We arrive finally, at the true start of the WT season! The race to the sun!
We are not focused so heavily on the P-N, the sponsors would like a top 10 overall, and a top 5 in a stage. We will look to either a successful break, or a possible ascent finish, if Danielson can find some form.
The team are centred around the Climbing-Time Trial abilities, of Tom Danielson,he may not prove the strongest rider in the field, but he will be up there, and will hope to regain time on the stronger climbers, during the ITT. Deeny is our man for the sprints, we hold little hope of beating the top names, but he will hope to collect at least one top 10 over the week.
There is no single day which you can say will decide the Paris-Nice this year, it seems likely that the favourites will be inactive over the first 2 days, set up it would seem for sprints, but from then on, there are likely to be constant shake ups, with several stages featuring sharp climbs close to the finish, which could present an opportunity for attacks, in what promises to be an exciting week of racing.
There are many strong stage racers here, looking to open an early account for the season, names such as C.Evans, A.Vinokourov, M.Scarponi seem to be favourite due to there strength across the board, though there is a question of fitness, Scarponi is targeting the Giro, does this make him the fittest contender?
Last years winner does not return to try and protect his title, A.Contador is not present in what looks to be a weak Saxobank side, possibly targeting Tirreno instead, or just intending to throw there weight in bigger races later in the season.
Edited by baggieboys32 on 11-04-2012 17:27
Day one sees a critérium event, on flat terrain just outside Paris, the morning saw a sizeable break escape, consisting initially of 10 men. We missed the morning break, after the very first attacks were brought back, however when we saw the break was being allowed free, we sent Floyd Landis, who made a big effort and bridged the 2'13" gap solo!
Floyd made good use of his time in the break, to win one of the intermediate sprints, picking up 3 bonus seconds, and 3points The break was never allowed free from it's tether though, and with 10km the sprinting teams came forwards, to set up for the fast finish.
Deeny got into position to give it a go, but the big names were keen to score the victory here, with few opportunities available in the edition of the Paris-Nice, Cofidis rider, Samuel Dumoulin was able to take the win in home territory after a huge turn of speed late on, winning in front of Sagan, and Ben Swift.
Stage Results
1
Samuel Dumoulin
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
3h32'30
2
Peter Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
3
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
4
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
5
Anthony Ravard
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
6
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
7
Wouter Weylandt
Leopard Trek
s.t.
8
Kristjan Koren
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
9
Sébastien Turgot
Team Europcar
s.t.
10
David Le Lay
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
11
Baden Cooke
Saxo Bank SunGard
s.t.
12
Graeme Brown
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
13
Sheldon Deeny
Exxon Duke
s.t.
14
Bram Tankink
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
15
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
Deeney was 13th in the end, he didn't have the stamina to keep up with the best, it doesn't look like we will be getting a sprint victory here, due to the big names brought by some of our opponents.
Stage 2
Stage 2, saw another well controlled break, most of the work done by French teams, Cofidis and AG2R, we managed to get into a break once again, we're scoring TV time, if nothing else here in France, always good news for a new team, again it was Landis, and he took another sprint, meaning he was just 1" behind the lead on the road.
The rain battered the breakaway, and they were brought back with still 50km to ride! no one wanted to make an attack on the pan-flat terrain though, and it was going to be another sprinters day, this time it was Ben Swift taking it on the line for team sky, Deeny was unable to find a good position to launch from, and had to make do with a measly 17th.
The Third stage looks to be one of the most unpredictable of the race, a sharp climb 15km from the finish may give the favourites a chance to breakaway late, if the front group is reeled in, the leaders may be allowed free due to the bigger hills to come later in the race, or if the teams with sprinters can get over the top, then it could come down to a 3rd sprint for the finishing line.
The morning breakaway was a hard fought affair despite dreadful conditions, 3 attempts were brought back by AG2R and Sky, before eventually, an 11 man group including Danny Pate managed to break away once the initial pace had relaxed a bit.
The breakaway fought out the sprints, one for Pate, and one for Michael Kreder of Garmin-Cervélo, and still held one minute at the beginning of the final climb. Voeckler and Kreuziger made attacks, Kreuziger was quickly borught back, but Voeckler escaped and was follow by just one man from the break- Spezialetti (Lampre) the two lead over the summit, with Spezialetti taking the KOM points and jersey, but were caught on the descent.
The sprinters were tired, but would still contest the stage, Deeny found the wheel of Gert Steegmans, as they riders passed the 2km mark, not far behind the Race leader, Ben Swift.
The sprinters were just winding up, when suddenly, a massive pileup occured at the back of the peloton! Flecha (for a second time this season) caught the wheel of Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R) bringing down 15-20 riders, including Lampre leader, and Giro hopeful Michele Scarponi, it will be interesting to see how they recover, as they all target the early season, will this damage there overall chances?
Back up front, the Saxo leader Baden Cooke recieved the perfect leadout from Peter Sagan, and was able to sprint to victory, ahead of Gasparotto and Steegmans, Deeny faded again, he's not as quick as the competition, and he had to settle for 19th in the end.
Stage Results
1
Baden Cooke
Saxo Bank SunGard
5h05'20
2
Enrico Gasparotto
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
3
Gert Steegmans
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
4
Carlos Barredo
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
6
Roman Kreuziger
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
7
Anthony Ravard
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
8
Samuel Dumoulin
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
9
Peter Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
10
Nicki Sørensen
Saxo Bank SunGard
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
12
Kevin Van Impe
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
13
Paolo Longo Borghini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
14
Sébastien Turgot
Team Europcar
s.t.
