Blueprint wrote:
Please keep on at your current pace, I think it's good. Although, personally I wouldn't mind if you put your screenshots (partially) behind spoilers, so the page loads faster. I'm mainly interested in the story and the results, not so much in pixels. However, I can imagine that other readers don't share this opinion.
Very interesting point. I decrease the quality of screenshots of course via IrfanView to avoid long loading times (and to save Photobucket space), but I suppose that's not enough when you have so many screenshots in big races such as P-R. I'll think about it but I will have to take a look at how it looks and works in practice. It's no problem to put certain "page-filler" screenshots into spoilers of course, especially in long story posts, while the ones I consider that are good to look at or show certain action in the race appear normal in the text. Actually, that might even put them in a better focus... Thanks for the suggestion Blueprint
Also I would like to mention one more time that you can still send questions (via PM) to me concerning the Ion & Gorka Izagirre interview.
Edited by Shonak on 18-12-2013 15:28
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
@Ollfardh: Thanks mate. Hope you stay on board the Euskaltel train.
@The Rider: They certainly stirred up the most fuss behind Samu Sánchez. On world tour level, Egoi Martínez ranks before them though thanks to his surprising 3rd place at Tirr-Adr.
Just finished writing the Interview, may put it up online later and break my own restriction of not posting reports till Thursday o_O If any of you guys have questions for the Interview and the Izagirre brothers make sure to send in the question. Then again, the Interview is pretty lengthy already.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
No i think your pace is fine dude go as you want to go, also keep the format the same imo, but i others want it changed so be it i think i agree what someon esle said a pic tells a 1000 words i like the quality aswell i find the loading times fina and mine is only a crappy Toshiba Satelitte laptop.
Do you think Samu can podium?, is top 5 possible or you going to keep being agressive and seeing were it takes you at the ened? What about the Polka Dots anyone going to keep going for that?
We will see how it works out but focus lies on stage wins. Mountain jersey might be a possibility. Competition for Podium is tough and things ain't getting easier with Samu's crash and the support team isn't really that strong in the mountains.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Interview with Gorka & Ion Izagirre can be read a bit further down.
Dogs of San Sebastian, Part 2
Gorka Izagirre won the last stage and I had quite some drinks to celebrate. That means, I drank and the riders showed discipline and stayed a bit longer than usual. Today’s a rest day, so everything’s cool. However, Zakur sent them to bed at around ten o’clock, and I felt like they were children to him. And from the looks of it, Zakur wasn’t someone who particularly liked children. Or anybody, as a matter of fact. I hang around with some people from the staff and soon the talk was on-going. We cheered on Gorka’s health, told each other stories of the Vuelta País Vasco or just shared stories of where we have been and what we did there. Mysterious places sometimes, and shady activities. As we talked, Zakur was looming over the race schedule and the plans for the future days in some corner. He didn’t say good night when he left the hall, and then one of the mechanics started to complain.
“That guy is such a pain in the ass!”, he proclaimed and listed the several occasions where he pissed off some one, and we were only 3 days into the Giro. “I mean seriously, he gave Gorka such a hard time for cheering. For cheering too long. You should have fought till the end, we would have Maglia Rosa now… bla bla bla. Who cares? It’s Gorkas moment, and he has no right to steal it from him.”
“I heard, he learned that from Manolo Saiz. He worked with Once for some time but then they kicked him out because he was just too… competitive. They’d say that in the dismissal letter. Here on this table, we would call it being a dick.”
“Yeah, I get then where he has all this shouting from”, I say and drink the local Italian wine.
“You know, he only just came aboard. Brought in by Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano. They say, he gets results at Grand Tours. Maybe because he keeps the riders on the edge. Like all the time. But that’s apparently what we need. Some maniac, always shouting at us, always nagging at each detail. He’s possessed.”
“By what, some demonic existence?” I try myself at a joke, but the guys don’t laugh.
“No, he’s possessed by success. No matter the cost.”
