The National Championships are up before the biggest event of the year. I take a look at the profile and obviously our best chances are with Lobato. Katu is at the team’s side and he is confident that we can pull it off. From Salamance to Salamanca, the course features some slight hills, but eventually it’s clear that this course should suit the fastest men of Spain, meaning Ventoso, Rojas and Lobato.
It’s a weird day when Euskaltel – Euskadi want to build up a serious sprint train, while Flecha, Contador and L.L. S#anchez attack. But today is the national championships up, and Euskaltel see on this rather flat terrain their best chances with J.J. Lobato.
Gora Juan José, Gora Euskadi!
And yes, Euskaltel can even do that. At least on national championship-level as Lobato takes the jersey of the national champion of Spain! He will already show his jersey at the Tour de France, and in this form, he might even be a man for a surprise victory. 2nd place takes his team mate Igor Antón, who has his wheel, and Ventoso ranks 3rd. Euskadi Continental top talent, Carlos Barbero, takes 4th and signals the people at Euskaltel, that he will want a World Tour contract next year, after he has agreed to stay one more year on continental level with Euskadi CT for now.
We celebrate, but not too much: Le Tour is just around the corner. In any case, young Juan José looks incredible happy as he puts on his new jersey, and honestly, it really suits him.
Country
National Champion - RR
National Champion - TT
Belgium
Gilbert (BMC)
Monfort (RTL)
Canada
Boivin (CAN)
Meier (OGE)
Colombia
Betancur (ALM)
Urán (SKY)
Czech Republic
Buchácek (Bauknecht)
König (NetApp)
Denmark
Breschel (TST)
Vandborg (CAN)
France
Chiocca (Atlas Personal)
Casar (FDJ)
Germany
Greipel (LTB)
Klöden (RTL)
Great Britain
Cavendish (OPQ)
Wiggins (SKY)
Italy
Gasparotto (AST)
Cataldo (SKY)
Netherlands
Markus (VCD)
Boom (BEL)
Norway
Eidsheim (Team Oster Hus)
Boasson Hagen (SKY)
Poland
Kwiatkowski (OPQ)
Kwiatkowski (OPQ)
Portugal
Caldeira (OFM)
Pires (TST)
Russia
Porsev (KAT)
Gusev (KAT)
Slovenia
Mezgec (ARG)
Spilak (KAT)
Spain
J.J. Lobato (EUS)
Contador (TST)
Switzerland
Wyss (BMC)
Cancellara (RTL)
Ukraine
Averin (Atlas Personal)
Grivko (AST)
United States
Stemper (5-Hour Energy)
Talansky (GRS)
Let’s talk about transfers, let’s talk about you and me
As of 30. June 2013, many top riders have signed already new contract for the next season. Such include Nibali and Brajkovic at Astana, Nicolas Roche, who steps up to Team Captain at Saxo – Tinkoff and Valverde at Movistar. Also, Joaquim Rodriguez and Valverde have signed new contracts with their teams after confirmation that they stay team captain at Katusha respective Movistar. FDJ has secured contracts with their top best riders, Pinot and Ladagnous.
At Euskaltel – Euskadi Samuel Sánchez and Igor Antón have renewed their contract, albeit on a lower salary. This will allow in the new season the hiring of an additional coach and this action can be considered as a true sign of character and how much both our captains at Euskaltel – Euskadi enjoy and support this basque dream. Further the team has boosted the salary of Ion Izagirre, while keeping him under Euskaltel – Euskadi wings for additional years. J.J. Oroz, Minguez, Bravo and Pérez have signed new contracts by now. Riders that have not yet signed a new contract are the two german riders Radochla and Schulze and they will have to show a good performance in the second half of the season.
Interesting basque riders that are up for grabs have decreased over the season. Castroviejo has signed a few days ago with Movistar a new contract and thus won’t be approachable for at least another year. This leaves Koldo Fernandez (GRS) and Haimar Zubeldia (RTL) without a contract yet for next year. Euskaltel – Euskadi will look into options concering both riders.
Velasco and Armendia by Caja Rural have not signed a new contract on pro continental level, while at continental level no Euskadi riders have yet shown that they are ready to take the step to World Elite. Carlos Barbero at Euskadi CT is close though but the team managers have agreed that he will ride one more year on CT level before hopefully joining the World Tour team.