15
Wouter Weylandt
Leopard Trek
s.t.
16
Sebastian Langeveld
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
17
Lars Ytting Bak
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
18
Michel Kreder
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
19
Sheldon Deeny
Exxon Duke
s.t.
20
Nico Sijmens
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
21
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
22
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
s.t.
23
Juan Mauricio Soler
Movistar Team
s.t.
24
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
s.t.
25
Rein Taaramäe
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
26
David Le Lay
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
27
Levi Leipheimer
Team RadioShack
s.t.
28
Sylvain Chavanel
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
29
Kristof Vandewalle
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
30
Alexandre Vinokourov
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
31
Dominic Klemme
Leopard Trek
s.t.
32
Bjorn Selander
Exxon Duke
s.t.
33
Tejay Van Garderen
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
34
Anders Lund
Leopard Trek
s.t.
35
Michael Albasini
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
36
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
37
Egoi Martínez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
38
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
39
Jürgen Van de Walle
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
40
Vicente Reynès
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
41
Mauro Santambrogio
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
42
Iñaki Isasi
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
43
Jens Voigt
Leopard Trek
s.t.
44
David López
Movistar Team
s.t.
45
Romain Sicard
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
46
Laurent Didier
Saxo Bank SunGard
s.t.
47
Assan Bazayev
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
48
Robert Hunter
Team RadioShack
s.t.
49
Aitor Pérez Arrieta
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
50
Markel Irizar
Team RadioShack
s.t.
51
Marko Kump
Geox - TMC
s.t.
52
Linus Gerdemann
Leopard Trek
s.t.
53
Frantisek Rabon
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
54
Tom Danielson
Exxon Duke
s.t.
55
Marcello Pavarin
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
56
Sergey Lagutin
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
57
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
58
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
59
Christian Knees
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
60
Marzio Bruseghin
Movistar Team
s.t.
61
Daniel Lloyd
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
62
Nicolas Roche
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
63
David De la Fuente
Geox - TMC
s.t.
64
Peter Velits
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
65
Andrey Kashechkin
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
66
Cyril Dessel
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
67
Manuele Boaro
Saxo Bank SunGard
s.t.
68
Juraj Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
69
Mikaël Chérel
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
70
Anthony Charteau
Team Europcar
s.t.
71
Tom Stamsnijder
Leopard Trek
s.t.
72
Fabio Duarte
Geox - TMC
s.t.
73
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
74
Luis León Sánchez
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
75
Ruslan Pidgornyy
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
76
Tanel Kangert
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
77
Sven Van Dousselaere
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
78
Pavel Brutt
Katusha Team
s.t.
79
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
80
Rubén Pérez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
81
Rafael Valls
Geox - TMC
s.t.
82
Sep Vanmarcke
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
83
Marco Marzano
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
84
Gerald Ciolek
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
85
Arnaud Labbe
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
86
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
87
Nicolas Vogondy
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
88
Aleksandr Kuschynski
Katusha Team
s.t.
89
Gert Dockx
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
90
Mario Aerts
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
91
Yukiya Arashiro
Team Europcar
s.t.
92
Manuel Cardoso
Team RadioShack
s.t.
93
Geoffroy Lequatre
Team RadioShack
s.t.
94
Philippe Gilbert
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
95
Janez Brajkovič
Team RadioShack
s.t.
96
Andriy Grivko
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
97
Rubén Plaza
Movistar Team
s.t.
98
Ramunas Navardauskas
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
99
Carlos Sastre
Geox - TMC
s.t.
100
Robert Gesink
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
101
José Iván Gutiérrez
Movistar Team
s.t.
102
Rigoberto Urán
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
103
Jérôme Pineau
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
104
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
s.t.
105
Romain Zingle
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
106
Maxim Gourov
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
107
Simon Gerrans
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
108
Maxime Monfort
Leopard Trek
s.t.
109
Mauro Da Dalto
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
110
Vincent Jérôme
Team Europcar
s.t.
111
Jonathan Castroviejo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
112
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
113
Pierre Cazaux
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
114
Frederik Veuchelen
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
115
Ángel Madrazo
Movistar Team
s.t.
116
Mathieu Claude
Team Europcar
s.t.
117
Björn Leukemans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
118
Ben Hermans
Team RadioShack
s.t.
119
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
120
Simon Spilak
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
121
Denis Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
s.t.
122
Ezequiel Mosquera
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
123
Marcel Sieberg
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
124
Floyd Landis
Exxon Duke
s.t.
125
Stijn Vandenbergh
Katusha Team
s.t.
126
Francesco Masciarelli
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
127
Daniel Navarro
Saxo Bank SunGard
s.t.
128
Juan Antonio Flecha
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
129
Alan Marangoni
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
130
Jean-Christophe Peraud
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
131
Murilo Fischer
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
132
Kristjan Koren
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
133
Juan José Cobo
Geox - TMC
s.t.
134
Yannick Eijssen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
135
Ignatas Konovalovas
Movistar Team
s.t.
136
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
137
Eros Capecchi
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
138
Michael Schär
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
139
Aleksejs Saramotins
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
140
Alessandro Spezialetti
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
141
Matthias Brändle
Geox - TMC
s.t.
142
Danny Pate
Exxon Duke
s.t.
143
Jeremy Hunt
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
144
Bernhard Eisel
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
145
Sébastien Chavanel
Team Europcar
s.t.
146
Nikolas Maes
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 2'45
147
Greg Henderson
Sky ProCycling
+ 3'07
148
Alexandre Pliuschin
Katusha Team
s.t.
149
Giacomo Nizzolo
Leopard Trek
s.t.
