Catch up on the Interview with Gorka & Ion Izagirre on this page
& Gorka Verdugo's ride up to Altopiano del Montasio here.
Giro d'Italia, May 2013
Stage 11
This could turn out to be another good stage for us. The short but steep climb up to Diga del Vajont might be something for Samu and Gorka Izagirre. With only 10 points today, the points for the Mountain jersey aren’t to rewarding for a stage win, so maybe one of the other guys will try his luck today?
Race situation was quite to begin with. J.J. Oroz (EUS) managed to stay up ahead with Christensen from Saxo Tinkhoff for quite some team. Together the rode a good pace and functioned as a first bastion for any hopeful riders today who were willing to get into the breakaway. Surprisingly, while the entire breakaway changed two times, Oroz and Christensen both times stayed ahead of the peloton. However, Astana ain’t Sky and as the breakaway grew too large, they reeled them back in fairly easily. A second try by Oroz was accompanied by De Marchi, Casar and De Clerq. This time, things look better, although Casar is arguably the strongest at the moment, having launched a second attack even.
10 kilometers into Sella Giampotta, 10 kilometers left of this long climb. Oroz is doing good in the group although all 3 riders are superior climbers compared to him. He still has a shot if he rides clever and can conserve energy, I’m sure of it. Zakur in his raving rampage believes too, I presume. Oroz is thankfully spared by it so far, although I am sure, as soon as things start to get heated, Zakur will shout and turn berserk once again. Meanwhile, it seems that Oroz has largely recovered completely from the heated start of the race and can be sure to have all his power and step over his limits in the finish. At least, that’s what I hope. With 7 minutes in the climb, things are looking good.
De Marchi (CAN) is the first on top of the mountain, while the peloton still has over 5 kilometers left, and finally gets out of the shadows into the warm sun of the near-by sun. It’s surely not the top of the world, but you can see it from here, I think in a lazy poetic way.
Oroz and Co. are nearing the 10 kilometers mark, while back in the peloton things are heating up extremely…
Voigt has launched a downhill attack and Pozzovivo followed him. But surprisingly, the peloton split too. And the worst thing: No rider of Euskaltel is in this group of favourites. So while Euskaltel and Katusha were eager to reel the group in, and our guys really tried but it didn’t look good and then Zakur made a tough call: we tried our luck with Samu Sánchez. The Spaniard attacked in the remaining downhill and hoped to snatch them on his own… In hindsight, this was a bad choice.
The asturiano is close but he just doesn’t seem to manage to catch up to the group. This was maybe stupid, he is already powered out by now…. Zakur doesn’t even shout, he just punches the board of the car over and over again and nearly demolishes in his rage.
Oroz tries his luck with a few kilometers left to go. De Clerq (LTB) has attacked earlier on. Oroz wants to try his luck to now and has to send away the fan next to him. That guy looked like an annoying douche.
Seeing Katusha behind Samu, makes it clear that we utterly fucked up today… Sometimes all your experience isn’t worth shit, sometimes there are just days where you are not on top, where you miss something when you shouldn’t. Some days are just like this, and then there are weeks, that are stuffed with such days. And this race lately surely fills like a ton of these days.
De Clerq isn’t on the finish line yet and Oroz comes up, sprinting, giving it everything he got.
But De Clerq wins. Oroz takes 2nd. Great result by Oroz. But Zakus is pissed. I am too.
Hesjedal doesn’t want to make it easy on Nibali and T.J. Van Garderen to hold on. Meanwhile, back there, Samu is struggling. Big time.
Gora Samu, Gora! One would imagine that he feels the injuries suffered on the 3rd stage, but this is no excuse for today. In truth, Euskaltel just messed up today.
Stage 11, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Bart De Clercq
Lotto Belisol
4h33'36
2
Juan José Oroz
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 22
3
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 30
4
Sandy Casar
FDJ
s.t.
5
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
+ 3'40
6
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
7
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
8
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
+ 3'57
9
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
10
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
+ 4'11
Spoiler
11
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 4'27
12
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
13
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
14
Matthias Frank
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
15
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
s.t.
16
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Procycling
s.t.
