Thank you! Ok, I can set Klöden set as leader for the Tour de Suisse, it will be his last preparation for le tour, so he will be in shape. I think he can win :D At the Tour de Romandie, he will not take part because this stage race will be a test for my Giro Squad.
19. February
Race results:
Spoiler
Volta ao Algarve
Stage 3:
1.) Alberto Contador (Astana) 4h58'43"
2.) Jean-Christophe Peraud (Omega Pharma) s.t.
3.) Tony Martin (Colombia) s.t.
Tour of Oman Stage 6: Al Jissah - Muscat Corniche, 26,4 km An interesting time trial stage. The first 10km are uphill, then an long downhill and at the end a last hill.
Team mission:
- Win the stage
- Protect Leader Jersey (or get it with Brajkovic)
Favourites according to PCM: Fabian Cancellara, Gustav Erik Larsson, Edvald Boasson Hagen My tip: It's a perfekt stage for the time trial machine, Fabian Cancellara.
The favourites and their time in the overall before the TT:
Cancellara +1'12"
Larsson +1'12"
Boasson Hagen +1'12" Brajkovic +1'12" Rosseler +1'04"
Hincapie +1'12"
Rabon +1'12"
Quinziato +1'12"
Van Garderen +1'12"
The first better time was set by Vitaliy Popkov (ISD Continental). But at the end, he was just 30th with a residue of 1'45".
Quinziato was the first of the favourites, but at the end, he was on a good 6th place (+54").
Fédrigo was a little surprise, he can be happy with a 14th place (+1'18")
It was not his day. Larsson ends just 7th.(+1'01")
Another surprise. Ruslan Pidgornyy can make a good 15th place (+1'23")
The american talent from Colombia, Tejay Van Garderen, makes a nice performance and ends 5th (+52")
The slovian champion, Janez Brajkovic. After finishing his ride, he was first with 36'33". But could that suffice for Cancellara?
Another Colombia time trialer, Frantisek Rabon. With a 9th place, a good performance from the american squad. (+1'03")
"Big George" was another favorite, and with a 12th place, he wasn't too bad. (+1'09")
Boasson Hagen at the start. In the sprints, he had not take part, but what he can make at the time trial? A strong 3rd place! (+30")
Cancellara. The world champion and the big favourite today. But he is not in shape already. He came in with 36'53" 20 seconds behind Janez Brajkovic!!! And he was he last opponent who could take the win.
Our second time trial specialist, Sébastien Rosseler. And with an amazing performance, he finished 4th (+35")
Our strongest opponent in the sprints. With a good time, he can stay in the Top 10. But with a 119th place and a residue of 2'59"
Our sprint master, Gert! And with a 20th place (+1'33"), he managed to stay in the Top10 in the GC!
The result:
1.) Janez Brajkovic (The Shack) 36'33"
2.) Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) +20"
3.) Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) +30"
4.) Sébastien Rosseler (The Shack) +35"
5.) Tejay Van Garderen (Colombia) +52"
6.) Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) +54"
7.) Gustav Erik Larsson (Saxo Bank) +1'01"
8.) Peter Sagan (Liquigas) +1'02"
9.) Frantisek Rabon (Colombia) +1'03"
10.) Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) +1'07"
GC:
Points:
U25:
Team: At the end, a perfekt Tour of Oman for us, with 3 stage wins, the Overall, the Sprint and the Team Classement!
S: Giovanni Visconti (ISD)
M: Jack Bauer (Endura Racing)
U25: Thibaut Pinot (FDJ)
Team: Bbox Bouygues Télécom
Vuelta a Andalucia
The Vuelta a Andalucía (English: Tour of Andalusia) or Ruta del Sol (English: Route of the Sun) is a regional Spanish road bicycle race. Since 2005, it has been a 2.1 category race on the UCI Europe Tour.
The nickname, Ruta del Sol, is in reference to the region's popular tourist coastline the Costa del Sol. (wikipedia.com)
The Shack: With Andreas Klöden, we have a strong stage race rider. He is not in shape yet (67 pt.), but I think he could try to challenge the other favourites. Geoffrey Lequatre will be our sprinter for the single sprint stage. Muravyev, Hermans, Rovny and Rubiera are helpers, but I think there could be a few breakaways, and maybe a little surprise like Muravyev at the Mallorca Challenge.