150
Danilo Wyss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
151
Roger Hammond
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
152
Simon Zahner
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
153
Daniele Righi
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
154
Martin Velits
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
155
Amaël Moinard
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
156
Phil Zajicek
Exxon Duke
s.t.
157
Stef Clement
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
158
David Boucher
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
159
Tomas Alberio
Geox - TMC
s.t.
160
Bram Tankink
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
161
David Tanner
Saxo Bank SunGard
s.t.
162
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
s.t.
163
Coen Vermeltfoort
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 4'03
164
Graeme Brown
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
165
Pablo Urtasun
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 5'47
166
Romain Lemarchand
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
167
Artem Ovechkin
Katusha Team
+ 6'11
168
Sam Bewley
Team RadioShack
s.t.
169
Mads Christensen
Saxo Bank SunGard
s.t.
170
Kevin Reza
Team Europcar
+ 7'55
171
Christian Meier
Exxon Duke
s.t.
172
Freddy Cruz
Exxon Duke
s.t.
173
Maciej Bodnar
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 11'31
174
Luke Roberts
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 16'43
Multiple Jerseys changed hands today, Spezialetti takes the lead in the KOM contest thanks to his climb at the end, and the points jersey returns to Cofidis rider, Samuel Dumoulin.
Edited by baggieboys32 on 12-04-2012 13:49
Day 4 looks like it will be the first to really shake up the GC, with 9 categorized climbs on offer, including the Ascents of Col Du Joncin, and Col De Futs Avenas, which will prove the hardest on offer today.
Landis led the attacks this morning, he had a chance to recover this morning, and was looking to pick up points in the KOM competition, initially just one rider followed, and the 2 men led over the first uncategorized ascent, and then the Col Du Granvent, where Landis took first.
Shortly afterwards, a break did follow, 8men attacked together over the summit, and bridged the gap to the two upfront, who now had a time gap over the peloton of 1'56".
This break was followed by another group 15km later, including HTC's Peter Velits, and Manuelo Boaro of SBS. the trio were able to pull a gap to the pack, but the Break was working well, and they couldn't bridge across, finding themselves stuck, around 1'20" behind the main break.
The Euskaltel Man in break two, was unfortunate to hit the deck on a descent, and was re-absorbed by the peloton, meaning that with 60km to go, the ordering was such-
Peloton------>Velits Group (2'13" adv)---------------->Main break (4'10"
The peloton was starting to close the break down, but on the Col De Fut Avenas, Santambrogio attacked, and was able to bridge to the second group on road, upping the tempo and closing the gap to the leaders.
The KOM sprints were hard fought all day, Landis picked up the earlier points, but Sergey Lagutin was stronger later on, and upped the pace, Landis couldn't hold on, and with the gap less than 1'00 Landis was forced to drop back along with 2 other members of the break, into a severely reduced peloton, of just 92riders.
Lagutin saw the break wouldn't hold on all day, and needed the full 7 to overtake Landis in the KOM contest attacked up the Col de Fontmarten (last climb of the day) meaning he would wear the KOM jersey tomorrow, much to our disappointment.
None of the hills were close enough to the finish to allow a favourite to make an escape, despite attempts from Voeckler and Vinokourov both of which were brought back with time to spare, not all the sprinters had been able to hold the high pace, and it was a slightly altered collection of men who lined up with 2km to go, favourites seemed to be the two punchier sprinters, Sagan and Haussler, both well placed.
It looked as though Haussler was the better placed rider, on the wheel of Sagan, but he proved not to have the legs to come past, and Sagan (I called it in Sardinia ) takes the stage, and as a result, also the leaders jersey, despite Swift being able to hold on to 3rd place in todays stage!
Today was nothing special for us, Danielson was tucked neatly in the front group, as we wait for the ascent finishes and Time Trials to come, and Deeny was one of the list of sprinters who couldn't hold the pack over the long list of categorized climbs the peloton faced in todays stage.
The race to the sun starts three days earlier, a race where we have been mainly shaded from view, meanwhile, today signals the beginning of the Italian Stage Race- Tirreno Adriatico!
The route crosses Italy during 8 days of racing, with some difficult days ahead, and few opportunities for the sprinters, meaning the points jersey should be hard fought affair!
Of the two March Stage races, it will be the Tirreno-Adriatico that we focus more heavily on, we will be lead here, by Chris Horner, he will hope to climb to victory or a high placing, thanks to support from David Zabriskie, and a strong collection of our Domestiques
In terms of race favourites, it will depend on who is feeling strong this early in the season, but many teams have a well known rider who will prove dangerous, teams such as BMC racing look well set, with Ballan, and Evans both of whom are capable of causing serious damage to the peloton with late attacks.
Elsewhere, we see names like Cunego, Schleck, and recent Sardinia winner Joaquin Rodriquez, all of whom are capable of making the opposition hurt, Katusha look to have a strong all round team, perhaps race favourites then? lets find out...
Stage 1, looks set for either a puncher to make a late break, or a reduced sprint finish, due to the two sharp climbs close to the finish which will be likely to tired the sprinters, after what is set to be a windy day in Italy.
The break seemed to feel there was safety in numbers today, 14 men attacked early, and after 25km, a second group of 7 tried to bridge the gap, the group of over 20men, was too large for some teams to feel safe, and Leopard had Cancellara do two large turns on the front to reel in the breakaway group with 50km to go.
With the original break caught, no further attacks were seen until the first climb of the second lap, when Ballan led a small charge which opened a small gap, including himself, and later followed by, Cunego, and Ryder Hesjedal.