“I tell, man, this guy will give us no moment to rest, to relax. Especially the riders. You think, the Giro is tough, try living with this guy for 3 weeks…” And then, they continue to share some stories of Zakur. Surely some of them are fables, while others might be true. Stories of his former teams. He once let every one of his riders go home at foot from a mountain because they lost the U25 jersey. He jumped up onto the podium at some small one-day classic 2 years ago, while a rider was just celebrating his victory and he told everyone in the crowd, that his victory wasn’t fairly gained and that one of his boys should have won. There are pictures in the internet of cars that suffered his rage, some slightly demolished. He knocked in quite a few doors over the years, one of the mechanics assures me. And the doctor on the team confirms, that there is really anything Zakur would do to win. “This is not about the riders. This is just about him showing off.” I wonder, if the bad D-word can be meant, but the doctor reassures me, that no team manager is allowed to say the word for something like that, but also states that: “With all the things Zakur says and does… riders might as well want to cheat all by themselves. Being manipulated into it by constant pressure of succeeding and winning.”
“But… I always guessed that for example Katu, well, he wouldn’t approve of such a thing. Neither would the sportive directors or the public respond kindly.”
“Well, they are not around here. But don’t worry. We keep an close eye on everyone and thankfully, Zakur himself can’t do any damage in this regard, as long as I am here the doctor.”
That reassures me but my journalistic integrity (pah! What a big word!) is challenged by recent revelations. I forget about them later on while I drink my wine, and only just remember them as I am typing my lines.
I woke up the next morning and only have untrue memories of yesterday’s night. I know there’s an interview up with Gorka Izagirre and I take a look at the world of cycling, while my head is still hammering as I suffer quite an intolerable hang-over. It’s good that today’s a rest day.
Yours,
X
Interview with Ion & Gorka Izagirre All Cyclists are equal but some cyclists are more equal than others
Today I have the chance to interview the two Izagirre brothers at Euskaltel – Euskadi. I am a bit nervous. I did interviews in the past but this time, you know the riders a lot more and they know you a lot more. It’s not the typical feel I have. Especially cause I really like the guys. I meet Gorka in the hall, he just came from his training ride in the afternoon and took a shower. A bit earlier, he talked on a press conference and already answered questions. This time around, there will also be Ion Izagirre. Gorka gets out his laptop and the desktop screen is the ikurrina. We get a call from Ion just as Gorka signs into the programme. He smiles cheerfully and responds that he just came from a training ride himself. I don’t waste much time with their brother-jokes and get right to the questions.
X: Ion, have you seen Gorka’s race yesterday?
Ion: No, I trained myself. I need to do stuff, can’t hang around all the time around the team like you do. But our dad recorded the race, like he records any race we participate in, and I am sure to watch it in the days to come.
Gorka: Hopefully there will be more Giro d’Italia races you will want to see in the future.
X: Ion has won a Giro stage last year, Gorka has done the same now this year. How come the Giro d’Italia suits the Izagirre brothers so well?
Gorka: Well, the course, but that would probably be an easy answer, no? I think it has something to do with the fact that we are allowed here to take our chances. Samu is our leader of course, but it’s different for us at the Giro. At the Tour de France the competition in any breakaway is way tougher and we mostly try our luck in the mountain stages, where we can achieve something near to our homeland. At the Vuelta it’s ambiguous. We want to ride for general classification but it often doesn’t work out, leaving little chance for riders like us. Hopefully my Grand Tour stage win won’t remain the only one for the team this year, I am sure we can achieve way more than that.
Ion: It has also something to do with pressure. The Giro d’Italia is obviously not so important to us than the Tour or the Vuelta. It’s still important of course. I mean, I would try anything to get another stage win here, but the pressure from the public is way less. It’s more about joy and taking chances at the Giro than at the Tour or the Vuelta when we ride at the front, or at least it should be.
X: Ion, you have impressed many people with your results in the cobbles campaign. How are the chances that this can turn into your specialty?
Ion: Bad, honestly. I didn’t finish Paris – Roubaix and there’s no denying of that. It was disappointing after finishing Top 25 at Ronde van Vlaanderen. I don’t think I have the potential to ever contest if things go normal though in any of the 4 World Tour races. But I will try my chances and maybe I can ride more races like that on a continental level. I only rode the 4 world tour cobble classics after all. I liked riding these races a lot, and it’s unique for a basque rider when Katu tells you: “You are our captain today.” I enjoy these races despite all the pain you have to endure when you fight for a good place. I am very proud of performing so well, to represent the team at these races that do not suit us at all. I’d like to do this again. Maybe someday I will get lucky enough with a break.
X: Gorka, you have also won a stage at Volta Ciclista al Catalunya…
Gorka: Yes, and then I lost it all in this stupid sprint. I am not used to ride so far ahead in the overall classification, to stay focused all the time. It was a stupid mistake when I lost so much time on the day after my win.
