With great anticipation, the Giro d’Italia crosses over to France and takes on some of the legendary Tour summits. To be more particularly, it’s probably THE climb the Giro borrows from le Tour on the start of the third week: It’s the Col du Galibier. From the side of Col du Telegraphe, they ride up and the peloton first takes on the Col du Mont Cenis. A wonderful stage of 150 kilometers that hopefully will see some good attacking.
It took until the first climb oft he day, Cold u Mont Cenis, that a breakaway finally established itself. There are two men in it, who have been fantastic in last week’s time trial, Fabian Cancellara and Lieuwe Westra (VCD). There’s also Robert Gesink, who probably has the best chances for the victory in this group. And there’s Robert Vrecer, continuing Euskaltel’s string of breakaways. However, this is probably much to the dismay of Euskaltel’s manager, since he has already complained last week about Vrecer on a much flatter stage.
Despite them being maybe not the best climbers, they get a solid lead onto the peloton. 4 minutes is good and fair, however Astana are not doing it easily today for the peloton. Apparently they want to ensure that the other teams don’t have many riders upfront later on and their pace is already at a decent speed of 20 km/h and some struggle by now.
Nearly on the top, the riders can look down and see the way that’s behind them, and they see cows and they see the peloton. 7 minutes is the lead, that sounds really comforting at that point. Lieuwe Westra takes the KoM sprint, but none of the rider sis really interested in those points.
On top of the Mont du Cenis, between the snowy mountain top and its mountain sea, Fedrigo and Pirazzi attack and look set to join the BOTD upfront. However, it’s roughly 7 minutes and that’s a whole lot of time to catch up.
A long descent and a dark valley don’t necessarily play into the break’s favor this time around, however the peloton must have step up its game. “Only” 5 minutes lead remain, Fedrigo and Pirazzi are trapped in no man’s land.
With 30 kilometers left, the classic combo of Telegraphe and Galibier is up for the riders now. Around 4 minutes is the BOTD still ahead of the peloton, where Astana are keeping the pace high. While some riders dropped, most had prevailed up until here. It’s only a matter of time until the pace causes splits, and then eventually there’ll be attacks. This could take a while… Or not…
Scarponi opens up the attacking, 30 kilometers far out. Nibali follows, Betancur too. What will Astana do now? Quintana and Hesjedal react as well, Porte somehow comes across as well. Saxo and Radioshack prefer to send their helpers to do some pacing.
Thanks to the team’s effort, Trofimov and Kiserlovski manage to make the split and follow another attack by Scarponi. The group of 8 riders look solid from here on out. Important missing names are Kreuziger, Evans and Kelderman.
Gesink said good-bye to his fellow escapees and may look to take on the finale 20 kilometers up the Galibier on his own. First though he collects the KoM points at the Telegraphe ahead of Westra and Vrecer.
Saxo continue show their great team effort, while Scarponi’s multiple attacks cause always a split but the other riders never seem inclined to help him just yet. That’s how Saxo rings him back in everytime. Maybe this plays into the cards of his direct competition of Kelderman and Pellizotti. And here, they look like they have caught them for sure, and once again Scarponi attacks. The 6 rider group heads with Quintana at the forefront into the little downhill from Telegraphe to Galibier.
Every day I'm basque-ing, even Robert Vrecer! as he is the only rider close to catching up with Gesink. He has to be wise though now, 17 kilometers can last very long.
No matter how great SKY and Saxo work together to get them all back, Scarponi tries it everytime again and again. He is hot for today, and each time it hurts a little bit more for the others. A group of roughly 10 riders formed now, and Kreuziger and Porte are in there too. Kelderman, Evans and Hesjedal are missing though and they work together to get them back. It’s dangerous though since Majka and Uran both managed to stay in this group now and they are hard pacing for their captains. Each of them has a lot to gain now.
Majka had the worst week ever but he really holds up to his end of the bargain now and rides great to get Kreuziger in a good position against Ryder Hesjedal. Surprise guest in the lead is maybe Trofimov though, who really does great hanging on there. Betancur is always here, but always at the end of the group. A 25 rider strong peloton is behind them.
