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Gerardino Mazzi - Lampre 2009 Season
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 01:37
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Stagiare
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February Stats
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 03:47
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
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Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen Stage 1
Just a simple flat stage which will probably end in a sprint finish. It's another long stage but, after my first win... nothing can scare me anymore. My job is to protect Lorenzetto and look to set him and Ballan up for a fast finish.
2 riders takeoff and quickly get a 2 minute gap.
6 riders attack and join up with the front 2 and together they forge a gap that peaks at 11 minutes.
Anthony takes a hard fall! He's good to finish but, anyone who has to ride back 110 km by themselves has the right to do whatever the hell they want the next day.
At 25k the group is back together and I begin my leadout for Ballan then Lorenzetto. Ljungqvist looks to lead Rasmussen to victory but we have other plans. 
My job is done and Ballan goes ridiculously fast right by me. It's crazy how much power that guys legs can produce. He leads Lorenzetto right by the CSC duo.
I catch Roman Feillu's wheel but it's no use... I heading back into the P.
Up front it's no contest. Lorenzetto goes for the win and Ballan rolls in right behind him.
General
1 Mirko Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C 5h19'36
2 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C + 8
3 Alex Rasmussen Team Saxo Bank + 54
4 Marcus Ljungqvist Team Saxo Bank + 1'02
5 Jan Kuyckx Verandas Willems + 1'37
6 Koen Barbé Landbouwkrediet - Colnago + 1'39
7 Denis Galimzyanov Team Katusha + 1'43
8 Kenny De Haes Silence - Lotto s.t.
9 Frédéric Amorison Landbouwkrediet - Colnago s.t.
10 Michael Reihs Team Designa Køkken s.t.
11 Aleksejs Saramotins Team Designa Køkken s.t.
12 Daniel Holt Team Type 1 s.t.
13 Olivier Pardini Verandas Willems s.t.
14 Mikhail Ignatiev Team Katusha s.t.
15 Stefan Van Dijk Verandas Willems s.t.
16 Gorik Gardeyn Silence - Lotto s.t.
17 Jurgen Roelandts Silence - Lotto s.t.
18 Nikolai Trussov Team Katusha s.t.
19 Marcel Sieberg Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
20 Gerben Löwik Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team s.t.
21 Allan Johansen Team Designa Køkken s.t.
22 Wim De Vocht Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team s.t.
23 Ricardo Escuela Team Type 1 s.t.
24 Maarten Wynants Quick·Step s.t.
25 Romain Feillu Agritubel s.t.
33 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
Mountain
1 Jan Kuyckx Verandas Willems 12 12
2 Koen Barbé Landbouwkrediet - Colnago 8 8
3 David Tanner Rock Racing 2 2
4 Matteo Tosatto Quick·Step 2 2
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| matt493 |
Posted on 10-08-2009 03:52
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3549
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great job setting up the win. Your pretty good on hard. Maybe it's time for extreme. 
Edited by matt493 on 10-08-2009 03:53
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 03:56
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Stagiare
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Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen Stage 2
My game crashed before the replay so I didn't get any pictures from the race. It was your standard break attacks, break gets caught, sprint. Well not really. Ballan punctured and lost about 3 minutes so he will not be able to compete for the win. Lorenzetto was lead up to the front of the pack by me... caught a good wheel... and sprinted to the win. So I take the credit for his win... 
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 04:04
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
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Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen Stage 3
Messed up again.... I didn't realize that there were no replays for TTs... I'll learn. Some suprising results came from the all flat TT. Ballan lead the stage for most of the day until the good TTs came out to play. I did a respectable time trial but there is definetly room for improvement. We'll see... In the end Lorenzetto worked hard enough to keep the yellow jersey on his shoulders and we took our first yellow jersey overall win of the year. Whoo!
