The next day I hardly remember much at first. I had a hangover, but when I sat in the team car and we were following the race. Well, I may have been a bit bored at that point as I started to look through my messages, checking if I didn’t do anything stupid. Thankfully, I am a very diligent journalist (no I’m kidding), and I made a note to myself. “Don’t forget the car in the night”, it said. Then I tried to remember, took me the duration of a water bottle though to pinpoint it exactly. I tipped on Katu’s shoulder and he looked at me a bit restrained.
“You woke up from your slumber of the dead?”, he asked me and the driver next to him laughed.
“Well, it’s probably nothing but I think I should tell you.”
Tour de France, July 2013
Stage 12
We will treat this stage without any ambition and instead will look to resemble our strengths and spirits for the stages that will better suit us. It’s obvious that today will likely end in a bunch sprint and if it does not, well – it will be a lesson for us.
A break with Visconti, Poulhies, Gaudin, Belleti and Hivert is up front for the most part of the race.
With about 10 kilometers left to Tours, the break is about to get caught and the sprinters already fight for their position.
Lobato do as he is told and stays on Goss wheel, the Orica Green Edge sprint train looks fast, just like the Omega Pharma one with Kittel (ARG) on their wheel. Lotto Belisol comes forward too.
Greipel takes the stage win. Lobato wasn’t up to holding Orica’s pace, while Goss takes 3rd.
Stage 12, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
André Greipel
Lotto Belisol
4h31'57
2
Daniele Bennati
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
3
Matthew Goss
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
4
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
5
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
6
Mark Renshaw
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
7
Mark Cavendish
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Arnaud Demare
FDJ
s.t.
9
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
10
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Alejandro Valverde
Movistar Team
s.t.
12
Barry Markus
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
13
Marcel Kittel
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
14
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
15
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
16
Daryl Impey
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
17
Allan Davis
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
18
Michał Kwiatkowski
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
19
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
20
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
21
Bernhard Eisel
Sky Procycling
s.t.
22
Bryan Coquard
Team Europcar
s.t.
23
Luis León Sánchez
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
24
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
s.t.
25
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
26
Rui Costa
Movistar Team
s.t.
27
Jurgen Van den Broeck
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
28
Juan José Lobato
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
29
Chris Froome
Sky Procycling
s.t.
30
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
31
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
32
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
33
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
34
Thomas De Gendt
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
35
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
36
Thibaut Pinot
FDJ
s.t.
37
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
s.t.
38
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
s.t.
39
Daniel Martin
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
40
Sergio Henao
Sky Procycling
s.t.
41
Romain Bardet
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
42
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
43
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
44
Kenny Dehaes
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
45
Pierrick Fédrigo
FDJ
s.t.
46
Niki Terpstra
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
47
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Procycling
s.t.
48
Pierre Rolland
Team Europcar
s.t.
49
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
50
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
s.t.
51
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
52
Nicolas Roche
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
53
Jérôme Coppel
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
54
Sebastian Langeveld
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
55
Tom Dumoulin
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
56
Geraint Thomas
Sky Procycling
s.t.
57
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
58
Zdenek Stybar
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
59
Peter Stetina
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
60
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
61
Marco Haller
Katusha Team
s.t.
62
Mikel Nieve
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
63
Marcel Sieberg
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
64
Dario Cataldo
Sky Procycling
s.t.
65
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
66
Romain Sicard
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
67
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
s.t.
68
Igor Antón
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
69
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
70
Arthur Vichot
FDJ
s.t.
71
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
72
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
73
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
74
Cyril Gautier
Team Europcar
s.t.
75
Alexandr Kolobnev
Katusha Team
s.t.
76
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
77
Nicki Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
78
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
79
Eduard Vorganov
Katusha Team
s.t.
80
Jean-Christophe Peraud
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
81
Simon Spilak
Katusha Team
s.t.
82
Michael Rogers
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
83
Laurens Ten Dam
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
84
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
85
Davide Appollonio
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
86
Alexander Serebryakov
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
87
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
88
Matti Breschel
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
89
Roman Kreuziger
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
90
Chris Horner
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
91
Fredrik Kessiakoff
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
92
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
93
Ángel Madrazo
Movistar Team
s.t.
94
Alberto Contador
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
95
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
96
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
97
Danny Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
98
Michael Matthews
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
99
Bart De Clercq
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
100
Matthieu Ladagnous
FDJ
s.t.
