@Ricotero: Yea, Scarponi isn't constant enough for a higher place in the GC. But a Top-10 is in reach.
@lluuiiggii: I'm really surprised, too. Such a thing never happened to me before. And I knew that the post would cause a little confusion, but I wanted to show his position after the penultimate stage.
The last stage is here:
Sadly, that didn't work. 13 men came free, the best in GC being the two Garmin riders David Millar and Heinrich Haussler, both more than 11 minutes back. In addition, the national champions Jussi Veikkanen (Omega-Pharma) and Alexandr Kuschynski (Katushas) are present.
On the second hill, Samu Sanchez attacked. 1'41 back in the GC, this early attack is his last, desperate try. His attack is countered by Tomas Löfkvist and Juan Jose Cobo, but there are still 30km to go.
Not surprisingly, they didn't get away. Shortly later, Robert Gesink attacked together with Ryder Hesjedal.
The attacks went on: On top of the hill, Contador attacked. As Fedrigo made his move, too, Scarponi reacted.
With 15km to go, Hesjedal and Fedrigo lead a big group towars the last hill. Scarponi is in this group, but he isn't very fresh anymore.
On the descent, he found himself half a minute behind the first group around Fedrigo and Joly. Behind him was another rather large group of seven. Scarponi was suffering a lot.
In front, Thomas Voeckler continued the row of french victories, centimetres in front of Ryder Hesjedal. Pierrick Fedrigo completes the podium and defends his overall victory. What a success for him.
Behind them, Scarponi at least managed to cling on to the second group. As Andy Schleck came in with the field, we finally did reach our Top-10.
One thing catches one's eye the most: The French riders as well as the teams performed extraordinarily well. The three top places in the overall ranking, the two top ranks in the team classification. These wild card teams really deserved their participation and proved me wrong (remember my „except Geox, none of them should be able to go for a higher rank in the GC“- estimation ).
Another rider who stood out was Allan Davis. Two stage wins and a third are great results for him. Robert Gesink on five and Hesjedal on four did well, too, Movistar's leader Ruben Plaza was also better than expected, a ninth rank is great for the Spaniard. Stage winners Tyler Farrar and Jens Voigt deserve remarks as well.
A couple of usually good / really good stage racers performed under their possibilities in France, among them our leader Michele Scarponi. Eventually, he reached a top-10, but as we primarily aimed for a Top-5, it's not that satisfying. The two top-favorites, Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador, couldn't make the grade: Contador finished eighth, Schleck eleventh.
Maybe the biggest disappointment was the Russian rider Denis Menchov. With Carlos Sastre, David Blanco and Rafael Valls, Geox sent him really strong supporters, but allthough he allready had some race days, he only finished 57th, more than 16 minutes back.
The tour for Lampre – ISD
Paris – Nice wasn't very kind to us. After our awesome season start, this was our first setback. Scarponi had two good days with a sixth and a fifth place, but he also had three bad days where he lost his time on the top riders. After all, a tenth place is okay, but not really satisfying.
Przemyslav Niemiec put a lot of effort in his tries to get into the breaks. He wasn't allways successful, but he worked really well. It's a pity that he wasn't rewarded with the mountain jersey.
Grega Bole was probably our highlight during this tour. In a really strong field and without any preperation races, two fourth places are really great.
I'm hoping for better results in Italy, during Tirreno - Adriatico.
Edited by cunego59 on 29-04-2011 18:12
Scarponi was indeed a bit disappointing with a 10th when you expect a Top 5, but he could have finished outside Top 10, so getting that in the final stage is good. Also pity Niemic was so close from the KOM jersey.
Not the best race for Lampre, but the Langkawi-thing needed some compensation Hopefully it's over, though, in time for TA, good luck
Thanks lluuiiggii. I thought the same about the Langkawi thing It would have been a little boring if I won everything. For T-A, I'm pretty optimistic as Petacchi and Cunego are in a nice shape.
-------------
The race
The race of the two seas isn't too hard this year. After three relatively flat stages, the fourth stage comes up with a short, but steep uphill finish, where first time gaps could be created.
The decision could fall on stage five. A 33km long, hilly time trial will seperate the wheat from the chaff. Stage six features the highest point of the race, the Sasso Tetto. The mountain is relatively long, but shouldn't be too selective. In addition, the top is 44km in front of the finish, and the rest of the stage isn't very demanding. The last stage will most likely end in another mass sprint in San Benedetto del Tronto.