The opposition: With Denis Menchov, Robert Gesink and Igor Antón, there are three riders which are strong enough to win a GT. With Carlos Sastre (TDF Winner 2008), Michele Scarponi and Rein Taaramäe, their are just a few another strong opponents.
Stage 1: Jaén - Puerto de la Guardia, 154,9 km The stage is not to hard, expect the last 20km. The "Alto de Las Allanadas" will be a hard challenge and just good climber could win here.
Team mission:
- Make a Top 5 (Klöden)
Favourites according to PCM: Denis Menchov, Igor Antón, Robert Gesink My tip: Probably a little group will arrive first, where most favorites will be...
Depart in Jaén.
At the Alto de Arjona, a little group is in front, Ben Hermans in there.
B. Hermans (The Shack) 6
P. Merino (Footon) 4
M. Tjallingii (Rabobank) 2
The first intermediate sprint goes to the breakaway (prominent: Oscar Gatto, Maarten Tjallingii, Óscar Pujol and of course Ben Hermans).
B. Hermans (The Shack) 6
P. Merino (Footon) 4
M. Tjallingii (Rabobank) 2
The Alto de Arjonilla, still the break in front.
B. Hermans (The Shack) 6
P. Merino (Footon) 4
D. Gallego (Burgos 2016) 2
20 km before the finish, the break still exists, but with just 1'49" in front.
At the second intermediate sprint, the break tries to stay away, but they had not any chance.
The pack caught the front group. Now the first attack, Denis Menchow with a strong acceleration.
With 6km to go, Denis Menchov and his single follower, Nicolas Vogondy, have a little gap. But the pack has not give up...
The peleton caught Menchov and Vogondy, and now, with 3,8 km to go, Klöden makes his move!
And yes! He cames away, a half minute before Nicolas Vogondy who tries to keep up, and one minute ahead the peloton.
At the right moment a perfekt attack, and now he can finish his first victory 2010!
35 seconds behind Klöden, Vogondy cames in.
Euskaltel Sprint! After them, the pack, includes the other 5 riders of RadioShack.
The result:
1.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 4h08'05"
2.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) +35"
3.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) +1'00"
4.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) s.t.
5.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) s.t.
6.) Denis Menchov (Rabobank) +1'11"
7.) David Moncoutié (Cofidis) s.t.
8.) Iban Mayoz (Footon) s.t.
9.) Benjamín Noval (Astana) s.t.
10.) Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) s.t.
GC:
1.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 4h07'45"
2.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) +43"
3.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) +1'12"
4.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) +1'20"
4.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) s.t.
6.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) +1'25"
6.) Ricardo Vilela (Madeinox) s.t.
8.) Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank) +1'27"
8.) Pedro Merino (Footon) s.t.
8.) Diego Gallego (Burgos 2016) s.t.
Points:
1.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 25
2.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 20
3.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) 16
4.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) 14
5.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) 12
Mountain:
1.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 16
2.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) 12
2.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 12
4.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) 10
5.) Pedro Merino (Footon) 8
5.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) 8
U25: Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel)
Team: Team RadioShack
Yeah, i am very happy with him. It was just the perfekt moment for a attack, and Klöden makes his best!
22. February
Vuelta Andalucia Stage 2: Otura - Córdoba, 179 km A flat stage, but at the last 3 kilometers, their will be a little steep hill. It will be not the sprint for Lequatre...
Team mission:
- Top 10 Lequatre
- Protect Leader jersey
Favourites according to PCM: Allan Davis, Tom Leezer, Martin Pedersen My tip: Oscar Gatto, has a few good results early in February.
Depart in Otura
Many attackers at the first kilometers, and these guys got the points
Vidal Celis (Footon) 6
Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) 4
Scott Davis (Astana) 2
Another attackers, which got the points. I don't know why, but Moncoutié even sprints for the points o.o
David Moncoutié (Cofidis) 6
Jean-Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) 4
Bert de Backer (Skil) 2
Finaly, these guys came away, but their was not a prominent rider, maybe expect Ben King (Cervélo).
Luis Ángel Maté (Androni Giocattoli) 6
Carlos Baltazar (Barbot-Siper) 4
Andrés Artuna (Burgos 2016) 2
The break, 100 km before the finish. They does not look very stressed.
RadioShack at work
With 30 km to go, Rabobank and a few other teams take the relay, they ride hard.