Once again, it was Leopard through Cancellara controlling the attacks, he continued to set a high pace and reeled in all attacks, clearly Andy Schleck wasn't feeling great today, we saw no movement from him, instead just a team attempting to force a sprint.
The sprint was theyre objective? Perhaps not, on the final ascent, Cancellara himself made an attack, despite all the work he'd been doing, Spartacus attacked towards the final climbs summit, would he hold on?
Not quite! Efforts from almost every team were enough to pull him back with just a few hundred metres remaining, Spartacus held on for 5th place, with the final victor in todays stage, being Matteo Carrara, who despite not being technically strongest, seemed to have the best legs today.
We had a quiet opening day, Horner sat tight in the pack during the attacks, and Zabriskie did some work to pull in Cancellara near the end, we also found our way into the breakaway in the morning, winning the first KOM checkpoint, they were spread amongst the break today, but his victory in the first, places us as the jersey wearer in the KOM contest for tomorrow.
Today could reasonably be named the Queen stage of this edition Paris-Nice, certainly one of the 3 decisive days, due to the ascent of the Col De La Mure, finishing just 8km from the finish, which is 7.6km, at an ave. gradient of 8.6%
The breakaway this morning didn't escape until after 25km of racing, meaning the peloton travelled at high speed over the Col Du Gachet, on the descent of which, Freddy Cruz was involved in a crash with Wouter Weylant (R.I.P) The pair never made it back to the pack, despite both working, it would seem that the crash may have caused some minor injuries.
The 2 man breakaway was not considered a threat by the peloton, considering the route to come, and Bram Tankink (Rabobank) and Lars Nordhaug (Sky) fought out the KOM sprints, Tankink drawing level with Landis over the course of the day.
It was on the descent from the third categorized climb, Col du Chabouret, that disaster occurred for Lampre, Michele Scarponi hit the deck for the second time, forcing them to send the whole team back, to try and carry an injured Scarponi back to the peloton.
With Lampre behind, and with an injured leader, Astana decided to exploit them, and Kreuziger sent the whole team forwards, making it very hard for Scarponi, and when the first splits started to occur, Scarponi was one of a number of Lampre men, to miss the break.
By the time the peloton reached the base of the final climb, Astana's work had reduced the peloton to just 25 men by the time we reached the base of the final climb, Landis had just been dropped, after carrying Danielson this far, who was feeling good and tucked in on the wheel of Cadel Evans.
The group dropped 10 more, mostly super domestiques, including 2 men from Europcar, (Chainel, and Turgot) before the first, and decisive attacks came, Voeckler lead a move from the front group, followed by Kreuziger, and the two were not brought back, meaning they would fight for the stage, (I sat in the group hoping Rabo, Quickstep, and Cofidis would do more work, as they each had two men, and i didn't want Danielson to get tired for a sprint finish.)
Voeckler wasn't feeling the strength that Kreuziger had left, and couldn't hang on to the line, Kreuziger didn't even need to sprint, he just rode over the line in first place, Voeckler took second, as the group came into view behind them.
In the fight for 3rd place, it was Carlos Barredo of Rabo who won the sprint, just holding off Sagan, whilst Danielson managed 6th place on the day, a great result, which propels us into the top 10, and still with the TT to play, where we may be able to gain extra valuable seconds!
Stage 2 of Tirreno Adriatico sees the riders face a tough challenge around half way through the day, before riding 4 laps of the finishing loop, including a small 2km climb, which may be enough to thin out a reduced group towards the end, as legs start to tire.
The morning saw a 5man breakaway go free, caught towards the top of the days big climb, due to the weak climbers making up the break, out there to pick up TV time for the sponsors, the climb caused some splits towards the top, though no bigger names falling off the back.
From the point they caught the break, Vacansoleil took control of the peloton, protecting Matteo Carrara, the current wearer of the Maglia Tora, a strongish all rounder, and sprinter.
The work by Vacansoleil, made for a boring day to watch, and the group remaining fought out a sprint finish, where Carrara was able to once again take the win from his opponents, really showing his form early on in this race!
Stage 6, contains the ITT, a 27km solo ride, including a hilly second half, we will hope to place Danielson highly today, and maybe push up the GC a bit.
Tejay Van Garderen has had an awful race this far, and he was looking to regain something from the race despite his early start. He set the fastest time early on, with a time of 38'56"
Danielson was feeling the effects of yesterdays ascent finish, and despite our high hopes for this stage, he faded badly towards the end, managing just 39'06" never looking to be strong.
The time of Van Garderen was looking strong, until it was finally beaten, Stef Clement 38'38" as the times began to tumble.
The times continued to fall thoughout the day, Voigt was looking strong with just 5 to go, setting a time of 38'17" a time which seemed to be good enough with just a few riders to go!
It wasn't! Roman Kreuziger has found some fantastic form during the race to the sun, and his time put the rest to shame! 37'28" was the winning time on the day, and going into the final 2 days, it will be difficult for anyone to catch him due to the buffer this stage provides, and Astana look solid, currently holding 1-2 on the GC!
Today was poor for us, Danielson fading to 28th place on the day, meaning he slides to 13th place in the GC, we will look to make some time back in stage 8, aiming to claim a final top 10.
The third stage is likely to see a reduced group fighting out the finish, due to the two selective climbs finish around 20km from the days end, they are unlikely to do more than reduce the pack however, as they are not that steep, so we will be unlikely to see too major a shakeup of the GC.
