The Challenge Vuelta Ciclista a Mallorca is a five-day stage races held all over the Balearic Island of Mallorca. Never classed an 'official' stage race, the Vuelta was first run in 1992, and is split up into 5 different races (the Trofeo Mallorca, the Trofeo Cala Millor, the Trofeo Pollença, the Trofeo Sóller and the Trofeo Calvià), and there is an 'unofficial' Overall Classification Winner taken on the lowest total time over the 5 days.
Run at the start of February, many of the top teams use the event to prepare riders for the Spring Classics or other bigger events in the UCI Calendar.
HTC-Highroad Vuelta a Mallorca Squad
HTC-Highroad go to the Vuelta a Mallorca looking for stage wins and a high position in the GC. We feel that the best chance of a stage win will be in the mass sprint finishes at the flatter Trofeo Mallorca and Trofeo Cala Millor stages. Matt Goss will lead the line in the sprints, linking up with John Degenkolb and Matt Brammeier in the lead-out train.
For the high overall GC finish, we look to Peter Velits and Michael Albasini. Danny Pate and Caleb Fairly will work as domestiques to Velits and Albasini, whilst Frantisek Rabon will help out in the sprints.
GC Favourites
Due to the more difficult stages at the Trofeo Pollença and the Trofeo Sóller, the favourite for the Overall GC will have to have good legs on the hills. SaxoBank-Sungard come to the event with 3-Time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador in their arsenal, whilst BMC have Cadel Evans at their disposal.
The team to watch will of course be Katusha, who come the Vuelta a Mallorca with 4 top class climbers. Danilo Di Luca, Joaquim Rodriguez, Vladimir Karpets and Alexandr Kolobnev are all part of the Russian's 8-man squad, so they will be very disappointed if they come away from here with nothing.
And with Yaroslav Popovych (RadioShack) and Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) leading their respective teams and Igor Anton being the main man for Euskatel, it will be an exciting 5 days of racing ahead.
6th February 2011 - Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Mallorca)
It is a flat stage that kicks off the Vuelta a Mallorca. The Trofeo Mallorca is a 113km 10-lap critierium stage around the streets of Palma.
With no Intermediate or King of the Mountain Sprint points available on the stage, the only incentive for a breakaway will be the chance of victory at the end. But with the no real difficult areas on the stage, this will be a course for the sprinters, so expect an exciting finish.
PCM Stage Favourites
O. Friere (Rabobank), D. Bennati (Leopard-Trek), G. Steegmans (Quick-Step) M. Goss (HTC-Highroad)
-- Trofeo Mallorca Report and Results to Follow --
thanks. tour of qatar also running at the same time, so there will be lots of updates over the next couple of days. nicely updates around coming home from work, cycling and sleep!
6th February 2011 - Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Mallorca)
Goss fastest at the beach in Palma
Matt Goss (HTC-Highroad) took his victory of the season with a well-timed sprint to the finish in Palma. The Aussie rider took the mass sprint ahead of Daniele Bennati (Leopard-Trek) and Geraint Thomas (Sky ProCycling).
The stage began with a string of attacks from a number riders, and it was 12 riders who finally got away on the third lap of the 113km race. The group, containing Laurent Didier (SaxoBank), Daniel Oss (Liquigas), Mario Aerts (OmegaPharma) and Markel Irizar (RadioShack) built up a lead of around 3'21" on the stage, but they never looked like they could threaten the Astana/Rabobank led peleton. The lead was built up slowly, and once the pace was upped in the chase pack, it dropped very quickly.
With just 15km to go, there was only Didier, Oss and Irizar left remaining from the original 12, and by the 8km mark they were all back together. But the peleton was one man light. Célio Sousa (Onda) had suffered a puncture just as the pace was increased, and he had a difficult time after that. He would eventually cross the line 5'36" behind winner Matt Goss.
