got to get some sleep, big day tomorrow.
Today's first stage is an interesting one, as we are circling the town for 150kms. It may be too hilly for pure sprinters, but not nearly hilly enough for the climbers. My guess is Eddy Boasson Hagen for this stage, it seems made for a rider like him. I would be suprised if anyone else wins since they have brought such a strong team, but it is still possible.
Vuelta a Mallorca
Due to my great position, I thought I'd start off the day in a break. It was absolutely beautiful weather out there today, and I was feeling quite comfortable, compared to down in Adelaide were it got up to 38 C!
After 60kms of circling the port town of Palma, we were caught. Colombia's D. Ospina and Orbea's Urain didn't give in though, as they attacked again, and gained about 1 minute.
They were again caught though with 50kms to go.
The next riders to set off were Burgos' C. Jennings, Saez de Arregi and CCC Polsat's M. Witecki.
They were just about caught at the 20kms to go banner, but Witecki set off alone, in an attempt to win the stage.
He was caught with 5kms, and altough BMC did not bring any real sprint threats, we thought Kohler deserved a fair go.
Due to some poor work up front, Boasson Hagen was forced to sprint early, and went full pelt with 2.5kms to go. Would it prove to be too early?
He was holding on to a short lead, and although the other fast men were closing fast, the Norwegian just held on! It wasn't well done, but it was done!
Our own Martin Kohler also proved that EBH may just win every sprint this tour, with the Swiss coming in 8th, despite being a not nearly ProTour level sprinter.
I come in safely, just in front of a series of crashes, in 32nd place.
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
2h33'27"
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
s.t.
3
D. Impey
Team NetApp
s.t.
4
J. Engoulvent
Saur - Sojasun
s.t.
5
G. Thomas
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
...
32
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
Edvald and his team will be a step above the rest for this race, as proven today with his badly-timed but still dominant sprint.
@rorzcp Yeah, I guess that training camp paid off.
Yesterday's big win for Eddy the Boss started the inevitable domination that Team Sky will enjoy this Vuelta a Mallorca. There are a couple decent hills this stage, but the real mountains don't start until tomorrow. Eddy will probably win again today.
Vuelta a Mallorca
The first break got out a good lead pretty fast. T. Kiendys and J. Cano joined BMC's Martin Kohler out front in the break. They got 2'32" after only 10kms. Kohler sprinted away to take the mountain sprint points unopposed.
He was doing all the hard work in the break, with no help from the other pair.
Martin took the points unopposed again and with 115kms to go, they had grown a big 8'00" lead! He now has 10 Mountain Points and will wear the KoM jersey tomorrow.
They were caught by the pursuit group with 90kms to go and had a 7'32" lead.
Johnathan Castravejo won the next 12 sprint points and 12" time bonus in two sprints. The lead was 4'41" with 53.8kms to ride.
Kohler took third in the last mountain sprint but at the 20km banner, they were basically caught, as the lead was down to 48"
Caught at 8kms to go, the trains were forming. It was a two-horse race, with Eddy's Sky and Impey's NetApp both setting nice trains.
Geraint Thomas set a nice leadout for EBH, as did Del Nero for Impey. But unsuprisingly, Boasson Hagen was the faster man out there and took another easy win! Santambrogio finishes 5th after a very good sprint.
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
2h33'07"
2
D. Impey
Team NetApp
s.t.
3
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
s.t.
4
S. Van Vooren
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
5
M. Santambrogio
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
...
29
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
GC:
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
6h37'49"
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
_20"
3
D. Impey
Team NetApp
+20"
4
M. Witecki
CCC Polsat Polkowice
+34"
5
B. Schmitz
Veranda's Willems - Accent
+36"
...
25
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
+40"
KoM:
1
M. Kohler
BMC Racing Team
11 Pts
2
J.L. Cano
Andalucia Caja Granada
7 Pts
3
J. Larralde
Orbea Continental
5 Pts
4
T. Kiendys
CCC Polsat Polkowice
4 Pts
Sprint:
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
50 Pts
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
36 Pts
3
D. Impey
Team NetApp
36 Pts
4
S. Caethoven
Veranda's Willems - Accent
19 Pts
5
G. Thomas
Sky ProCycling
16 Pts
Young Riders:
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
6h37'49"
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
+36"
3
G. Thomas
Sky ProCycling
+40"
4
S. Van Vooren
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
+40"
5
J.J. Lobato
Andalucia Caja Granada
+40"
...