The morning did not see an early break form, no one was allowed free by Vacansoleil, until over 55km of racing, when two groups broke away from the peloton in quick succession, the first of 11, the second of 8, Including Greg Van Avermaert, who seems to be finding form ahead of the Cobbled classics.
With a break of over 19men escaping so late in the stage, Vacansoleil were keen to stop it getting free, and sent most of the squad to the front, where they were joined by HTC who managed to bring the break back after another 70km meaning that 2 the two climbs were started by one big group.
On the second ascent, Horner and Boassen Hagen made an attempt to breakaway for the line, the chance was slight, but the sprint didn't suit us, and we though if nothing else it may shake up the pack.
The two did manage to get a gap of around 34" at peak, though Vacansoleil were keen to reel us in, and sent the team forwards again, over 65 men were dropped in the chase, so in that respect the plan worked, before the riders started the bunch finish.
The finishing sprint was one of the closest i've seen on pcm, Greipel was given the win in front of Di Luca, and Pozzato Katusha taking 2-3, but the victory was by the slightest of margins, no rider able to celebrate before teh Commisaires had made a decision as to the winner.
After a disappointing Time Trial taking us out of contention for the GC, our efforts turned towards Floyd Landis, and his attempt on the KOM jersey, he was sat just 2 points down, and we would look to take the polka-dot home with us overall.
The stage is officially flat, but the sprinters may not agree with you, the stage featuring a fearsome 17km climb halfway through the day, which will be sure to cause some splits at the back of the peloton.
Floyd managed to get into the morning breakaway very early on, containing 3 riders, himself, Sylvain Chavanel of Europcar, and Kuschynski of Katusha, the trio were able to pull out a gap of around 3minutes, from an uninterested peloton.
As the climbs started flowing, Chavanel was dropped from the group, and Kuschynski was uninterested in the KOM points, un-classified after 7days, meaning we took all but the final climb where the peloton had caught the leaders, propelling Landis into first, looking well set to protect his jersey.
The race was well controlled by Liquigas and Astana from then on, meaning no further attacks were successful, at 10km, it seemed to be set for a sprint from the remaining 140riders.
BAM! massive crash in the peloton, over 35riders involved in a huge pileup, including Enrico Gasparotto, Gerard Ciolek, and Lars Bak, Gasparotto withdrew from injury.
From the remaining group, Astana controlled the uphill finish, and Kreuziger looks untouchable currently, easily taking stage 7, meaning he has one 5-6-7, can anyone stop him taking the win on stage 8?
The KOM jersey looks good don't you think, Floyd will look to protect the jersey on day 8, though only 2 riders look to be in threatening positions, thanks to Floyds 2 successful days in the breakaway.
Thanks to the crash, Danielson moves up a place in the GC, you never know, with the climbs on tomorrows stage, perhaps a top 10 is possible?..
Stage 4, see's another opportunity for the punchers, we fancied our chances with Horner today, and so Zabriskie was given the job of protection, in order to carry him to the line.
The morning break consisted of 4 men, all high quality individuals- Oscar Fréire, Greg Van Avermaert-BMC, Grégory Rast-Radioshack, and Patrick Gretcsh-HTC highroad.
The breakaway was allowed a full 10minutes lead, before Vacansoleil and Katusha started the chase, 10'54" to close in 114km.
The break as caught with 7km to go, just before the final climb of the day, which leads to the finish, the riders remaining in the pack (90) started together, but 4 men made an attack whilst about halfway up, including Horner, Cunego, Di Luca, and Carrara.
Horner proved not to be strong enough, he's still not fully fit, and was forced back into the pack, the rest all made it to the summit, Cunego taking an easy stage win in the end, 13" back to Di Luca, the pack were 52" behind, from which one other rider managed to break away just before the finish, Vasil Kiryienka gained 9" on the pack, as we head to the only true "Mountain" day tomorrow.
Todays stage is the last time for a rider to make an difference, as we arrive in Nice, for a short 124km day, including the famous Col D'Eze.
The morning breakaway was a large group, including Mauro Santambrogio, the only rider with a chance of bridging to KOM leader Landis, as teh 12 men escaped off the front without Landis, who decided to sit tight, expecting the break to be caught before Santambrogio could collect enough points.
Santambrogio did indeed set about catching up, taking first in KOM-2 and second at KOM-3 and 4, the gap was close, but the peloton had reduced the lead to just 1'12 with 31km to go.
Atop the penultimate climb, 2 groups attacked, first 4 men including Danielson, and Kreuziger made a push off the front of the pack, followed rapidly by a second group- Sagan and Voeckler, who came past G1, and took the KOM points, Landis had won the Polka-dot!
Voeckler was feeling strong, and hopeful of a stage win, to complete his Paris-Nice on home soil, he attacked again on the descent, leaving the rest trailing, the pack behind was thundering, would he be caught before the line?
No! Voeckler holds on for first, Chavanel second for Quickstep, whilst the quadruplet who attacked first were brought back, Danielson had to be content with 6th place on the stage 5 and 12th overall, whilst Voeckler climbs from 11th to 5th place thanks to his success on the final stage over the Col D'Eze.
