But to know it for the first time.
Tomorrow i fly or fall.
Lets begin a few weeks back. A busy few weeks in the Middle East. Tour of Qatar Stage 1 Clarke got off to a flyer in the break, taking one of the IS's against the odds.
A chance to see more of the real sprint train in action. Would our training pay off?
Put simply no.
Degenkolb took a win, but Marcel was Top10. Just the differences in race form.
Spoiler
1
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
2h51'44
2
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
3
Elia Viviani
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
4
Roger Hammond
Sky Procycling
s.t.
5
Daniel Oss
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
6
Fabio Sabatini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
7
Borut Božic
Endura Racing
s.t.
8
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
9
Davide Viganò
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
10
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
Stage 2
A short TTT. The less said the better...
Spoiler
1
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
12'06
2
Katusha Team
+ 14
3
Sky Procycling
s.t.
4
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 25
5
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 34
7
Team Jayco - AIS
s.t.
8
Champion System Pro Cycling Team
+ 52
9
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
10
Drapac Professional Cycling
+ 58
15
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1'24
Stage 3
Battle of the Germans at the finish. Degenkolb edged it in final 50m.
Spoiler
1
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
3h05'41
2
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
3
Anuar Manan
Champion System Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
4
Roger Hammond
Sky Procycling
s.t.
5
Borut Božic
Endura Racing
s.t.
6
Elia Viviani
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
7
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Christopher Sutton
Sky Procycling
s.t.
9
Fabio Sabatini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
10
Nicholas Walker
Team Jayco - AIS
s.t.
Stage 4
Everything was beautiful today. Control from 0km to the final 200m. Then a slipped chain denied Kittel.
Spoiler
1
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
3h06'22
2
Christopher Sutton
Sky Procycling
s.t.
3
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
4
Anuar Manan
Champion System Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Elia Viviani
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
7
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
8
Davide Viganò
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
9
Roger Hammond
Sky Procycling
s.t.
10
Daniel Oss
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
Stage 5
There were worried faces in the team. What more could we do against John?
The answer was simple, put riders in his way.
Spoiler
1
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
3h18'25
2
Elia Viviani
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
3
Daniel Oss
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
4
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
5
Christopher Sutton
Sky Procycling
s.t.
6
Anuar Manan
Champion System Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
7
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Fabio Sabatini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
9
Arran Brown
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
10
Borut Božic
Endura Racing
s.t.
Stage 6
So the team put riders in the way again.
Spoiler
1
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
2h16'32
2
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
3
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
4
Christopher Sutton
Sky Procycling
s.t.
5
Elia Viviani
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
6
Fabio Sabatini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
7
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
8
Nicolas Sanderson
Drapac Professional Cycling
s.t.
9
Daniel Oss
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
10
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
Final GC
Spoiler
1
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
14h50'16
2
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
+ 33
3
Lev Malykhin
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
4
Jarosław Marycz
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
5
Bruno Pires
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
6
Vladimir Efimkin
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
7
Sérgio Paulinho
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
8
Christopher Juul-Jensen
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
9
Christopher Sutton
Sky Procycling
+ 35
10
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
28
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 57
Marcel was 2nd in the Points as well.
Rider of the Race: John Degenkolb
Orica of the Race: Marcel Kittel
Team of the Race: SaxoBank-TinkoffBank
Tour of Oman Stage 1
No Degenkolb, so no challenge as the team shot off the mark with a dominant sprint from Kittel
Spoiler
1
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
3h42'15
2
Denis Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
s.t.
3
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
4
Theo Bos
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
6
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
7
Hans Dekkers
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Barry Markus
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Danilo Napolitano
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
10
Nick Nuyens
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
Stage 2
An uphill finish to shake things up. Still a sprint but a tricky one for sure. And a decent result, if not from who you would expect.
Spoiler
1
Nick Nuyens
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
3h15'19
2
Francisco José Pacheco
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
3
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
4
Denis Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
s.t.
5
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Peter Velits
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
7
Jonas Aaen Jørgensen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
8
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
9
Karsten Kroon
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Daryl Impey
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
Stage 3
Back to winning ways. Kittel was firing on all cylinders. The whole team was looking on form.