As of to date, following top riders or promising talent have not signed a contract yet. Either their team signs them in the coming weeks or months – or the competition will look for them. Most notable riders are Froome & Porte (both SKY), Cancellara (RTL), Quintana (MOV), Cavendish (OPQ), Kreuziger (TST), Van Avermaet (BMC) & Fuglsang (AST). Especially Saxo – Tinkoff & Omega Pharma might lose considerable talent. However if that stays the case, we’ll see.
Team
Name
Astana
Gasparotto
Guarnieri
Fuglsang
BMC
Oss
Van Avermaet
Belkin
Boom
Slagter
Cannondale
Caruso
FDJ
Casar
Demare
Fedrigo
Garmin-Sharp
Farrar
Hesjedal
Talansky
Katusha
Haller
Kristoff
Moreno
Lampre
Scarponi
Lotto Belisol
Bak
Roelandts
Movistar
Quintana
Omega Pharma
Cavendish
Golas
Trentin
Omega Pharma
Van Keirsbulck
Velits
Verona
Orica-Green Edge
Clarke
Radioshack
Cancellara
Zubeldia
SKY
Cataldo
Edmonson
Froome
SKY
Porte
Puccio
Argos-Shimano
Kittel
Saxo-Tinkoff
Kreuziger
Kump
Majka
Saxo-Tinkoff
Morkov
Rogers
Vacansoleil
Marcato
Marczynski
Valls
On continental level most notable riders are Rolland (EUC), Taaramae (COF) and Pellizotti (AND), who have not signed a new contract yet.
But frankly, we can take care of that after the Tour de France, right?
Edited by Shonak on 05-01-2014 21:35
@sutty68: You can bet on that, and Euskaltel - Euskadi is even okay with it, since he isn't basque.
@admirschleck: It will be revealed to readers at le Tour of course.
@welker3257: Hehe, yeah - it was a great sprint. Gotta thank the route and Spain's missing numbers in quality sprinters for it. Barbero of Euskadi CT sure surprised with his 4th place. Edited by Shonak on 06-01-2014 13:28
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
"First week you feel good,
the second week you lose strength.
Third week, fucked." -- Per Pedersen, on the Tour de France
Yes, yes. We all know; it’s the biggest cycling race in the world. Speaking on an annual level, the Tour de France might even be the biggest annual sporting event, and in terms of spectators – well, nothing can even dream of beating the Grande Boucle. But seriously, let’s get over ourselves and just enjoy the spectacle...
Going back in 1903, the Tour de France has since established itself as the stage race any young rider dreams about winning. Sure, riders will lose focus of that over the years, but admittedly, truth be told: It’s a dream of many, and for most riders, it will remain a dream. Le Tour is in many kinds unique. It’s mass appeal sparks enthusiasm even in the eyes of people that usually complain about riders on the street from out of their car; its speed and fierceness make it a living danger for the riders; the mountains are famed legends of the Pro Cycling world and have caused myths of their own. And winning a stage is always one of the proudest moments for the riders. However, the unique level of performance and the sacrifices le Tour demands from the riders in these 3 weeks have its downsights too. Le Tour has been heavily connected with doping; be it rumored dopings of the past, the Festina scandal or most lately, the long-overdue confession of Lance Armstrong, former winner of… Nothing.
Current record holders are – wait, do we will have to name them? Jeez, every kid knows them, but we gotta be thorough: French riders Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault as well as Belgian Eddy Merckx and Spaniard Miguel Indurain have each won the Tour de France five times. The rider with the most Tour de France overall victories in this year’s peloton is Alberto Contador with two, while Mark Cavendish is the closest active rider with 23 wins to Eddy Merckx legacy of the cannibal with 34.
French cyclist with a girl by Christopher Wood, 1925
This edition starts in Corsica and will end in Paris. Tough climbs in the Pyrennees as well as the Alpes, will determine the winner. With two time trials, one offering 30 kilometers of flat, while the second features two climbs, the main contenders both need skill in the mountains as well as a good day solo on the bike. But that’s not the only thing: Le Tour is infamous for its high-pace, and riders will be have to always aware to avoid crashes or decisive splits during the stage.