Final Rankings
General Classification
1
Roman Kreuziger
Pro Team Astana
32h55'28
2
Sylvain Chavanel
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 1'33
3
Alexandre Vinokourov
Pro Team Astana
+ 1'42
4
Janez Brajkovič
Team RadioShack
+ 1'48
5
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
+ 1'51
6
Peter Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 2'01
7
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
+ 2'04
8
Andriy Grivko
Pro Team Astana
+ 2'08
9
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
+ 2'18
10
Carlos Barredo
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 2'20
Spoiler
11
Rein Taaramäe
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 2'36
12
Tom Danielson
Exxon Duke
+ 2'45
13
Robert Gesink
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 3'10
14
Jérôme Pineau
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 3'32
15
Luis León Sánchez
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 4'01
16
Jens Voigt
Leopard Trek
+ 4'11
17
Levi Leipheimer
Team RadioShack
+ 4'12
18
Francesco Masciarelli
Pro Team Astana
+ 4'15
19
Maxime Monfort
Leopard Trek
+ 4'25
20
Philippe Gilbert
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 4'43
21
Jürgen Van de Walle
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 4'56
22
Juan Antonio Flecha
Sky ProCycling
+ 4'57
23
Christian Knees
Sky ProCycling
+ 5'01
24
Ben Hermans
Team RadioShack
+ 5'17
25
Romain Zingle
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 5'18
26
Tanel Kangert
Pro Team Astana
+ 5'20
27
Rigoberto Urán
Sky ProCycling
+ 5'36
28
Nicolas Vogondy
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 5'45
29
Samuel Dumoulin
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 5'54
30
Michael Albasini
HTC - Highroad
+ 5'56
31
Eros Capecchi
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 6'05
32
José Iván Gutiérrez
Movistar Team
+ 6'18
33
Baden Cooke
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 6'19
34
Rubén Plaza
Movistar Team
+ 6'20
35
Aleksejs Saramotins
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 6'44
36
Paolo Longo Borghini
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 6'55
37
David López
Movistar Team
+ 7'31
38
Pavel Brutt
Katusha Team
+ 7'41
39
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 7'46
40
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
+ 7'58
41
Stef Clement
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 8'10
42
Alessandro Spezialetti
Lampre - ISD
+ 8'13
43
Michel Kreder
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 8'14
44
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Sky ProCycling
+ 8'28
45
Markel Irizar
Team RadioShack
+ 8'30
46
Carlos Sastre
Geox - TMC
+ 8'34
47
Simon Spilak
Lampre - ISD
+ 9'00
48
Egoi Martínez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 9'04
49
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
+ 9'17
50
Ezequiel Mosquera
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 9'18
51
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - ISD
+ 9'25
52
Simon Gerrans
Sky ProCycling
+ 9'29
53
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - ISD
+ 9'32
54
David De la Fuente
Geox - TMC
+ 9'53
55
Mauro Santambrogio
BMC Racing Team
+ 9'54
56
Mario Aerts
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 10'02
57
Rafael Valls
Geox - TMC
+ 10'13
58
Jonathan Castroviejo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 10'17
59
Assan Bazayev
Pro Team Astana
+ 10'30
60
Sergey Lagutin
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 10'34
61
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 10'39
62
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 10'47
63
Björn Leukemans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 10'48
64
Romain Sicard
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 10'54
65
Manuele Boaro
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 11'53
66
Rubén Pérez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
67
Juan José Cobo
Geox - TMC
+ 11'56
68
Cyril Dessel
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 11'59
69
Stijn Vandenbergh
Katusha Team
+ 12'00
70
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
+ 12'17
71
Kristof Vandewalle
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 12'19
72
Ruslan Pidgornyy
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 12'42
73
Marcello Pavarin
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 12'46
74
Daniel Navarro
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 12'48
75
Bram Tankink
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 12'55
76
Floyd Landis
Exxon Duke
s.t.
77
Anthony Charteau
Team Europcar
+ 12'56
78
Marzio Bruseghin
Movistar Team
+ 13'20
79
Anders Lund
Leopard Trek
+ 13'21
80
Nico Sijmens
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 14'13
81
Daniel Lloyd
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 14'29
82
Sébastien Turgot
Team Europcar
+ 15'08
83
Fabio Duarte
Geox - TMC
+ 15'11
84
Nicolas Roche
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 15'13
85
Gert Steegmans
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 15'25
86
David Le Lay
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 15'32
87
Laurent Didier
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 15'37
88
Sven Van Dousselaere
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 15'45
89
Murilo Fischer
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 15'49
90
Geoffroy Lequatre
Team RadioShack
+ 15'50
91
Nicki Sørensen
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 15'54
92
Gorka Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
93
Linus Gerdemann
Leopard Trek
+ 15'58
94
Peter Velits
HTC - Highroad
+ 16'49
95
Vicente Reynès
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 16'52
96
Sebastian Langeveld
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 16'54
97
Bjorn Selander
Exxon Duke
+ 17'01
98
Lars Ytting Bak
HTC - Highroad
+ 17'10
99
Marko Kump
Geox - TMC
+ 17'11
100
Andrey Kashechkin
Lampre - ISD
+ 17'24
101
Sep Vanmarcke
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 18'06
102
Jeremy Hunt
Sky ProCycling
+ 19'07
103
Danny Pate
Exxon Duke
+ 19'14
104
Gerald Ciolek
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 19'15
105
Juraj Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 19'19
106
Coen Vermeltfoort
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 19'33
107
Ramunas Navardauskas
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 19'47
108