Spoiler
1
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
2h53'52
2
Theo Bos
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
3
Denis Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
s.t.
4
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
5
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
6
Fabio Taborre
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
7
Hans Dekkers
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
9
Romain Feillu
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Barry Markus
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
Stage 4
Why stop when things are good?
Spoiler
1
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
2h58'52
2
Denis Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
s.t.
3
Theo Bos
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
4
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
5
Romain Feillu
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
7
Fabio Taborre
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
8
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
9
Sacha Modolo
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
10
Barry Markus
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
Stage 5
All eyes were up hill for the finish. A disappointing climb from Clarke if we are honest, but its still early season. Dont have the official results but:
1st Guldhammer 2nd Abakoumov 3rd Modolo
Stage 6
Time to end on a high. Great teamwork and Kittel eased it home in front.
Spoiler
1
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
3h11'02
2
Denis Galimzyanov
Katusha Team
s.t.
3
Danilo Napolitano
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
4
Hans Dekkers
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
6
Fabio Taborre
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
7
Theo Bos
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Romain Feillu
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Heinrich Haussler
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
10
Nick Nuyens
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
Final GC
Spoiler
1
Rasmus Guldhammer
Christina Watches - Onfone
20h51'24
2
Sacha Modolo
Colnago - CSF Inox
+ 18
3
Romain Zingle
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
+ 28
4
Nick Nuyens
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
+ 32
5
David Jai Crawford
Drapac Professional Cycling
+ 38
6
Thomas Voeckler
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 52
7
Bradley Wiggins
Katusha Team
s.t.
8
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1'07
9
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 1'08
10
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
Kittel took the Points easily.
Rider of the Race: Rasmus Guldhammer
Orica of the Race: Marcel Kittel
Team of the Race: Orica -GreenEdge
So, a slow start in Qatar, but the form came at the end with 2 stage wins. Kittel was unmatched in Oman with a great race.
We missed both targets in Qatar but it was still a good race. But we nailed both targets in Oman with style.
Also the team has been in action in Belgium today. The Omloop is a big race so we sent an 8 man team, even though we knew we werent going to win.
Spoiler
1
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
4h36'16
2
Nick Nuyens
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
+ 22
3
Matti Breschel
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 46
4
Filippo Pozzato
Farnese Vini - Selle Italia
s.t.
5
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Bernhard Eisel
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 1'08
7
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
8
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
+ 1'32
9
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
10
Juan Antonio Flecha
Sky Procycling
s.t.
21
Svein Tuft
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 2'24
But onto tomorrow. My first real race in charge. But my real work started today. Let me run you through whats been happening.
The day before yesterday i took the team out for a ride. Long but not hard or fast. Made sure everyone felt good and was ready.
Yesterday we went and drove the route to identify key points.
This evening we went through the race plan. Often done in the morning i thought i'd do it in advance in detail, so in the morning we can focus just about preparation.
Lets start with the team.
Leader: Aidis Kruopis
Free-Role: Joaquim Rodriguez
Team-Mate: Julian Dean
Team-Mate: Leigh Howard
Team-Mate: Fummy Beppu
Team-Mate: Mitchell Docker
We are planning for a sprint finish. Aidis was 4th last year so we can do well here. Joaquim will attack on the run in to show off for the fans. Docker and Beppu will take control from 10k to go. Dean will sprint at 3k, Howard from 2k. Its a downhill run in so it will be fast. The longer Aidis can wait the better.
Everyone knows what they are doing, so i hope we can do it.
Of course is will write and update you on the whole day.
Signing off.
Ok, my first race. Kruopis was 4th here last year so we are aiming one better.
Leader: Aidis Kruopis
Free-Role: Joaquim Rodriguez
Team-Mate: Julian Dean
Team-Mate: Leigh Howard
Team-Mate: Fummy Beppu
Team-Mate: Mitchell Docker
Target: 3rd
We started realtivley late. Remember i did the talk last night so we could relax. Everyone got a solid breakfast around 7am. Then i took everyone out for an hours warmup ride. Fummy had a puncture but everything went well.