And as for the finish, it was not organised at all. The usual domination by HTC-Highroad was non-existent, and no other team seemed to want to take over. It was Team Sky wwho sorted themselves out the best, and British Road Race Champion Geraint Thomas was sat perfectly in the wheel of Jeremy Hunt. But it was the legs of Matt Goss that was the strongest in the finishing straight, taking his first win of 2011.
The victory also means that Matt Goss leads all the classifications on offer. For the Trofeo Cala Millor, he will wear the Leaders Jersey, and Points Classification Jersey will be on the shoulders of Daniele Bennati, whlist Geraint Thomas will swap his British Champions Jersey for the Young Riders.
With cold weather still being found in Europe, the riders have the chance of a bit of hot weather riding in Qatar. Sadly however, it will not be an easy ride. High winds, blazing sunshine and desert sands lie ahead for the peleton, as the 10th edition of the Tour of Qatar looks set to be a sprinters battle on the sands.
Originally run in 2002, the Tour of Qatar has boosted the popularity of cycling in the Middle East, and this year looks to be more popular than ever.
HTC-Highroad Tour of Qatar Squad
With this looking like a sprinters race again, we come with a big sprinting arsenal. Mark Renshaw comes from lead-out duties at the Santos Tour Down Under for Mark Cavendish to lead the line, and will have new recruit Alex Rasmussen and New Zealand National Champion Hayden Roulston has lead-out men.
Lars Ytting Bak and Bert Grabsch will work as domestiques in the lead-out, and will be the main guys for a stage win in the Prologue.
Martin Velits, Peter Gretsch and Jan Ghyselinck will also work as domestiques during the stages, but we will also look to send them up the road in a break where possible.
GC Favourites
Just like at the Santos Tour Down Under, Garmin-Cervélo come with the big uns on show. Thor Hushovd, Heinrich Haussler and Tyler Farrar are all present and correct for the team, but who will lead the sprint is still a mystery. Both Hushovd and Haussler took stages at the Tour Down Under, but Farrar will be keen to open his account for the 2011 season as soon as possible.
Allan Davis (Astana) is also on the start list, and so is André Greipel (OmegaPharma-Lotto). Sky ProCycling come into the event with similar to Garmin. They have Christopher Sutton, Greg Henderson and Ben Swift all at their disposal, so expect strong finishes from them.
In addition to the big names, there is also J.J. Haedo (SaxoBank-Sungard) and Kenny Van Hummel (Skil-Shimano) in the event, it looks set to be a week of great sprint battles.
7th February 2011 - Tour of Qatar ITT Prologue (Cultural Village)
The 2011 Tour of Qatar kicks off with a short 2km Prologue in the Doha Cultural Village.
As opposed to previous years, where it was a Team Time Trial that started the Tour of Qatar, the Individual Time Trial will be more favourable with riders who have come to Qatar with a weak team, and is short enough for the sprinters to put a spanner in the works and take a victory.
PCM Stage Favourites
T. Hushovd (Garmin-Cervélo), A. Rasmussen (HTC-Highroad), J.A. Flecha (Sky ProCycling), S. Devolder (Vacansoleil-DCM)
-- Tour of Qatar Prologue Report and Results to Follow --
7th February 2011 - Tour of Qatar ITT Prologue (Cultural Village)
Rosseler shoots to victory
Sebastian Rosseler (RadioShack) made the most of a short Prologue course to take the win in Doha. The Belgian rider finished the 2km course in just 3'11", ahead of Marcel Sieberg (OmegaPharma) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) to take the first Gold Jersey of the 2011 Tour of Qatar.
The time was set very early in the day, and not a single rider after could beat him. Pre-stage favourite Thor Hushovd (Garmin) looked threatening, but could only finish 6th overall, just 2" down on Rosseler. He will now be the big favourite for the Overall at the end of the week, but will have to contend with Mark Renshaw (HTC), who finished an impressive 5th place.