Robert Hunter
Team RadioShack
+ 20'07
109
Mauro Da Dalto
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 20'18
110
Pierre Cazaux
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 20'37
111
Aitor Pérez Arrieta
Lampre - ISD
+ 20'55
112
Marco Marzano
Lampre - ISD
+ 21'25
113
Frantisek Rabon
HTC - Highroad
+ 22'17
114
Amaël Moinard
BMC Racing Team
+ 22'23
115
Jean-Christophe Peraud
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 22'25
116
Iñaki Isasi
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 23'09
117
Yannick Eijssen
BMC Racing Team
+ 23'52
118
Ángel Madrazo
Movistar Team
+ 24'01
119
Arnaud Labbe
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 24'05
120
Bernhard Eisel
HTC - Highroad
+ 24'49
121
Sheldon Deeny
Exxon Duke
+ 24'56
122
Mikaël Chérel
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 25'44
123
Pablo Urtasun
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 26'13
124
Matthias Brändle
Geox - TMC
+ 26'17
125
Phil Zajicek
Exxon Duke
+ 26'44
126
Tom Stamsnijder
Leopard Trek
+ 26'50
127
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 26'52
128
Nikolas Maes
Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 29'03
129
Maxim Gourov
Pro Team Astana
+ 29'04
130
Aleksandr Kuschynski
Katusha Team
+ 29'36
131
Simon Zahner
BMC Racing Team
+ 30'23
132
Dominic Klemme
Leopard Trek
+ 30'51
133
Ignatas Konovalovas
Movistar Team
+ 31'29
134
Anthony Ravard
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 31'31
135
Michael Schär
BMC Racing Team
+ 34'12
136
Greg Henderson
Sky ProCycling
+ 34'45
137
Manuel Cardoso
Team RadioShack
+ 35'06
138
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
+ 37'37
139
Denis Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
+ 37'50
140
Alan Marangoni
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 38'49
141
Martin Velits
HTC - Highroad
+ 38'53
142
Daniele Righi
Lampre - ISD
+ 39'00
143
Alexandre Pliuschin
Katusha Team
+ 39'20
144
Mads Christensen
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 40'08
145
Vincent Jérôme
Team Europcar
+ 41'18
146
Gert Dockx
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 41'39
147
Kristjan Koren
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 42'42
148
Christian Meier
Exxon Duke
+ 43'06
149
Sébastien Chavanel
Team Europcar
+ 44'33
150
Artem Ovechkin
Katusha Team
+ 44'39
151
Frederik Veuchelen
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 46'21
152
Tejay Van Garderen
HTC - Highroad
+ 47'16
153
David Tanner
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 48'47
154
Danilo Wyss
BMC Racing Team
+ 49'52
155
Giacomo Nizzolo
Leopard Trek
+ 53'19
156
Roger Hammond
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 54'19
157
Graeme Brown
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 54'45
158
Marcel Sieberg
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 57'00
159
Luke Roberts
Saxo Bank SunGard
+ 57'41
160
David Boucher
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 58'08
161
Wouter Weylandt
Leopard Trek
+ 58'57
162
Yukiya Arashiro
Team Europcar
+ 1h03'01
163
Romain Lemarchand
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 1h18'07
164
Maciej Bodnar
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 1h59'10
Points Jersey
1
Peter Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
81
2
Samuel Dumoulin
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
72
3
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
69
4
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
65
5
Baden Cooke
Saxo Bank SunGard
63
6
Roman Kreuziger
Pro Team Astana
55
7
Anthony Ravard
AG2R La Mondiale
50
8
Francisco José Ventoso
Movistar Team
42
9
Carlos Barredo
Rabobank Cycling Team
41
10
Gert Steegmans
Quick·Step Cycling Team
41
King of the Mountains
1
Floyd Landis
Exxon Duke
52
2
Mauro Santambrogio
BMC Racing Team
49
3
Anders Lund
Leopard Trek
30
4
Sergey Lagutin
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
25
5
Aleksandr Kuschynski
Katusha Team
24
6
Bram Tankink
Rabobank Cycling Team
19
7
Mikaël Chérel
AG2R La Mondiale
15
8
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Sky ProCycling
13
9
Marzio Bruseghin
Movistar Team
13
10
Romain Sicard
Euskaltel - Euskadi
12
Youth Class
1
Roman Kreuziger
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
32h55'28 (1)
2
Peter Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
+ 2'01 (2)
3
Rein Taaramäe
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
+ 2'36 (3)
4
Robert Gesink
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
+ 3'10 (4)
5
Francesco Masciarelli
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
+ 4'15 (5)
D.S Comments
In many ways, the Paris-Nice is the true start to the season, we didn't target the race particularly, hoping for a top 10, which we sadly missed out on, equally, the race is not a major disappointment by any means, we sent far from our strongest team, and many were not in the best shape, Landis managed to win the KOM competition which is fantastic, as it got us some TV time, important for a fledgling squad, we hope to do well in Tirreno-Adriatico today, and the Milan San Remo is another opportunity to shine in a different style of race!
Stage 5 will break up the pack completely, 220km, including 14horrendous climbs, which will see only the very strongest competing in the final metres.
The break was a hard fought affair, 14 men managed to escape after 70km of riding, Moises Aldape, a mexican from our squad managed to join the breakaway, who quickly distanced themselves from the peloton once they were allowed free.
Over the top of the first climb, 2 men attacked and tried to bridge the gap to the escapees, now over 10minutes ahead- Lofkvist and Pinotti made the push, and steadily closed down the time, joining the leaders further up the road.
With 60km to go, the break was looking strong, the peloton had been reduced to 45riders, and the gap was still at 11'12 with Lampre driving the chase for Cunego, but with only 4men, recieving little help from other teams, (we were down to 2 men)
When it was clear the break would succeed, Lofkvist and Zubeldia attacked from within the break, who had further reduced, 5men had fallen away, including Aldape, lacking fitness, and the strength of some members of the break.
The attack provoked a response from within the peloton, Cunego and Schleck attacked, in the first of a series of attempts from many names including Garzelli, Horner, and Di Luca-Later who later crashed out of GC contention.