10 kilometers left for Gesink. He maintains his lead of roughly 3 minutes against Group Nibali and he has dropped by far all of his companions. He is riding good for the stage win here, but like always, he has nothing won yet.
Perfect position for this couple as they become witnesses of the gruesome Colombian double attack here. Betancur and Quintana set off and Nibali, followed by the usual suspects of Scarponi, Trofimov and Kiserlovski.
While Kreuziger and Majka got caught by Group Hesjedal, Porte and Uran prevailed here and managed to just sneak up here. Kiserlovski and Trofimov have now a good pace going for them but how long can they hold on to those two Sky riders? Meanwhile, upfront Betancur and Nibali share the work. They certainly know of Porte’s danger by now.
Vrecer is about a minute down, another additional minute is Gesink’s lead onto Group Nibali. With them turning up the heat now though, he loses time and we hope that Gesink is prepared for the tough part ahead of him.
A day to forget for more many riders? Although they are close to Group Nibali, they never manage to cross the gap. Hesjedal is apparently still waiting for something or at least he’s not riding for the win, instead Kreuziger and Kelderman are left to do the chasing, while AG2R La Mondiale show their strength in numbers. Evans and Basso are holding up well and special mentio to De Las Campos, who’s the Euskaltel rider ahead of Hesjedal.
Followed by Didi Senf, Kreuziger and Kelderman break free, when Pozzovivo drops. The gap is too big for the others to close and the both K’s ride away from the peloton.
Unbelievable ride from Vrecer, who still holds up 3 kilometers from the top and is ahead of Group Nibali. There are being played some tactical games while Quintana doesn’t want to drop the pace too much and goes into pacing.
Just when Kreuziger and Kelderman joined, Porte attacks! Only Quintana can follow! This is about time since the riders are nearing the top and are merely two kilometers away from it. But their attack does not give them enough lead onto the other riders, especially since Betancur attacks too.
It’s already the last kilometer now! Gesink can't decide between being happy or fearing to be caught up. And then, HE CRASHES! No, he doesn't crash.
But instead he celebrates and rightly so. A strong performance by him throughout the day, from the first attack to the last solo-run. He rode like a champion, a exceptional solo-run. Another victory for Belkin.
+
Quintana comes in second, Nibali and Porte on his side. Kiserlovski and Betancur get the same time, while Scarponi gets a bit of time onto his back. He was by far the most active GT contender today and he should be pleased with his performance despite the ultimate time loss.
Hesjedal and Evans are arguably the big losers of today, having lost considerable amounts of time upon their rivals. What's the big surprise though? Vrecer still coming in 11th or Trofimov taking 10th and showing why Katusha manager Vodkakov may was right to put the trust into the Russian, although the sponsor goal of Top 10 is still far away from being accomplished.
Stage 15, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
4h31'09
2
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
+ 47
3
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
4
Richie Porte
Sky Procycling
s.t.
5
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
6
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
7
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
+ 1'13
8
Roman Kreuziger
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 1'37
9
Wilco Kelderman
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 1'49
10
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 2'09
12
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 2'56
13
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
14
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
15
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
16
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
17
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
18
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
19
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
20
Cristiano De las Campos
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
21
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
22
Franco Pellizotti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
23
Haimar Zubeldia
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
24
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
s.t.
25
Wout Poels
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
26
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
27
Evegeny Shalunov
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 4'08
28
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ.fr
s.t.
29
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
s.t.
30
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
31
Valerio Agnoli
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
32
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
33
Pierrick Fédrigo
FDJ.fr
s.t.
34
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
35
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
36
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
+ 6'33
37
Enrico Battaglin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
38
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
39
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 6'45
40
Diego Rosa
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 7'01
41
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
42
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
43
Dario Cataldo
Sky Procycling
s.t.
44
Eros Capecchi
Movistar Team
s.t.
45
Tiago Machado
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
46
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
47
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
48
Hubert Dupont
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 7'58
49
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 8'48
50
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
51
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 9'06
52
Evgeni Petrov
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 10'44
53
Jesús Hernández
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
54
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 11'04
55
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 12'20
56
Sylwester Szmyd
Movistar Team
s.t.