Plenty of time spare so we were the first team to sign in. The riders spent 15mins signing autographs as a result. The mood was calm and fun.
At 9:45 it was a final burst on the Watt Bikes to finish off then over to the line for the 10:15 start.
169km
Ok guys we've got some attackers straight off. No names but Movistar and Cofidis are definitely involved.
Saxo are on the chase, start working forwards.
163km
Another set of attacks. Lots of riders, some from Astana and Euskatel.
Farnese are chasing this time.
Mitch, can you get in the relay please.
154km
Mitch i need to to chase these attackers. Nice work
148km
Garmin are forcing the pace to deter attackers on this climb.
Rodr get about 5 wheels back from the front.
144km
Ok Rodr, attack on this ramp. 2km at 5%. You should get a good gap.
142km
Ok we've got some riders trying to counter across. Stay close to the head ready to control this.
Fummy you set the pace with Mitch. Julian dictate to them.
135km
Astana pushing hard now to catch. Rodr i need you to keep this pace up for now.
125km
Ok i can confirm the break. Of course Rodr you know. Garcia(COF), Talabardon(SAU), Plaza(MOV) and Roldan(ACG). No threats.
If they stay we will have it easily.
What? Yes Leigh watch Aidis as we wont have to chase.
108km
Fummy Down!!! Just on the exit of turn behind you.
He's up, had a wheel change and is on way back to you. He's got a nasty bruise on his ribs. Seems ok to continue.
102km
Astana and Garmin are raising the pace to close the gap. Rodr you need to take longer turns up hill.
100km
Fummy has abandoned guys. Fear he has a fractured rib or two. Non-emergency will update as i know. Mitch you'll need to take a longer run at the finish
48km
Ok i can see you're struggling with this pace. Sit in and wait. Push forwards on any down. Its Garmin and Astana which is good
23km
Rodr! Stop relaying. Let P catch up soon. Counter attacks. Remember hill near finish.
16km
Mitch!! Mitch! What happened? Mitch has gone down! No word yet. You must have seen it.
Sounds nasty. Rodr drop into P now. Julian i need your experience. The finish is your call now.
12km
Ok Garmin have pulled in the remains of the break. Julian thoughts? Ok move up then. Rabo wheels look good. Rodr stay close to front, hills a few k away now.
10km
No, i said push hard. YES!!! Thank you!
6km
Perfect positioning Julian. Rodr keep pressing now. No gap but Garmin and Astana under pressure.
3.km
Now? OK then turn it up! Rodr you can ease in from here.
2km
You're killing it guys! Dont over do it.
1000m
Go Aidis Go now. Farrar coming on far left, no other threats Demare fading
100m
Celebrate now! Great ride!
0m
Woo Hoo! Fantastic ride boys! That was perfection, thank you. Well deserved. Shayne will love this. You forced splits there Rodr great stuff. In future just trust me yeah? Julian excellent calling.
1
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEdge
4h12'52
2
Arnaud Demare
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
3
Koldo Fernández
Movistar Team
s.t.
4
Nico Eeckhout
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
5
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
6
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
7
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
8
Julian Dean
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
9
Maarten Tjallingii
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Alexandre Pichot
Team Europcar
s.t.
Perfect finish!!!
First news on Fummy and Mitch. Fummy has broken 2 ribs and will be out for 3 weeks, aiming to be back for Pais Vasco, maybe Catalunya. He has been patched up and is back here at the hotel. Mitch is still at the hospital. Its not good news. 2 broken fingers, broken femur, dislocated shoulder and concussion. 1-2months tops. He will miss all the Cobbled classics now. A return? Best estimate is 5 Jours but more likely is either Duaphine or Suisse. On the plus side there is one hell of a dent in the road that will not be fixed in a while.
The race itself. Purito was amazing. As first race that was sheer class.
Julian was in calm control at the finish and perfectly called the shots, making my life easier.
Leigh was bit underwhelming but still played his part well.
Aidis finished it perfectly. Just fantastic!
