17th September 2011 - Tour of Britain
(Bury St. Edmunds - Colchester)
The Penultimate stage takes us from Bury St. Edmunds to Colchester, and is pan flat all day. It is so flat, that there isn't a KoM sprint on the entire stage.
After the close finish yesterday, we are expecting another mass sprint today, so watch out for fireworks at the end!
Race Report
36km: It took a long time for the day's break to form today, but eventually 14 riders managed to get away.
54km: Garmin took control again on the stage, keeping the break on a tight lease.
71km: The lead group's lead peaked at 6'14" as we reached the halfway stage.
82km: It was at that point instruction was given to the guys to hit the front. We needed them reeling in.
110km: With around 30km to go, the gap was down to around 2'45", and it was time for Taylor Phinney to have a go off the front again.
123km: As the gap dipped below the 1'00" mark, the break decided to break up, and it was Simon Gerrans (Sky) who went off first.
130km: All but four riders were pulled back with just over 10km to go, as the lead out trains began to get themselves organised.
141km: The reminder of the lead group were caught as we went under the 5km banner, and it was set for a Cavendish - Hushovd duel at the finish.
145km: With the sprint underway, Hushovd look odds on favourite to win, but I was closing in fast...
146km: And I take it on line again! Hushovd had nothing left to give, and I burst past him in the final 25 metres. My 3rd victory of the Tour, and a victory for Sutty and Ian! You demanded three wins, and I duly delivered!
@sutty: Mathematically Cav can still win the points jersey, but it would require hushovd finishing out the top 15 and van avermaet to finish 3rd or lower... tough task
@rogvi: No worries pal
@Ian: Well that's the plan. Take over as World champion is the whole point of the story... :S
Fabian Cancellara's transfer to Euskatel - Euskadi for the 2012 season is on the rocks, after the Basque team is reported to have some financial difficulties.
Despite currently lying 2nd in the WorldTour rankings, and with strong GC finishes at all the three Grand Tours this season, the Euskatel bosses are disappointed that other team goals have not been fulfilled, and are planning on cutting some of the team's budget for next season.
If the budget cuts go ahead, it would mean that the team will not be able to afford the wage demands of the Swiss rider, and they may be forced to let him go.
Euskatel - Euskadi have refused to comment on the situation regarding both the transfer of Cancellara or the budget situation for 2012.
17th September 2011 - Tour of Britain 