57
Fabian Cancellara
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
58
Francis De Greef
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
59
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
60
Cayetano Sarmiento
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 12'41
61
Jorge Azanza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
62
Sandy Casar
FDJ.fr
s.t.
63
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
s.t.
64
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
65
Mikel Astarloza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
66
Juan José Oroz
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
67
Christian Knees
Sky Procycling
s.t.
68
Josh Burton
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 13'37
69
Simon Geschke
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
70
Tom Dumoulin
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
71
Alessandro Vanotti
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
72
Thomas Peterson
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 14'12
73
Lachlan Morton
Garmin - Sharp
+ 14'49
74
Vladimir Karpets
Movistar Team
s.t.
75
Jackson Rodríguez
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
76
Brent Bookwalter
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
77
Patrick Gretsch
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
78
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
79
Yannick Eijssen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
80
Serge Pauwels
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
81
Marco Pinotti
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
82
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
+ 17'13
83
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
84
Cristiano Salerno
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
85
Cameron Wurf
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
86
Silvio Pennarossa
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
87
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
88
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke
Sky Procycling
+ 19'06
89
Argiro Ospina
Movistar Team
+ 19'27
90
Maxim Belkov
Katusha Team
+ 20'27
91
Mads Christensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
92
Luke Durbridge
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
93
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
94
Jack Bauer
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
95
Danny Pate
Sky Procycling
s.t.
96
Marc Goos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
97
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
98
Anthony Ravard
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
99
Manuele Mori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
100
Adriano Malori
Lampre - Merida
+ 21'31
101
Jakob Rathe
Garmin - Sharp
+ 22'56
102
Brian Bulgac
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
103
Nicki Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
104
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
105
Cédric Pineau
FDJ.fr
s.t.
106
François Parisien
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
107
Frantisek Rabon
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
108
Willem Brouwer
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
109
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
110
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
111
Anthony Roux
FDJ.fr
s.t.
112
Matthew Goss
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
113
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
114
Thomas Dekker
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
115
Lucas Sebastián Haedo
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
116
Simone Ponzi
Astana Pro Team
+ 24'02
117
Daniele Bennati
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
118
Mark Cavendish
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
119
Arman Kamyshev
Astana Pro Team
+ 24'34
120
Adrián Sáez de Arregi
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 24'54
121
Federico Canuti
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
122
Matteo Trentin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
123
Maciej Bodnar
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
124
Yaroslav Popovych
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
125
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
126
Mikhail Ignatiev
Katusha Team
s.t.
127
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
128
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
129
Michael Matthews
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
130
Jure Golcer
Tirol Cycling Team
+ 27'28
131
Ioannis Tamouridis
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
132
Emilien Viennet
FDJ.fr
s.t.
133
Iván Gutiérrez
Movistar Team
s.t.
134
Fumiyuki Beppu
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
135
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
136
Fabian Brookes
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
137
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
138
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
139
Stijn Devolder
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
140
Luke Rowe
Sky Procycling
s.t.
141
Alex Dowsett
Movistar Team
s.t.
142
Mirko Selvaggi
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
143
Anthony Geslin
FDJ.fr
s.t.
144
Dennis Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
145
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
146
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
147
Francesco Gavazzi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
148
Wouter Mol
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
149
Dennis Van Winden
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
150
Adrien Hanzen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
151
Johan Le Bon
FDJ.fr
s.t.
152
Enrico Barbin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
153
Alessandro Petacchi
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
154
Moreno Hofland
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
155
Gert Steegmans
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 28'51
156
Ben Swift
Sky Procycling
+ 29'02
157
Martin Kohler
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
158
Michael Hepburn
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
159
Joost Van Leijen
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
160
Bert De Backer
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
161
Jaxton McNutt
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
162
Luca Dodi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
163
Marco Haller
Katusha Team
+ 29'56
164
Nikias Arndt
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
165
Danny Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
166
Raymond Kreder
Garmin - Sharp
+ 30'21
167
Kenny Dehaes
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
168
Matti Breschel
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 30'44
169
Wesley Sulzberger
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
170
Nelson Oliveira
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 31'08
171
Nicklas Stromberg
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
172
Wesley Kreder
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 31'41
173
Jos Van Emden
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
174
Tom O'Callaghan
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
175
Alexander Porsev
Katusha Team
s.t.