"It was eleven more than necessary." -- Jacques Anquetil – after winning by only 12 seconds
Of course, the startlist includes an illustrious Who-is-Who of cycling best’s. Featuring last year’s winner Sir Bradley Wiggins, the first Briton to win the Tour de France, and two times winner Alberto Contador as well as Andy Schleck and Cadel Evans, le Tour includes some riders who have already fulfilled their dream of winning Le Tour. Christopher Froome, Sky’s main man, will be the man to beat though. He came in second last year and will try to get one higher this year. His main competitors include the before-mentioned Alberto Contador as well as his fellow Spaniards Alejandro Valverde (MOV) and Joaquím Rodríguez (KAT). Movistar even have one more rider up their sleeve in colombian young gun Nairo Quintana. Further riders to watch out for are Jürgen Van den Broeck, Bauke Mollema, Roman Kreuziger, Jakob Fuglsang, Thibaut Pinot, Niemiec, Daniel Martin, Carlos Betancur, Pierre Rolland, Simon Spilak and Mikel Nieve.
So, the prominence in the mountain is secured, but what about the sprints? We will see fights between german superstars Marcel Kittel and André Greipel, and of course, Manx Missile, Mark Cavendish. Matthew Goss, Arnaud Demare and Elia Viviani are further riders who will hope to take a win here or there.
World Time Trial Champion Tony Martin and former TT champion Cancellara also participate and will surely give the SKY duo Wiggins/Froome a run for their money in the flat time trial.
Notable other riders include: Enrico Gasparotto (AST), Luis Leon Sánchez (BEL), Chris Horner (RTL), Andreas Klöden (RTL), Francis De Greef (LTB), Luca Paolini (KAT), Visconti (MOV), Tom Boonen (OPQ), Stybar (OPQ), Kwiatkowski (OPQ), Nicholas Roche (TST), Michael Rogers (TST), Rinaldo Nocentini (ALM), Dominik Nerz (BMC), Thor Hushovd (BMC), Simon Clarke (OGE), Thomas Voeckler (EUC), Thomas De Gendt (VCD), J.A. Flecha (VCD) and so forth… Although some big names in the circuit are missing, such as Nibali, Samuel Sánchez or Sagan, the peloton still offers more than a enough quality for any fan to be satisfied with.
"It never gets easier, you just go faster." -- Greg LeMond
The line-up of Euskaltel is quite prepared for the 3 weeks ahead of them. Much of the pressure of success lies upon the shoulders of Igor Antón and Mikel Nieve, who will be our guys in the mountains. Mikel Astarloza, Egoi Martínez, Jorge Azanza and Robert Vrecer will be our source of constant breakaway attempts, while french-basque rider Romain Sicard might have a shot too during his mostly bottle-carrying duties. Even for the sprints, Euskaltel brought someone along: Newly crowned Spanish champion, Juan José Lobato, will hope to get a few good results with the help of Serebryakov.
Stage 1
Today marks the beginning of 3 intense weeks of spectacle and hardships. In its 100 jubilee, the Tour starts the first time in Corsica and the first stage will feature a few very small climbs. It’s clear that this stage should be decided by sprinters.
It’s the start of the tour. The red car starts, the riders step on the pedal. The people in Porto-Vecchio cheer for hours. Chris Froome, backnumber 11, won’t matter today but will surely do so in the future days.
Perfect start for Andy Schleck… or not. The former Grand Tour contender falls on the first kilometers of the race and already tries now to catch up to the peloton. And we have not even reached the big mountains yet. Poor Andy boy. The fact that Radioshack sends no one back to him, speaks clearly that they don’t expect much from him. Meanwhile upfront, the first breakaways of the Tour de France try to break free but get in reeled rather quickly by the strong sprinter teams.
Geschke (ARG) wins the intermediate sprint ahead of Albasini (OGE) and Hushovd (BMC). The other two riders in the break are Ponzi (AST) and Pozzato (LAM). Quite a good break we have going there, with many riders who have tried their luck multiple times already in other stage races, sometimes with success. By now, Andy Schleck joined the peloton again.
Going fast into the last 15 kilometers, we have the first time the chance to look at Lobato in his jersey of the National champion of Spain. It suits him, doesn’t it? He probably can’t think too much about his new jersey, while he fights for the position in the peloton, and enjoying the Mediterranean sea at Corsica’s beach isn’t an option either.
Just as the break gets caught, the peloton hits the last 5 kilometers at the coast of Bastia. Serebryakov and Lobato are up there and try to catch some good wheel. Cavendish in his national championship jersey might be a good one, but the british sprinter is infamous for allowing his opponents little slipstream.