My next race is the Handzame Classic in mid-March. Of course i will let you know the results from Paris-Nice and Tirreno first. I also believe my nephew is racing soon as well so ill let you know.
Finally, i should say i am always happy to answer questions about anything. Just post it and i'll reply.
Signing off.
Mikel
p.s. i forgot!
Rider of the Race: Joaquim Rodriguez
Orica of the Race: Julian Dean
Team of the Race: Garmin-sharpEdited by TheManxMissile on 01-01-2013 23:15
I spent a good 2 hours on the phone with Shayne today. First he wanted to say he is thrilled with the readership of this blog, so massive thanks to you guys for reading. We recently hit 1000 views which is not to be sniffed at!
We spoke for a while about Almeria and my performance. He has spoken to the 6 guys and they all had good things to say. It became clear they liked the relaxed attitude on race day as it allowed them to focus just on themselves and being prepared.
He also gave me the latest on Mitch. He has not yet left hospital. The shoulder injury was worse than feared and will require surgery. I said he dislocated it but he's actually split the bone as well and needs some titanium pins put in to hold it together. The result of this is that it looks as if his season is over. Best case he can return for the October races after he has started training.
One further knock on of this is that we are now a man down in general. Shayne has been talking to members of the UCI about special dispensation to sign a replacement. We should be able to bring in a neo-pro U23. Which i think is very generous.
Oh and Fummy is doing well. I've spoken to him and he is still in pain but doing ok otherwise.
I guess i should mention Paris-Nice and Tirreno as well. The teams are not confirmed but they will be solid strength.
Paris-Nice Target: Stage Win and Top15 GC
Tirreno Target: Stage Win and Top15 GC
The sponsor goals are much higher than this but Shayne made a decision to focus elsewhere.
My nephew is still yet to race but his team, Node4 Rexona, have been picking up some decent results around Europe with a high point of 3 podiums in the Tour of South Africa.
Ok that is all for now. I will write again just before my next race.
Signing off.
Strade Bianche first.
Leader: Greg Van Avermaet
Team-Mate: Allan Davis
Team-Mate: Stuart O'Grady
Team-Mate: Baden Cooke
Team-Mate: Luke Durbridge
Team-Mate: Alan Scott Durbridge managed to get into the breakaway with a nicely timed move. But a general lack of form really showed through.
Spoiler
1
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
3h55'44
2
Mattia Gavazzi
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
3
Roger Hammond
Sky Procycling
s.t.
4
Stéphane Poulhiès
Saur - Sojasun
s.t.
5
Jonas Aaen Jørgensen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
6
Daniel Oss
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
7
Jimmy Engoulvent
Saur - Sojasun
s.t.
8
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
9
Danilo Wyss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
10
Fabio Sabatini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
15
Allan Davis
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
Second its Paris-Nice. The sponsors wanted a GC win here, but Shayne would be happy with a stage win and a Top15.
Leader: Simon Gerrans
Sprinter: Marcel Kittel
Team-Mate: Allan Davis
Team-Mate: Aidis Kruopis
Team-Mate: Daniel Teklehaimanot
Team-Mate: Sam Bewley
Free-Role: Stuart O'Grady
Team-Mate: Brett Lancaster Stage 1
Spoiler
1
Dennis Van Winden
Rabobank Cycling Team
5'12
2
Tony Martin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 5
3
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
4
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 7
5
Jens Voigt
RadioShack - Nissan
+ 9
6
Bradley Wiggins
Katusha Team
+ 11
7
Vasil Kiryienka
Movistar Team
+ 13
8
Michael Rogers
Sky Procycling
+ 14
9
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Nissan
+ 15
10
Peter Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
28
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 20
Stage 2 O'Grady was allowed into the days break, and picked up some decent mid-race sprints. Its painfully clear they lack winning form.
Spoiler
1
Jens Voigt
RadioShack - Nissan
4h05'18
2
Andrea Guardini
Farnese Vini - Selle Italia
+ 57
3
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
4
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
5
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
6
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
7
Peter Sagan
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
8
Stéphane Poulhiès
Saur - Sojasun
s.t.