X: Yet you also performed a similar deed yesterday when you celebrated a bit too long. You could be in Maglia Rosa.
Gorka: It seems like I never learn, huh? No, but honestly, gaining the Maglia Rosa would have been nice and wouldn’t say not to it. But it really wasn’t in my mind at the time. Zakur was telling to ride on and on, to sprint, but I just wanted to enjoy that moment. But I don’t regret it, every second I lost was worth it. Plus, I couldn’t wear the Maglia Azzura if I had the Maglia Rosa. So that’s that.
X: How do both of you rate the new policy of Euskaltel – Euskadi? There have been many changes after last season. Foreign riders are hired, the Fundación Ciclista Euskadi was turned into the Basque Cycling Pro Team, Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano brought in many new coaches like Zakur and Katu.
Ion: Honestly it’s too early to tell. Sure we had some success this first half of the year. Maybe we havn’t had so much success in previous years but I imagine we could have had just about the same with the old policy. We had a lot of bad luck after all. Katu is a great addition though. I like his approach to racing. Plus, he was the one who told me I could be a good rider for the cobbles. He has seen potential where I havn’t thought that I barely had any. I have not spend enough time with Galdeano or Zakur to say anything about them, but they are responsible for us and we want to reward their confidence in us.
Gorka: Zakur is really driven. He wants to the team to do good all the time. He demands to be aware and fit and at 100% every single day during a Grand Tour. It’s not easy. Honestly, I feel more fatigue today than any other time. But if the riders win stages and stuff, then the success justifies his approach. As for foreign riders: I like these guys. I wouldn’t mind riding in an all basque or Spanish team, but it’s nice to get some new faces into the team. Tamouridis for example is lots of fun to hang around.
X: Although I see many, really many basque flags everywhere in the world and Samuel Sánchez second straight win at País Vasco proved the love of the basque fans they have for the team, people say that basque cycling isn’t as strong and popular as it was in earlier years, with people like Mayo or Zubeldia. In return, the unemployement rises while the interest in the sport decreases. There are hints about a folding of Euskaltel – Euskadi despite the new-started project. What’s your opinion on that?
Gorka: The public still hangs on with its heart at our story at Euskaltel, so there’s interest, more than enough. Cycling has been described as the heart of basque sport, and the basque people cherish it. So, the interest is still here, the problem: The money isn’t. I think the popularity hasn’t decreased in the basque country after Mayo or Zubeldia. The results have and people think that only result matter for a sponsor. Or sponsors think that only result for the fans and popularity. Both statements are not true. Euskaltel proves that. The sponsor, fans and the people in basque country have proven that they stand by the team no matter what and there is a lot of respect for our team all around the world. I have seen it at the podium yesterday, but the thing is: The support on the road, whether I was in the breakaway or alone in the end, was much stronger than any clap in front of the podium could ever be. That was cycling is about, to ride and to race against your own limits, your opponents, against the road, and it’s not about standing at top of a podium and getting a kiss from a nice-looking lady, although that surely is a part of it. I think some people with money may have forgotten that, but the spectators have not. And I think our sponsor knows that too. And in case they don’t, I hope they read this interview. [laughs]
Ion: There was always an association and ties between the government and sport in the basque country. Atletic Bilbao is supported by the government, and so was the cycling project. This ended last year but our sponsor is keen to keep this project afloat. They know how much it means to the people and it means something to them too. But of course the economy plays a big part too and the decision depends on Euskaltel. Cycling isn’t a protected bubble, shielded from the reality. If they decide that one day they can’t support our team anymore without risking their own company, we shouldn’t be mad but instead thank them for the long years of support. Other sponsors would have jumped ship a long time ago.
X: You two have established yourselves on the World Tour level by now. However, Euskaltel’s approach was long time solely focused on basque riders and the recent years have shown that not everything is great. How do you rate the chances of basque upcoming rising stars? Any message for them out there?