Stage
1 Svein Tuft Garmin - Slipstream 18'07
2 Nikolai Trussov Team Katusha + 2
3 Mikhail Ignatiev Team Katusha + 5
4 Aleksejs Saramotins Team Designa Køkken + 8
5 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C + 13
6 Kevin De Weert Quick·Step + 16
7 Jimmi Sørensen Team Designa Køkken s.t.
8 Cameron Meyer Garmin - Slipstream s.t.
9 Sérgio Paulinho Astana Cycling Team s.t.
10 Christian Knees Team Milram s.t.
11 Brett Lancaster Cervélo Test Team + 18
12 Alex Rasmussen Team Saxo Bank + 20
13 David Boucher Landbouwkrediet - Colnago + 24
14 Evgeni Petrov Team Katusha + 25
15 Marcel Sieberg Team Columbia - High Road + 29
16 Christophe Moreau Agritubel + 32
17 Bert Grabsch Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
18 Olivier Pardini Verandas Willems + 34
19 Gerben Löwik Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team + 37
20 Denis Galimzyanov Team Katusha + 40
21 Martin Mortensen Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team s.t.
22 Morten Kruse Brink Team Designa Køkken s.t.
23 Adam Hansen Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
24 Rémi Cusin Agritubel s.t.
25 Dominik Roels Team Milram s.t.
91 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 1'27
Overall
1 Mirko Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C 9h31'44
2 Alex Rasmussen Team Saxo Bank + 10
3 Aleksejs Saramotins Team Designa Køkken + 35
4 Svein Tuft Garmin - Slipstream + 39
5 Nikolai Trussov Team Katusha + 41
6 Mikhail Ignatiev Team Katusha + 44
7 Marcus Ljungqvist Team Saxo Bank + 50
8 Christian Knees Team Milram + 55
9 Sérgio Paulinho Astana Cycling Team s.t.
10 Cameron Meyer Garmin - Slipstream s.t.
11 Jimmi Sørensen Team Designa Køkken s.t.
12 Kevin De Weert Quick·Step s.t.
13 Brett Lancaster Cervélo Test Team + 57
14 David Boucher Landbouwkrediet - Colnago + 1'03
15 Evgeni Petrov Team Katusha + 1'04
16 Marcel Sieberg Team Columbia - High Road + 1'08
17 Bert Grabsch Team Columbia - High Road + 1'11
18 Christophe Moreau Agritubel s.t.
19 Olivier Pardini Verandas Willems + 1'13
20 Gerben Löwik Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team + 1'16
21 Denis Galimzyanov Team Katusha + 1'19
22 Pieter Weening Rabobank s.t.
23 Daniel Holt Team Type 1 s.t.
24 Philippe Pratte Verandas Willems s.t.
25 Dominik Roels Team Milram s.t.
71 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 2'06
Mountain
1 Thomas Rabou Rabobank CT 0 16
2 Jan Kuyckx Verandas Willems 0 12
3 Paul Voss Team Milram 0 10
Points
1 Mirko Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C 0 50
2 Aleksejs Saramotins Team Designa Køkken 14 41
3 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C 12 32
4 Alex Rasmussen Team Saxo Bank 4 26
5 Svein Tuft Garmin - Slipstream 25 25
Young Winner
Alex Rasmussen won.
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 04:05
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Stagiare
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Yeah i'll probably bump it up if I win again lol. I don't attack on downhills btw... thats to easy
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Posted on 26-12-2024 14:32
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| matt493 |
Posted on 10-08-2009 04:06
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Classics Specialist
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If you want to be Cancelarra then you can't finish in 91st place.  I'm just kidding. Good luck in the future. I really hope you keep this story going. Your story is already better than mine, in my opinion.
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 04:09
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
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lol it's funny cause I feel the opposite ;p thats though
and yeah... we'll see if mazzi can improve his TT stats. he's still got time to flourish though. development is on 0.6
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 05:39
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
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Tirreno - Adriatico Stage 1
Here we are... back in Italy. I've only been in 2 different countries damnit... part of my purpose to cycle for a living was to see the world. Other than Belgium I've yet to see any thing new. Thats not to say that this moment isn't special. Over this next week I will be participating in my first pro-tour race of my career. I'm riding side by side with some of my favorite riders. Cancellara is here! I talked to him today and he is a very cool guy. I found out that he is actually Italian instead of being the Swiss that I thought he was, even though he represents Switzerland. Anyways... down to business. I'm here with Ballan and Lorenzetto to get some work done. We need to take a stage win here in Italy to satisfy our team manager's needs. This will either be done by Lorenzetto's sprints, Ballan's hilly talents, or a lucky breakaway win (hopefully by me but we'll see). Today I was assigned to protect Lorenzetto and Mori was assigned to protect Ballan.
The pace up the first climb was incredibly high... with constant attacking over the first 30kms.
Finally a break of 8 got away just over the first hill.
But of course... more riders wanted in on the breakaway action and the group swelled to 14 riders.
Then to 21... This has caused the pace to be on full chase for almost 50kms...
Finally everything comes back together and the fast tempo subsides... so we send Mori on the attack. He gets a good solid gap of 2 and a half minutes because no one else wanted to go with him.
A little later... Cancellara, Hernandez, Sentjens, Kiryienka attack and try to bridge the gap to Mori. Only Cancellara and Sentjens manage to do so.
Rovny and Quinziato try their luck but they missed the serious break and now sit in no man's land. Tsk tsk tsk...
Mori tries to hang with Cancellara and Sentjens but that doesn't last long. Sentjens is shortly left behind by Cancellara as well. All the while we inch closer to the final hill.
As you can see they get a gap.