17
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 4'49
18
Franco Pellizotti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
19
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 5'09
20
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
21
Matteo Rabottini
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
22
Francesco Failli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
23
Jens Voigt
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 5'52
24
Samuel Sánchez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 6'32
25
Andrew Talansky
Garmin - Sharp
+ 6'59
26
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
27
Diego Rosa
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
28
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
29
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
30
Christian Vande Velde
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
31
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
32
Tiago Machado
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
33
Janez Brajkovič
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
34
Tanel Kangert
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
35
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
36
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
37
Maxim Belkov
Katusha Team
s.t.
38
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
39
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
40
Xavier Florencio
Katusha Team
s.t.
41
Ricardo García
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
42
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 7'32
43
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
44
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
45
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
46
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
47
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
48
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
49
Rohan Dennis
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
50
Juan José Cobo
Movistar Team
s.t.
51
Ioannis Tamouridis
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 8'38
52
Jure Kocjan
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 8'50
53
Alexey Tsatevitch
Katusha Team
+ 10'20
54
Warren Barguil
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 11'13
55
José Rujano
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 11'39
56
Miguel Mínguez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
57
Thomas Peterson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
58
Francesco Bongiorno
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
59
José Serpa
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
60
Riccardo Chiarini
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
61
Serge Pauwels
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
62
Pieter Weening
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
63
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ
s.t.
64
Thomas Damuseau
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
65
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
66
Rob Ruijgh
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
67
Jérémy Roy
FDJ
s.t.
68
Kristof Vandewalle
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
69
Dries Devenyns
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
70
Kevin De Weert
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
71
Stuart O'Grady
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 12'20
72
Luke Durbridge
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
73
Tim Wellens
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
74
Rafael Valls
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
75
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
76
Matthew Busche
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
77
Andrey Amador
Movistar Team
s.t.
78
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
79
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
80
Nikolas Maes
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
81
Adam Hansen
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
82
Tomas Vaitkus
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
83
Winner Anacona
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
84
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
85
Salvatore Puccio
Sky Procycling
s.t.
86
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
87
Tosh Van der Sande
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
88
Mauro Santambrogio
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
89
Bert De Backer
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
90
Nacer Bouhanni
FDJ
s.t.
91
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
92
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
93
Kris Boeckmans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
94
Koen De Kort
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
95
Kanstantsin Siutsou
Sky Procycling
s.t.
96
Jérôme Pineau
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
97
Frantisek Rabon
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
98
Anthony Geslin
FDJ
s.t.
99
Stefano Garzelli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
100
Stef Clement
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
101
Fumiyuki Beppu
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
102
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
103
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
104
Baden Cooke
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
105
Jonas Ahlstrand
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
106
Egor Silin
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
107
Jackson Rodríguez
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
108
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
109
Kenny Van Hummel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
110
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
111
Tom Slagter
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
112
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
113
Wesley Sulzberger
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
114
Pablo Lastras
Movistar Team
s.t.
115
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
116
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
117
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
118
Mads Christensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
119
Bob Jungels
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
120
Pim Ligthart
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
121
Matteo Montaguti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
122
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
123
Tobias Ludvigsson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
124
Cristiano Salerno
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
125
Gaetan Bille
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
126
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
127
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
s.t.
128
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
129
Laurens Ten Dam
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
130
José Herrada
Movistar Team
s.t.
131
Oliver Zaugg
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
132
Jonas Vangenechten
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
133
Andriy Grivko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
134
Enrico Barbin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
135
Jonathan Monsalve
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
136
Ian Boswell
Sky Procycling
s.t.
137
Evgeni Petrov
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
138
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
139
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
140
Michael Mørkøv
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
141
Ben Hermans
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
142
Rafael de Mattos Andriato
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
143
Rory Sutherland
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
144
Alexey Lutsenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
145
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
146
Michel Kreder
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
147
Javier Moreno
Movistar Team
s.t.
148
Michael Schär
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
149
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
150
Moreno Hofland
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
151
Mark Renshaw
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
152
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
153
Yauheni Hutarovich
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
154
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
155
Cameron Wurf
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
156
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
157
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
158
Cayetano Sarmiento
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
159
Manuele Mori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
160
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
161
Sacha Modolo
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
162
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
163
Adam Blythe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
164
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
165
Arnaud Demare
FDJ
s.t.
166
Alexander Kristoff
Katusha Team
s.t.
167
Matthew Hayman
Sky Procycling
s.t.
168
Hayden Roulston
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
169
Ben Swift
Sky Procycling
s.t.
170
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
171
Kevin Hulsmans
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
172
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
173
Manuel Belletti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
174
Ian Stannard
Sky Procycling
s.t.