Gorka: Euskaltel – Euskadi’s approach has always been to help talents. We two own a lot to them. I think it’s great that this project can assure basque riders to have a go at the world elite. That is to say, they need to keep it up. Just because Euskaltel – Euskadi will also sign a basque rider before they look for an international or Spanish rider, doesn’t mean that they have it any easier. They still need quality. Maybe the quality hasn’t been so high as in previous years, but the quality is still there. It’s similar to your Austrian ski-stars. They had massive success in past years but the new talent doesn’t really seem up to continuing the legacy of Hermann Maier or Stephan Eberharter. Only Marcel Hirscher is really a stand-out skier, that’s not enough for the Austrian public you told me once. I am sure basque cycling will get back on its feet talent-wise in a few years.
Ion: I agree, but I’d also like to say that there should be basque riders out there who should have the quality of a future Iban Mayo. We just need to find them. As for a message: Just train hard and clean, believe and approach Katu one of these days when you feel you are ready. Otherwise, you impress at the races and a scout will sooner or later notice you. Our scouts do good work and always have the eye and patience to spot them.
Gorka: And don’t give up cycling, even if you don’t manage. It’s a beautiful sport.
X: I have a question from a fan, Blueprint. He asks: As what kind of riders do the Izagirre brothers see themselves?
Gorka: I am a stage racer. Through and through. I know that it might not be enough to win a stage race for good and surely not a Grand Tour any time soon. But I like to take my chances at any stage race I participate in. Go for stage wins and if I don’t succeed, try it again. I look to put in constant effort, try my luck again and again until it works. I was in the break on the first day and I tried it again on the third. If I hadn’t won that stage I would try it again tomorrow. The Giro d’Italia or the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya suit me therefor. They have hilly terrains, many climbs where you can try it.
X: Sounds like you are being quite well brain-washed by Euskaltel`s general tactics. [Gorka laughs]. And you Ion?
Ion: I don’t know yet. I am a bit younger than my brother and still need to orientate myself. I know that stage races suit me but I could be also a rider for one-day races with hills and such. Heck, maybe I can proudly call myself a cobble specialist one day, and then basque flags will show up at the Oude Kwaremont. Time and successes will tell. I still lack a stage win this season though, while my brothers has two. I need to pick up pace soon so I can make fun of him at the end of the season [All three laugh].
X: You two have a very nice chemistry. I have seen once a picture of you two where Gorka holds Ion on his back.
Ion: Jesus, that picture is awful.
X: Yes, it is. Do you think that being brothers this helps you in races, and how is it for you to race together?
Gorka: It helps. But not in a traditional way. Like with footballers, they often say, they know what their brothers do and think. It’s not that for us. We are mostly focused on our own efforts in a race but it’s a nice feeling to know that Ion is somewhere in the peloton or hopefully in the break.
Ion: We have only raced País Vasco together this season and there we both worked for Samu. It was weird to do the pace ahead of the peloton on stage 3 and reel in my brother and the other breakaway riders.
Gorka: That was the plan all along. I felt bad for not being able to help more later on. But I have to admit: It was really weird to get caught by him of all people. I fear he will tell my children about that one day[laughs].
X: Last question now; how do you rate your season so far and what other races do you plan for?
Gorka: I will finish the Giro now and then take a break. I don’t think I will ride another Grand Tour this year, at least for now that’s not the plan. I may try my luck at some smaller continental stage races instead. I took two stage wins so far, finished Top 10 at Volta Ciclista al Catalunya. It was a successful run so far and it was even more for our team. I would give it a solid B.
Ion: For me it’s similar. I was really tired after the classics campaign. I rode nearly every classic one-day race. That takes a toll on you. I did well there I think, but alas, I didn’t win anything and didn’t score a single World Tour point, or at least I think I didn’t, so I’d like to get both of them done until the end of the season. The sooner the better. But I am in a break right now, taking a rest. I will focus now on the fall classics too. If the team needs me at a Grand Tour I will be ready though, but Katu said, he would like to further see my efforts in one-day races to determine my abilities.
X: Thanks a lot guys for the interview. It was a pleasure. And hopefully, we will have reasons to come back together for an interview soon.Edited by Shonak on 20-12-2013 13:16
Really nice interview, and also the DoSS was a quite good read. And i think Gorka had the right to do it like Mayo, and celebrate long before he's over the line.
Catch up on the Gorka & Ion Izagirre interview a bit higher.
Giro d'Italia, May 2013
Stage 4
After yesterday’s rest day all our riders look quite good for today. Gorka Izagirre will be riding in his mountain jersey, while Samuel Sánchez condition still has yet to be seen. He took some minor injurys on the crash, but we don’t know yet how it will affect him when it goes into the mountains.