Meanwhile, Bono hits the deck! Ouch! he'll be licking his wounds all the way to the finish with the 3 others that fell.
As the final climb begins the pace is crazy high but riders still try their luck anyway. Gilbert puts a good dig in and gets the KoM points (I think). He's followed by a swarm of riders but they are all sucked back into the P on the downhill. The P is now less than 100 riders strong.
From the moto-camera, you can see Ballan preparing the sprint for Lorenzetto... I would've helped by the hill completely gased me. I did finish with the P though.
Once again... the head to head battle of the leadouts. Ballan and Lorenzetto versus O'Grady and Breschel. Ballan however is inching close to top form and he is the fastest of them.
Ballan creates a gap between Lorenzetto and the rider behind him. With 1.9km's to go Lorenzetto takes off on his mad dash. He takes a look behind and sees no one so he sits back in his seat and raises his arms. We completed our goal. Ballan hanged tough and finished 4th. I was so happy to here this in the rear of the peloton. I smiled through my exhaustion... I just completed my first Pro-Tour race!
Behind me all hell broke lose. Roche hits the deck HARD on the last corner. He touched wheels and completely lost his bike.
The dominoes effect happens as 3 others crash down. Even though they were very badly scratched all the riders who crashed today finished the race.
Yay!
Stage
1 Mirko Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C 3h20'01
2 Matti Breschel Team Saxo Bank s.t.
3 Greg Van Avermaet Silence - Lotto s.t.
4 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
5 Steven De Jongh Quick·Step s.t.
6 Luca Paolini Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
7 Mikhaylo Khalilov Ceramica Flaminia - Bossini Docce s.t.
8 Alessandro Petacchi LPR Brakes Farnese Vini s.t.
9 Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
10 Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha s.t.
11 Alberto Ongarato LPR Brakes Farnese Vini s.t.
12 Stuart O'Grady Team Saxo Bank s.t.
13 Kim Kirchen Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
14 Laurens Ten Dam Rabobank s.t.
15 Lorenzo Bernucci LPR Brakes Farnese Vini s.t.
16 Philippe Gilbert Silence - Lotto s.t.
17 Martin Elmiger AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
18 Stefano Garzelli Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
19 Martijn Maaskant Garmin - Slipstream s.t.
20 Juan Antonio Flecha Rabobank s.t.
21 Kurt-Asle Arvesen Team Saxo Bank s.t.
22 Matteo Tosatto Quick·Step s.t.
23 Sébastien Rosseler Quick·Step s.t.
24 Maarten Wynants Quick·Step s.t.
25 Peter Wrölich Team Milram s.t.
131 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
Mountain
1 Jens Voigt Team Saxo Bank 5 5
2 Philippe Gilbert Silence - Lotto 3 3
3 Lorenzo Bernucci LPR Brakes Farnese Vini 1 1
Edited by trops on 10-08-2009 05:40
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 06:31
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
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Stages 2 and 3 are done... some good stuff will post after errands.
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| I_Mayo |
Posted on 10-08-2009 07:49
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Protected Rider
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congratulations with win!
wow! spilak working for you in your first season! you have big respect in team!  |
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| trops |
Posted on 10-08-2009 23:38
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
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Tirreno - Adriactico Stage 2
Today's profile is similar to yesterdays. A few warm up climbs then a small steep one leading to a short stretch to the finish. We believe that Lorenzetto can scale all of the climbs with little problems. Once again he sat on my wheel from point a to point b and Mori protected Ballan all day as well. We felt we'd do a little controlling as well but not much. We would try to relax today as yesterday was tough.
A breakaway of 5 got away from start and stayed away for the large portion of the stage.
As the gap grew and peaked at 10 minutes over the middle hill, Lampre decided to end the fun and games and begin the chase.
Up the final climb of today the breakaway was in tatters and only 2 riders remained out front. How much gas they had left was unknown.
I hang strong as we approach the mountain points. Several riders attack to steal some points. Nothing lasts as it all comes back together on the downhill.
And.... so it begins....
Ballan is already edging out a gap but, Ballan was a bit tired from the climb and other trains start to catch up. Ballan hits the gas....
It's not enough... De Jongh blows right past and Lorenzetto leaves Ballan to try and catch De Jongh's wheel. He does and uses the wind to sprint ahead of him.
With another sizable gap, Lorenzetto looks to be unstoppable. He's definetly on form and it shows.
He looks good in those jerseys and he really deserves them. He owes a lot to Ballan though who is risking his fatigue and being so selfless.
Stage
1 Mirko Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C 4h01'17
2 Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha s.t.