6
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
+40"
Great effort by Marty K in the breakaway and will wear the polka dot tomorrow. We will do our best to get him to hold onto that, and he might get in the break tomorrow as well. The big climbs start tomorrow, should be fun!
Edited by kitface on 25-08-2011 07:38
Still not an official mountain stage, but this one is still a real toughie. Stage 3's climb up to Coll de PuigMajor will probably drop a few riders, but since it's not near the end, it may not be decisive enough. I'll see how I go, and Marty Kohler will try get into a break and defend his KoM jersey. My guess is either Johann Tschopp or Eddy Boasson Hagen for this stage.
Vuelta a Mallorca
6 of the top 8 offical favourites for this stage are Team Sky riders, the leader being the Colombian Uran. Anything less than a stage win for these guys would be quite underwhelming I'd say.
Matin Kohler got in the early break, and helped the lead grow out to 3'00"..
The lead blew out to 8'00" and at the start of the first small climb, Kohler's group had a lead of 4'35".
By the top of the climb, two thirds of the race had been run, and Kohler was 1'10" behind the lead group, which split apart on the climb. He was 2'55" ahead of the peloton.
The peloton reached the start of the final, big climb up to Coll de PuigMajor and I was very excited to get into some real big inclines.
The Kohler group was caught halfway up, and right near the top, Wiggins and Rogers were looking very dangerous at the front. The percentages got up to 16% near the top! Love it!
We finished the climb, and the group had spilt. The leading group was a 4man break, that contained Onda's J. Cabreira and Colombia's D. Ospina.
Th main peloton was a 25 man group, that contained all the best riders, including myself, Morabito, Santambrogio and Tschopp. Rogers, Thomas, Uran and Wiggins were there for Sky.
We caught the lead group, and if this kept up, EBH has this stage in the bag, since he is easily the best sprinter in the group.
On the final very small climb with 4kms to go, Jerome Coppel, Riogberto Uran and I all attacked. Uran's was very strong and he got out to a decent lead.
But Eddy got another great leadout and was zooming away, he closed on Uran, and JUST pipped him on the line I think! That was very close! Sky 1-2! Morabito 4th, Santambrogio 5th! Great job by the guys!
Eddy can celebrate now as it is announced he is the winner!
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
3h56'29"
2
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
3
J. Pantano
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
s.t.
4
S. Morabito
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
5
M. Santambrogio
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
...
20
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
GC:
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
3h56'29"
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
40"
3
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
48"
4
J. Pantano
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
52"
5
F. Jeandesboz
Saur - Sojasun
54"
...
15
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
1'00"
Sprint:
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
75 Pts
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
36 Pts
3
D. Impey
Team NetApp
36 Pts
4
M. Santambrogio
BMC Racing Team
27 Pts
5
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
20 Pts
Mountain:
1
D. Ospina
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
22 Pts
2
F. Jeandesboz
Saur - Sojasun
20 pts
3
A. Proni
Acqua & Sapone
12 Pts
4
M. Kohler
BMC Racing Team
11 Pts
5
S. Ribeiro
Barbot - Efapel
8 Pts
...
8
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
6 Pts
Young Riders:
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
10h33'58"
2
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
48"
3
J. Pantano
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
52"
4
G. Thomas
Sky ProCycling
1'00"
5
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
1'00"
I just love a stage like that, and there is more coming tomorrow, and the day after that. This is why I love cycling. I am currently 15th overall which I am very happy with, maybe I can improve and possibly get a podium in the Young Riders.
Another stage, with another large hill near the end. This is slightly less steep than yesterday's climb, but could still force a lead group at the end. I thought I could start showing you the profiles of the stages I race, since it can sometimes get a bit confusing.
Vuelta a Mallorca
Stage 4 Bunyola - Bunyola : 141.9kms
The race starts with an early climb, so I must stay alert.
The group of the day out front was a 9-man group, containing no GC threats and no BMC riders.
It was a quite uneventful stage until 52kms to go, when the main climbs began to form. The leading groups lead was down to 3'35" from their earlier mark of 6'25" after some great work at the front from Yannick Eijssen, Jeff Louder, Marty Kohler and myself to lift the pace.
Guillame Levarlet of Saur won the mountain sprint points at the top of the first.
As the rain began to fall, Team Sky and Euskatel were both mixing it up at the front, and dragging the break back to the peloton. Their lead was now down to 1'41"..
At the top of the main climb, a few riders attacked but no favourites. The peloton now was a 27man group containg all the favourites. The head of the pack was just two riders, Saur's Levarlet and Colombia's A. Cano Ardilla.