175
Timothy Duggan
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
176
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
177
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
178
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
179
Oscar Gatto
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
180
Maciej Bodnar
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
181
Fabian Wegmann
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
182
Mattia Gavazzi
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
183
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
184
Gianni Meersman
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
185
Alexander Porsev
Katusha Team
s.t.
186
Lucas Sebastián Haedo
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
187
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
188
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
+ 14'34
189
Ariel Maximiliano Richeze
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
190
Enrique Sanz
Movistar Team
+ 21'25
There’s really not much saying at first at the team meeting. We saw how De Clerq stood on the podium and Oroz came in second. We saw Nibali on the podium and Samu lost another rank on the Overall Classification, he now remains on 12th. We saw Verdugo on the podium and his mountain jersey, there was not much point to it today. Our rider didn’t look happy at all, they knows it was their fault too. It was the entire team’s fault. It was even my fault, I figured.
At the hotel, I warn Zakur to not to be too harsh. His glance of dismay cuts right through my mind, and I am afraid that guy will punch me in the face now. “We were surpised”, is Samu’s only sentence he can say about that. “And then you said, I should attack. You said that. Don’t judge me now for not managing. I can’t perform wonders.” Zakur is not willing to take any of the blame but instead tells the team over and over again they messed up today.
“I warned you about that, that today is dangerous. Not only the climb. What the hell did you expect?” The riders aren’t happy with these words. They know it themselves, no point in rubbing it under their nose. “I should all fire you”, is Zakur’s résumé of the meeting. “Do better next time”, says his last warning. He always says, that the riders should do better next time. That’s like his mantra. The bald man that is on a constant stream of bad temper flocks off into the night to get his head clear and the riders just sit there silently until each of them leaves at a time to the room. Samu is still sitting there, when I get up myself. I think I could turn off the lights and Samu wouldn’t even notice, I have the feeling he would still just sit there until the next morning.
Sanchez struggling was not a nice thing to watch
Maybe it would be best to take it easy for a few stages, take some more time and then try to strike another stage win with the team!
The coach isn't the best one, I think... What a rude d**k
@Dippofix: Yeah, it was real good performance by Oroz, which is about the only good thing on this stage.
@Ian Butler: This one is clearly on me, Zakur is just the fall guy.
With two stage wins I can't complain about this Giro d'Italia, but another one would make this italian adventure even more rewarding. Samu & Co. will try their best.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Yeah, it's good to know that Euskaltel - Euskadi doesn't only consist of Samu Sánchez, Igor Antón and Mikel Nieve. I'm glad that the team has shown good performance so far in the Giro d'Italia, especially with wins by Gorka Izagirre and Gorka Verdugo, but also through many breakaway attempts.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
As a gift Gora Euskadi brings you of course another part of the Giro d'Italia. So basically, like any other day of the year. Be a naughty boy and open your presents early, will you?
Giro d'Italia, May 2013
Stage 12
The stage from Longarone to Trevise sees a rather flat profile but with some nice climbs towards and a bumpy section at the start. This is good for an breakaway attempt, but it’s likely we will see a bunch sprint.
It’s still early in the race. The first steep hill of the hill didn’t create a break but Kocjan is motivated and gets a drop on the FDJ-men, who are pacing, as he is just pushes into his pedals and quickly gains time. Hopefully some more riders will join him upfront.
While Kocjan rests his legs a bit for the other riders to come forward to tried their luck later on, he orders some water. Zakur is still looking pissed after yesterday and looks like he doesn’t even want to hand the bottle to him. So rather than Zakur, I open the window and head it to Jure, wish him good luck for the stage and he nods his head in respect. Looks like I am becoming of less a journalist and more a friend to these guys. At least, I get that feeling each day a bit more.
Hushovd (BMC) and Puccio (SKY) are the first to catch up to him, however the other guys are not too far away from them. The gap to the peloton is still very insignificant, merely a bit more than a minute won’t make them win this stage. So they definitely need some good spirit and harmony in the group now to be successful.
Once the group is together they manage to put some serious time into the peloton. 80 kilometers to go, it still doesn’t seem quite enough but they will try to make it even more. There are some great riders in the group for such a stage: I already mentioned Hushovd and Puccio, but there’s also Rojas (MOV), Gatto (VIN), Westra (VCD), Bongiorno (BAR) and Vangnechten. If this group persists until the finish line, this will be a remarkable group sprint. Kocjan will really have to try his best since most of these riders are quite fast on the last kilometer. Most prominent rider is surely Hushovd.