9
Heinrich Haussler
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
10
Francisco José Pacheco
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
Stage 3 Davis had a great day. His lead-out was perfect given the circumstances. He must have gained 200m on the leading teams.
Spoiler
1
Andrea Guardini
Farnese Vini - Selle Italia
3h55'27
2
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
3
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
4
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
5
Nacer Bouhanni
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
7
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Heinrich Haussler
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
9
Gerald Ciolek
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
10
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
Stage 4
Much better day. The form is building and the results are coming.
Spoiler
1
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
4h52'51
2
Marcel Kittel
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
3
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
4
Nacer Bouhanni
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Alexander Kristoff
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
6
Óscar Freire
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
7
Juan José Haedo
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
s.t.
8
Michael Van Staeyen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Heinrich Haussler
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
10
Filippo Pozzato
Farnese Vini - Selle Italia
s.t.
Stage 5
Great finish up to Mende... for everyone else. Its just form holding us back.
Spoiler
1
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
4h03'41
2
Xavier Florencio
Katusha Team
s.t.
3
Michael Albasini
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 37
4
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
s.t.
5
Luis León Sánchez
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 46
6
Daniel Moreno
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
7
Lars Boom
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Chris Horner
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
9
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 1'12
10
Aleksejs Saramotins
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
19
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1'27
Stage 6
Lacked form, but O'Grady was away in the break. No official results afraid, but Rui Costa took the win. Stage 7 Bewley crashed out injured.
Spoiler
1
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
4h57'21
2
Michael Rogers
Sky Procycling
s.t.
3
Luis León Sánchez
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 25
4
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Óscar Freire
RadioShack - Nissan
+ 50
6
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
7
Rui Costa
Movistar Team
s.t.
8
Jesús Herrada
Movistar Team
s.t.
9
Bradley Wiggins
Katusha Team
s.t.
10
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
+ 1'13
20
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 2'20
Stage 8 Gerrans had a good day managing to go solo for bit late on.
Spoiler
1
Luis León Sánchez
Rabobank Cycling Team
3h05'02
2
Jens Voigt
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
3
Daniel Moreno
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
4
Robert Kiserlovski
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
5
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
+ 29
6
Thomas De Gendt
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 56
7
Michael Albasini
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
8
Maarten Tjallingii
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Chris Horner
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
44
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 3'36
Final GC
Spoiler
1
Alessandro Ballan
BMC Racing Team
29h42'48
2
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
+ 21
3
Luis León Sánchez
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 28
4
Daniel Moreno
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 30
5
Michael Rogers
Sky Procycling
+ 49
6
Michael Albasini
Liquigas - Cannondale
+ 1'13
7
Rui Costa
Movistar Team
+ 1'15
8
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 1'37
9
Bradley Wiggins
Katusha Team
+ 2'10
10
Chris Horner
RadioShack - Nissan
+ 2'34
16
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 6'38
Targets: 1 Stage Win - Failed, Top15 GC - Failed
Rider of the Race: Alessandro Ballan
Orica of the Race: Simon Gerrans
Team of the Race: Sky ProCycling
So no targets, but very close to both of them. I should make clear that we were not targeting this race. But it does mean the form will be spot on for MSR and Catalunya.
Third Tirreno-Adriatico. Sponsors wanted a Top 3 GC, but Shayne would be happy with a stage win and a Top15.
Leader: Wilco Kelderman
Free-Role: Joaquim Rodriguez
Sprinter: Jens Keukliere
Team-Mate: Sebastian Langeveld
Team-Mate: Cameron Meyer
Team-Mate: Pieter Weening
Team-Mate: Baden Cooke
Team-Mate: Simon Clarke Stage 1 Langeveld was like a madman! He attacked loads but somehow never got in the break. No official results but Longo Borghini won. Stage 2 Cooke had a good day. Putting in a lot of work on the front for the team.
Spoiler
1
Mark Cavendish
Sky Procycling
4h12'16
2
Matthew Goss
Sky Procycling
s.t.