3 Maarten Wynants Quick·Step s.t.
4 Stuart O'Grady Team Saxo Bank s.t.
5 Steven De Jongh Quick·Step s.t.
6 Matti Breschel Team Saxo Bank s.t.
7 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
8 Martin Elmiger AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
9 Luca Paolini Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
10 Sébastien Rosseler Quick·Step s.t.
40 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
Overall
1 Mirko Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C 7h20'58
2 Matti Breschel Team Saxo Bank + 14
3 Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha s.t.
4 Greg Van Avermaet Silence - Lotto + 16
5 Maarten Wynants Quick·Step s.t.
6 Niki Terpstra Team Milram + 17
7 Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank + 18
8 Mickael Buffaz Cofidis, le crédit en ligne s.t.
9 Steven De Jongh Quick·Step + 20
10 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
11 Luca Paolini Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
12 Stuart O'Grady Team Saxo Bank s.t.
13 Alessandro Petacchi LPR Brakes Farnese Vini s.t.
14 Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
15 Mikhaylo Khalilov Ceramica Flaminia - Bossini Docce s.t.
16 Martin Elmiger AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
17 Sébastien Rosseler Quick·Step s.t.
18 Stefano Garzelli Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
19 Matteo Tosatto Quick·Step s.t.
20 Kurt-Asle Arvesen Team Saxo Bank s.t.
21 Kim Kirchen Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
22 Philippe Gilbert Silence - Lotto s.t.
23 Alberto Ongarato LPR Brakes Farnese Vini s.t.
24 Peter Wrölich Team Milram s.t.
25 Martijn Maaskant Garmin - Slipstream s.t.
77 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 20
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| trops |
Posted on 12-08-2009 23:20
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Stagiare
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Sorry for the long break... had to do some stuff...
__ __ __
Tirreno - Adriatico Stage 3
Should be an easy day. Same assignment... protect, protect, leadout, sprint, hope for win. Ballan has been such an inspiration to me during this race. Even though he's not that much older than me, hes been a bit of a mentor. I'm really learning a lot just by watching him race. Lorenzetto is hoping for another win today and it's very likely. He's flying high right now.
Bono tried the first break but they were caught pretty fast. It's no suprise... it was a huge break. We wanted a guy in the break so we could have a little work taken off our shoulders...
We sent him again but, we shouldn't have. He ended up having a pretty hard day. He lost all his energy half way through the stage and ended up getting swallowed and spat out the back of the peloton and finished somewhere around 20 minutes behind the main P.
Sorry Bono! We did some work despite Bono being away. We needed to keep the leader's jersey.
Mazzanti was caught before the last descent and everything was back together.
Ballan and Lorenzetto set up to do what they've been doing best so far. Meanwhile I'm struggling from all of the work I've done and I sit up and finish the groupetto.
Ballan once again passes everyone for the perfect launch.
Lorenzetto hit's the gas for the 3rd time... can he keep his streak going??
He does it! Once again with a gap... he's really making it look easy.
I was so tired... I didn't really see what made me fall but the fact that it was right before the finish pissed me off. I got up as fast as I could and just walked across the line... What a joke.
Lorenzetto obviously keeps the leader's jersey and the point's jersey.
Greg Van Avermaet
Edited by trops on 12-08-2009 23:23
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| trops |
Posted on 13-08-2009 05:53
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Once again I screwed up lol.... Didn't get any pictures for stage 4 so ill be very detailed in stage 5 to make it up. I'll give an overview of what happened though.
__ __ __
Tirreno - Adriatico Stage 4
This stage promised excitement and it definetly delived... Unfortunately for my dumbass I couldn't get any pictures =(... I'll be as descriptive as possible. The 3 small but sharp towards the end of the stage were where the fireworks were supposed to happen but the real determination of the day happened more towards the beginning of the course. Kirchen, Di Luca, and Voigt were the pre-race favourtites. Kirchen, rightfully so, as he is definetly on form for this race. There was hardly any wind the whole day and the temperature was around 15 degrees celsius for the majority of the race. There were many attacks from the get-go and a lot of riders wanted to get away today. As we neared the first KoM point everything was together.
Then Voigt, Flecha, Sentjens, and Moreno were among the favorites that attacked for the KoM points. They attacked so far from the summit that they had built a gap over the descent. Them along 2 others quickly built a gap and would not be reeled back all day. Other riders attack to join the front six and among the attackers included Roche, Trofimov, Gutierrez (another Caisse), Jufre, Kiryienka, and Quinziatto. After a while a front of group of 9 had formed and looked strong.
The first hill was relivately calm despite the chase. Over the 2nd climb Kirchen made a dig but, because of me and Mori's pace he was reeled back quickly and over the climb Ballan attacked as I sat up and rolled in with the P. All breakaway riders had been sucked up despite Voigt, Gutierrez, and Flecha. All 3 stayed till the end while finishing in that order. Ballan's attacked on the flat was awesome and he used his moment to jet up the climb as fast as he could. He ended finishing 4th but would indeed take the leader's jersey from Lorenzetto who dropped to 2nd at 1 second back.
