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Team Pokerstars.com 2010
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| beagle |
Posted on 03-02-2010 21:22
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4200
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Short individual time trial on motorcycle circuit in Assen, Nederland will open 64th edition of la Vuelta. After mostly flat (although riders will climb Cauberg or Mont Theux in stage 4) stages 2,3 & 4 finishing in Nederland and Belgium we will finally transfer to Spain, where another 2 flat stages are waiting for all riders. First real test will be stage 7, 31.4km long ITT in Valencia. Next stage will serve first hard climbs and first mountain finish at Alto de Aitana.
Stage 9 is classified as hilly, but riders will have to climb to Alto Xorret de Cati shortly before finish, we cannot call it rest stage in any case. Stage 10 is mostly flat and stage 11 is hilly. We could call both stages as "Silence before storm". After rest day peloton will move to the south and will face up to three very hard stages finishing at Alto de la Velefique, Alto de Sierra Nevada and finally La Pandera.
stage 12
stage 13
stage 14
In following days, peloton will turn to north and start to come near to Madrid. Stages 15, 16 & 17 are mostly flat, ideal opportunity for sprinters or successful breakaway. Stage 18 is classified as hilly. Riders will face up last serious climbs in stage 19, which includes 3 climbs of 1st or 2nd category. Finishing place is not at the summit though.
Penultimate stage of race is next individual time trial in Toledo. We could definitely know overall winner after that stage. Last stage to Madrid is award for every survive riders.
Total lenght: 3.279 km
Highest point: Sierra Nevada (2.520m) |
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| beagle |
Posted on 03-02-2010 21:27
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baia wrote:
Are the 3 Masciarelli brothers?
yes, their dad Palmiro Masciarelli is a team manager  |
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| beagle |
Posted on 03-02-2010 21:50
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Grand Tour Specialist
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Now it´s time for few words about riders. I´m pretty disappointed many famous names are missing here. Where are Schleck brothers, Evans, Valverde, Kirchen, leaders from Liquigas, Armstrong, Leipheimer, Kloden, Gesink and many others? Main favourite is clear: Alberto Contador. Question is if he kept top shape after his win on Le Tour. Next big guns are definitely Denis Menchov, Carlos Sastre, Samuel Sanchez, Joaquin Rodriguez, Ezequiel Mosquero and Juan Jose Cobo. We can also look forward to Alexander Vinokourov after his 2 years ban.
According to field we have to gross up our expectations, TOP10 is a must! As mentioned before we are starting with two equivalent leaders, at least at first mountains. Our best wish is to win stage with mountain finish.
La Vuelta isn´t certainly only about mountains. There are several stages suitable for sprinters, where Luca Paolini would like to show his skills. Luckily (or not?) here is much stronger competition than on Giro. Cavendish, Greipel, Freire, Farrar and some more sprinter stars are joining the race, making flat stages more interesting.
I hope we can look forward to exciting three weeks. Let´s the best man will win! |
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| brownwm |
Posted on 03-02-2010 21:53
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 873
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good luck for the vuelta
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| Bosskardo |
Posted on 03-02-2010 22:06
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Sprinter
Posts: 1559
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Can't wait
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 23-11-2024 03:30
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Bot Agent
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| baia |
Posted on 03-02-2010 23:43
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5398
Joined: 04-10-2007
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Great presentation and sounds like a great Vuelta is coming. |
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| Tombola |
Posted on 04-02-2010 06:51
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Domestique
Posts: 473
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Let's see how your Vuelta goes!? In PCM07, I think the Vuelta is the easiest GT, their are not so many good riders most of the time and a lot others are tired from the season I think... Is that also in '09?
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| hellboy |
Posted on 04-02-2010 07:34
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 850
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good luck for Vuelta
Go Roman!
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| beagle |
Posted on 04-02-2010 08:20
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Grand Tour Specialist
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thanks to all, first reports are going to come in the evening
Tombola wrote:
Let's see how your Vuelta goes!? In PCM07, I think the Vuelta is the easiest GT, their are not so many good riders most of the time and a lot others are tired from the season I think... Is that also in '09?
I never played Vuelta in PCM09 before. All what I can say is that after 2 stages I already played, main contenders like Contador, Menchov or Sammy Sanchez are looking to be in a good shape. But it is too soon to predict something, first mountains will show more... |
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| Batista15 |
Posted on 04-02-2010 08:37
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Small Tour Specialist
Posts: 2704
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Hey beagle I wish you a lot of fun with Alberto Contador
In my career he won the Tour de France with more than 10 minutes in front of Andy Schleck |
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| beagle |
Posted on 04-02-2010 08:45
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4200
Joined: 06-10-2007
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Batista15 wrote:
Hey beagle I wish you a lot of fun with Alberto Contador
In my career he won the Tour de France with more than 10 minutes in front of Andy Schleck
hehe, thanks
He won in my game too, Andy finished 3rd with 6 or 7 minutes loss behind Sylvain Chavanel, who gained much time in Mt.Ventoux stage |
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| Kiein |
Posted on 04-02-2010 09:56
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Free Agent
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Good luck |
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| Maximka |
Posted on 04-02-2010 11:38
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Sprinter
Posts: 1902
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beagle wrote:
thanks to all, first reports are going to come in the evening
Tombola wrote:
Let's see how your Vuelta goes!? In PCM07, I think the Vuelta is the easiest GT, their are not so many good riders most of the time and a lot others are tired from the season I think... Is that also in '09?