3
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
4
André Greipel
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
5
Elia Viviani
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
6
Daniele Bennati
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
7
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Koldo Fernández
Movistar Team
s.t.
9
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
10
Theo Bos
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
32
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
Stage 3
3 riders end the day on the same GC time. They make up the top3 on GC. They are Spilak, De Weert and Rodriguez.
Spoiler
1
Thomas Voeckler
Rabobank Cycling Team
5h15'54
2
Ion Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 20
3
Matti Breschel
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 32
4
Nick Nuyens
Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank
+ 52
5
Alejandro Valverde
Katusha Team
s.t.
6
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
s.t.
7
Chris Froome
Sky Procycling
s.t.
8
Enrico Gasparotto
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
9
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
10
Carlos Betancur
Acqua & Sapone
+ 1'00
16
Joaquím Rodríguez
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 1'09
Stage 4
Spoiler
1
Mark Cavendish
Sky Procycling
4h21'32
2
Matthew Goss
Sky Procycling
s.t.
3
André Greipel
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
4
Arnaud Demare
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
5
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
6
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
7
Theo Bos
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Elia Viviani
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
9
Rüdiger Selig
Katusha Team
s.t.
10
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
41
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
Stage 5
3 riders end the day on the same GC time. Again they are the top3 on GC. Voeckler, Brechel and Rodriguez.
Spoiler
1
Matteo Rabottini
Farnese Vini - Selle Italia
4h41'13
2
Stefano Pirazzi
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
3
Ángel Madrazo
Movistar Team
s.t.
4
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin - Sharp
+ 2'22
5
Alejandro Valverde
Katusha Team
+ 2'49
6
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
7
Chris Froome
Sky Procycling
s.t.
8
Alberto Contador
RadioShack - Nissan
+ 2'59
9
Thomas Voeckler
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
19
Wilco Kelderman
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 3'13
Stage 6
Now only 2 riders have the same GC time on top. Voeckler and Rodriguez.
Spoiler
1
Sep Vanmarcke
Garmin - Sharp
5h30'40
2
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
3
Carlos Betancur
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
4
Andrea Moletta
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
5
Ivan Basso
Liquigas - Cannondale
s.t.
6
Sylvain Chavanel
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 1'11
7
Fabian Cancellara
Katusha Team
+ 1'39
8
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
9
Alberto Contador
RadioShack - Nissan
s.t.
10
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 2'00
15
Joaquím Rodríguez
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 2'34
Stage 7
Oh for F**ks sake!
Spoiler
1
Fabian Cancellara
Katusha Team
17'14
2
Sylvain Chavanel
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 3
3
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
+ 4
4
Alberto Contador
RadioShack - Nissan
+ 5
5
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
+ 7
6
Kanstantsin Siutsou
Sky Procycling
+ 10
7
Chris Froome
Sky Procycling
s.t.
8
Jos Van Emden
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 11
9
Rubén Plaza
Movistar Team
+ 12
10
Vladimir Karpets
Movistar Team
s.t.
40
Joaquím Rodríguez
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 56
Final GC
Having spent 4 days at +0" on GC Purito doesnt win....
Spoiler
1
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
28h27'15
2
Simon Spilak
Katusha Team
+ 39
3
Joaquím Rodríguez
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
4
Ion Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
+ 49
5
Thomas Voeckler
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 58
6
Sylvain Chavanel
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 1'14
7
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 2'17
8
Matti Breschel
Rabobank Cycling Team
+ 2'26
9
Alejandro Valverde
Katusha Team
+ 2'48
10
Carlos Betancur
Acqua & Sapone
+ 2'52
Targets: Stage win - Failed, Top15 GC - Passed
Rider of the Race: Edvlad Boasson-Hagen
Orica of the Race: Joaquim Rodriguez
Team of the Race: Katusha
Again we weren't aiming for the race, but Puriotos sheer talent still brings in a big result. Imagine what he can do with good form!
Fourth, and update on my nephew. He's finally seen some action. He finished 38th at the GP Ville de Lillers-Souvenir Bruno Comini. Currently he is at the Tour de Taiwan.