101
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
102
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
103
Dominik Nerz
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
104
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
105
Sylvain Chavanel
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
106
Juan Antonio Flecha
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
107
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
108
Stéphane Poulhiès
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
109
Christophe Laborie
Sojasun
s.t.
110
Alexsandr Dyachenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
111
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
112
Maxim Iglinskiy
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
113
Eros Capecchi
Movistar Team
s.t.
114
Enrico Gasparotto
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
115
Jonathan Hivert
Sojasun
s.t.
116
Steve Morabito
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
117
Nacer Bouhanni
FDJ
s.t.
118
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
s.t.
119
Manuel Belletti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
120
Tony Martin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
121
Paul Martens
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
122
Alexis Vuillermoz
Sojasun
s.t.
123
Björn Leukemans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
124
Yauheni Hutarovich
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
125
Fabian Cancellara
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
126
Julien El Fares
Sojasun
s.t.
127
Guillaume Boivin
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
128
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
129
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
130
Sébastien Chavanel
Team Europcar
s.t.
131
Evaldas Siskevicius
Sojasun
s.t.
132
Jonathan Castroviejo
Movistar Team
s.t.
133
Stijn Vandenbergh
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
134
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
135
Guillaume Levarlet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
136
Damien Gaudin
Team Europcar
s.t.
137
Simone Ponzi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
138
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
139
Maxime Daniel
Sojasun
s.t.
140
Egoitz García
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
141
Elia Favilli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
142
Rein Taaramäe
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
143
Tom Slagter
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
144
Daniele Ratto
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
145
Fabian Wegmann
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
146
Simon Geschke
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
147
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
148
Nicolas Edet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
149
Greg Henderson
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
150
Sébastien Turgot
Team Europcar
s.t.
151
Koen De Kort
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
152
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
153
Fabrice Jeandesboz
Sojasun
s.t.
154
Peter Velits
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
155
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
156
Mikel Astarloza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
157
Yoann Bagot
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
158
Vincent Jérôme
Team Europcar
s.t.
159
Jérémy Roy
FDJ
s.t.
160
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
161
Simon Clarke
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
162
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
163
Jorge Azanza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
164
Brice Feillu
Sojasun
s.t.
165
Rémi Pauriol
Sojasun
s.t.
166
Karsten Kroon
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
167
Moreno Moser
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
168
Matteo Tosatto
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
169
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
170
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
171
Andy Schleck
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
172
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
173
José Serpa
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
174
Christophe Le Mével
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
175
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
176
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
177
Adriano Malori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
178
Matthias Frank
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
179
Christophe Kern
Team Europcar
s.t.
180
Damiano Caruso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
181
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
182
Andreas Klöden
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
183
Egoi Martínez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
184
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
185
Haimar Zubeldia
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
186
Kristjan Koren
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
187
Ben King
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
188
Jakob Rathe
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
189
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
190
Richie Porte
Sky Procycling
s.t.
191
Wout Poels
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
192
Francis De Greef
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
Stage 13
Another one of those ambigious flat stages for us.
Today, Serebryakov feels good and goes into the break. We probably won’t get much of it, but well, we still have to try, right? Serebryakov works together with Vuillermoz to catch up to the five rider break up front. A bit later they catch up and with strong for the finish such as Van Rensburg, Gasparotto and presumably Serebryakov, the other riders are not quite too happy with the group and often raise their hand. Especially Taaramae and Wegmann catch my eye while they do a lot of talking.
It’s basically the same as yesterday. With 10 kilometers to go, the peloton is about to get caught. Omega Pharma and Orica-Green Edge did most of the work, Serebryakov is already a bit exhausted while the group is being pulled by Gasparotto.
Kittel hangs on Greipel’s wheel, while Boonen brings Cavendish to the final kilometer.
It’s another victory for Cavendish and Omega Pharma. The fourth, to be precise.
Stage 13, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Mark Cavendish
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
3h57'43
2
André Greipel
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
3
Matthew Goss
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
4
Mark Renshaw
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
6
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
7
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
8
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Marcel Kittel
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
10
Daniele Bennati
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Barry Markus
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
12
Arnaud Demare
FDJ
s.t.
13
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
14
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
15
Allan Davis
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
16
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
17
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
18
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
19
Juan José Lobato
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
20
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
21
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
s.t.
22
Chris Froome
Sky Procycling
s.t.