176
Boy Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
177
Jens Debusschere
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
178
Marco Coledan
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
179
Carlo Calzone
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
180
Cristian Delle Stelle
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 32'22
181
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
+ 32'42
182
Olivier Kaisen
Lotto Belisol
+ 34'08
183
Filippo Baggio
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 36'18
184
Bert Grabsch
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 39'30
185
Davide Appollonio
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
186
Robert Andrews
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
187
Martijn Maaskant
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
General Classification
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
58h32'36
2
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 55
3
Richie Porte
Sky Procycling
+ 1'22
4
Roman Kreuziger
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 4'24
5
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
+ 4'37
6
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 6'58
7
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
+ 8'47
8
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
+ 9'11
9
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
+ 9'33
10
Wilco Kelderman
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 10'10
Spoiler
11
Franco Pellizotti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 12'06
12
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 12'59
13
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 14'42
14
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
+ 15'11
15
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 17'54
16
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ.fr
+ 19'48
17
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Merida
+ 20'19
18
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
+ 20'20
19
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 20'34
20
Dario Cataldo
Sky Procycling
+ 20'48
21
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
+ 21'44
22
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
+ 21'52
23
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 22'28
24
Haimar Zubeldia
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 22'43
25
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 23'21
26
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 24'01
27
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
+ 24'26
28
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
+ 24'34
29
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 25'24
30
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 25'25
31
Valerio Agnoli
Astana Pro Team
+ 25'38
32
Evegeny Shalunov
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 25'43
33
Pierrick Fédrigo
FDJ.fr
+ 26'45
34
Tiago Machado
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 26'58
35
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
+ 27'33
36
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 27'52
37
Diego Rosa
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 28'14
38
Enrico Battaglin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 30'23
39
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
+ 30'29
40
Eros Capecchi
Movistar Team
+ 30'42
41
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 32'34
42
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 33'33
43
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 33'59
44
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 35'17
45
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 35'33
46
Jesús Hernández
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 37'59
47
Fabian Cancellara
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 38'01
48
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
+ 38'07
49
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 41'54
50
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 42'59
51
Hubert Dupont
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 43'51
52
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
+ 44'00
53
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 44'15
54
Christian Knees
Sky Procycling
+ 45'02
55
Tom Dumoulin
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 45'58
56
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
+ 46'57
57
Cristiano De las Campos
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 47'43
58
Cayetano Sarmiento
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 48'07
59
Simon Geschke
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 48'33
60
Mikel Astarloza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 49'10
61
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 50'44
62
Brent Bookwalter
BMC Racing Team
+ 51'11
63
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 52'22
64
Francis De Greef
Lotto Belisol
+ 53'29
65
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 54'06
66
Lachlan Morton
Garmin - Sharp
+ 54'22
67
Jackson Rodríguez
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 55'30
68
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 55'38
69
Sylwester Szmyd
Movistar Team
+ 56'21
70
Wout Poels
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 56'38
71
Evgeni Petrov
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 57'27
72
Sandy Casar
FDJ.fr
+ 58'05
73
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
+ 58'06
74
Alessandro Vanotti
Astana Pro Team
+ 58'47
75
Nicki Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 1h01'22
76
Josh Burton
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 1h03'15
77
Adriano Malori
Lampre - Merida
+ 1h03'20
78
Marco Pinotti
BMC Racing Team
+ 1h03'28
79
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 1h03'39