Time trial is up next and the results are fantastic.
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| trops |
Posted on 13-08-2009 06:45
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Tirreno - Adriatico Stage 5 ITT
I am completely confident today. I was determined to get a good result. I loved a good challenge and I love a good time trial and this one looks like a real sufferfest. I'm hoping for a top 25 spot but I'm not spending to much time hoping. I spent about a good 30 minutes on my trainer and working on getting my mind straight. I'm anxious. There is a long time till I go. I didn't speak with any of my teammates today. I like to keep to myself on time trial day's. It keeps me focused on my effort and preperation. Am I nervous? No. Ballan seemed ready for the work ahead as well. He rode his trainer right next to mine but we didn't speak.
I was able to catch Bono leave the starting gate on the tube. He was ready as ever. He fed information about the course to the car who sent it back to us. He made note that both climbs aren't to be taken lightly. The flat section is relatively easy but once, you hit the last climb it can bite if you haven't saved enough energy. I already had my strategy though. Bono finished 155th at + 4'11".
George Hincapie was the first BIG name to leave the gate and he sent the time to beat for most of the day. It wouldn't last though. He ended the day 4th at + 29".
It was my time now... Hincapie was still on the course as I got ready to ride. He had already set the standard at the first time check. I left 87th behind Tonti. I got off my trainer, nodded at Ballan and headed to the gate. As I sat there I took 10 deep breathes. I took off from the gate and started my first pro-tour sufferfest... and hopefully not last.
I powered my way up the first climb as fast as I could... I felt good... I kept my breathing controlled all the way up. Tonti was still not in sight but, I knew he was close. I decided a long time ago that using your minute-man is a better way of knowing how your ride is going.
Over the first check and down the hill. I didn't pay attention to the radio but, I could hear what my sportif said, "Your 16 seconds behind Hincapie, fourth at the first check... fourth, keep up the power." I ignored him... I had my own plan.
I was all over my bike today. It wasn't a problem of comfort, I just wanted to keep my pace high. I wanted to "dance on the pedals".
The halfway town was dead... I expected more people. Whatever, halfway through the town I could barely make out Tonti in the distance. Out of the saddle again, keeping my pace even. 2nd time check.... "31st at the 2nd check?? 2 minutes 11 second behind Hincapie... If you've cracked already Mazzi...." My plan was to power up the first climb, take it easy on the flats, and then absolutely destroy the final ascent. Of course I keep secrets to myself though.
Final climb starts. Tonti is clearly visible now. I start to up the pace. I don't just the up the pace... I grab it and chuck it at the ceiling. I'm in serious pain but, this is what preperation is for... I'm ready.
I don't catch Tonti but that's fine... I sprint hard as I cross the line. I look back................ The numbers and letters appear across the screen backwards (it's almost taunting me). " 2 0 ' 1 + d n 2 I z z a M. Translation = Mazzi 2nd + 1'02". I almost threw my hands in the air and the race isn't even over! I congratulated myself and rode back my team area and watched the race unfold for the rest of the day in silence.
My first bump had already happened by now by Laurens Ten Dam edging me by 24 seconds. Rosseler would finish 12th at + 1'29"
Nibali is an opponent I greatly admire although I've never met him in person. When I see him I see a future Giro winner in the making. In the end I beat him by 29 seconds.
Quinziato would also bump me finishing 6 seconds faster.
Voigt steamrolled the course but couldn't set the fastest time of the day. 5th at + 30 seconds.
Gutierrez also had great shape but couldn't get it done finishing 6th at 34 seconds behind the leader.
Menchov is clearly off form but he's got bigger plans in the making. 13th at 1 minute 21 seconds back.
Pinotti, Italian time trial phenom, failed to crack the top 10 at 11th 1'16" back.
Russian countryman of Menchov kills himself all day finishing 48th.
Milram looks to have a tough year if Gerdemann can't get on form and get a good result. 29th for him.
The man... Steamrolls the whole course... remaining consistent throughout, like he always does, wins at a time of 49 minutes 28 seconds. What a inspiration!
Chavanel rides great. 7th at + 52 seconds.
Kirchen will be Ballan's main competitor for tomorrow's long hilly stage. He's looking on form and finishes 3rd at a mere 12 seconds back.
Lorenzetto looks to fall out of the top 20 today. He's not a time trialist. 83rd at 3 minutes 3 seconds off pace.
Last man to begin. All alone Ballan sets out to hopefully keep the leader's jersey on his shoulders. He finishes with a time of 49 minutes 34 seconds. 6 seconds of pace of Cancellara and 2nd place on today's stage. Fantastic result for him and he will definetly keep the jersey. He heads to tomorrow's stage with 22 seconds on Kirchen.