23
Daryl Impey
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
24
Alejandro Valverde
Movistar Team
s.t.
25
Rui Costa
Movistar Team
s.t.
26
Michał Kwiatkowski
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
27
Luis León Sánchez
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
28
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
29
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
30
Arthur Vichot
FDJ
s.t.
31
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
32
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
33
Thomas De Gendt
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
34
Jurgen Van den Broeck
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
35
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
36
Bryan Coquard
Team Europcar
s.t.
37
Daniel Martin
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
38
Björn Leukemans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
39
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
s.t.
40
Sebastian Langeveld
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
41
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
s.t.
42
Eros Capecchi
Movistar Team
s.t.
43
Romain Bardet
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
44
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
s.t.
45
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
46
Pierre Rolland
Team Europcar
s.t.
47
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
s.t.
48
Sergio Henao
Sky Procycling
s.t.
49
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
50
Simon Spilak
Katusha Team
s.t.
51
Thibaut Pinot
FDJ
s.t.
52
Cyril Gautier
Team Europcar
s.t.
53
Bernhard Eisel
Sky Procycling
s.t.
54
Kenny Dehaes
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
55
Tony Martin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
56
Peter Stetina
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
57
Mikel Nieve
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
58
Alexander Serebryakov
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
59
Romain Sicard
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
60
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
61
Danny Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
62
Marco Haller
Katusha Team
s.t.
63
Jorge Azanza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
64
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
65
Fredrik Kessiakoff
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
66
Nicolas Roche
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
67
Matti Breschel
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
68
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
69
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
70
Paul Martens
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
71
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Procycling
s.t.
72
Michael Rogers
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
73
Davide Appollonio
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
74
Pierrick Fédrigo
FDJ
s.t.
75
Jean-Christophe Peraud
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
76
Dario Cataldo
Sky Procycling
s.t.
77
Tom Slagter
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
78
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
79
Jérôme Coppel
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
80
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
81
Roman Kreuziger
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
82
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
83
Mikel Astarloza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
84
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
85
Eduard Vorganov
Katusha Team
s.t.
86
Geraint Thomas
Sky Procycling
s.t.
87
Manuel Belletti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
88
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
89
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
90
Ángel Madrazo
Movistar Team
s.t.
91
Laurens Ten Dam
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
92
Alexandr Kolobnev
Katusha Team
s.t.
93
Alberto Contador
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
94
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
95
Chris Horner
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
96
Matthieu Ladagnous
FDJ
s.t.
97
Niki Terpstra
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
98
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
99
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
100
Jonathan Hivert
Sojasun
s.t.
101
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
102
Dominik Nerz
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
103
Jonathan Castroviejo
Movistar Team
s.t.
104
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
105
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
106
Wout Poels
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
107
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
108
Igor Antón
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
109
Enrico Gasparotto
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
110
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
111
Simone Ponzi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
112
Evaldas Siskevicius
Sojasun
s.t.
113
Zdenek Stybar
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
114
Steve Morabito
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
115
Guillaume Boivin
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
116
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
s.t.
117
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
118
Egoitz García
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
119
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
120
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
121
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
122
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
123
Fabrice Jeandesboz
Sojasun
s.t.
124
Daniele Ratto
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
125
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
126
Damien Gaudin
Team Europcar
s.t.
127
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
128
Maxime Daniel
Sojasun
s.t.
129
Jérémy Roy
FDJ
s.t.
130
Stéphane Poulhiès
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
131
Nacer Bouhanni
FDJ
s.t.
132
Elia Favilli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
133
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
134
Jakob Rathe
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
135
Guillaume Levarlet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
136
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
137
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
138
Juan Antonio Flecha
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
139
Matteo Tosatto
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
140
Fabian Cancellara
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
141
Adriano Malori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
142
Sébastien Chavanel
Team Europcar
s.t.
143
Marcel Sieberg
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
144
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
145
Yauheni Hutarovich
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
146
Rein Taaramäe
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
147
Vincent Jérôme
Team Europcar
s.t.
148
Moreno Moser
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
149
Nicki Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
150
Julien El Fares
Sojasun
s.t.
151
Sébastien Turgot
Team Europcar
s.t.
152
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
153
Simon Geschke
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
154
Karsten Kroon
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
155
Rémi Pauriol
Sojasun
s.t.