80
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke
Sky Procycling
+ 1h04'16
81
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
+ 1h05'16
82
Anthony Roux
FDJ.fr
+ 1h08'22
83
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Merida
+ 1h08'55
84
Jorge Azanza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 1h09'11
85
Cristiano Salerno
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 1h09'56
86
Maxim Belkov
Katusha Team
+ 1h10'27
87
Danny Pate
Sky Procycling
+ 1h10'52
88
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
+ 1h11'23
89
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 1h11'50
90
Serge Pauwels
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 1h11'51
91
Simone Ponzi
Astana Pro Team
+ 1h12'03
92
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 1h13'26
93
Michael Matthews
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1h13'27
94
Patrick Gretsch
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 1h14'01
95
Luke Durbridge
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1h14'28
96
Juan José Oroz
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 1h18'08
97
Yannick Eijssen
BMC Racing Team
+ 1h18'09
98
Adrien Hanzen
Sky Procycling
+ 1h20'02
99
Silvio Pennarossa
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 1h21'26
100
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 1h21'34
101
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
+ 1h21'56
102
Matteo Trentin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 1h22'04
103
Thomas Peterson
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 1h22'22
104
Jack Bauer
Garmin - Sharp
+ 1h22'24
105
Cameron Wurf
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 1h22'26
106
Daniele Bennati
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 1h23'29
107
Matthew Goss
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1h23'49
108
Mads Christensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 1h25'45
109
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 1h26'09
110
Anthony Geslin
FDJ.fr
+ 1h27'11
111
Federico Canuti
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 1h28'03
112
Mark Cavendish
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 1h28'27
113
Manuele Mori
Lampre - Merida
+ 1h28'32
114
Frantisek Rabon
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 1h28'52
115
Vladimir Karpets
Movistar Team
+ 1h29'07
116
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 1h30'22
117
François Parisien
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 1h31'15
118
Yaroslav Popovych
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 1h31'31
119
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1h32'36
120
Matti Breschel
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 1h37'58
121
Marc Goos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 1h38'46
122
Argiro Ospina
Movistar Team
+ 1h39'34
123
Stijn Devolder
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 1h39'45
124
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 1h42'44
125
Willem Brouwer
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 1h42'48
126
Thomas Dekker
Garmin - Sharp
+ 1h44'23
127
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 1h44'36
128
Carlo Calzone
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 1h45'15
129
Anthony Ravard
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 1h45'38
130
Jakob Rathe
Garmin - Sharp
+ 1h47'42
131
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Merida
+ 1h48'02
132
Ben Swift
Sky Procycling
+ 1h48'20
133
Arman Kamyshev
Astana Pro Team
+ 1h50'44
134
Mikhail Ignatiev
Katusha Team
+ 1h50'54
135
Nicklas Stromberg
Garmin - Sharp
+ 1h51'34
136
Fumiyuki Beppu
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1h53'18
137
Luca Dodi
Lampre - Merida
+ 1h54'58
138
Cédric Pineau
FDJ.fr
+ 1h55'01
139
Fabian Brookes
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 1h55'19
140
Maciej Bodnar
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 1h56'20
141
Luke Rowe
Sky Procycling
+ 1h57'53
142
Wesley Sulzberger
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1h58'21
143
Johan Le Bon
FDJ.fr
+ 1h58'46
144
Iván Gutiérrez
Movistar Team
+ 1h59'19
145
Lucas Sebastián Haedo
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 1h59'39
146
Brian Bulgac
Lotto Belisol
+ 2h01'13
147
Jaxton McNutt
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 2h01'15
148
Adrián Sáez de Arregi
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 2h01'51
149
Alex Dowsett
Movistar Team
+ 2h03'26
150
Francesco Gavazzi
Astana Pro Team
+ 2h04'18
151
Kenny Dehaes
Lotto Belisol
+ 2h04'45
152
Ioannis Tamouridis
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 2h04'47
153
Emilien Viennet
FDJ.fr
+ 2h05'21
154
Nikias Arndt
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 2h06'06
155
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
+ 2h07'24
156
Danny Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h08'52
157
Gert Steegmans
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 2h09'41
158
Nelson Oliveira
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 2h10'37
159
Alessandro Petacchi
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 2h11'23
160
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
+ 2h11'49
161
Michael Hepburn
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 2h12'58
162
Jens Debusschere
Lotto Belisol
+ 2h14'49
163
Mirko Selvaggi
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h15'55
164
Dennis Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
+ 2h16'19
165
Moreno Hofland
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h16'29
166
Wesley Kreder
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h16'35
167
Jure Golcer
Tirol Cycling Team
+ 2h18'34
168
Dennis Van Winden
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h19'21
169
Joost Van Leijen
Lotto Belisol
+ 2h20'09
170