The day sees an early breakaway, which is immediately successful. This puts Euskaltel – Euskadi in no good position, since all our riders were at the back. Catching up to the group upfront, is probably now not worth the trouble, so Zakur decides to put all our efforts to get Sánchez without any problems to the start of the climb. The break sees: Belkov (KAT), Barguil (ARG), Rujano (VCD), Cummings (BMC), Amador (MOV), Voigt (RTL), Chiarini (AND) and Pietropolli (LAM). In case you are wondering, who the belkin rider constantly at the back of the group is: It’s Bauke Mollema. Yup. Similar to Cadel Evans on stage 3, Mollema wants to try it early. His form is probably not all-too convincing and Gesink is their nominal leader, so he decides to take his chances. The dutch rider is definitely the man to keep an eye out, as the breakaway hits the 3 minute gap pretty fast.
It’s a calm day and not much happens. This is rather typical for a stage, that offers a long flat road and then one or two climbs at the end. The breakaway gets away and the breakaway wins or gets caught again… The break had about 7 minutes lead and I thought they would surely go with more time on them into this climb, but Garmin-Sharp were eager to get Mollema back into their reach before the mountains begin. This performance of the peloton puts many riders back onto the possibility of a stage win, including Samu Sánchez. Oh, and if the group gets caught, their might be some sweet mountain points in it for Gorka Izagirre. Meanwhile, an attack by Nocentini & Friends puffs into the air as Astana and Garmin-Sharp pull them back in.
No mountain points for Gorka unfortunately. This hill was just climbed too fast for Gorka even to think about the strategy. Zakur is furious – as usual. “You have to take such easy points!”, he shouts and I think, people who write everything in exclamations mark are seldom the brightest. I mean, I kinda see his point: He wants that the team does well but this guy, well – he is just too much. My ears are regularly bleeding by his words and shouts and I don’t even want to drink any alcohol in fear of a terrible hangover the next day with this Zakur being my worst nightmare, constantly shouting and thus hammering on my brain…
The breakaway clearly didn’t stand a chance today.20 kilometers to go, the final climb hasn’t even started yet and they were caught. The only one who is pushing his luck and body forward is Rujano, who attacked a bit earlier and must be confident of his abilities in the climbs. But then again, Rujano once claimed he was one of the best 3 climbers in the world, so… yeah, he’s confident, alright.
Intxausti, Pozzovivo, Gesink and Scarponi start the reign of attacks that will hail down onto the peloton in this mountain. 100 riders are still left and well, the peloton will be smaller after this climb. That’s almost guaranteed. Right now, I doubt that any riders will come far away. Either SKY or Astana or Saxo are pulling the pace. I tell Zakur that the best tactic is to only hang on and let Sánchez attack a kilometer from the finish. He looks at me disgusted. “What the hell? We will attack when the opportunity is best!” I shrug a bit and try to calm him down: “I’m just saying, I don’t think there will be a split. Samu, just stay in front…” I say over the microphone over the back of Zakur from the backsit and Zakur pushes me away. “Never do that again, you imbecile!” Well, I suppose I had no right to say anything about the tactical plans, but come on – was that really necessary? “You don’t shout into the micro, only I do that. Understood?!”
“Understood.”
Much to the joy of the Italian fans, Scarponi really goes for it. On his backwheel are Urán and Pozzovivo. Hesjedal attacks too. No sign of Purito and Nibali, I think. Samu doesn’t react yet, but maybe this is actually the decisive split and I think, that I’d be a horrible team coach.
Nibali attacks, and no other riders follow him so far. No one was even able to. Quickly he gains time. Sánchez was a bit caught back in the peloton, not much he could do. He’d only have powered himself unnecessarily out and I think good, keep biding your time. Garmin – Sharp in form of Hesjedal and Talansky are left to do the chasing.
Seriously, Urán and Gesink just snatch Izagirre the remaining points right away from under his nose? Meh…
Nibali takes the stage win, but not much is left from his former comfortable lead of about 40 seconds. Brajkovic takes 2nd place for Team Astana, so with the time bonus, Nibali is new leader of the Giro d’Italia Congratulations to the shark and Team Astana. A wonderful performance today saw a strong winner. The Italians clap extremely loud out the podium, they applaud and whistle and shout “Woooo!” and “Forza Nibali!”