The big losers of the day are both Stijn Devolder (Quick-Step) and Heinrich Haussler (Garmin), who clearly did not look comfortable out there on their bikes, and finished way down the Final Standings.
And so, with Sebastian Rosseler wearing the Gold Jersey, Marcel Sieberg will have the Silver Points Jersey on his shoulders and Sep Vanmarcke (Garmin) will be wearing the White Young Riders Jersey.
It was a tough day for Devolder
The Day's Race in Photos
Spoiler
At the start
Sebastian Rosseler looked good out on the bike today
It was also a strong performance from Bert Grabsch
Hushovd will be hoping for strong finishes other next few stages
Alex Rasmussen comes to Qatar looking to impress
Results
Final Standings:
1
Sébastien Rosseler
Team RadioShack
3'11
2
Marcel Sieberg
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
3
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
+ 1
4
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Bert Grabsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 2
...
9
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
+ 6
27
Lars Ytting Bak
HTC - Highroad
+ 11
28
Alex Rasmussen
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
33
Hayden Roulston
HTC - Highroad
+ 12
85
Patrick Gretsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 24
142
Jan Ghyselinck
HTC - Highroad
+ 40
154
Martin Velits
HTC - Highroad
+ 1'04
Overall General Classfication:
1
Sébastien Rosseler
Team RadioShack
2'51
2
Marcel Sieberg
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 8
3
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
+ 13
4
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 21
5
Bert Grabsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 22
...
9
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
+ 26
27
Lars Ytting Bak
HTC - Highroad
+ 31
28
Alex Rasmussen
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
33
Hayden Roulston
HTC - Highroad
+ 32
85
Patrick Gretsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 44
142
Jan Ghyselinck
HTC - Highroad
+ 1'00
154
Martin Velits
HTC - Highroad
+ 1'24
Points Classification:
1
Sébastien Rosseler
Team RadioShack
25
2
Marcel Sieberg
Omega Pharma - Lotto
20
3
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
16
4
Lieuwe Westra
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
14
5
Bert Grabsch
HTC - Highroad
12
...
9
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
7
Young Riders Classification:
1
Sep Vanmarcke
Team Garmin - Cervélo
3'16
2
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
+ 1
3
Marcel Kittel
Skil - Shimano
s.t.
4
Olaf Kerkhof
Team Type 1
+ 3
5
Steven Van Vooren
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
s.t.
...
31
Patrick Gretsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 19
49
Jan Ghyselinck
HTC - Highroad
+ 31
Team Classification:
1
Team Garmin - Cervélo
9'48
2
HTC - Highroad
+ 4
3
Skil - Shimano
+ 8
4
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
5
BMC Racing Team
+ 12
-- Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Cala Millor) Preview to Follow --
7th February 2011 - Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Cala Millor)
The Trofeo Cala Millor is a 172km route based around the town of Cala Millor. Deemed as flat stage by the organisers, this looks to be a stage for one of the sprints.
With King of the Mountain and Intermediate Sprint Points available on the stage, there will be more of an incentive for a breakaway to form. The terrain should not cause too many problems for any of the riders in the peleton, and HTC's Matt Goss will be hoping to make it two wins out of two sprints for his team.
PCM Stage Favourites
M. Goss (HTC-Highroad), O. Friere (Rabobank), D. Bennati (Leopard-Trek), G. Ciolek (Quick-Step)
-- Trofeo Cala Millor Report and Results to Follow --
7th February 2011 - Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Cala Millor)
Goss rockets to victory in Cala Millor
Matt Goss (HTC-Highroad) took his second stage win of the Vuelta a Mallorca with a well timed kick to the finish. The young Australian used the lead-out of sprint rival Oscar Friere (Rabobank) to get into the perfect position for the end, and extending his lead in the Overall Classification.