With 9,6 km to go, the break has still one minute. But the pack cames with high speed and they don't have a chance.
NO!! Chechu Rubiera with a puncture, that close for the finish
Just 3 km to the finish. Just as I say, it is not a finish for Lequatre. I have chosen the backwheel from Tom Veelers, but at the start of the sprint, he was not in a good position...
1,4 km to go, Dominique Rollin in front, but already tired, behind him Oscar Gatto and Martin Pedersen. Pablo Urtasun left, at the right Tom Leezer and Allan Davis.
And Allan Davis takes it, it was so tight, that he decided not to celebrate.
With 3'10" behind, Chechu cames in. Too bad!
The result:
1.) Allan Davis (Astana) 4h13'13"
2.) Martin Pedersen (Footon) s.t.
3.) Pablo Urtasun (Euskaltel) s.t.
4.) Tom Leezer (Rabobank) s.t.
5.) Dominique Rollin (Cervélo) s.t.
6.) Oscar Gatto (ISD) s.t.
7.) Tom Veelers (Skil) s.t.
8.) Rubén Perez (Euskaltel) s.t.
9.) Guillaume Blot (Cofidis) s.t.
10.) Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank) s.t.
GC:
1.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 8h20'58"
2.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) +43"
3.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) +1'12"
4.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) +1'20"
4.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) s.t.
6.) Pablo Urtasun (Euskaltel) +1'23"
7.) David Moncoutié (Cofidis) +1'25"
7.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) s.t.
7.) Ricardo Vilela (Madeinox) s.t.
10.) Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank) +1'27"
10.) Jean-Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) s.t.
10.) Pedro Merino (Footon) s.t.
10.) Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) s.t.
10.) Diego Gallego (Burgos 2016) s.t.
Points:
1.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 25
1.) Allan Davis (Astana) 25
3.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 20
3.) Martin Pedersen (Footon) 20
5.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) 16
5.) Pablo Urtasun (Euskaltel) 16
Mountain:
1.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 16
2.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 12
2.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) 12
4.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) 10
5.) Pedro Merino (Footon) 8
5.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) 8
U25: Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel)
Team: Team RadioShackEdited by janne_837 on 28-09-2010 12:01
Giro di Sardegna
Stage 1:
1.) Giovanni Visconti (The Shack) 3h41'02"
2.) Emanuele Sella (CarmioOro) +0"
3.) Emanuele Vona (ISD) +0"
Vuelta a Andalucia Stage 3: Marbella - Benahavis, 159,1 km A hilly stage, perfekt for a good organised breakaway to take a stage win. If not, a group with most of the favourites will arrive first.
Team mission:
- Get in the break
- Defend leader jersey
Favourites according to PCM: Igor Antón, Denis Menchov, Carlos Sastre My tip: Nicolas Vogondy. Amazing performance at the first stage, he is in a perfekt form, and this in February!
Depart in Marbella
The "Puerto de Ojén" was only 10 km after the finish, so the points get to one of the few groups which try to get away.
Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) 10
Ínigo Cuesta (Cervélo) 8
Igor Antón (Euskaltel) 6
Aitor Pérez Arrieta (Footon) 4
Mauricio Ardila (Rabobank) 2
After the first hill, there were still many attackers, even Robert Gesink. But after his attack, we track and caught him.
But at the Puerto del Agua, their was already the final breakaway, including our belgian talent, Ben Hermans!
Ben Hermans (The Shack) 10
Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) 8
Rubén Peréz (Euskaltel) 6
Javier Ramírez Abeja (Andalucía) 4
Aitor Pérez Arrieta (Footon) 2
After the Puerto del Agua, the breakaway splits in 3 parts, but Ben was in the front group, which arrives first at the Puerto de Las Abejas.
Ben Hermans (The Shack) 6
Rubén Peréz (Euskaltel) 4
Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) 2
With 58 km to go, there were attackers in the pack. And with Nicolas Vogondy, Carlos Sastre and Robert Gesink a few important opponents.
And Nicolas shows why he was so good at the first stage. With a strong acceleration, he has build a big gap between him and the peloton, and just 38,4 km before the finish. I react and let my riders chase him.
But just 3km later, I realize that I had not a chance to catch him, so Klödi decided to use his good form today and starts an attack.
The 3 riders in the front at the Puerto de Ojén. Ben saves the most points, so he will ride in the mountain jersey tomorrow at the TT!