Alexander Porsev
Katusha Team
+ 2h20'21
171
Martin Kohler
BMC Racing Team
+ 2h20'25
172
Boy Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h20'44
173
Tom O'Callaghan
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 2h21'06
174
Marco Haller
Katusha Team
+ 2h21'07
175
Bert De Backer
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 2h24'23
176
Jos Van Emden
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h29'51
177
Wouter Mol
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 2h43'26
178
Robert Andrews
Garmin - Sharp
+ 2h45'28
179
Olivier Kaisen
Lotto Belisol
+ 2h50'14
180
Filippo Baggio
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 2h50'57
181
Bert Grabsch
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 2h55'55
182
Enrico Barbin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 2h59'31
183
Marco Coledan
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 3h06'53
184
Martijn Maaskant
Garmin - Sharp
+ 3h07'52
185
Raymond Kreder
Garmin - Sharp
+ 3h10'02
186
Cristian Delle Stelle
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 3h15'20
187
Davide Appollonio
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 3h34'28
Points
Spoiler
Rank
Name
Team
Points
General
1
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
12
146
2
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
16
124
3
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
20
116
4
Richie Porte
Sky Procycling
14
96
5
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
2
90
6
Adrien Hanzen
Sky Procycling
0
83
7
Mark Cavendish
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
0
75
8
Matthew Goss
Orica - GreenEdge
0
74
9
Roman Kreuziger
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
8
68
10
Daniele Bennati
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
0
65
11
Willem Brouwer
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
0
62
12
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
10
62
13
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
0
58
14
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
1
54
15
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
31
48
16
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
0
43
17
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Leopard
0
43
18
Tom Dumoulin
Team Argos - Shimano
0
37
19
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
0
36
20
Simon Geschke
Team Argos - Shimano
0
35
21
Wilco Kelderman
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
7
35
22
Franco Pellizotti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
33
23
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
9
32
24
Eros Capecchi
Movistar Team
0
31
25
Nicklas Stromberg
Garmin - Sharp
0
31
26
Fabian Cancellara
RadioShack - Leopard
3
30
27
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
29
28
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
0
28
29
Fabian Brookes
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
0
27
30
Jakob Rathe
Garmin - Sharp
0
25
31
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
24
32
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
8
24
33
Cristiano De las Campos
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
24
34
Michael Matthews
Orica - GreenEdge
0
24
35
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
0
22
36
Nicki Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
0
22
37
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
22
38
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
0
22
39
Christian Knees
Sky Procycling
0
18
40
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
0
17
41
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
0
17
42
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
0
16
43
Sandy Casar
FDJ.fr
0
15
44
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
9
15
45
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
0
14
46
Adriano Malori
Lampre - Merida
0
14
47
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
0
14
48
Enrico Barbin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
0
14
49
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
4
13
50
Carlo Calzone
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
13
51
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
6
11
52
Dario Cataldo
Sky Procycling
0
11
53
Alessandro Petacchi
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
0
10
54
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
0
9
55
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
0
8
56
Pierrick Fédrigo
FDJ.fr
2
8
57
Cayetano Sarmiento
Cannondale Pro Cycling
0
8
58
Stijn Devolder
RadioShack - Leopard
0
8
59
Nikias Arndt
Team Argos - Shimano
0
8
60
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
3
6
61
Enrico Battaglin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
0
6
62
Maxim Belkov
Katusha Team
0
6
63
Luke Rowe
Sky Procycling
0
6
64
Johan Le Bon
FDJ.fr
0
6
65
Francesco Gavazzi
Astana Pro Team
0
6
66
Nelson Oliveira
RadioShack - Leopard
0
6
67
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
0
5
68
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
0
5
69
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
4
70
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
4
71
Anthony Roux
FDJ.fr
0
4
72
Wout Poels
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
0
4
73
Filippo Baggio
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
0
4
74
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ.fr
0
3
75
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
3
76
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
0
3
77
Mikel Astarloza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
3
78
Marco Pinotti
BMC Racing Team
0
3
79
Maciej Bodnar
Cannondale Pro Cycling
0
3
80
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
0
2
81
Josh Burton
Team Argos - Shimano
0
2
82
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
0
2
83