Five minutes could be all they need by now but there’s still a long way to go.
What’s up with us lately? A spit occurs in the peloton and Samuel Sánchez is once more at the wrong side of things. Many of his teammates will now work to get him back and the gap isn’t too big. The peloton is still on the horizon, but it won’t be easy since FDJ are hard at work to try to reel in the breakaway.
Our guys give everything and it’s enough. This time. However, Samu really needs to be more attentive in the upcoming stages. We can’t afford too much of such race situations. Or maybe he just does it to piss off Zakur. In that case, I can fully understand Samu.
Trevise can already be seen from here. Kocjan and his companions have only around a minute left to the peloton. FDJ are really eager to make this one count for Demare. 15 kilometers left, not much chance today.
The cameras are still there to follow the break, but for how long is the question, as the peloton is in a rush…
The FDJ Express with Bouhanni as french champion up ahead isn’t ready to let any other team take today’s win. The breakaway didn’t much chance today to begin with, but FDJ performance made it nearly impossible to prevail, I suppose.
Demare is the first to head into the last kilometer.
But sometimes work just doesn’t pay off. First Modolo took over Demare and then Farrar. The American takes the stage win for Garmin – Sharp in this finish with a lot of curves. There surely goes a long thought to Wouter Weylandt as he raises his finger to the sky.
Stage 12, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
3h04'27
2
Ben Swift
Sky Procycling
s.t.
3
Sacha Modolo
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
4
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
5
Alexander Kristoff
Katusha Team
s.t.
6
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
7
Kenny Van Hummel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Arnaud Demare
FDJ
s.t.
9
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
10
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Yauheni Hutarovich
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
12
Nacer Bouhanni
FDJ
s.t.
13
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
14
Andrew Talansky
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
15
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
16
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
17
Gianni Meersman
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
18
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
19
Tanel Kangert
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
20
Rafael de Mattos Andriato
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
21
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
s.t.
22
Samuel Sánchez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
23
Jérôme Pineau
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
24
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
25
Matteo Rabottini
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
26
Janez Brajkovič
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
27
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
28
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
29
Mattia Gavazzi
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
30
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
31
Jonas Vangenechten
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
32
Franco Pellizotti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
33
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
34
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
35
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
36
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
37
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
38
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Procycling
s.t.
39
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
40
Adam Blythe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
41
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
42
Michel Kreder
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
43
Salvatore Puccio
Sky Procycling
s.t.
44
Jure Kocjan
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
45
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
s.t.
46
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
47
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
48
Juan José Cobo
Movistar Team
s.t.
49
Michael Mørkøv
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
50
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
51
Alexey Lutsenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
52
Oscar Gatto
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
53
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
54
Anthony Geslin
FDJ
s.t.
55
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
56
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
57
Kristof Vandewalle
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
58
Francesco Failli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
59
Xavier Florencio
Katusha Team
s.t.
60
Francesco Bongiorno
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
61
Fabian Wegmann
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
62
Stefano Garzelli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
63
Andrey Amador
Movistar Team
s.t.
64
Mauro Santambrogio
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
65
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
66
Kevin Hulsmans
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
67
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
68
Andriy Grivko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
69
Alexey Tsatevitch
Katusha Team
s.t.
70
Matthew Busche
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
71
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
72
Frantisek Rabon
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
73
Egor Silin
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
74
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
75
Matthias Frank
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
76
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
77
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
78
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
79
Dries Devenyns
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
80
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
81
José Herrada
Movistar Team
s.t.
82
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
83
Maxim Belkov
Katusha Team
s.t.
84
Rohan Dennis
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
85
Sandy Casar
FDJ
s.t.
86
Michael Schär
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
87
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
88
Serge Pauwels
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
89
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
90
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
91
Mads Christensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
92
Jérémy Roy
FDJ
s.t.
93
Tiago Machado
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
94
Kevin De Weert
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
95
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
96
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
97
Jens Voigt
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
98
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
99
Moreno Hofland
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
100
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
101
Nikolas Maes
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
102
Matthew Hayman
Sky Procycling
s.t.
103
Tim Wellens
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
104
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
105
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
106
Gaetan Bille
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
107
Adam Hansen
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
108
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
109
Bert De Backer
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
110
Oliver Zaugg
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
111
Kris Boeckmans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
112
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
113
Tom Slagter
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
114
Diego Rosa
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
115
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
116
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
117
Kanstantsin Siutsou
Sky Procycling
s.t.