On a day of torrential rain showers, it was a very nervous peleton on the start line. After several unsuccessful attacks in the early stages, six riders eventually got away. Daniel Oss (Liquigas) was yet again in the break, and he was joined by Egoitz García (Caja Rural), Adrián Palomares (Andalucía Caja Granada), Hugo Sabido (LA - Antarte), Bjorn Selander (RadioShack) and Francisco Javier Aramendia (Euskatel-Euskadi). Together, the 6 riders built up a lead of around 5'47", before a combination of HTC-Highroad and Rabobank worked to bring them back.
With the gap down to 2'14", Marc De Maar (Quick-Step) and Mauro Santambrogio (BMC) attacked off the front of the peleton, but they did not get far. They only got a gap of 34" before dropping back into the peleton, and by the 25km to go mark, the whole peleton was back together.
However, that was not for long, as disaster struck for Sky ProCycling. With 12km to go, leader Thomas Löfkvist suffered a puncture, and in an attempt to bring him back the peleton, Michael Rogers fell on the wet roads. Löfkvist would end the day back in the safety of the peleton, but Rogers and teammate Lars Petter Nordhaug would come in 4'55" after stage winner Goss.
The victory was not an easy one for Goss. Firstly, his lead-out train again had trouble dominating the peleton at the end, and the Aussie decided to jump from wheel to wheel in order to get the perfect sprint lead-out from another team. As the sprint began, he was a long way back, but somehow found the right gap to burst through and steal victory from Koldo Fernández (Euskatel-Euskadi) and Points Jersey Wearer Daniele Bennati (Leopard-Trek).
So going into the tougher stage on day 3, Matt Goss will be wearing the Leader's Yellow Jersey, and Daniele Bennati will again have the Points Jersey on his shoulders. The Young Riders jersey will be on the back of Geraint Thomas (Sky) and thanks to his exploits in the break today, Francisco Javier Aramendia will be wearing the King of the Mountains Jersey.
Can anyone stop Goss in the sprints?
The Day's Race in Photos
Spoiler
It was an overcast start in Cala Millor
The day's first breakaway
The weather got worse as the day went on
Leader Matt Goss was well protected by his HTC teammates
The peleton fought hard to bring back the breakaway
De Maar and Santambrogio couldn't get a big enough gap for all their efforts
It was a bad day for one of the pre-race GC favourites. Rogers would end the day 4'55" down on his rivals
Goss had it all to do in the sprint, but still came out on top
8th February 2011 - Tour of Qatar Stage 1 (Dukhan-Al Khor Corniche)
The first Road Stage of the 2011 Tour of Qatar takes the riders from Dukhan to Al Khor Corniche. The flat 145km stage should not cause any problems to the peleton in terms of terrain, but the hot sun and strong desert crosswinds could easier split an inattentive peleton into several sections.
After this victory in the Prologue yesterday, Sebastian Rosseler will be looking to defend his lead on the road. With him not being a natural sprinter, it will be a difficult task for him to finish the Tour of Qatar in the Overall Leaders Jersey, but his RadioShack can control the peleton, and try and keep him in the Jersey as long as possible.
PCM Stage Favourites
H. Haussler (Garmin-Cervélo), A. Griepel (OmegaPharma-Lotto), M. Renshaw (HTC-Highroad), T. Hushovd (Garmin-Cervélo)
-- Tour of Qatar Stage 1 Report and Results to Follow --
8th February 2011 - Tour of Qatar Stage 1 (Dukhan-Al Khor Corniche)
Haussler quickest off the mark in Al Khor Corniche
Garmin-Cervélo's Heinrich Haussler finished off his team's great work with a victory in Qatar, ahead of Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil-DCM) and Mark Renshaw (HTC-Highroad).
It was a difficult day for the peleton, who had to contend with soaring heats and very strong crosswinds from the start, and it was just 3 riders who broke away in the opening stages.