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
0
2
84
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Merida
0
2
85
Simone Ponzi
Astana Pro Team
0
1
86
Silvio Pennarossa
Cannondale Pro Cycling
0
1
87
Danny Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
0
1
Mountain
Spoiler
Rank
Name
Team
Mountain
General
1
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
11
36
2
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
31
35
3
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
0
27
4
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
6
22
5
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
0
21
6
Richie Porte
Sky Procycling
4
19
7
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
2
16
8
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
14
14
9
Simon Geschke
Team Argos - Shimano
0
14
10
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
1
14
11
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
13
12
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
0
11
13
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
10
11
14
Jan Bakelants
RadioShack - Leopard
0
10
15
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
0
10
16
Nikias Arndt
Team Argos - Shimano
0
10
17
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin - Sharp
0
8
18
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
7
19
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
0
7
20
Emanuele Sella
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
7
21
Gianluca Brambilla
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
0
6
22
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
0
6
23
Enrico Battaglin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
0
5
24
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
0
5
25
Tom O'Callaghan
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
0
5
26
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
0
4
27
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
4
28
Fabian Cancellara
RadioShack - Leopard
4
4
29
Tom Dumoulin
Team Argos - Shimano
0
4
30
Cristiano De las Campos
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
4
31
Nelson Oliveira
RadioShack - Leopard
0
4
32
Roman Kreuziger
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
0
3
33
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Merida
0
3
34
Pierrick Fédrigo
FDJ.fr
0
3
35
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
0
3
36
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
0
3
37
Dennis Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
0
3
38
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
0
2
39
Nicki Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
0
2
40
Francesco Reda
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
2
41
Adriano Malori
Lampre - Merida
0
2
42
Christian Knees
Sky Procycling
0
1
43
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
0
1
44
Jorge Azanza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
0
1
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Nobody mentioning the impressive effort by Appollonio to have already clinched the lanterna rossa so convincingly already. One and a quarter hours behind Kohler is quite some achievement.
This is how I keep my spirits up now.
Manager of Bunzl - Centrica
ICL's World Tour Champions and Talented Bottlers
Ollfardh wrote:
Great report again! I expected Team Sky beaten, but here they are. Quintana is definitely out now, and it'll be very close for Wilco. PS, Gesink is an idiot.
Looks like insulting your riders actually works, except if you're brewers and managing BMC.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
brewers90 wrote:
Nobody mentioning the impressive effort by Appollonio to have already clinched the lanterna rossa so convincingly already. One and a quarter hours behind Kohler is quite some achievement.
Almost entire Team Tirol missed the time cut. Gonna have to be careful with Golcer now.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
I told you that Quintana would gain some time here. Those bonus seconds are a great start and are a good sign that he will gain bigger time gaps later on ..
Don't delete him too early from the list of favourites...
We’d like to say that this is only a stage for breakaway riders and no one else, but truth is: Almost every stage has been a terrain for the fight for overall classification. Odds are, at least one or two guys try their luck today too. The peloton starts from Valloire and heads back from France to Italy. They will first take on the Col du Mont Cenis once again. The mountain was featured yesterday already, but today they climb it from the other side. The finish is in Ivrea, where the climb of Andrate should make for an interesting finale.
This stage starts with a mighty descent and we’re right at the top with our coverage. A nice image shows the beauty of Italy. Truly, Grand Tours are the best advertisement for tourism.
A group consisting of Westra (VCD), Burton (ARG) and Rosa (AND) is the first to set themselves apart from the peloton in the downhill. Cancellara (RTL) joins them too, still going for that second victory here. Battaglin (BAR), listed as a favourite, is the last to join the group in the descent, and they have at the end of this nice beginning, a lead of about 1’30.
The last rider to have joined the break, is C.A. Sörensen from Saxo Tinkoff. Thus a 6 men strong
Group, with one really big name and some guys who have shown great performances so far in the Giro. They head into the first climb of the day, Col du Mont Cenis. This time though, they climb it from the other side, with about 5 minutes lead.
The teams are still hot for the Mountain jersey, especially Vacansoleil. Westra takes the points ahead of Battalgin and Rosa.
10 minutes lead for the break of the day, when they are the foot of the Col du Mont Cenis and passing over to Italy. That’s certainly to young Josh Burton’s liking.