118
Bob Jungels
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
119
Cristiano Salerno
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
120
Mark Renshaw
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
121
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
122
Enrico Barbin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
123
Rob Ruijgh
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
124
Pieter Weening
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
125
Jonas Ahlstrand
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
126
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
127
Koen De Kort
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
128
Warren Barguil
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
129
Pim Ligthart
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
130
Tobias Ludvigsson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
131
Manuel Belletti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
132
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
133
Rory Sutherland
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
134
Alexander Porsev
Katusha Team
s.t.
135
Thomas Damuseau
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
136
Winner Anacona
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
137
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
138
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
139
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
140
Evgeni Petrov
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
141
Hayden Roulston
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
142
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
143
Tomas Vaitkus
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
144
Wesley Sulzberger
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
145
Pablo Lastras
Movistar Team
s.t.
146
Manuele Mori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
147
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
148
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
149
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
150
Riccardo Chiarini
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
151
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
152
Stuart O'Grady
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
153
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
154
Jackson Rodríguez
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
155
Thomas Peterson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
156
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
s.t.
157
Miguel Mínguez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
158
Ricardo García
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
159
Laurens Ten Dam
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
160
Javier Moreno
Movistar Team
s.t.
161
Cayetano Sarmiento
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
162
Timothy Duggan
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
163
Rafael Valls
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
164
Luke Durbridge
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
165
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ
s.t.
166
Jonathan Monsalve
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
167
Ian Boswell
Sky Procycling
s.t.
168
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
169
Baden Cooke
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
170
Ian Stannard
Sky Procycling
s.t.
171
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
172
José Serpa
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
173
Maciej Bodnar
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
174
José Rujano
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
175
Lucas Sebastián Haedo
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
176
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
177
Tosh Van der Sande
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
178
Bart De Clercq
Lotto Belisol
+ 4'18
179
Matteo Montaguti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
180
Fumiyuki Beppu
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
181
Ariel Maximiliano Richeze
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
182
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
183
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
184
Cameron Wurf
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
185
Ben Hermans
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
186
Christian Vande Velde
Garmin - Sharp
+ 9'56
187
Stef Clement
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
188
Enrique Sanz
Movistar Team
+ 13'22
189
Juan José Oroz
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 15'29
190
Ioannis Tamouridis
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
Stage 13
This could be another bunch sprint stage or a stage for a breakaway. There’s a long time flat but the bumpy hills at the end could make it difficult for the peloton to keep their pace. Top riders won’t be willing to risk too much today since the next two stages will feature enough tough moments in the mountains as it is.
This time around there’s no trouble for a breakaway. The first attack is already successful. Pietropolli, Minguez, Ventoso, Barguil and Pineau form it. Hansen, Durbridge and Lightart catch up to it. There’s a good harmony going on but FDJ are looking for the stage win as they don’t wait around and pick up the pace.
It’s relaxing for once to see such a calm,uneventful race day. Till now that is to say. The break passes the intermediate with roughly 8 minutes lead. Minguez looking good. A long way to go with 130 kilometers remaining.
They are nearing the climbs and only have 4 minutes left. As expected, this is probably going to be close.
Okay, so apparently not everyone is happy with a calmn day. Wiggins and Urán pull out an attack. Hesjedal and T.J. Van Garderen are with them, as well as Intxausti and Pozzovivo. Astana don’t react so far but let still FDJ do the work. This time Sánchez doesn’t sleep and he doesn’t risk anything. Although Zakur is near to collapse and mental breakdown again, Samu appears to be perfectly calm.
At the next small hill, Pineau & Co. try their luck while Minguez has already reached his limit and gets caught by the peloton together with some other guys from the break. Wiggins, Urán & Co. get reeled into by the FDJ Express. Sánchez is on Nibali’s wheel.
The last small hill of the day is up. Afterwards roughly 5 kilometers of flat remain. Basso sets the pace. Barguil and Hansen had no much luck up there and sánchez made the right call by just staying on Nibali’s wheel, but now he orientates himself further ahead and is the first man behind Basso. He rubs his nose and I have learned by now, that this is often times a sign that he will want to try something.
And yes, he does. Just as he wanted to, Matthias Frank pulled out and attacked and he was quick to follow his wheel and took initiative when the swiss rider was sitting down again. Behind him, Intxausti tries his luck too.