Ronan Van Zandbeek (Skil-Shimano), Steven Caethoven (Veranda's Willems - Accent) and Manuel Quinziato (BMC) worked well in the hard conditions, and built a lead of 3'17" on the road. However, the peleton was not given them too much of a lead to play with. First CCC Polsat Polkowice and HTC-Highroad controlled the pace of the peleton from start to finish, and it was HTC who did the most damage.
With a headwind hitting the pack, HTC upped the pace, splitting the peleton into several pieces. The first group of 50 riders contained the main sprinters, and they seemed to be the only ones alert to the threat. The second group, including Race Leader Sebastian Rosseler (RadioShack) and 2nd Placed Marcel Sieberg (OmegaPharma), had to work hard to get back on the rear of the front group, and it was only when Garmin-Cervélo disrupted HTC's grip that they could all get back together.
With 42km to go, everyone was back together, and the finish was looking set for a Mass Sprint. But Garmin-Cervélo had other ideas. They hit the front hard, trying to mimic the HTC destruction, but all they did was separate 4 riders from the group at the front. And they were big names. World Champion Thor Hushovd had followed in the wheel of teammate Andreas Klier, and André Greipel (OmegaPharma) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) followed suit.
They would stretch out a lead of 34" over the peleton, but with 2.6km to go, HTC swept them out in their lead-out. HTC appeared to be in great position for the sprint, hitting the front at the right time, but their final man Mark Renshaw just could not match the out and out pace of fellow Australian Haussler, picking up his 2nd win of the season.
Sebastian Rosseler still holds onto the Gold Leaders Jersey, and Marcel Sieberg also keeps the Silver Points Jersey. Skil-Shimano's Ronan Van Zandbeek wraps up the jerseys, and wearing the Young Riders White Jersey for Stage 2.
Haussler is looking strong early in the season
The Day's Race in Photo
Spoiler
It was a hot start to the day in Dukhan
The day's small break rode well under the baking sun
The CCC controlled peleton
HTC left a trail of destruction behind
Garmin's attempt to mimic HTC just did not work as well, but did make the peleton worry at the end
Results
Final Standings:
1
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
3h04'54
2
Romain Feillu
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
3
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
4
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
5
Kenny De Haes
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
...
12
Alex Rasmussen
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
34
Hayden Roulston
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
46
Martin Velits
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
49
Jan Ghyselinck
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
65
Patrick Gretsch
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
91
Bert Grabsch
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
117
Lars Ytting Bak
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
Overall General Classification:
1
Sébastien Rosseler
Team RadioShack
3h07'45
2
Marcel Sieberg
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 8
3
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
+ 13
4
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 16
5
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
+ 18
...
9
Bert Grabsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 22
27
Alex Rasmussen
HTC - Highroad
+ 31
29
Lars Ytting Bak
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
32
Hayden Roulston
HTC - Highroad
+ 32
70
Patrick Gretsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 44
119
Jan Ghyselinck
HTC - Highroad
+ 1'00
132
Martin Velits
HTC - Highroad
+ 1'24
Points Classification:
1
Marcel Sieberg
Omega Pharma - Lotto
27
2
Sébastien Rosseler
Team RadioShack
25
3
Heinrich Haussler
Team Garmin - Cervélo
25
4
Mark Renshaw
HTC - Highroad
23
5
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
20
...
10
Bert Grabsch
HTC - Highroad
12
24
Alex Rasmussen
HTC - Highroad
4
Young Riders Classification:
1
Ronan Van Zandbeek
Skil - Shimano
3h08'09
2
Sep Vanmarcke
Team Garmin - Cervélo
+ 1
3
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
+ 2
4
Marcel Kittel
Skil - Shimano
+ 2
5
Olaf Kerkhof
Team Type 1
+ 4
...