At the start of the last climb with 4kms, Uran and Nieve attacked. No riders followed. Levarlet and the Colombian were holding on! They would go all the way!
Levarlet takes a magnificent win, but still is 5'00" behind Boasson Hagen and is no threat..
Miholjevic wins the peloton sprint and I take a solid 21st place.
Yannick and Kohler both finished 7 and a half minutes behind Levarlet, and are struggling in form.
Stage 4 : Final Results
1
G. Levarlet
Saur - Sojasun
3h51'19"
2
A. Cano Ardila
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
28"
3
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
1'35"
4
M. Nieve
Euskatel - Euskadi
1'35"
5
V. Miholjevic
Acqua & Sapone
1'56"
...
21
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
1'56"
Overall Standings - GC, KoM, Sprint & Young Riders
Spoiler
GC
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
14h27'13"
2
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
19"
3
M. Nieve
Euskatel - Euskadi
39"
4
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
40"
5
J. Pantano
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
52"
...
14
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
1'00"
Points
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
84 Pts
2
D. Impey
Team NetApp
40
3
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
39
4
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
36
5
G. Levarlet
Saur - Sojasun
29
KoM
1
G. Levarlet
Saur - Sojasun
84 Pts
2
A. Cano Ardila
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
40
3
D. Ospina
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
39
4
F. Jeandesboz
Saur - Sojasun
36
5
A. Proni
Acqua & Sapone
29
...
13
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
6
Young Riders
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
14h27'13"
2
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
19"
3
J. Pantano
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
52"
4
J. Coppel
Saur - Sojasun
1'00"
5
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
1'00"
Tomorrow is the last stage, and with a few small but brutal climbs, it should be a blast. See you then.
Also I'd love some feedback from you guys, I want to do everything I can to improve this blog and I'm sure you guys can help me out. Thanks!
Edited by kitface on 23-08-2011 09:17
Great reports, screens and updates ! Keep it up, really enjoying it ! Great to see Sky doing so well Roe is doing great in Vuelta, hope he can keep his Top 15 position, would be very nice result.
Edited by Alakagom on 23-08-2011 09:11
@Alakagom Wow man, thanks so much! I'm really thrilled to hear you're enjoying the story! They are doing well, but I think Team Sky must have gotten their dates confused, this isn't the Tour de France, why have you brought Wiggins, Eddy, Rogers, Gerrans, Uran, Thomas, Henderson and Flecha to a Conti race? And yes, hopefully Tim can hold his position but the next stage is quite hilly, and it could be tough to stay with the bunch. Fingers crossed.
Edited by kitface on 23-08-2011 09:29
The final stage starts here in Magaluff and ends in Palmanova. A hilly stage, it kind of reminds me of the Liege - Bastone - Liege. The most deadly climbs will be to Coll de Soler and Coll de Claret. The Coll de Soler at 98kms is crazy steep, and I can see many attacks forming from that climb.
Vuelta a Mallorca
Stage 5
Magaluff - Palmanova : 156.0kms
By the time the first climb had ended, the break had a gap of 2'26" and were holding on. Sky's Geraint Thomas and J.A. Flecha were setting a nice pace though, and it was good, fast racing.
I noticed a funny thing on the road, I saw three names written on the road. Thing is, they were all Sky's riders. They did bring a TdF squad after all.
We were riding right on the edge of the road, and overlooking the beautiful ocean. It was hard to pay attention, when your'e staring out at the endless blue.
While we were riding with 98kms to go, we hit a small but very steep hill. The percentages were up over 17%! Ouch!
At the second set off climbing points, won by Daniel Schorn of NetApp, the break's lead was steady at aroung 4'00". This was no worries for the peloton.
The rain started to fall with 70kms to go, and we were nearly at the beginning of the hardest climb of the day, up to Coll de Soler.
The pack was obviously hurting after reaching the start of the climb, as they were now in sight, and the race was officially ON! At a constant of about 12%, it was no surprise they were slowing down.
At the top of the hill, Johann Tschopp attacked, and sped down the hill alone.
He soon reached the break group, but was happy to slow them down, and dissolve the break back into the peloton, as they were caught with 42kms to race.
At the next mountain checkpoint, I took my turn at the front and attacked. I took the points, and was joined by Colombia's J. Pantano. We were just setting a high pace and hoping for the best.
We were caught with 15kms to go, just before the next set of mountain points, which was won by Uran.
Uran had a small break, with Nieve and Coppel following.
Unfortunantely, I had fallen back into a small group with Jeff Louder, Geraint Thomas, J.A. Flecha and others. That last few kms really separated the men from the boys.