I had hoped that the downhill might be a bit steeper but alas, not much could be gained by Samu as he into the last 3 kilometers. Hesjedal joined in on the fun too, and now the 3 riders keep their pace up to evade the hungry peloton. FDJ look to have overtaken themselves and I can’t spot any one of them as I quickly check the peloton with the precision of an eagle. Instead, Nibali is doing the pace!
Kristoff, Farrar and Felline star their sprint. Intxausti and Hesjedal sit on Sánchez wheel. Samu doesn’t seem willing to just sprint and let them take the win. He plays a high bargain. There won’t be any second made today anyway, so he might as well try to go for the stage win…
As Intxausti and Hesjedal just pull right, Sánchez launches his sprint against the whole crowd of the peloton. Butone rider at a time passes him…
There’s no beating Ben Swift today. The Briton takes the stage win for SKY and has something to celebrate today.
@Atlantius: Gotta try wherever he can, when the form in the mountains isn't quite enough.
Giro d'Italia, May 2013
Stage 14
Today sees another mountain top finish. There is one very long climb to take on first: The Giro rides through Sestriere, or rather rides up to Sestriere. The climb is usual much more of a ultimate climb after a tough stage but this time around it’s a bit different, as the peloton will take the descent from Sestriere and determine the winner on the way up to Bardonecchia.
Thirty kilometers into the stage and any breakaway attempt merely lasts a few seconds. Maybe Gorka Izagirre has more luck than the other Euskaltel riders (Vrecer, Minguez) who tried before him?
It doesn`t settle down fast and continues for a while, however Izagirre manages to always stay up ahead. After 50 kilometers the break looks secure. Anacona (LAM) and Colbrelli (BAR) are with him. Behind is another group with 8 riders. Amongs them are Voigt (RTL), Slagter (BEL), Failli (VIN), Damuseau (ARG), Reda (AND) and Hansen (LTB). Also, 3 of the most active riders during this Giro are of course present too: Cummings (BMC) still hasn’t give up hope on the mountain jersey and his second stage win (he won previoulsy stage 7), Herrada (MOV) is in there too and yet another appearance by Rujano (VCD).
Things are looking good enough for the break as they head into the climb to Sestriere. From here, the viewer can enjoy a gorgeous mountain view, but riders ain’t got time for that. The lead is decent, but far from comfortable. Maybe they can put some more time into the peloton?
Oh my, there’s quite some prominence heading towards the breakaway on its own in his Cannondale jersey. Can you guess the name? Let me give you a hint, he won the Giro. Twice. Yup, it’s him.
It wasn’t a good mountains print for Izagirre as he only collects a few points. Damuseau has won the sprint.
Pozzovivo and Hesjedal follow Urán’s example who attacked a bit earlier in the downhill and be seen just around the curve in his SKY jersey. While Urán gets quite some time on the peloton, Hesjedal and Pozzovivo get caught soon enough.
Upfront it’s still a long way to the top, but they havn’t quite reached the end of the downhill. Basso looks further behind than at the start of Sestriere. He can only see the group here on this long road before they disappear behind the woods and a curve.
Spoiler
Group Urán is set to get caught. The break meanwhile doesn’t have too much time left, about 3 minutes. Enough for the climb up to Bardonnechia? 10 kilometers left.
It’s the second and final climb of the day. And it’s gonna be painful. Incredible steep and the gradient goes over 10%, it’s clear that every meter counts on this last 5 km. 2 minutes left on the clock.
Gorka Izagirre wants to go his own pace and doesn’t go for the attacks of Anacona, Voigt and Herrada, who don’t get them far anyway. The other riders of the break can’t seem to hold up with Gorka’s pace right now and I cross my heart that he doesn’t go too fast at this start of the climb. Gradient is already over 10%. There was no chance of getting your rhythm, but then again, if you don’t have any by now, it’s probably too late anyway.
Sánchez has to see how all the other guys ride away. There’s not much room for him, and hardly can he hold his own here. He must be feeling his age, feeling the fangs of time. Nibali is up ahead and shows once more who’s boss, Scarponi and Hesjedal a bit behind him.
That was way too fast. Nibali catches the group and Gorka tries a last stand. There’s no beating the Italian today… The former riders of the breakaway just can watch the overall contenders ride past them. Izagirre tries his best to hang on to the end with Intxausti & Co.