I finish at 15th at 1 minute 26 seconds off pace of Cancy! Fantastic result for me and I think I deserved it.
11 Marco Pinotti Team Columbia - High Road + 1'16
12 Sébastien Rosseler Quick·Step + 1'19
13 Denis Menchov Rabobank + 1'21
14 Manuel Quinziato Liquigas + 1'26
15 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 1'32
65 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 4'53
^10th is a good spot for me
Edited by trops on 13-08-2009 06:50
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| matt493 |
Posted on 14-08-2009 04:22
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3549
Joined: 01-10-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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Great TT. Keep up the good work. Make sure I have some updates to read when I wake up tomorrow morning.
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| trops |
Posted on 14-08-2009 15:17
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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lol I'm trying but I've been really busy lately... I thought I would have some free time... I'll try. tirreno is done and i've also got milano-san remo done as well.
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| trops |
Posted on 14-08-2009 16:38
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Tirreno - Adriatico Stage 6
Today's route is the longest stage of the race and takes us over the Sasso Tetto which is 13.7k of climbing at about 7.3%. Some sections jumped to about 11%. OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! It's a long stage so you can expect that the weak will be given no mercy today. This route can also be considered the definition of "undulation." Non-stop hills to the end. We are all working for Ballan today. Even Lorenzetto. It's time for Lorenzetto to give back to Ballan. Right now Ballan leads in the points and the leader's classification so we have a bit of work ahead.
LOTS of attacks today. The first 2 to get a gap were Wegelius and Peterson.
More attacks and more riders latch to their breakaway. 2 riders becomes 9.
9 becomes 17.
17 becomes none.
As we step up to start control 4 more riders try their luck.
Pretty soon there are 3 groups of 4 riders out in front of the peloton. None of the riders are that threatening so we don't really care to much about them.
Our work is starting to leave some weaklings behind. Our front there is a big group of 11 and Guesdon behind them who fell off in on the the small hills.
30 k to the climb and more riders attack. More dangerous riders that is. Kroon, Roche, Ten Dam, Kiryienka, Arvesen, Efimkin, Gentili, among others. Still... we don't panic and keep a steady, but not easy pace to the beginning of the Tetto.
Other riders move to the front to begin some pace setting. CSC and Colombia are the main contributers.
The mass of the breakaway starts the climb but it's doubtful that maybe 3 riders make it to the top untouched by the P.
The climb hits me right from the get-go. I'm spent already and me and Lorenzetto start to move backwards... off the main-group and down to our own pace.
11% OWWWW!!!
Many of the break's riders are caught save for a few... Most notably Efimkin and Roche.
The P got very strung out and there is a considerable amount of pain among the riders. This climb is HARD! (I'm serious, my riders had an easier time climbing Angliru in PCM 2008).
Near the top Ballan has to use a little energy to keep at the front. Not only was this climb hard even for him but, he had poor positioning from the bottom and now he's paying for it.
The main group's pace is lightening fast as you can see.
Up the little hill on the otherside of the Tetto, Voigt attacks. Ballan sits. Voigt is still a little far back and he is more concerned for Kirchen.
Speak of the devil.... Ballan counters along with Cancellara.
Ballan moves past and sits on Voigt's wheel. He says, if you want this race... ride it.
Poor choice of words... the AG2R duo is caught and Voigt moves past. Ballan is empty. He just needs to cut his losses and finish.
Chavanel passes. Hang on Ballan!
Kirchen and Trofimov pass... but the suffering is over... 5th for Ballan.
Another win for the strong man Voigt. He deserves it he worked hard. He also passes Ballan and moves into 2nd in the General. Kirchen takes 1st and Ballan drop to 3rd. 
Stage
1 Jens Voigt Team Saxo Bank 6h18'22
2 Sylvain Chavanel Quick·Step + 20
3 Kim Kirchen Team Columbia - High Road + 28
4 Yuri Trofimov Bbox Bouygues Télécom + 44
5 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C + 56
6 Mauricio Soler Barloworld s.t.
7 Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha s.t.