At the intermediate, 57 kilometers from the finish, the points belong again to Team Vacansoleil I form of Lieuwe Westra. The lead has decreased a bit, but it’s still 8 minutes. And with guys like Westra, Sörensen and foremost Cancellara up there, Astana are unlikely to catch them today anyway.
At the foot of the Andrate climb, Westra attacks. Burton is on his wheel. However, they merely start the attacking, but they are not successful at it, as Cancellara gets them soon enough again.
The next attack comes from C.A. Sörensen and his has really more punch to it already. Meanwhile, young Josh Burton (ARG) is already struggling back there after his futile attempt. He’s young and he lacks stamina, something guys like Westra and Cancellara have more than enough of. But all the stamina in the world doesn’t help you much, when the other guys are better at climbing. Sörensen set himself apart, and Rosa’s and Battaglin’s pace is enough to bring the pain to Westra, Cancellara and Burton.
Now even Rosa struggles, and Battaglin notices that as he attacks his fellow Italian and looks to catch up to Sörensen upfront. Immediately he takes charge when he gets to Sörensen and looks to get as much time out of this climb as possible.
Meanwhile in the peloton, Hesjedal has attacked and Nibali is on his wheel. The Sky rider with them isn’t Porte, but it’s Uran, who really finds his form again in this third week. Quintana and Betancur are the closest chasers, with Scarponi hanging on to them. Porte and Kiserlovski try to close the gap a bit further back. Surprisingly, Majka followed but Kreuziger was caught unaware. Hernandez now paces the peloton for his captain, Kreuziger. Evans is inclined to work too.
Battaglin wins the KoM sprint atop of Andrate. He has quite a lead onto Sörensen and Rosa, who follow down the road. About 20 seconds, will this be enough for the downhill of 15 kilometers? Cancellara is already about a minute behind.
Well, we said it was likely that the favourites would want to take advantage of this climb. Evans and Kreuziger were caught unaware but are now working hard to get them back. Pellizotti sees his chance and breaks out of the peloton, while Quintana and Betancur and have caught up to Nibali and Hesjedal and they work together now. Porte, Scarponi and Kiserlovski are the closest ones chasing.
You wouldn’t believe it but this 2.Cat climb really brings the pain to the riders. The pace was freakishly high at the beginning, now the climb can’t end soon enough, the all want to get over there and catch Group Nibali.
On top, Nibali dropped all his competitors. The two Colombians Quintana and Betancur could hold on for the longest, but are without chances now here. Will they catch the Shark in the downhill?!
About a minute lead for Battaglin now at 5 kilometers left, a fantastic downhill showcase by him! Bardiani can already get the champagne!
A true descent for the Italians? Not only do Battalgin and Nibali get some serious time into their competitors, but also Scarponi set himself apart from Porte and Kiserlovski. Further down the road, the climb and downhill caused so many splits. Kelderman, Trofimov, Evans… so many of those riders try it on their own, want to get time into their competitors. The race radio reports from attacks all the time. Kreuziger is caught the furthest back from all the Top 5 contenders and he will lose time today.
The tv cameras would have nearly missed Battaghlin's moment but you always live for the replay. The Italian takes the stage win, and Bardiani can be really happy. They have been so far one of the most active teams and with this victory, they also end the winningless dread for the Italian Teams! Whole Italy is cheering.
It was a crazy stage for the Maglia Rosa. Nibali took the most benefit of his virtuous downhill skills today, however also Betancur increased his lead onto Porte again by a minute thanks to some great downhilling. Quintana didn't manage though and was caught again by Group Porte, who just got the same time as the others. Cadel Evans tried damage control but not a chance. Despite him performing a great solo ride in the end, Scarponi and Quintana pass him. Roman Kreuziger is another loser of today as he lost around 1'30 on Hesjedal. He still holds fifth overall but Kiserlovski is getting closer. Kelderman is then the last big name to have lost time though, and that although his teammate Gesink was in a group upfront.
Seems like Gesink went back to idiot mode. The victory went to his head and he doesn't help Wilco anymore. Pellizotti is back in the game and Evans and Scarponi are gone. Bad stage for us.
