Yet again, Team Sky has been one of the most successful teams in this past month of August, especially with the results in the Post Danmark Rundt and our win with Mark Cavendish at GP Quest France - Plouay. Six wins and the general classification was what Edvald Boasson Hagen and company managed to get home from Denmark, which happens to be one of our best races so far in this season.
Though when that is said, Sky didn't have any success in the other World Tour races this month, with quite unsatisfying results in both the Eneco Tour, Clásica San Sebastián and the Vattenfall Cyclassics. Another World Tour race which has started in August, is the Vuelta a España. We've had a good start, but how the race has developed, you will first know in next month's monthly review.
On the World Tour team rankings, Sky is once again in the lead, with a comfortable gap down to Omega Pharma - Quick Step. On the individual rankings, our highest placed rider is still second placer in the Tour de France, Froome, who is in fourth. Tom Boonen has overtaken the lead in the rankings, and also Sagan has moved into the top 10.
In the CQ team rankings, Sky is dominant with a big lead over Radioshack. On the individuals, Tour de France winner Nibali, is still in the lead, while Sky now has four riders in the top 10, with Edvald Boasson Hagen's past results in the Post Danmark Rundt.
With great results in the Tre Valli Varesine, Vattenfall Cyclassics and especially the Post Danmark Rundt, i've made a huge progress in the rankings. Being 71th in the CQ rankings this late in the year, is really something special.
Salvatore Puccio's Rankings
Leaderboard
Ranking
Points
World Tour
92 (-8)
36
CQ-Ranking
71 (+81)
489
August has been a very rewarding month for me. Especially with the climax in the Post Danmark Rundt, where i managed to ride in some great results. I finally got my first win, after being so close a couple of other times. It feels great to know that it is possible for me to win against some of the big guns. Also my fourth in the general classification, was a fantastic result for me.
But one of the main topics which has filled my mind through August, is my contract situation. Before next week is over, i have to decide where to go for 2013, and the choice is incredibly difficult. But one thing is for sure. I am surely gonna end up in a great team.
This months team-mate award, goes to Bernhard Eisel. The great Austrian has done a magnificent job during the whole season, and especially here in August, he has made himself worthy for this little award. Eisel always commits himself a hundred percent to the job he's given, and has a priceless helping mentality.
The main reason that Eisel deserves this price, is his job during the Post Danmark Rundt. In great shape he participated for the team, and was an essential part of Edvald Boasson Hagen's victory stream. He got the ability to win himself, but without questioning his orders, he always sacrifies his own chances for the better of the team. Eisel has to be the quintessence of team spirit mentality, and is a great role model for us young riders in the team.
Some great results and great development As for the contract offers, you're right, there are some good offers on the table. I suggest discounting Farnese as the best way to get better is to race in the big stages, and you won't be able to do that in the CT.
With Vacansoleil you could join a team which suits your style, though doesn't have the same depth as Orica. At Orica you have the opportunity to learn from some of the best, particularly Gerrans, whose punchy style and great hill climbing ability are things you'd aspire to. Mainly down to this and the shorter contract which allows you more freedom if you don't feel you're getting the opportunities, you can go elsewhere, as a high demand rider in 2 years time
There's my 2 pennies worth
@All: I know that you're eagerly awaiting Salvatore's decision. By his next race, he will already have signed under his new contract, but the announcement will first occur after having raced the Canadian classics. I'm sorry to draw out the suspense for so long
@Neillster: Thank you for your response! You have some good points that Salvatore surely will take into consideration
@Ps: I have had some very busy days at the moment, with hardly any time to play PCM. I'd just let you know, because my motivation is extremely high still, so only time stands in my way to get going fast.
Grote Prijs Jef Scherens - Rondom Leuven - 3/9 2012
F. Cancellara
S. Chavanel, B. Leukemans
E. Boasson Hagen, S. Devolder, S. Turgot
"It's a very strong startlist, so it's hard to have any expectations for results. The course suits me fine, but i'll keep myself calm, to rest before the Canadian classics. Eddy has to race against the big guns, so it is going to be great to see how he'll do"
The Race
A strong breakaway dominated the outcome of the race today. With guys like Clement, Kwiatkowski and Veilluex, the breakway actually had a serious chance of triumphing. Cancellara and Radioshack had a hard time keeping them near, but in the end, about 15 kms from the finish, the last man was reeled in.
On the last cobble-section, Cancellara went to the front himself and crushed the pack into several pieces. But Edvald Boasson Hagen was still hanging on well, with Jeremy Hunt in his rear wheel.
With only about 5 kms to the finish, Boasson saw his chance of escaping. But Cancellara was too superior, and quickly closed the gap by himself. Also Chavanel reached the duo just a minute after, preparing for a possible sprint between those three.
Both Chavanel and Cancellara knew that Boasson was faster in a sprint, so they didn't want to take the front. Therefore Edvald had to start the sprint at front... Not an ideal position to start in.
Cancellara once again showed that he was the strongest, continueing his winning streak from April, when taking both the Paris Roubaix and the Ronde Van Vlaanderen. Unfortunately Chavanel managed to only just overtake Boasson on the last, making Edvald 3rd in todays race.
Eddy did great today! 3rd is a strong result for him, and losing to this years king of the classics ain't really no shame. Jeremy Hunt also managed to stay clear after doing his final work for Eddy, resulting in a fine 8th for the Englishman.
I felt good today, but i was able to feel that it has been some time since i last rode on cobble-sections. If i wanted, i'm sure that i could have ended up a little higher, but it was on purpose to not use up all of my energy-reserves today, since next week is all about my final objective, the Canadian classics.
@fcancellara: Yeah, Jungels did surprisingly very well, but unfortunately for him he's still under contract with Leopard Trek for next year. So in 2014 he'll surely be an attractive rider for the World Tour teams
@ste_18: Haha Well, Alakagom have had some very good ones, but this one... I wasn't in doubt that it had to be my new avatar when i first saw the picture Someone have to add some delight and pleasure to the site, oh snap!
Someone have to add some delight and pleasure to the site, oh snap!