I never played Vuelta in PCM09 before. All what I can say is that after 2 stages I already played, main contenders like Contador, Menchov or Sammy Sanchez are looking to be in a good shape. But it is too soon to predict something, first mountains will show more...
Yes, you never can tell... In my last career Sammy was in perfect shape, he was the best in first week but on second week he was the worst contender, then Menchov fall, and my rider could made it in top-3.
Hope you'll get some stage wins and top-3 in GC!
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| beagle |
Posted on 04-02-2010 20:03
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4200
Joined: 06-10-2007
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Stage 1
It was David Herrero who set fastest time for long time in opening timetrial on motorcycle circuit in Assen.
Alexandre Vinokourov is only shadow of superstar from past seasons. He was classyfied as 181st at the end of stage. Very poor performance of Kazach rider, maybe next season he can do better...
Carlos Castano took same time as his mate from Xacobeo and became provisional leader!
One of biggest contenders for overall win Denis Menchov rode well and defeated both Spaniards by 5 seconds.
Ezequiel Mosquera proved that time trial is his biggest weakness, loosing 33 seconds today. But his time will definitely come in mountains...
...our biggest hope Francesco Masciarelli finished even worse, but could someone expect more else from our young star?
Samuel Sanchez took same time as Castano and Herrera, only 5 seconds behind Menchov!
Norwegian Champion Edvald Boasson Hagen flew like an eagle, defeated fastest Menchov´s time by another 5 seconds.
Quit good performance by Carlos Sastre, he lost 21 seconds today.
El Pistolero, unbeatable monster Alberto Contador again in good shape. He took 2nd best time of today, only EBH was stronger...
Although far away from top shape, Stefano Garzelli quite pleased me with his today´s performance. He finished 54th, 25 seconds behind leader.
Maxime monfort was last man who could attack best time. However he lost 8 seconds and finished 4th. Good start for Columbia leader though.
I must apologize I missed Thor in pre-race presentation. Together with Haussler they could built really strong duo for mass sprints. He finished as n22 today.
Edvald Boasson Hagen will wear gold jersey tomorrow!
1 Edvald Boasson Hagen Team Columbia - HTC 7'42
2 Alberto Contador Astana Cycling Team + 4
3 Denis Menchov Rabobank + 5
4 Maxime Monfort Team Columbia - HTC + 8
5 Carlos Castaño Xacobeo - Galicia + 10
6 Samuel Sánchez Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
7 David Herrero Xacobeo - Galicia s.t.
8 Brian Vandborg Liquigas + 11
9 Rui Costa Caisse d'Epargne + 13
10 Marzio Bruseghin Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
11 José Ángel Gómez Marchante Cervélo Test Team + 14
12 Gustavo César Veloso Xacobeo - Galicia s.t.
13 Haimar Zubeldia Astana Cycling Team + 16
14 Ángel Vicioso Andalucía Cajasur s.t.
15 Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - HTC + 17
16 Svein Tuft Garmin - Slipstream s.t.
17 Denys Kostyuk ISD - Neri s.t.
18 Stephen Cummings Barloworld s.t.
19 Xavier Tondo Andalucía Cajasur + 18
20 Michael Albasini Team Columbia - HTC s.t.
21 Sérgio Paulinho Astana Cycling Team s.t.
22 Thor Hushovd Cervélo Test Team s.t.
23 Tanel Kangert AG2R La Mondiale + 19
24 Grischa Niermann Rabobank s.t.
25 Alberto Fernández de la Puebla Fuji - Servetto + 20
26 Lars Ytting Bak Team Saxo Bank s.t.
27 Emilien-Benoît Bergès Agritubel s.t.
28 Karsten Kroon Team Saxo Bank s.t.
29 Kevyn Ista Agritubel s.t.
30 Óscar Pereiro Caisse d'Epargne + 21
31 Carlos Sastre Cervélo Test Team s.t.
44 Joaquím Rodríguez Caisse d'Epargne + 23
54 Stefano Garzelli Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo + 25
55 Juan José Cobo Fuji - Servetto + 26
94 Ezequiel Mosquera Xacobeo - Galicia + 33
154 Francesco Masciarelli Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo + 45
Edited by beagle on 04-02-2010 20:05
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| brownwm |
Posted on 04-02-2010 20:19
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 873
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well done to stay in touch with garzelli, looking forward to more posts
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| beagle |
Posted on 04-02-2010 20:36
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4200
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Stage 2
Completely flat stage will almost certainly finish in bunch sprint. Unfortunately I don´t know how, but I let replay button turned down, so for this time without screens...