In the front, Jerome Coppel tried and failed to attack with 2.5kms. This would be a sprint, and Eddy the Boss was the man to beat. Darryl Impey and Ruben Perez would put up a good fight though, for sure.
The sprint was on and again Boasson Hagen just flew past the oppositon, who had no chance against this man! Absolute domination!
Tschopp is 9th.
Stage 5 : Final Results
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
4h49'56"
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
s.t.
3
J. Hivert
Saur - Sojasun
s.t.
4
M. Nieve
Euskatel - Euskadi
s.t.
5
S. Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
...
27
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
2'06"
Final Overall Standings - GC, KoM, Sprinters and Young Riders
Spoiler
GC
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
19h16'49"
2
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
39"
3
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
48"
4
M. Nieve
Euskatel - Euskadi
59"
5
J. Hivert
Saur - Sojasun
1'12"
...
16
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
3'26"
Points
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
109 Pts
2
R. Perez
Euskatel - Euskadi
59
3
D. Impey
Team NetApp
50
4
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
45
5
M. Nieve
Euskatel - Euskadi
37
KoM
1
G. Levarlet
Saur - Sojasun
28 Pts
2
A. Cano Ardila
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
26
3
J. Coenen
Topsprt Vlaanderen - Mercator
24
4
D. Ospina
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
22
5
D. Schorn
Team NetApp
22
...
9
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
16
Young Riders
1
E. Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
14h27'13"
2
R. Uran
Sky ProCycling
39"
3
J. Pantano
Colombia es Pasion - Cafe de Colombia
1'12"
4
J. Coppel
Saur - Sojasun
1'20
5
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
3'26"
Sky came here to win, and they did just that with Boasson Hagen and Uran, who took second overall. Ruben Perez closed out the GC podium. We got the 7th, 8th and 9th places with Santambrogio, Tschopp and Morabito respectively. I am very happy with my 16th. Slightly dissapointing I finshed that stage on a low note, but to finish higher than riders like Geraint Thomas and Simon Gerrans is pretty impressive if you ask me!
My whirlwind start to the season continues next week at the Tour of Oman. I'm flying over there tomorrow, but tonight after the team meeting, all the guys are going to have a drink, and then have an early night. I've had fun here in Mallorca, hope you have too, see you in Al Sawadi!
Al Sawadi, here I come! Finally off the plane, and into my hotel room, we're staying at this resort in the main town and it's kind of nice but a little bit touristy. The weather is sweltering and although I'm looking forward to the ride, their will be a lot of sweat lost out there. I am kind of bored here in my room, so I thought I would write up a small preview of the race.
The Tour of Oman is the biggest race in the Middle East and began in 2010. Fabian Cancellara won last year's edition. There are six stages, starting in Al Sawadi, where I am now, and ending in the Mattrah Seafront.
We have brought a solid team. Our leaders are Grev Van Avermaet who will aim for sprints (and can also climb, to an extent) and George Hincapie, who is a proven strong man on the mountains and a very solid TTer. I will be a domestique for George and others in the mountains.
The race will be decided in Stage 4, which ends in a large climb, and the hilly stage 5 time-trial. Taylor Phinney will ride for BMC and will be one of the favourites for that stage. The rest of the stages are very flat, and will be won in mass sprints.
There are quite a few good climbers and sprinters here so here are my favourites.
Leaders
Denis Menchov (& Carlos Sastre) Geox TMC
Denis is a proven climber and everybody knows how he can rip it up against the clock, so he is my outright favourite. The only thing stopping him is his potentially bad form, but all the favourites won't be peaking, so I can't see this changing his result drastically. Should be tough to beat, especially with Carlos Sastre as his luxury-domestique..
Michelle Scarponi Lampre - ISD
Scarponi is a GT level rider, and arguably a superior climber to Menchov. He is no slouch in a TT but will still lose time to DM, therefore he is just behind Menchov as overall favourite. Menchov's TT abilities will be too much for Scarponi to handle. If he gets a solid lead on the climb though, it is definitely possible.
And my roughie...
Thomas Lofkvist Sky ProCycling
The best rider left out of Sky's amazing Vuelta a Mallorca squad, he is the real deal, as shown last year by his top-20 in TdF and top-12 in Tour de Suisse. Although he hasn't really lived up to his great results earlier in his career, with HTC and Francaise Des Jeux, he is still a great climber, and also really rides a good time-trial, so he is my roughie to shock Denis and Michelle.