Urán, currently 5th in GC, must suffer too now. Sánchez decided enough is enough and pulled away of this group. Gesink tried to follow but lost considerable ground to the Spaniard. The crowds surpising civilized as the riders pass them and hold carefully their distance. Meanwhile, Zakur… well, you know.
The sun sets high as Nibali raises his arm towards the sky and shows who this Giro d’Italia belongs to. He takes his second stage win and doesn’t even think about the seconds when he starts celebrating hundreds of meters from the finish. Only something truly terrible could prevent him from winning this road race, that’s what experts keep saying. I think he is in a great shape but there are still enough tough stages up and there’s still nothing decided, looking at how Hesjedal and Wiggins fight for each second.
Sánchez got up to the Group with Intxausti and Izagirre in it at the end, and certainyl his little push at the end, paid off a bit by a 11th rank.
Exhausted and defeated riders go on the same ride on the dirt roads after the finish. Beaten are those who had any hopes for overall, while the breakaway riders suffer extreme fatigue and have reached their limit. So did Gorka Izagirre too. However the truly defeated soul of today is Rigoberto Urán who lost more than 5 minutes to Nibali today, and obviously can’t hold on to his 5th place overall.
Stage 14, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
4h08'45
2
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
+ 54
3
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Procycling
+ 1'03
4
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
+ 1'46
5
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
6
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
7
Francesco Failli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
8
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
9
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
s.t.
10
Franco Pellizotti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 2'21
11
Samuel Sánchez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
12
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
13
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
14
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
15
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
16
Thomas Damuseau
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 2'59
17
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 3'08
18
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
+ 3'30
19
Winner Anacona
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
20
Tom Slagter
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
21
Jens Voigt
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 4'32
22
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 5'20
23
José Herrada
Movistar Team
s.t.
24
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
s.t.
25
Janez Brajkovič
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
26
Andrew Talansky
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
Spoiler
27
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
28
Matthias Frank
BMC Racing Team
+ 5'53
29
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
30
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
31
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
32
Tanel Kangert
Astana Pro Team
+ 6'04
33
Adam Hansen
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
34
Diego Rosa
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
35
Laurens Ten Dam
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 6'15
36
Tiago Machado
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 6'28
37
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 7'21
38
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 7'46
39
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
+ 8'01
40
Rohan Dennis
Garmin - Sharp
+ 8'09
41
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
42
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 8'42
43
José Rujano
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
44
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
45
Francesco Bongiorno
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
46
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
+ 9'18
47
Mauro Santambrogio
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
48
Matteo Rabottini
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
49
Rafael Valls
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
50
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
51
Stefano Garzelli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
52
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
53
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
54
Juan José Cobo
Movistar Team
s.t.
55
Christian Vande Velde
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
56
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
57
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
58
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
59
Juan José Oroz
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 10'02
60
Bart De Clercq
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
61
Kanstantsin Siutsou
Sky Procycling
s.t.
62
Riccardo Chiarini
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
63
José Serpa
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
64
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
65
Javier Moreno
Movistar Team
s.t.
66
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
67
Xavier Florencio
Katusha Team
s.t.
68
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
69
Evgeni Petrov
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
70
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
71
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
s.t.
72
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ
s.t.
73
Maxim Belkov
Katusha Team
s.t.
74
Salvatore Puccio
Sky Procycling
s.t.
75
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - Merida
+ 10'51
76
Egor Silin
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
77
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
78
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
79
Rob Ruijgh
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
80
Andriy Grivko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
81
Matthew Busche
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
82
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
83
Andrey Amador
Movistar Team
s.t.
84
Sandy Casar
FDJ
s.t.
85
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
86
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
87
Jérémy Roy
FDJ
s.t.
88
Adam Blythe
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
89
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 11'34
90
Ian Boswell
Sky Procycling
+ 12'05
91
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
92
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
93
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
94
Bob Jungels
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
95
Cayetano Sarmiento
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 12'27
96
Rafael de Mattos Andriato
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
97
Mads Christensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
98
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
99
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
100
Anthony Geslin
FDJ
s.t.
101
Alexey Lutsenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
102
Yauheni Hutarovich
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 13'38
103
Cameron Wurf
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 13'48
104
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
105
Rory Sutherland
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 14'25
106
Timothy Duggan
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 15'22
107
Michel Kreder
Garmin - Sharp
+ 15'29
108
Warren Barguil
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 17'34
109
Thomas Peterson
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 19'30
110
Serge Pauwels
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
111
Kevin De Weert
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
112
Gianni Meersman
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
113
Pablo Lastras
Movistar Team
s.t.