Sánchez tried to attack in the downhill together with Urán and hasn’t managed to get any time on the peloton in the rather short descent. Maybe next time. This was stage that would have suited him but Nibali’s attack was just too damn strong. Sánchez' injuries look to not affected him that much today though.
Stage 4, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
5h53'44
2
Janez Brajkovič
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
3
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Procycling
s.t.
4
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
5
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
6
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
s.t.
7
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
8
Pieter Weening
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
9
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
s.t.
10
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
12
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
13
Tanel Kangert
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
14
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
15
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
16
Samuel Sánchez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
17
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
18
Andrew Talansky
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
19
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
20
Franco Pellizotti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
21
Matthias Frank
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
22
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
23
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
24
Matteo Rabottini
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
+ 1'07
25
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
26
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
27
Diego Rosa
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 1'46
28
Juan José Cobo
Movistar Team
s.t.
29
José Serpa
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
30
Rohan Dennis
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
31
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
32
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
33
Xavier Florencio
Katusha Team
+ 5'45
34
Tom Slagter
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
35
Salvatore Puccio
Sky Procycling
s.t.
36
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
37
Juan José Oroz
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
38
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 6'11
39
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 7'38
40
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 11'00
41
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
42
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
43
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
44
Javier Moreno
Movistar Team
s.t.
45
Mads Christensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
46
Winner Anacona
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
47
Gianni Meersman
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
48
Pablo Lastras
Movistar Team
s.t.
49
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
50
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
51
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
52
Mauro Santambrogio
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
53
Anthony Geslin
FDJ
s.t.
54
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
55
Tiago Machado
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
56
Jens Voigt
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
57
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
58
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
59
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
60
Dries Devenyns
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
61
Yauheni Hutarovich
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
62
José Herrada
Movistar Team
s.t.
63
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
64
Andrey Amador
Movistar Team
s.t.
65
Adam Blythe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
66
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
67
Michael Mørkøv
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
68
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
69
Christian Vande Velde
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
70
José Rujano
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
71
Stuart O'Grady
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
72
Michael Schär
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
73
Enrico Barbin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
74
Manuele Mori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
75
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
76
Warren Barguil
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
77
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
78
Michel Kreder
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
79
Egor Silin
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
80
Sandy Casar
FDJ
s.t.
81
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
82
Francesco Bongiorno
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
83
Ben Swift
Sky Procycling
s.t.
84
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
85
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
86
Jérémy Roy
FDJ
s.t.
87
Jackson Rodríguez
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
88
Oliver Zaugg
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
89
Francesco Failli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
90
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
91
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
92
Cristiano Salerno
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
93
Riccardo Chiarini
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
94
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
95
Alexey Lutsenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
96
Matteo Montaguti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
97
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ
s.t.
98
Laurens Ten Dam
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
99
Maxim Belkov
Katusha Team
s.t.
100
Jure Kocjan
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
101
Miguel Mínguez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
102
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
+ 15'16
103
Alexander Kristoff
Katusha Team
+ 16'15
104
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
105
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
s.t.
106
Nikolas Maes
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 19'55
107
Alexander Porsev
Katusha Team
s.t.
108
Alexey Tsatevitch
Katusha Team
s.t.
109
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
110
Jérôme Pineau
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
111
Stefano Garzelli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
112
Kristof Vandewalle
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
113
Serge Pauwels
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
114
Kevin De Weert
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
115
Stef Clement
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
116
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 22'37
117
Mark Renshaw
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
118
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
119
Sacha Modolo
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
120
Matthew Hayman
Sky Procycling
s.t.
121
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
122
Fabian Wegmann
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
123
Andriy Grivko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
124
Kenny Van Hummel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
125
Arnaud Demare
FDJ
s.t.
126
Rafael de Mattos Andriato
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
127
Mattia Gavazzi
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
128
Manuel Belletti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
129
Kris Boeckmans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
130
Nacer Bouhanni
FDJ
s.t.
131
Oscar Gatto
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
132
Jonas Ahlstrand
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
133
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
134
Kevin Hulsmans
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
135
Tomas Vaitkus
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
136
Hayden Roulston
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
137
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
138
Tobias Ludvigsson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
139
Luke Durbridge
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
140
Filippo Fortin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
141
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
142
Pim Ligthart
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
143
Bob Jungels
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
144
Moreno Hofland
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
145
Wesley Sulzberger
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
146
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
147
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
148
Adam Hansen
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
149
Tom Veelers
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
150
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
151
Rob Ruijgh
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
152
Ben Hermans
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
153
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
154
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
155
Tosh Van der Sande
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
156
Bart De Clercq
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
157
Rafael Valls
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
158
Ariel Maximiliano Richeze
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
159
Ian Stannard
Sky Procycling
s.t.