Ben Hermans (The Shack) 10
Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) 8
Rubén Peréz (Euskaltel) 6
Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 4
Benjamín Noval (Astana) 2
Here Nicolas Vogondy and a look at his gap before the group Klöden-Noval-Txurruka at the Puerto de Ojén.
20 km to go. Rubén Peréz tried to came, at least, he was not strong enough and stayed by Hermans and Rodríguez.
+1'05" Nicolas Vogondy
+1'49" Andreas Klöden/Amets Txurruka/Benjamin Noval
10 km before the finish, Peréz with another acceleration. But Hermans and Rodriguez could count.
+21" Nicolas Vogondy
+1'40" Andreas Klöden/Amets Txurruka/Benjamin Noval/Rein Taaramäe
6,5 km to go. Vogondy caught the breakaway, but they are still in front.
1,5 km to go. The sprint of the breakaway begins. Hermans at the backwheel of Vogondy.
AND YES! Hermans takes it in front of Nicolas Vogondy and Rubén Peréz.
Thank you for the comment! Yep, it is very close, but look yourself:
Race results:
1.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) 4h39'18"
2.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) s.t.
3.) Rubén Pérez (Euskaltel) s.t.
4.) Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) s.t.
5.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) +32"
6.) Benjamín Noval (Astana) s.t.
7.) Rein Taaramäe (Cofidis) s.t.
8.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) s.t.
9.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) +56"
10.) Paul Martens (Rabobank) s.t.
...
12.) Denis Menchov (Rabobank) s.t.
13.) David Moncoutié (Cofidis) s.t.
17.) Carlos Sastre (Cervélo) s.t.
24.) Dimitry Muravyev (The Shack) s.t.
25.) Ivan Rovny (The Shack) s.t.
32.) Robert Gesink (Rabobank) s.t.
...
Abandoned:
Sergio De Lis (Euskaltel) - Injury
Yohann Gène (Bbox) - Out of time
Jérôme Cousin (Bbox) - Out of time
GC:
1.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 13h00'47"
2.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) +1"
3.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) +34"
4.) Rubén Pérez (Euskaltel) +52"
5.) Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) +1'00"
6.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) +1'21"
7.) Benjamín Noval (Astana) +1'32"
8.) Rein Taaramäe (Cofidis) s.t.
9.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) +1'37"
10.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) +1'45"
...
12.) David Moncoutié (Cofidis) +1'50"
15.) Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) s.t.
20.) Dimitry Muravyev (The Shack) +1'56"
21.) Robert Gesink (Rabobank) s.t.
23.) Denis Menchov (Rabobank) s.t.
25.) Carlos Sastre (Cervélo) s.t.
30.) Ivan Rovny (The Shack) s.t. NO! But at the TT at the next stage, I will bring it back!
Points:
1.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 40
2.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 37
3.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) 31
4.) Allan Davis (Astana) 25
4.) Martin Pedersen (Footon) 25
Mountain:
1.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) 38
2.) Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) 28
3.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 16
3.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 16
3.) Rubén Pérez (Euskaltel) 16
U25: Ben Hermans (The Shack)
Team: Team RadioShackEdited by janne_837 on 28-09-2010 13:54
Vuelta a Andalucia Stage 4: Málaga - Málaga, 9,8 km ITT A short prologue, where even top time trialers can not gain much time. But is probably a last chance to improve his position
Team mission:
- Get the leader jersey (Klöden)
Favourites according to PCM:Andreas Klöden, Denis Menchov, Xavier Tondo My tip: I don't know why, but I think Rein Taaramäe will get the win today.
The first good time was set by Xavier Tondo. At least, he gots an ok 6th place (+ 16")
I had hope that Ivan Rovny could surprise, and with an 15th place, he was ok (+28")
But HE was a surprise. Paul Martens, a young german rider, surprises with a 4th place! (+14")
The tour winner 2007, Carlos Sastre. But he is not in shape yet, just place 25. (+34")
Another well-known GT rider, Denis Menchov, and one of the favourites today. But I think he is not happy with todays time trial, just the 11th place (+25")
One of the biggest talents in the world, Robert Gesink. But he don't show today. Just the 59th place (+49")
Not my best screenshot... This should be Koos Mourenhout, who finished with place 9 (+22")
The leader of Androni Giocattoli, Michele Scarponi. Place 14 for him. (+27")
David Moncoutié. Place 35. (+41")
My tip today, Rein Taaramäe. He was good today, and finished 5th (+15")
One of the favorites in the GC, Igor Antón. For a non-ttler, he finished with a good 7th (+19")
Klödi, one of my favourite rider. He has to win today, at least ahead of Nicolas Vogondy. He gives his best, and cames in with 13'17", the lead until yet. Could Vogondy beat him?