114
Tim Wellens
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
115
Dries Devenyns
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
116
Pieter Weening
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
117
Alexander Kristoff
Katusha Team
s.t.
118
Oliver Zaugg
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
119
Jackson Rodríguez
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
120
Frantisek Rabon
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
121
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - Merida
+ 20'13
122
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
123
Alexander Porsev
Katusha Team
s.t.
124
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
125
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
126
Baden Cooke
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
127
Arnaud Demare
FDJ
s.t.
128
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
129
Luke Durbridge
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
130
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
131
Kenny Van Hummel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
132
Michael Mørkøv
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
133
Tobias Ludvigsson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
134
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
135
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
136
Mattia Gavazzi
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
137
Matteo Montaguti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
138
Oscar Gatto
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
139
Miguel Mínguez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
140
Manuel Belletti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
141
Nacer Bouhanni
FDJ
s.t.
142
Enrico Barbin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
143
Tomas Vaitkus
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
144
Kristof Vandewalle
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
145
Jérôme Pineau
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
146
Ricardo García
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
147
Gaetan Bille
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
148
Moreno Hofland
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
149
Ioannis Tamouridis
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
150
Michael Schär
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
151
Ben Swift
Sky Procycling
s.t.
152
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
153
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
154
Sacha Modolo
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
155
Jonathan Monsalve
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
156
Jure Kocjan
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
157
Wesley Sulzberger
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
158
Koen De Kort
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
159
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
160
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
161
Ben Hermans
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
162
Bert De Backer
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
163
Cristiano Salerno
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
164
Fumiyuki Beppu
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
165
Fabian Wegmann
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
166
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
167
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
168
Pim Ligthart
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
169
Stef Clement
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
170
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
171
Jonas Ahlstrand
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
172
Manuele Mori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
173
Tosh Van der Sande
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
174
Alexey Tsatevitch
Katusha Team
+ 22'39
175
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 22'47
176
Ian Stannard
Sky Procycling
s.t.
177
Stuart O'Grady
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 22'55
178
Nikolas Maes
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
179
Jonas Vangenechten
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
180
Matthew Hayman
Sky Procycling
s.t.
181
Kris Boeckmans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 23'11
182
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
+ 23'24
183
Ariel Maximiliano Richeze
Lampre - Merida
+ 23'51
184
Lucas Sebastián Haedo
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 27'00
185
Hayden Roulston
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
186
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
187
Kevin Hulsmans
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
188
Maciej Bodnar
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
189
Mark Renshaw
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 27'26
190
Enrique Sanz
Movistar Team
+ 31'34
For Samuel Sánchez the 11th place seems rather secure by now. 3 minutes to Talansky are good enough and there won’t be hardly a chance to crack the Top 10 without more attacking from now on. We have already lost with Samu, it’s time to win back, attempt after attempt… At least, that’s my thinking. If Katu was here, he congratulate Gorka and Samu on a strong showing. Zakur has just this madness in his eyes that makes it clear that he hasn’t any respect to anything except for winning. I think he can’t go on with that. Whoever hired that guy did a terrible mistake by now. It’s okay when your coach and manager wants that you do the best… it’s something different when he is always barking at you like a mad dog, bullying through the crowds just to show his finger of disapproval, raging as soon as you can’t to more than your best, try your best effort. There’s hardly any talk anymore in the team meetings. Riders don’t dare to ask questions, but maybe they just don’t want to talk with this man. I know I don’t want to, and as soon as we hit the hotel I look for the best route to avoid any further communication.
Yeah, it was a good stage for Euskaltel - Euskadi. Gorka Izagirre had another shot at a stage win but today it just wasn't enough. Sánchez finally managed to put some time into his closest competitors for a Top 10 overall (Gesink, Talansky) . Nibali is truly unstoppable but the fight for podium is still hot with Hesjedal, Wiggins and Scarponi all having good chances for 2nd place.
Edited by Shonak on 25-12-2013 21:18
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Yeah, I have thought about that a lot on previous stages but alas - it didn't appear just right yet.
Not many races besides the Giro in May for Euskaltel - Euskadi, as large parts of the team recover from early season, and basically nothing to report on that front. The next races after the Giro will be Crit-Dauph and Tour de Suisse.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