156
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
157
Koen De Kort
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
158
Simon Clarke
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
159
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
160
Fabian Wegmann
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
161
José Serpa
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
162
Matthias Frank
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
163
Peter Velits
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
164
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
165
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
166
Bart De Clercq
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
167
Greg Henderson
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
168
Michael Matthews
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
169
Maxim Iglinskiy
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
170
Kristjan Koren
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
171
Alexsandr Dyachenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
172
Stijn Vandenbergh
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
173
Francis De Greef
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
174
Tom Dumoulin
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
175
Haimar Zubeldia
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
176
Sylvain Chavanel
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
177
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
178
Yoann Bagot
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
179
Andy Schleck
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
180
Christophe Kern
Team Europcar
s.t.
181
Nicolas Edet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
182
Ben King
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
183
Christophe Laborie
Sojasun
s.t.
184
Andreas Klöden
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
185
Richie Porte
Sky Procycling
s.t.
186
Damiano Caruso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
187
Brice Feillu
Sojasun
s.t.
188
Christophe Le Mével
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
189
Alexis Vuillermoz
Sojasun
s.t.
190
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
191
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
192
Egoi Martínez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
Stage 14
They say, three’s a lucky charm? Well, as for Euskaltel – Euskadi, we can’t wait to get this last of these 3 flat stages in week 2 behind us. It’s getting dull. Give us some action! As for the sprinter teams like Omega Pharma, Argos-Shima and Lotto Belisol, they look forward today of course, but today ain’t so flat and easy as in previous days. The finish to Lyon is quite steeper than one would imagine, so don’t exclude a non-bunch sprint win today. Or at least, expect some attacks on the final two climbs.
Azanza is our guy today to try his luck in the break. With him are Van Avermaet (BMC), Belleti (ALM), Boivin (CAN), Hivert (SOJ) and Poulhies (COF) as the faster man in a finish. Also former Grand Tour contender Klöden is featured in today’s break.
Atop of Col du Pilon, today’s highest mountain, the break has about 5 minutes lead. Doesn’t look like it will be enough. Orica – GreenEdge are eager to take the longed first stage win for good today.
With about 20 kilometers, the lead is decreasing fast. About 10 kilometers ago, the group still had 6 minutes. Now nearly half of it is gone. Expect to see the break make a stand though.
Klöden attacked going into the second last hilly climb of today. He isn’t willing to just bring the sprinters to the finish line and then let them finish him off.
But after that climb, the group heads into a tunnel and he just can’t get away from them. Constantly his lead is only 10 seconds to Azanza & Co. One more climb is up though and this one will be really steep.
Lyon offers an intense finish, as the break fights for every meter against the peloton and Köden is still up there with 5 kilometers to go. Azanza meanwhile doesn’t quite have it in him to help the group. What will be Euskaltel’s and Katu’s tactic? Hope for a sprint win, surely they must be mistaken.
When Klöden gets caught, the other take a bit time to rest. Azanza notices that and comes forward on the side. In a few seconds, Katu knows that this could be the chance. Azanza attacks!
Heading into the last 2 kilometers, it doesn’t seem to be enough though.
Hivert takes the stage win for Sojasun ahead of Cofidis’ Poulhies. Azanza gets 3rd just by a few centimeters to Van Avermaet. Great result for him, though it’s a shame that he missed out on the stage win so close!
Stage 14, Results
Rank
Name
Team
Time
1
Jonathan Hivert
Sojasun
4h28'41
2
Stéphane Poulhiès
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
3
Jorge Azanza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
4
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
5
Guillaume Boivin
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
6
Manuel Belletti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
7
Andreas Klöden
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
8
Mark Cavendish
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Tyler Farrar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
10
Barry Markus
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Matthew Goss
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
12
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
13
Allan Davis
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
14
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
15
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
16
Mark Renshaw
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
17
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
18
Daryl Impey
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
19
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
20
Luis León Sánchez
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
21
Michał Kwiatkowski
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
22
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
s.t.
23
Igor Antón
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
24
Jean-Christophe Peraud
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
25
Mikel Nieve
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
26
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
s.t.
27
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
28
Thibaut Pinot
FDJ
s.t.
29
Alejandro Valverde
Movistar Team
s.t.
30
Sergio Henao
Sky Procycling
s.t.
31
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
s.t.
32
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
33
Chris Froome
Sky Procycling
s.t.
34
Nacer Bouhanni
FDJ
s.t.
35
Rui Costa
Movistar Team
s.t.
36
Michael Rogers
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
37
Pierrick Fédrigo
FDJ
s.t.