160
Bert De Backer
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
161
Ian Boswell
Sky Procycling
s.t.
162
Maciej Bodnar
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
163
Koen De Kort
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
164
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
165
Gaetan Bille
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
166
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
167
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
168
Takashi Miyazawa
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
169
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
170
Dennis Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
171
Jonas Vangenechten
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
172
Baden Cooke
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
173
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
174
Matthew Busche
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
175
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
176
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
177
Kanstantsin Siutsou
Sky Procycling
s.t.
178
Enrique Sanz
Movistar Team
s.t.
179
Evgeni Petrov
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
180
Thomas Peterson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
181
Fumiyuki Beppu
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
182
Timothy Duggan
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
183
Cayetano Sarmiento
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
184
Tim Wellens
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
185
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
186
Rory Sutherland
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
187
Thomas Damuseau
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
188
Frantisek Rabon
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
189
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
190
Ricardo García
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
191
Jonathan Monsalve
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
192
Ioannis Tamouridis
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
193
Lucas Sebastián Haedo
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 28'01
194
Francesco Chicchi
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
+ 33'03
195
Cameron Wurf
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 45'41
196
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 50'35
Stage 5
Todays sees nearly 200 kilometers from Cosenza to Matera. Although a rather flat route, the last kilometers uphill could cause an exciting finish for overall classification.
A 4 men breakaway has transformed: In it is former world champion Thor Hushovd (BMC) who is a man to look out for in this finish. Ligthart (VCD), Durbridge (OGE) and Amador (MOV) are great companions so far and they have a good harmony in the group. However, since they are good companions they will also be tough opponents in the finish. Each of them is already far behind in the overall classification so their chances are quite good that their attempt will survive until the end. From Euskaltel – Euskadi Tamouridis and Minugze were allowed to try their luck but they didn’t manage to follow or instigate the right attack.
Oroz and Minguez at the back of the peloton and still the manic Italian cycling fans cheer for them. If cycling is a religion, than Italy is truly one of the most fanatic places for it.
The first hill is up and the peloton is already close to them. Looks like the sprinter teams aren’t inclined to hand away a stage this early. Lighthart and Hushovd fight for the mountain points. Izagirre has nothing to worry, he has 16 points so far and a comfortable lead of 10 points to Cummings.
Felline utterly destroy the competition in this finish. The last hill to the finish was quite demanding and even Euskaltel – Euskadi got into some trouble due to the extremely high-pace. But one of them didn’t, Samuel Sánchez was the best of the rest and finishes 2nd. This implies some sweet bonus seconds, and these are always nice. Basque rider Intxausti (MOV) shows his great form by taking 3rd. The uprise of these two Spaniards however shows that except for Felline most sprinters missed the legs after this demanding hill. The pace up to it, was kind of horrific. Zakur is rarely at a loss on words and rather than congratulating Sánchez on his second place, he demands from his star rider to keep this up and further push on. “You need to be beast for this Giro. This was good, but it wasn’t great. We’d won if it was great.” I congratulate Samu later on to a great finish and he smiles. He is too experienced to let these words by Zakur harm him in any way. And his form is slowly coming to excellence despite the crash and the many previous races - let's hope it stays that way.
Thanks guys. Samu didn't quite have the legs to stay with Felline (that guy was just too fast) in the sprint, but 2nd place is nice too of course, especially because of the bonus seconds. Wish Samu would have raced faster in the downhill on stage 4 though, then he might have had a shot at the stage win against Nibali. Alas, no worries - all's good.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Sanchez is showing well but with Nibali in 1st place followed by strong riders it will be a big effort to break into the final GC top 5 unless Gorka can stay up there.
Yup, Nibali is in absolute Giro form, but competition is definitely tough enough. So far.
Gorka in Top 5 at the end - that would be an unbelievable surprise.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The Izagirre brothers are really showing well (just behind Sami Sanchez as the big guns of the team so far)
Glad you enjoyed the interview (I can't really tell due to the smiley^^)