8 Danilo Di Luca LPR Brakes Farnese Vini s.t.
9 Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank + 1'28
10 José Iván Gutiérrez Caisse d'Epargne s.t.
11 Lorenzo Bernucci LPR Brakes Farnese Vini + 2'04
12 David Moncoutié Cofidis, le crédit en ligne + 2'16
13 Thomas Voeckler Bbox Bouygues Télécom s.t.
14 Fran Pérez Caisse d'Epargne s.t.
15 Ricardo Serrano Fuji - Servetto s.t.
16 Fabian Wegmann Team Milram s.t.
17 Alexander Efimkin AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
18 Dainius Kairelis Ceramica Flaminia - Bossini Docce s.t.
19 Pavel Brutt Team Katusha s.t.
20 Franco Pellizotti Liquigas s.t.
99 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 11'40
Overall
1 Kim Kirchen Team Columbia - High Road 22h27'00
2 Jens Voigt Team Saxo Bank + 6
3 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C + 10
4 Sylvain Chavanel Quick·Step + 22
5 Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank + 1'06
6 Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha + 1'30
7 Danilo Di Luca LPR Brakes Farnese Vini + 1'49
8 Yuri Trofimov Bbox Bouygues Télécom + 2'02
9 José Iván Gutiérrez Caisse d'Epargne + 2'03
10 Fran Pérez Caisse d'Epargne + 2'59
11 Mauricio Soler Barloworld + 3'00
12 Jakob Fuglsang Team Saxo Bank + 3'29
13 Mikel Astarloza Euskaltel - Euskadi + 3'33
14 Franco Pellizotti Liquigas + 3'35
15 Tanel Kangert AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
16 Pavel Brutt Team Katusha + 3'41
17 Gilberto Simoni Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli + 3'42
18 Linus Gerdemann Team Milram + 3'47
19 Martijn Maaskant Garmin - Slipstream + 3'50
20 José Rubiera Astana Cycling Team + 3'52
21 Sébastien Joly Française des Jeux + 4'16
22 Lorenzo Bernucci LPR Brakes Farnese Vini + 4'21
23 Stefano Garzelli Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo + 4'25
24 Fabian Wegmann Team Milram + 4'32
25 David Moncoutié Cofidis, le crédit en ligne + 4'34
79 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 15'47
Edited by trops on 14-08-2009 16:52
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| trops |
Posted on 14-08-2009 17:44
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Tirreno - Adriatico Stage 7
A good finish stage today. Some climbing to do towards the beginning but after that it's a real sprinters stage. Main favorites today are Pozzato, Cavendish (who hasn't made much noise in this race at all), and Petacchi who also doesn't done much this in this year's Tirreno. Most of the sprinter's stages have finished in difficult hills which kill the legs of Petacchi and Cavendish so it's understandble. Today they should compete. My task is to protect and help in the lead out, but that may be difficult because I'm not feeling well at all today. -5 form  .
Tried and failed.
Main breakaway... nothing threatening so we left the chasing to the sprinter's teams. They peaked at a gap of 8 minutes.
On the flat LPR and Katusha moved to do some work for Petacchi and Pozzato. This push in pace made me very uncomfortable and I struggled all the way to the finish.
Mori, then me, Ballan, and Lorenzetto. We were still coming up the break but they were doomed. Pretty soon I had to pull off as I couldn't keep Mori's wheel so Ballan moved right past and then Mori felt the sting and so Ballan took over the leading out.
As it stood at 5km the break were just about caught. Ballan was leading Lorenzetto with Petacchi on his wheel and Cavendish behind Petacchi. On the left O'Grady was leading out Breschel with a Milram sprinter on his wheel... not sure which one, probably Forster. Don't mind the middle train, I don't think anyone of importance was in it. Pozzato?? 
There he is! Out of absolutely no where Pozzato flies right by everyone. Lorenzetto tries to jump him but he's to late as he fights to catch his wheel. Ballan is still holding strong... and by strong I mean holding off Cavendish and Breschel.
It's Pozzato! What a suprise. Kinda.... I finish in the group and all is well. First PT stage race complete... next stop... 290 more kilometers of Italian racing in Milan - San Remo.
Stage
1 Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha 4h06'11
2 Mirko Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
3 Alessandro Petacchi LPR Brakes Farnese Vini s.t.
4 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
5 Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - High Road s.t.