38
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Procycling
s.t.
39
Daniele Bennati
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
40
André Greipel
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
41
John Degenkolb
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
42
Giacomo Nizzolo
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
43
Bryan Coquard
Team Europcar
s.t.
44
Nicolas Roche
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
45
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
46
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
47
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
48
Elia Viviani
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
49
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
50
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
51
Roman Kreuziger
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
52
Laurens Ten Dam
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
53
Daniele Ratto
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
54
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
55
Arnaud Demare
FDJ
s.t.
56
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
57
Mikel Astarloza
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
58
Matthieu Ladagnous
FDJ
s.t.
59
Pierre Rolland
Team Europcar
s.t.
60
Fredrik Kessiakoff
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
61
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
62
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
63
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
64
Geraint Thomas
Sky Procycling
s.t.
65
Daniel Martin
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
66
Matti Breschel
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
67
Egoi Martínez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
68
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
s.t.
69
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
70
Simon Geschke
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
71
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
72
Paul Martens
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
73
Björn Leukemans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
74
Thomas De Gendt
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
75
Tom Slagter
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
76
Simon Spilak
Katusha Team
s.t.
77
Jérôme Coppel
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
78
Koen De Kort
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
79
Romain Bardet
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
80
Enrico Gasparotto
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
81
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
s.t.
82
Chris Horner
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
83
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
84
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
85
Marcel Kittel
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
86
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
87
Niki Terpstra
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
88
Sébastien Chavanel
Team Europcar
s.t.
89
Alberto Contador
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
90
Davide Appollonio
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
91
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
92
Nicki Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
93
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
94
Dario Cataldo
Sky Procycling
s.t.
95
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Procycling
s.t.
96
Fabian Cancellara
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
97
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
98
Fabian Wegmann
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
99
Damien Gaudin
Team Europcar
s.t.
100
Cyril Gautier
Team Europcar
s.t.
101
Arthur Vichot
FDJ
s.t.
102
Fabrice Jeandesboz
Sojasun
s.t.
103
Sébastien Turgot
Team Europcar
s.t.
104
Juan Antonio Flecha
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
105
Jérémy Roy
FDJ
s.t.
106
Sylvain Chavanel
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
107
Alexandr Kolobnev
Katusha Team
s.t.
108
Jurgen Van den Broeck
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
109
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
110
Christophe Kern
Team Europcar
s.t.
111
Romain Sicard
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
112
Kristjan Koren
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
113
Elia Favilli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
114
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
115
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
116
Vincent Jérôme
Team Europcar
s.t.
117
Moreno Moser
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
118
Eduard Vorganov
Katusha Team
s.t.
119
Eros Capecchi
Movistar Team
s.t.
120
Karsten Kroon
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
121
Tom Dumoulin
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
122
Danny Van Poppel
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
123
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
124
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
125
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
126
Richie Porte
Sky Procycling
s.t.
127
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
128
Yoann Bagot
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
129
Haimar Zubeldia
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
130
Rein Taaramäe
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
131
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
s.t.
132
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
133
Guillaume Levarlet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
134
Andy Schleck
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
135
Christophe Laborie
Sojasun
s.t.
136
Damiano Caruso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
137
Julien El Fares
Sojasun
s.t.
138
Ángel Madrazo
Movistar Team
s.t.
139
Marco Haller
Katusha Team
s.t.
140
Nicolas Edet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
141
Zdenek Stybar
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
142
Simon Clarke
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
143
Rémi Pauriol
Sojasun
s.t.
144
Alexis Vuillermoz
Sojasun
s.t.
145
Matteo Tosatto
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
146
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
147
Simone Ponzi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
148
Kenny Dehaes
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
149
Jonathan Castroviejo
Movistar Team
s.t.
150
Christophe Le Mével
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
151
Brice Feillu
Sojasun
s.t.
152
Wout Poels
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
153
Rinaldo Nocentini
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
154
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
155
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
156
Maxim Iglinskiy
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
157
Tony Martin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
158
Dominik Nerz
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
159
Alexsandr Dyachenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
160
Francis De Greef
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
161
Sebastian Langeveld
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
162
Bernhard Eisel
Sky Procycling
s.t.
163
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
164
Peter Velits
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
165
Bart De Clercq
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
166
Steve Morabito
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
167
Peter Stetina
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
168
Evaldas Siskevicius
Sojasun
s.t.