YES HE CAN! I don't know how, but Vogondy blow up and makes his third amazing stage... If it where not PCM, I would say hes doped. But so, just my gratulation!
Race results:
1.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 13'14"
2.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) +3"
3.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) +4"
4.) Paul Martens (Rabobank) +14"
5.) Rein Taaramäe (Cofidis) +15"
6.) Xavier Tondo (Cervélo) +16"
7.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) +19"
8.) Tom Veelers (Skil) +22"
9.) Koos Moerenhout (Rabobank) s.t.
10.) Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank) +23"
...
11.) Denis Menchov (Rabobank) +25"
12.) Benjamín Noval (Astana) s.t.
14.) Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocatoli) +27"
25.) Carlos Sastre (Cervélo) +34"
35.) David Moncoutié (Cofidis) +41"
40.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) +43"
59.) Robert Gesink (Rabobank) +49" Another surprises: Jonathan Castroviejo as 3rd and Tom Veelers as 8th
GC:
1.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 13h14'01"
2.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) +4"
3.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) +1'10"
4.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) +1'41"
5.) Rubén Pérez (Euskaltel) s.t.
6.) Rein Taaramäe (Cofidis) +1'47"
7.) Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) +1'54"
8.) Benjamín Noval (Astana) +1'57"
9.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) +2'04"
10.) Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) s.t.
...
15.) Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) +2'19"
16.) Denis Menchov (Rabobank) +2'21"
17.) Ivan Rovny (The Shack) +2'24"
22.) Carlos Sastre (Cervélo) +2'30"
23.) David Moncoutié (Cofidis) +2'31"
31.) Robert Gesink (Rabobank) +2'45"
32.) Dimitriy Muravyev (The Shack) +2'46"
Points:
1.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 65
2.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 57
3.) Jonathan Castroviejo (Euskaltel) 34
4.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) 31
5.) Igor Antón (Euskaltel) 30
Mountain:
1.) Ben Hermans (The Shack) 38
2.) Jackson Rodríguez (Androni Giocattoli) 28
3.) Andreas Klöden (The Shack) 16
3.) Nicolas Vogondy (Bbox) 16
3.) Rubén Pérez (Euskaltel) 16
U25: Ben Hermans (The Shack)
Team: Team RadioShack
Samuel Sánchez said in the magazin "Cycling bloc" that he likes the tour de france and want to win the race.
The teams for Tirreno-Adriatico are fixed. 17 PT-Teams (expect Francaise Des Jeux) + Acqua&Sapone, Androni Giocattoli, CarmioOro, Colnago-CSF and Miche.
Vuelta a Andalucia Stage 5: Torrox Costa - Antequera, 166,2 km The last stage from the Vuelta a Andalucia will be the last chance to get time on Vogondy. I think there will be a front group including the favorites
Team mission:
- Get the leader jersey (Klöden)
- Hold the mountain jersey (maybe going in the breakaway) (Hermans)
Favourites: Igor Antón, Robert Gesink, Michele Scarponi My tip: Nicolas Vogondy. He makes an amazing race.
Thanks for the comment Yeah, Hermans was strong in the breaks, so he gets his mountain jersey and 2 stage wins, but Vogondy was absolutely unbeatable...
Edited by janne_837 on 30-09-2010 12:47
GP dell'Insubria-Lugano
1.) Peter Sagan (Liquigas) 3h44'13"
2.) David Loosli (Lampre) +0"
3.) Danny Pate (Garmin) +29"
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (previously known as Omloop Het Volk) is a Flanders Classics single day cycle race held in the Belgian province of East Flanders.
The race was first held in 1945, organised by the newspaper Het Volk in response to Het Nieuwsblad’s Classic Ronde van Vlaanderen. The Omloop, with the start and finish in Ghent, uses many of the climbs in the Ronde van Vlaanderen, and is for that reason often used in preparation for the bigger event.