Andrea Masciarelli tried his luck and joined BOTD. He overestimated himself and finished last with huge loss though. First thrilling moment of race came after 90km when several riders including Valjavec and Freire hit the ground. While Valjavec managed to to chase peloton again, Oscar Freire was forced to abandon. Really bad news for Rabobank. After chasing of all escapees down, peloton came together last 60km. As we have no good lead-out man, our sprinter Luca Paolini must rely on help of another sprinters. He took place just behind Haussler today, letting Hushovd far behind. It turned out as good decision. Luca could even react when Mark Cavendish accelerated and tried to keep behind his rear tire. Cav won easily ahead of fastest man of second train Matti Breschel while our sprinter managed to keep fantastic 3rd place! All contenders came safely in peloton, but due to bonification Mark Cavendish is a new race leader!
1 Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - HTC 4h33'49
2 Matti Breschel Team Saxo Bank s.t.
3 Luca Paolini Acqua & Sapone - Caffé Mokambo s.t.
4 Johnny Hoogerland Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team s.t.
5 Romain Feillu Agritubel s.t.
6 Daniele Bennati Liquigas s.t.
7 André Greipel Team Columbia - HTC s.t.
8 José Joaquín Rojas Caisse d'Epargne s.t.
9 Mirco Lorenzetto Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
10 Koldo Fernández Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
11 Enrico Gasparotto Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
12 Tyler Farrar Garmin - Slipstream s.t.
13 Francesco Chicchi Liquigas s.t.
14 Jonathan Bellis Team Saxo Bank s.t.
15 Aitor Galdos Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
16 Matthew Goss Team Saxo Bank s.t.
17 Edvald Boasson Hagen Team Columbia - HTC s.t.
18 Mark Renshaw Team Columbia - HTC s.t.
19 Baden Cooke Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team s.t.
20 Simon Gerrans Cervélo Test Team s.t.
1 Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - HTC 4h41'28
2 Edvald Boasson Hagen Team Columbia - HTC + 3
3 Alberto Contador Astana Cycling Team + 7
4 Denis Menchov Rabobank + 8
5 Maxime Monfort Team Columbia - HTC + 11
6 David Herrero Xacobeo - Galicia + 13
7 Samuel Sánchez Euskaltel - Euskadi s.t.
8 Carlos Castaño Xacobeo - Galicia s.t.
9 Brian Vandborg Liquigas + 14
10 Matti Breschel Team Saxo Bank + 16
11 Rui Costa Caisse d'Epargne s.t.
12 Marzio Bruseghin Lampre - N.G.C s.t.
13 José Ángel Gómez Marchante Cervélo Test Team + 17
14 Gustavo César Veloso Xacobeo - Galicia s.t.
15 Ángel Vicioso Andalucía Cajasur + 19
16 Haimar Zubeldia Astana Cycling Team s.t.
17 Svein Tuft Garmin - Slipstream + 20
18 Denys Kostyuk ISD - Neri s.t.
19 Thor Hushovd Cervélo Test Team + 21
20 Xavier Tondo Andalucía Cajasur s.t.
21 Sérgio Paulinho Astana Cycling Team s.t.
22 Michael Albasini Team Columbia - HTC s.t.
23 Tanel Kangert AG2R La Mondiale + 22
24 Grischa Niermann Rabobank s.t.
25 Kevyn Ista Agritubel + 23
26 Lars Ytting Bak Team Saxo Bank s.t.
27 Emilien-Benoît Bergès Agritubel s.t.
28 Karsten Kroon Team Saxo Bank s.t.
29 Alberto Fernández de la Puebla Fuji - Servetto s.t.
30 Heinrich Haussler Cervélo Test Team + 24
1 Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - HTC 26
2 Edvald Boasson Hagen Team Columbia - HTC 25
3 Alberto Contador Astana Cycling Team 20
4 Matti Breschel Team Saxo Bank 20
5 Denis Menchov Rabobank 16
1 Marlón Pérez Caisse d'Epargne 4
2 Stephen Cummings Barloworld 2
3 Dimitri Kryvtsov ISD - Neri 1 |
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| brownwm |
Posted on 04-02-2010 20:39
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 873
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well done on a podium
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| alexkr00 |
Posted on 04-02-2010 20:41
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World Champion
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I thought you don't like to use .png's for your screens
Anyway good luck for the Vuelta. You might have a nice chance to get a top 5 with Garzelli or Marsciarelli with that startlist.
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| beagle |
Posted on 04-02-2010 21:02
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4200
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thank you
alexkr00 wrote:
I thought you don't like to use .png's for your screens
have "a little" faster conection from New Year |
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| alexkr00 |
Posted on 04-02-2010 21:05
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World Champion
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beagle wrote:
alexkr00 wrote:
I thought you don't like to use .png's for your screens
have "a little" faster conection from New Year
lucky you, mine is getting worse it still has a decent speed
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