169
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
170
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
171
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
172
Stijn Vandenbergh
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
173
Egoitz García
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
174
Adrien Petit
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
175
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
176
José Serpa
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
177
Alexander Serebryakov
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
178
Ben King
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
179
Michael Matthews
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
180
Adriano Malori
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
181
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
182
Yauheni Hutarovich
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
183
Jakob Rathe
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
184
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
185
Maxime Daniel
Sojasun
+ 4'34
186
Matthias Frank
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
187
Yohan Offredo
FDJ
s.t.
188
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
189
Marcel Sieberg
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
190
Greg Henderson
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
191
Juan José Lobato
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
192
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 5'31
We are a bit disappointed that no time gaps were taken today since many top riders and rivals looked like they have lost time in the peloton, riders just as Kreuziger or Roche. Cavendish finished way ahead of Greipel and is now the new leader of the points classification by the margin of 1 point.
Great result for Azanza there, showing that a victory could be very possible on the team's day. Hopefully the team can manage a stage win before Paris, as well as getting Nieve into the top 20 overall.
Really enjoying the lengthy reports and the screens, great to read. Inspired me to start up a story again when the Daily DB comes out
@sutty68: Thanks mate. Yeah I agree. The final week should be our week, however rarely does everything go as we wish.
@duxili: Thank you, I like to use different approaches in different races. I think Azanza had to attack to stand a chance in the sprint. It's cool that he got 3rd in the end.
@FroomeDog99: Oh, thanks for the praise. I try my best. Looking forward to your new story.
@Dippofix: Yeah, indeed stupid flat stages, tell me about it:
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
We all know how the Mont Ventoux looks like and should look like. I don't why but the Mont Ventoux is not really the Mont Ventoux this time though. It was either my graphics fault that stupid PCM put grass up there or the stage makers. Since I think I remember the Mont Ventoux stage was correct on my former laptop, I'll go with my PC. I know it for the future and will decrease graphics for the Ventoux then. In any case, I blame the gardeners.
Stage 15
After the 3-days of flatness, we hit one of the most legendary climbs the world of cycling has to offer: Mont Ventoux. Azanza’s nice 3rd place has lifted our spirits a bit and boosted the motivation to make something happen today, but at the “Giant of Provence” only riders with a top shape and an unbreakable will, can triumph. With Nieve and Antón both out of competition for a Top 10 ranking, it’d be nice to get an Euskaltel rider upfront. But beware, with only one climb, it’s probably likely that one of the GT contenders will take this stage despite all breakaway efforts. The possible breakaway stage wins are still coming… we hope at least.
Not much hassle at the start. Any team who wants to get a rider in the breakaway, just needs to attack. With about 6 minutes already after 45 kilometers, the break looks solid from here. Many names in the group though, that will make a possible stage win though: Peter Velits, Fédrigo (FDJ), L.L. Sánchez (BEL), Morabito (BMC), Trofimov (KAT), Jeandesboz (SOJ) and Bagot (COF) will be tough competition for a possible stage win for Robert Vrecer from Euskaltle – Euskadi. Gent – Wevelgem winner Roelandts looks like a parrot in a field of pigeons though. Fédrigo is the best ranked rider as 24th, with only 5’44’’ behind.
Cavendish takes the remaining sprint points at the intermediate, well not too many were up for grabs anyway. The peloton is calm so far as they pass Bourg Les Valence.
Even before the Mont Ventoux, the Spaniards Rodriguez and Contador won’t take it lightly on the peloton as they attack. Niemiec, Van den Broeck and De Gendt want to follow them. It’s unlikely that they get particularly far.
… and a bit later, Daniel Martin attacks without his pants on. At least the mountain jersey suits him. Monfort and Schleck, both from Radioshack, follow him. Again, SKY’s pace doesn’t allow for an early breakaway though.
"The Ventoux is a god of Evil, to which sacrifices must be made. It never forgives weakness and extracts an unfair tribute of suffering."
Roland Barthes, French philosopher and bicycle racing fan,
Meanwhile, the climb officially begins for the breakaway. Luis Leon Sánchez attacks early on, and as Morabito and Trofimov counter, Vrecer follows them. Quickly they gain a gap of around 45 seconds to the other breakaway riders.
Roughly 4 to 5 minutes later the peloton comes to the same point. SKY hold the pace, only Niemiec (22th) got away during the ride towards the Mont Ventoux. Euskaltel is featured with many riders up front. Not too many riders are left in the peloton though, only around 80, as the equally big rest has already formed a grupetto.