22
Patrick Gretsch
HTC - Highroad
+ 20
37
Jan Ghyselinck
HTC - Highroad
+ 36
Team Classification:
1
Team Garmin - Cervélo
9h14'42
2
HTC - Highroad
+ 4
3
Skil - Shimano
+ 8
4
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
5
BMC Racing Team
+ 12
-- Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Pollença) Preview to Follow --
8th February 2011 - Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Pollença)
The Trofeo Pollença is a 147km stage from Inca out towards the Mountains before looping back to finish in Inca.
With a gentle flat first half to the stage, the stage ends with two difficult Mountain passes and it is sure to mix up the GC.
After two victories from 2 stages, HTC-Highroad will be looking for another success in Mallorca. However, it will not be Matt Goss bringing home the glory. With the difficult end to the stage, only a huge miracle would see him in the Leaders Jersey tomorrow.
PCM Stage Favourites
A. Contador (SaxoBank-Sungard), A. Vinokourov (Pro Team Astana), Joaquím Rodríguez (Katusha), C. Evans (BMC Racing Team)
-- Trofeo Pollença Report and Results to Follow --
Goss doing great, hope he can manage the miracle Qatar looking strangley similar to the real one, with Haussler and Renshaw looking to battle it out, hope Renshaw can repeat his victory, this time in game
8th February 2011 - Vuelta a Mallorca (Trofeo Pollença)
Velits produces surprise finish to take win
Peter Velits showed all his strength today to take victory in Inca. The HTC-Highroad man made it three stage wins out of three for the team, showing similar climbing form that took him to a podium position in the 2010 Vuelta a Espana.
The young Slovakian rider took the win ahead of the Astana pairing of Robert Kiserlovski and Alexandre Vinokourov.
The day began with a escape containing 6 riders, and they worked well to open up a good gap on the rest behind. Jesús Hernández (SaxoBank-Sungard), Linus Gerdemann (Leopard-Trek) and Egoi Martínez (Euskatel-Euskadi) were the three riders to started the break, and were soon joined by José Luis Roldán (Andalucía Caja Granada), Amaro Antunes (LA - Antarte) and Juan Manuel Gárate (Rabobank). Despite the big names of Gerdemann, Martínez and Gárate all being present in the escape, the chasing pack seemed happy to let them go. Slowly but surely, more riders joined the group over the course of the stage until the break reached 11 riders in size.
The gap was kept to below 5'00", and as they hit the first mountain, the smaller named riders could not handle the pace set. Dropping from the break, they found themselves quickly back in the peleton, and soon were thrown out the back along with a lot of others. One of those included Overall Leader Matt Goss and many other sprinters, so it was a long day ahead for them.
Back at the front, the peleton was down to just 29 riders, with all the big names present and looking comfortable thanks to the help given from their respective domestiques. On the second climb, the break was caught, and they joined chasers.
As they reached the top, some riders decided to show their cards. First, Alberto Contador (SaxoBank) attacked off the front, and looked to have a good gap on his rivals behind. Next to go was Cadel Evans (BMC), followed by Roman Kreuziger (Astana). The rest stay calm in the group, and on the decent everything was back together. It was a fast decent, and there was no chance of the another attack from the riders.
And so it would come down to who has the legs at the finish. Had the likes of Contador and Evans used up too much energy attacking on the final climb? Well it would appear so, with Velits showing he has the early season legs in taking his first win of the season.
The stage definitely mixed up the GC. Peter Velits moves in the Leader's Yellow Jersey, and Matt Goss will now have the Green Points Jersey on his back. The 26 points earned on the stage puts Egoi Martínez put him into the King of the Mountains Jersey and Robert Kiserlovski will put on the Young Riders Jersey for the Trofeo Sóller tomorrow.
Can Velits show the same strength tomorrow and keep the jersey to the end?
The Day's Race in Photos
Spoiler
Yet another wet start in Mallorca
The day's early break was a strong one
The Astana/Rabobank led peleton hunt down the chase
More riders try to join the breakaway
The peleton still together on the first climb
Another disaster for Sky ProCycling. This time for Gerrans who fell on the decent to the finish