Fifth, tomorrow is the Handzame Classic. A flat sprint race which i'm in charge of. Again i've had the team meeting this evening to allow for a relaxed time in the morning.
Leader: Jens Keukliere
Team-Mate: Leigh Howard
Team-Mate: Ladin Livshits
Team-Mate: Richard England
Team-Mate: Svein Tuft
Team-Mate: Alan Scott
Ok the plan. Try and get England away and clear. Use the team to bring the break in in the final 20km. From 10k Alan will push to his absolute limit to get us into position. Ladin will then take over, followed by Svein. From 2k Howard will sprint before releasing Jens as late as possible. Should be a simple day.
Target: 1st
Now you may notice a new name in there. Ladin Livshits. If you remember last time i said we had permission to sign a neo-pro to replace the injured Docker. Ladin had been top of the Russian and Eastern European U23 leagues for 4 years now and we couldnt pass this up. He is almost an exact duplicate of Mitch in ability so is a perfect replacement.
Still more to get through, so sorry for all the words.
Milan-San Remo. Thats the day after tomorrow.
Leader: Marcel Kittel
Free-Role: Simon Gerrans
Team-Mate: Allan Davis
Team-Mate: Stuart O'Grady
Team-Mate: Luke Durbridge
Team-Mate: Baden Cooke
Team-Mate: Daniel Teklehaimanot
Team-Mate: Cooper Cooper
Target: Top 5
Of course you'll get an update before anything after that.
I know that was a lot to get through and sorry its a lot of text, but a lot has happened.
As a reward heres something fun
Ladin Livshits!!! You were right, he does return
Don't worry about the text, with the flags, spoilers, colours(And of course the video, which was amazing!) it's do-able...
Edit: I just realised that do-able might not be a word, so lets say, it's fine Edited by Jesleyh on 04-01-2013 15:36
Jesleyh wrote:
Ladin Livshits!!! You were right, he does return
Don't worry about the text, with the flags, spoilers, colours(And of course the video, which was amazing!) it's do-able...
Edit: I just realised that do-able might not be a word, so lets say, it's fine
2 days since my second race. Why wait? Well to get Milan-San Remo out the way as well. Ok i'll be honest. I spent the entire time rooted to the sofa watching, so i wasnt on the computer... Ok! Happy?
Right on we go...
Handzame Classic
Leader: Jens Keukliere
Team-Mate: Leigh Howard
Team-Mate: Svein Tuft
Team-Mate: Ladin Livshits
Team-Mate: Richard England
Team-Mate: Alan Scott
Target: 1st
Turns out Jens is the best sprinter at the race, and by a bit of distance. So the plan was simple. Make it a sprint. Nothing else matters.
187km Lets move into the front third people. The hills are early so lets not get caught out.
184km First attacks going now. I can see a Cofidis rider... and an Astana man. Home teams are up there as well. No threats.
181km More riders going now. Could be a worry, but Rabo Ag2R and Accent are covering it for themselves.
175km Serious attacks now. No threats but could form the break. Ag2R are in attendance on the front end. Richard i want you close to Jens for the race now.
169km Still people trying to get clear. Just go with the pace. No need to worry or over do it, long way to go. Ladin... LADIN! Calm it down! Relax ok.
162km Ag2R are working hard to control the moves. This is good for now. Doesn't look as though anyone will get off now. Alan can you come fetch drinks.
151km There is a faller. Its a Cofidis... Garcia. Well behind you. He's up. Was a light bump on the verge. But beware the weather is getting even worse.
140km Full Break: Pedraza(RIJ), Petrov(AST), Haan(CJP) and Kaupas(CCD). No threats at all. We can take it easy on the hills. How we doing up there?
Thanks Svein good to know. Ladin i hear you, no need its covered. Ok Jens got that, no change now, let me know if you want a switch.
134km Another man down. Its from Accent. Cant tell who but they are up. Really careful guys roads are bad, roads are very bad. Jens you still ok with choice? Good good.
88km Cofidis, Rabo, Accent and Ag2R are working on front now. Break has 5'00 and falling. Dont help. Alan be aware you may need to show up front soon. Jens you need to change now, no questions.