Morabito and L.L. Sánchez don’t take it lightly on the other two riders. Neither Trofimov nor Vrecer are able to follow this time around. However, both of the chasers don’t lose the front riders out of their eyes and thus, keep the stage win in sights. Even Velits, Fédrigo and the others catch up again.
The official climb to Mont Ventoux starts now as the gradient increases hard. Up front, Purito, Contador, Daniel Martin and Fuglsang just won’t take a rest on SKY and deliver attack after attack.
Damn it, thanks a lot Vanendert, Riblon and Dyachenko! Thy can’t hold up and a gap appears in a matter of seconds. Now Nieve needs to close it fast. No riders are in the peloton upfront. Antón is even further back and won’t be any help unfortunately.
Purito is on fire! He catches up to Vrecer, who can’t even dream of holding up with Joaquim Rodriguez.
Contador at the final kilometer-mark. Not enough bottles or got some problem with the bike? Mollema also wants a bottle. Don’t they have helpers for something like that? Meanwhile, Froome paces away with Quintana and Valverde on his back!
The leaders of the race change as Luis Leon Sánchez gets caught and Valverde seems to take over the pace in order to help Quintana. Velits in there too, while Froome, Quintana and Rodriguez seem to be the strongest climbers.
While everything is crowded, Nieve sure feels the pain already thanks to the little misunfortunate incident earlier. Still, other riders suffer too.
Froome vs. Quintana vs. Rodriguez. Sounds a bit familiar. Meanwhile, I got why Contador snatched bottles. It appears like Michael Rogers is Saxo’s new leader… Woah, that's weird to say the least but Contador's time loss in the mass crash in stage 5 might have provoked this decision.
Valverde couldn’t hold the pace anymore and now Rodriguez tries to get back, but there are already quite a few meters between the riders. Mollema leads the second bunch of riders back there.
Nieve rides alongside former Grand Tour contender Andy Schleck and the, at this year’s Le Tour, very unfortunate Contador up to the Mont Ventoux. Contador’s injuries at the horrific crash probably still hurt and limit his performance. A few years prior though, this picture would have made Nieve famous, today they are just some other riders. It’s a good thing to see even the ikurrina here, albeit Nieve isn’t at the front of the race.
Mollema fights together with Betancur for his second place overall. At the 5 kilometer flag, Valverde is in sight, who got dropped by Purito.
2 kilometers left for both of them.
Nieve passes the remembrance too. Only about 4 minutes later.
Group Van den Broeck has quite some names in it, all struggling. Next to the Belgian contender are Peraud, Rogers, Evans and Pinot. They follow the tracks by Mollema (BEL) and Betancur (ALM). Valverde is a bit further up, while Rodriguez has already about a minute gap on the two riders upfront.
It’s the last kilometer! And Froome doesn’t look like he will give away any presents today.
And yes, it’s a victory for Chris Froome ahead of white jersey Nairo Quintana.
Nieve pays the price for his pace-making as the others outsprint him on the final kilometer. Still, it was a decent enough performance by him, I think. However his solid performance lets him advance on 12th overall. So good thing here!
While Froome is happy and very polite on the podium and in the interviews, we make a quick run-down. Some riders ahead of Nieve, that shouldn't be. Nieve lost unfortunately his good place at the foot of the Ventoux in a matter of seconds, where he was too slow to react to the new speed. This put us at a major disadvantage. With Igor Antón even further behind, Nieve had to close a gap before he could even think about racing. Fortunately, with Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck, Nieve found a suitable pair of companions on the way to the top. It was a good ride after all, but many other riders enjoyed the slipstream by Nieve on the mountain and then outsprinted him. Not excatly our best race strategy, but when you don't want to lose time, you have to do it yourself. We are still kinda satisfied, although majorly disappointed. For now, we know, that a stage win will need more than some goofy attacking or our hopes in a breakaway. We will have to risk something for good now.
Thanks guys. Yeah, bad luck with positioning (it was really in a matter of seconds where our guys lost their front position...) and not too good daily form, and this is the result. Anyway, this just proves that you have to try everything if you want to be successful. Clearly, we didn't to that today. But rest assured, it will get better but before that, it gets worse.
@duxili: You will see the true Contador eventually. Edited by Shonak on 14-01-2014 15:50
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