It’s hectic but there, but Loabto looks good on Greipe’s wheel. Unfortunately Serebryakov wasn’t quite up to holding Manx Missile’s wheel and left to much space open. Cavendish enjoys a perfect train as he takes over command from Boonen.
Cavendish takes the stage win and the yellow jersey ahead of Greipel (LTB) and Goss (OGE). Last rider: Andy Schleck, who probably suffered some injuries in the crash before and couldn’t hold the pace in the end. No good form, quelle surprise.
Nice report there, really liked the preview especially. Too bad Sagan isn't there, but i guess going in breakaways and such for intermediates on mountain stages is something the AI hardly does anyway.
Maybe it's better if Serebryakov just drops off Lobato at the wheel of a top sprinter, instead of staying in front of him. So, in this case, get Cav's wheel with Serebryakov and then let go to make space for Lobato. This way, he might get launched into an occasional top-5 placing
@Dippofix: Thanks mate. Yeah, I was surprised too that Sagan wasn't listed in the peloton. I guess he had a classic schedule for this year. Might have to edit it a bit in the future to ensure that he rides it too, we'll see.
@Blueprint: Thanks for the tip, but actually Serebrykov mostly just hangs in there. When it comes to the real sprint, he is already exhausted.
Stage 2 might be up today after the Four Hills Tournament (Ski jumping). or tomorrow.
Edited by Shonak on 06-01-2014 16:05
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
@sutty68: Indeed, he does. Coolest kid in the peloton!
Stage 2
Yesterday was a day for the sprinters. Today might be too, that is to say: If they get over the first climbs of this year’s Tour de France.
Langeveld and Jeandesboz have no chance when it comes to sprinting for mountain points. De Greef takes the points ahead of Kiserlovski. The break has a gap of 4 minutes to the peloton. That’s solid but they keep on working. Two more mountains are still waiting.
Greipel and Demare lost contact to the peloton on this steep climb. It’s unlikely that they have a chance to come back. The peloton is after all already over the second summit. Cataldo feels this as the peloton heads into the downhill, Flecha can use his brakes just in time.
It’s a dangerous descent and we know it by now, as Fuglsang crashes too. Other than with Andy Schleck yesterday, Astana is quick to react and sends several riders back to him.
With attacks by Daniel Martin, Voeckler, De Gendt and L.L. Sánchez, it won’t get easier for Astana to bring back their captain. This is final steep mountain climb isn’t quite too long, and after all, roughly 60 kilometers of descent and a flat route will wait for the riders on the other side of the summit.
On the wheel of Kazachastan’s champion Iglinskiy, Fuglsang returns to the peloton.
No time for the breakaway to rest as Group Daniel Martin comes closer and closer to them. They take the corners bravely.
It’s another try for L.L. Sánchez and Daniel Martin out of the peloton after getting previously caught again. Still, a long way to go, 30 kilometers. Meanwhile, things are perfect for Cavendish. He is the only top sprinter left in the peloton and the toughest opponents for a bunch sprint are presumably Roelandts, Boasson hagen and Rojas. Oh, and Lobato stayed in the peloton too. He’s looking fine, he assures Katu. Wonderful.
That one small climb, 10 kilometers ahead of the finish, sure spiced up the finish a bit. Cavendish and Lobato both lost places in a matter of seconds, while Saxo – Tinkoff paced up the that climb hard. Igor Antón is up front and Lobato will look to come back at the front too.
Cavendish and Lobato both try desperately to get up front to the peloton.
Benatti upfront seems to have this one in the bag, while Lobato can’t seem to get past Kolobnev.
And yes, it’s a win for Bennati, who takes today’s stage. He was clearly the fastest man after today’s tough climb and rode the smartest. Betancur finishes ahead of Henao on 2nd. Lobato takes 6th. Not a perfect sprint but it’s a nice enough result to begin with. The final small climb surely hurt his legs and he couldn’t quite keep up at the hill, but nonetheless, it was a good performance by Euskaltel – Euskadi today.
And then, we are really surprised: Bennati takes yellow from Cavendish. Well, that’s maybe not too surprising, but Lobato is second overall. Granted, most riders have the same time, but it looks good, doesn’t it? And for his good performance today, Lobato has the honour to switch the NC jersey of Spain for the jersey of best young rider, at least for a day. Quite nice too.
at the French NC