50km Puncture... no a fall! FDJ Rollin. Back in. Jens how's it feeling? I told you didnt I.
20km Here we go lads. RSNT are pushing hard now. Gap 1'00. Stay up there, sure to be moves coming. Svein you know better than me you to call on road now.
15km Rast gone off now. Dont panic. Alan and Rich move on front end now! Its on you to hold race. Leigh pilot Jens. Jens do it! Just do it! Yes! Bloody do it!!
8km Niko has gone! This is dangerous. Alan? Rich? Good Ag2R help, and Garmin. Should be in control now. Ladin shift up now, rest follow. Perfect lads.
6km Big crash behind! Back third gone down. Alan punch it now! NOW! Go go go! You're in control
3km Svein hold two behing. Ladin go long now. Garmin are panicking, Ag2R covering you Jens. Looking good.
2km Ladin 50m. Leigh youre perfect. Guys this is good. 90 turn at 1.5 beware inside of road, go outside. Yes is said outside!
1km Now Leigh!!! Ladin relax. Svein relax. Nice one. Its on them now.
500m Jens you beauty! Goddaert sticking. Sticking... Fading... gone!
... And.... ....
Yes Jens!!! You star!
0km Jens you made that look easy, well done fantastic finish. Rest of you perfect final 15k. You didnt panic and brought it home! Thank you so much! Its great when you've got form
1
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEdge
4h29'19
2
Kristof Goddaert
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
3
Jonas Ljungblad
TEAM Differdange - Rothaus
s.t.
4
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
5
Samuel Dumoulin
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
s.t.
6
Gianni Meersman
Lotto Belisol Team
s.t.
7
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
8
Michel Kreder
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
9
Graeme Brown
Rabobank Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Gediminas Bagdonas
An Post - Sean Kelly
s.t.
Target: 1st ___ Result: 1st
Rider of the Race: Jens Keuliere
Orica of the Race: Alan Scott
Team of the Race: Ag2R
Brilliant result from the lads!
It was a horrible day. Torrential rain and mist all day long. They handled it spot on. The finish was frantic but Svein held them together. I can't praise them enough. Just a great days racing.
Alan stood out. He did a lot of working ferrying bottles around and pulled that final 20km nearly solo. Just outstanding. I think he's got a great future ahead.
Ladin was good for a debut. A bit impatient and his inexperience showed but he will surely be a top rate rider.
Svein and Leigh and Rich were brilliant and did their jobs perfectly.
Jens was a bit argumentative. But he brought in the win so what more can i say.
My next race is the 3 day Criterium International in about a week. Should be a different experience for sure. Dont think i'll have a great team at my disposal but i dont mind. Its all learning.
Next up Milan-San Remo. The team can be found above.
I watched the whole thing on TV. We decided not to go for the break and just focus on the finish. Seems most teams had the same idea. It came down down to a sprint but we just couldnt match the class of Sky. They are on another level this season.
Some reason i cant get the proper results to work but:
1st Cavendish
2nd Greipel
3rd Goss
7th Kittel
Not quite the goal but not bad considering the hills he had to get over.
Other races coming up as well.
First is the start of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya.
Leader: Wilco Kelderman
Free-Role: Simon Gerrans
Sprinter: Aidis Kruopis
Free-Role: Jens Keukliere
Team-Mate: Simon Clarke
Team-Mate: Cameron Meyer
Team-Mate: Peiter Weening
Team-Mate: Daniel Teklehaimanot
Target: Stage Win, 1st KoM, Top5 GC.
Big goals for a race we a re seriously targeting.
The other race coming up before i write again is the Dwars Door Vlaanderen.
Leader: Sebastian Langeveld
Free-Role: Greg Van Avermaet
Team-Mate: Baden Cooke
Team-Mate: Svein Tuft
Team-Mate: Stuart O'Grady
Team-Mate: Ladin Livshits
Target: Top10
Ok, that covers all the major things for now. There will be a more simple proper blog before the Crit Int.
Signing off
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