Honourable Mentions: D. Di Luca (KAT), G. Hincapie (BMC), M. Bruseghin (MOV), P. Velits (THR), T. Roe (BMC) (hehe)
Sprints
Mark Cavendish HTC - Highroad
The Manx Missile is always expected to win sprints, and usually lives up to those expectations, but earlier this year back home in South Australia, he really dissapointed, not winning a stage, and consistently missing the top 5. Hopefully he in better form, and can thrill with his usual speed.
A. Pettachi Lampre - ISD
Lampre have brought a strong squad to Oman, and Pettachi is the equal-centerpiece of it all. He is getting on, but still possesses those great legs that have won him so many races over the years. Excpect plenty of podiums.
J.J. Rojas Movistar Team
Another GT-level sprinter, Rojas has the ability to win stages anywhere in the world. He has great speed, and can climb too, so he may get the highest overall of all the sprinters.
And my roughie...
Grev Van Avermaet BMC Racing Team
Our very own Van Avermaet is a real class sprinter. He finished 5th in the World Champs last year, and is a real star of the future. Like Rojas, he is no slouch when it comes to hills, but all the sprint stages here are pancake flat, so this may be irrelevant. He has a great leadout here for him too, with Alex Kristoff and Taylor Phinney. Hoping for the best.
Honourable Mentions: Galimzyanov (KAT), Swift (SKY), Ventoso (MOV)
Tour of Oman starts today. These first few stages aren't for me, but stage 4 is definetely my kinda stage. Let's hope Greg can give us some results.
Tour of Oman
Stage 1
Al Sawadi - Al Seeb : 158kms
The pack of the day contained 11 riders, most notably Sky's M. Barry and Unitedhealthcare's J. Keough. Keough won the first intermediate ahead of R. Wielinga of Itera - Katusha and D. Ratto of Geox.
The 1st and 2nd were the same in the next sprint, but Caja Rural's Diego Milan took third this time. Their lead was 4'45".
Suar - Sojasun were cutting the lead with a fast pace.
The heavy winds were splitting the pack apart. We had to fight hard to keep up the front. Saur were really making it hard. Lead down to 2'00"..
Movistar and Lampre put the finishing touches on the pursuit, and the break was caught with 20kms to race.
The BMC train completely fell apart as Alexander Kristoff crashed. A bad start for his tour and the team. Van Avermaet would have to go it alone.
HTC were looking in all sorts, as they still had two men to go in their train, with 1km to go!
Lacombe had an early lead, but Rojas sped past, and took a simple win! Avermaet looks good, but can't make up enough places and finishes 14th.
I finish firmly in the peloton.
1
J.J. Rojas
Movistar Team
3h29'07"
2
K. Lacombe
Team SpiderTech poweredby C10
s.t.
3
R. Hayles
Endura Racing
s.t.
4
G. Boyle
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
5
A. Petacchi
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
...
59
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
Not too exciting for me out there, and those winds really blow the life out of you. Just going to have to live with it until Friday. See you tomorrow!
Edited by kitface on 24-08-2011 12:49
The first sprint points were won by Simon Lambert-Lemay in the break, who continued SpiderTech's great start to this race. Skil's A. Timmer got second.
Lambert-Lemay won the second set of points, again ahead of Timmer. Their lead was at 3'12".
With 15kms to go, the group was caught.
Sprint trains were on with 5kms to go. Lampre were set up on the right, with Movistar on the left and BMC in the middle. HTC were slightly behind.
The sprint was off, Rojas again looked good, but Cav was doing better and pushed forward. Pettachi was square with Cavendish but Rojas was too fast and took another win! He is the best rider out there it seems!
Van Averamaet again struggles, finishing 13th.
1
J.J. Rojas
Movistar Team
3h29'07"
2
A. Petacchi
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
3
M. Cavendish
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
4
D. Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
s.t.
5
F.J. Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
...
56
T. Roe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
Two down, one to go. My fitness will be really good for stage 4, I'm so excited!
Of all your stroies, I think you chosed the best one, this story could turn into something great. Just be patience and do it for fun!
I would like you to convert your screens to jpeg. You can find a converter on internet. It will take some time to convert the screens but you will take back the time when you're uploading them and people with bad internet connection will be able to read this story and watch the screens. I have bad internet connection at home and it takes 10 minutes for me to upload the screens...
Roe is doing great in Vuelta, hope he can keep his Top 15 position, would be very nice result.
And yes, hopefully Tim can hold his position but the next stage is quite hilly, and it could be tough to stay with the bunch. Fingers crossed.