The attacks reduced the group to just 27 men in the main pack, who had reduced the gap to 5mins, enough to stop Lofkvist taking a GC lead, but with 7km to go, Lofkvist had dropped Zubeldia and was set perfectly for a stage win.
With Lofkvist the stage winner, the second fight was just kicking off, The front group split with 1.7km to go, Horner made the cut initially, but sadly couldn't hold the sprint speed, and finished in the second half of the lead pack, Gerzelli made a late attack out of this group, gaining enough time to take the GC lead, with Horner now in 22nd, we will look for a stage victory tomorrow, to improve our tour.
With the GC all but gone, today was an opportunity to try for a stage win, the break went free early but were pulled back in good time for the punchers to try and fight out the stage, thanks to work by Acqua and Sapone.
With 21km to go, Horner made an attack, he knew he couldnt out sprint the rest, so he'd have to win it by opening a gap, he got 45" and things were starting to look good.
The flurry of attacks came at 12km out, Ballan led the charge along with Hesjedal, Garzelli and Cunego, who with the stronger legs, came past Horner and the win would once again not be ours today.
Ballans attack was timed to perfection, taking the victory on the line from Hesjedal, a stage for BMC, as we faded once again into anonymity.
Stage Results
1
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
3h20'54
2
Ryder Hesjedal
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
3
Mirco Lorenzetto
Pro Team Astana
+ 12
4
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
5
Andy Schleck
Leopard Trek
+ 29
6
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
7
Danilo Di Luca
Katusha Team
s.t.
8
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
9
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Giovanni Visconti
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
18
Chris Horner
Exxon-Duke
s.t.
Stage 7
Today is the final day, and one for the sprinters, which meant the team sadly had missed our opportunity. Until that is, Chris came to me this morning with a rather different plan, he intended to join the BotD, as with success at both Checkpoints, he could actually claim the KOM jersey, something to benefit the team, if not our original target for the race.
Chris got into the break and did just that, he won the first, and 2nd at KOM-2, meaning that although he had missed out on the GC, he actually won the KOM jersey!
With 70km the break had been brought back, and a second opportunity presented itself, David Zabriskie attacked the main group, he was trying to take on the pack and TT his way to the line, foxing the sprinters with such a daring move.
It seemed so close, but sadly with 7km to go, the sprinters teams had started to panic, and really cranked up the pace, and were able to bring him back just in front of the line, when they lined up, it was Hushovd who was clear winner, in what was the only day for the sprinters throughout the 7day race!
Stage Results
1
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervélo
3h48'29
2
Matti Breschel
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
3
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
4
Tom Boonen
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Ryder Hesjedal
Team Garmin - Cervélo
s.t.
6
Filippo Pozzato
Katusha Team
s.t.
7
Allan Davis
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
8
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
9
Mark Cavendish
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
10
Danilo Di Luca
Katusha Team
s.t.
Final GC
1
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
26h46'51
2
Ryder Hesjedal
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 33
3
Danilo Di Luca
Katusha Team
+ 52
4
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - ISD
+ 1'06
5
Andy Schleck
Leopard Trek
+ 1'08
6
Matteo Carrara
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 1'29
7
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 1'41
8
Dario Cataldo
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
10
Paolo Tiralongo
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
11
Sérgio Paulinho
Team RadioShack
s.t.
12
Giovanni Visconti
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
+ 1'45
13
Thomas Löfkvist
Sky ProCycling
+ 1'52
14
Vasil Kiryienka
Movistar Team
+ 2'03
15
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 2'08
16
Tony Martin
HTC - Highroad
+ 2'12
17
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
18
Maxim Iglinskiy
Pro Team Astana
s.t.
19
Gorka Verdugo
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
20
Chris Horner
Exxon Duke
s.t.
Points Jersey
1
Matteo Carrara
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
38
2
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - ISD
34
3
Danilo Di Luca
Katusha Team
34
4
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
31
5
Ryder Hesjedal
Team Garmin - Cervélo
22
6
Andy Schleck
Leopard Trek
18
7
Giovanni Visconti
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
17
8
Francesco Ginanni
Androni Giocattoli
16
9
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
15
10
Filippo Pozzato
Katusha Team
15
King of the Mountains
1
Chris Horner
Exxon Duke
11
2
Haimar Zubeldia
Team RadioShack
11
3
Niki Terpstra
Quick·Step Cycling Team
10
4
David Zabriskie
Exxon Duke
9
5
Thomas Löfkvist
Sky ProCycling
8
6
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
8
7
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
8
8
Óscar Freire
Rabobank Cycling Team
8
9
Mauro Finetto
Liquigas - Cannondale
7
10
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
7
Youth Classément
1
Bauke Mollema
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
30h37'32 (1)
2
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
+ 3'07 (2)
3
Geraint Thomas
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
+ 3'55 (3)
4
Jan Bakelandts
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
+ 3'55 (4)
5
Davide Malacarne
Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
+ 8'15 (5)
DS Comments
Well, we hoped for a lot more from Tirreno-Adriatico when we came here a week ago, sadly the competition was strong enough to pull back late attacks to reduced bunches, and a dash for the line, even in a small group is not Chris' Forté who sadly only managed 20th place in the final GC.
That being said, Chris' attack early on in stage 7, earns the KOM jersey, which rather improves the haul, 3KOM jerseys, in 3UWT races! perhaps a theme we can continue throughout the year, as we lack to the squad strength to truly control the pack when competing in the GC.
Overall, a different, but still pleasing result, we head to MSR where we hope to perform strongly, and then to Volta Catalunya- Lance's first race, just before the spring classics season gets into full flow.