The race was known as Omloop Het Volk until 2008. The newspaper Het Volk stopped publishing in 2008 and was taken over by Het Nieuwsblad, as a result of which the race was renamed to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad for the 64th edition in 2009. (wikipedia.com)
The Shack: Our sprinter Steegmans, also leader at cobble races, will lead here. Sam Bewley and Bjorn Selander are talents who should gain experience, Vaitkus and Rast are helpers for The Shack, Rosseler is free.
The opposition: Oh, such a strong startlist... Their are so many good riders. The best: Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Filippo Pozatto, Juan-Antonio Flecha, Thor Hushovd and Philippe Gilbert.
Gent - Gent
Team mission:
- Get a Top 10 with Steegmans
Favourites: Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Filippo Pozatto, Juan-Antonio Flecha, Thor Hushovd and Philippe Gilbert. My tip: Just like in rl, Juan-Antonio Flecha will win!
The begin of the first cobble classic this year, in Gent!
Todays breakaway! Most of them are really poor at the cobbles, so it is their only chance to show them. Prominent: Vladimir Efimkin, Rubén Plaza and Fabian Wegmann.
The break at one of the most important places in the cycling world, the "Muur van Geraardsbergen"!
The break, now with Bert Scheirlinckx who cames from behind, at the Pottelberg.
At the Donderji, Scheirlinckx accelerates and let the others back-
The pack after the Wolvenberg.
Just 32,1 km to go, and just one man in front: Bert Scheirlinckx (after the Paddestraat). He had good legs today. Can he get the win?
Just 20 km to go. Bert still in the lead, but the pack just 1'30" down. It will be hard for him...
10,9 km before the finish. Now Tom Boonen with an attack at the Lange Munte.
Poor Scheirlinckx... Now the pack caught him...
4,8 km. Boonen in front, but the pack with just 25 rider is not away...
2,3 km before the finish. The sprint of the front group begins... Who wiill get the win today?
Flame rouge... Boonen in front, but Steegmans will make his move soon...
Steegmans has had an full red fillet, but he was not strong enough to steal Boonen the win. Could their be a better picture than seeing the victory of the belgium champion in a belgium race.
beagle wrote:
why do you send only 6 riders to races?
Well, at cobble races I have just 8 good rider, but Lance should not ride each cobble race there we will compete, and Dimitriy Muravyev has just competed in The Mallorca Challenge and the Ruta del Sol, I want that he rest a bit. The other six specialists there were.
At February, I send always just 6 riders in a race ;D
Now a funny message: The squad "Vorarlberg-Corratec" want sign Yaroslav Popovych
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne is an annual single-day road bicycle race in Belgium. It is ridden on the last Sunday of February or on the first Sunday of March, one day after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. First held in 1945, since 2005 it has been a 1.1 event on the UCI Europe Tour. (wikipedia.com)
The Shack Just as in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but with Muravyev another specialist at our squad.
The opposition All the cobble specialists are there, but today are not so much cobbles and hills as yesterday. Normally, the favourites should be Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Filippo Pozatto, Juan-Antonio Flecha, Thor Hushovd etc., but in a Masssprint, I would count on Mark Cavendish, Tyler Farrar and Óscar Freire.
Kuurne - Kuurne
Team mission
- Get a Top 10 with Steegmans (Or win if their will be a masssprint)
Favourites: Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Filippo Pozatto, Juan-Antonio Flecha, Thor Hushovd and Philippe Gilbert. My tip: Their will be a mass sprint, and it will be the first victory 2010 for the "Manx missile"!
beagle wrote:
why do you send only 6 riders to races?
Well, at cobble races I have just 8 good rider, but Lance should not ride each cobble race there we will compete, and Dimitriy Muravyev has just competed in The Mallorca Challenge and the Ruta del Sol, I want that he rest a bit. The other six specialists there were.
At February, I send always just 6 riders in a race ;D
beagle wrote:
why do you send only 6 riders to races?
Well, at cobble races I have just 8 good rider, but Lance should not ride each cobble race there we will compete, and Dimitriy Muravyev has just competed in The Mallorca Challenge and the Ruta del Sol, I want that he rest a bit. The other six specialists there were.
At February, I send always just 6 riders in a race ;D
Yeah, Hermans was strong in the breaks, so he gets his mountain jersey and 2 stage wins, but Vogondy was absolutely unbeatable...