6 Ruggero Marzoli Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
7 Manuel Quinziato Liquigas s.t.
8 Sébastien Rosseler Quick·Step s.t.
9 Stuart O'Grady Team Saxo Bank s.t.
10 Thomas Bertolini Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli s.t.
11 Alessandro Bertolini Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli s.t.
12 Matti Breschel Team Saxo Bank s.t.
13 Robert Förster Team Milram s.t.
14 Francesco Chicchi Liquigas s.t.
15 Giuseppe Palumbo Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
62 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
Overall
1 Kim Kirchen Team Columbia - High Road 26h33'11
2 Jens Voigt Team Saxo Bank + 6
3 Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.G.C + 10
4 Sylvain Chavanel Quick·Step + 22
5 Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank + 1'06
6 Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha + 1'20
7 Danilo Di Luca LPR Brakes Farnese Vini + 1'49
8 Yuri Trofimov Bbox Bouygues Télécom + 2'02
9 José Iván Gutiérrez Caisse d'Epargne + 2'03
10 Fran Pérez Caisse d'Epargne + 2'59
11 Mauricio Soler Barloworld + 3'00
12 Jakob Fuglsang Team Saxo Bank + 3'29
13 Mikel Astarloza Euskaltel - Euskadi + 3'33
14 Franco Pellizotti Liquigas + 3'35
15 Tanel Kangert AG2R La Mondiale s.t.
16 Pavel Brutt Team Katusha + 3'41
17 Gilberto Simoni Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli + 3'42
18 Linus Gerdemann Team Milram + 3'47
19 Martijn Maaskant Garmin - Slipstream + 3'50
20 José Rubiera Astana Cycling Team + 3'52
21 Sébastien Joly Française des Jeux + 4'16
22 Lorenzo Bernucci LPR Brakes Farnese Vini + 4'21
23 Stefano Garzelli Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo + 4'25
24 Fabian Wegmann Team Milram + 4'32
25 David Moncoutié Cofidis, le crédit en ligne + 4'34
79 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 15'47
Mountains won by Jens Voigt.
Points won by Ballan.
Team won by Saxo Bank.
Young won by Yuri Trofimov.
14 Gerardino Mazzi Lampre - N.G.C + 13'45
Young^
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| trops |
Posted on 14-08-2009 22:45
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Stagiare
Posts: 177
Joined: 28-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Milan - San Remo
If there were a classic to win in my future, I'd love for it to be this one. The course is 294 km of sheer terror for any rookie looking to make a name for himself. Not for me though. This is my heaven. My goal TODAY is to finish in the top 50. If I can't thats fine... I'll be assisting Ballan today in getting a win as our sponser's have made this race very important for us. Lorenzetto is also here to compete in the sprint if it comes down to it. It's windy and hot today. Perfect conditions for a tough race.
Here I am at the start with Lorenzetto at my wheel. We look grumpy don't we.
Early attacks... Buts trys to go but, with the wind none of the attackers get very far.
Rabobank, Liquigas, and Quickstep are all looking out for their leader's chasing back groups that they feel need chasing back.
The chase works but attacks are stubborn people... Buts goes again. Bad idea... he's caught out again and will later be dropped and have to fend for himself for about 200 kilometers. Not ideal.
After a while a group does form... Mori sees this and attacks to try and bridge the gap.
The breakaway is all formed and on their way. But it's not so easy... The wind makes it tough and the escapees are anxious, they attack each other non-stop until the descent. Mori is feeling the stress in his legs and consistently falls off and latches on to the breakaway for a long time.
As the descent begins Liquigas comes to the front begin the slow chase to reel in the breakaways who have about 7 minutes.
Mori leads down the descent but, it's a bluff. He doesn't feel good at all.
I'm still here but, my daily form is again awful. -5. I'm struggling but, still hanging on.
Only 2 riders are still out but neither look any good and the gap starts dropping significantly.
First attacks!! Wegmann, Zabriskie, Schleck, Vaitkus try their luck! Joly, Pinotti, Smukulis all try to bridge up to the original 4.
Schleck has a gap. It grows up to 1 minute 20 seconds.
Elmiger and Maaskant soon join up with Schleck and the 3 work to get a gap. Back in the pack I'm still here but, I'll get knocked around on the first climbs and probably be dropped by the Cipressa, if not, on the Cipressa.
They're working great together and their gap isn't moving.
La Cipressa begins at the escape is still out front. I was right on... La Cipressa is too much for me. Bye main P!!
Nuyens and Ivanov take turns taking big pulls and they are finally cutting into the gap. Both their teams are working hard for their leaders.
Over La Cipressa and they've still got a gap. Ballan is preparing to make a move or counter if need be...
And here he goes!!!! He takes a huge dig and attacks to get away from pack! Only Nocentini tries to follow but it's useless... He sat up and faded back to the peloton.
His attack propels him past the breakaway. He's got a gap over the top!
Down onto the flat before the finish he's still got a gap of about a minute and 20 seconds. He's working hard and fading as the 5 km banner is crossed.
Meanwhile Lorenzetto is trying to catch wheels to hopefully compete for a possible 2nd place. He grabs Greipel's wheel as Greipel makes a move up the left. He's attacking like a leadout man for Lorenzetto!
He does it!!!! He hangs on and wins Milan - San Remo!!! Good job Ballan!
In the sprint Boonen took off early and was lightning fast. Lorenzetto grabbed his wheel but couldn't get around him so 3rd for Lorenzetto but, still fantastic!!!
I finished back in 99th. not bad still, considering I lasted to the Cipressa and I spent most of the day protecting Lorenzetto who came in 3rd. Whew!
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