The favorites
The big stage riders take part in Paris – Nice, so the starting list isn't too strong. Nevertheless, it features a lot of nice riders. Strong climbers and puncheurs with good time trialing abilities are the top favorites:
Listed first is BMC's Australian leader Cadel Evans. He'll be challenged by Astana's Alexandre Vinokourov and Andreas Klöden (RadioShack). An insecure bet is Swiss Fabian Cancellara (Leopard). He's the big favorite for the time trial, but it'll be interesting to see how he'll manage the Sasso Tetto on stage six.
Smaller favorites are the Italians Ivan Basso and our own Damiano Cunego, or Philippe Gilbert. They are decent time trialists, but nevertheless they probably will have to make some time on the bigger favorites in the other stages.
As usually, some of the minor sprinters will try to outsmart the odds-on favorites, namely e.g. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky), Pippo Pozzato or Luca Paolini(both Katusha).
Our team
We will send a nice team to one of the most important races of our home country. All our success in the GC will depend on Cunego's performance in the long time trial. In the other stages, he will have some nice support by the likes of Pietropolli. Loosli and Gavazzi.
Pietropolli will also take part in our so far very successful sprint train. Together with Danilo Hondo, he'll try to add some more good results to Petacchi's season palmares.
Damiano Cunego Alessandro Petacchi Daniele Pietropolli Danilo Hondo David Loosli Francesco Gavazzi Adriano Malori Alessandro Spezialetti
@lluuiiggii: Yes, that's what I thought, too. But some of them are just about to start the season while Petacchi has some days in his legs, and is in a good shape. So I am quite optimistic.
-------------------
10.03.2011
Tirreno - Adriatico: Stage 1
Today will most likely end in a bunch sprint. It'll be interesting to see how the sprinters manage the hill 15km in front of the finish.
With 80km to go, the escapees 8 minutes in front, HTC and Garmin increased the tempo. Cavendish and Hushovd seem to have good legs today.
Despite their efforts in the break, Miche's Muto and Johnny Hoogerland (VAC) had some energy left and attacked towards the mountain sprint. The San Marinese got there first and will wear the jersey tomorrow. Shortly after, they were caught and the sprint preperations began.
Pietropolli again did a great job. When the sprint began, only minor spinters were around him. The Omega-Pharma rider was Vicente Reynes, surprisingly with Mario Aerts on his wheel. Greipel was far back in the pack. Only Oscar Freire was on Petacchi's wheel.
Under the flamme rouge, it looked perfectly well for us. Hondo was in front with Petacchi right behind him. Pietropolli was allready declining, but Freire was fast, and World Champion Hushovd and Luca Paolini were following him.
Petacchi remains unstoppable. Behind him, Hondo fought for the podium, which he indeed completed behind Paolini, but in front of Freire. Hushovd and Cavendish indeed had good legs and were really fast, but their teams simply messed up the preperations.
Stage result
1
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - ISD
3h22'42
2
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
s.t.
3
Danilo Hondo
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
4
Óscar Freire
Rabobank
s.t.
5
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervelo
s.t.
6
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
7
Mark Cavendish
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
8
Manuel Cardoso
Team RadioShack
s.t.
9
Vicente Reynès
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
10
Mario Aerts
Omega Pharma - Lotto
s.t.
General classification
1
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - ISD
3h22'32
2
Luca Paolini
Katusha Team
+ 4
3
Danilo Hondo
Lampre - ISD
+ 6
4
Chad Beyer
BMC Racing Team
+ 7
5
Greg Henderson
Sky Professional Cycling Team
+ 8
6
Johnny Hoogerland
Vacansoleil - DMC
+ 9
7
Óscar Freire
Rabobank
+ 10
8
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervelo
s.t.
9
Daniele Pietropolli
Lampre - ISD
s.t.
10
Mark Cavendish
HTC - Highroad
s.t.
What a start for us in Italy. A win, another podium spot and a third rider in the Top 10. Could it be better?
@lluuiiggii: Indeed, awesome Well, he won the Tour Down Under and the top 3 of Paris - Nice are Continental riders. So he's pro-tour leader.
@hellboy: That's the secret Without his train, Petacchi wouldn't be that dominant. Until now, no other team was able to create such an effective lead out.
11.03.2011
Tirreno – Adriatico: Stage 2
This stage is a little harder than yesterday, nevertheless a mass sprint can be expected. Petacchi's aiming for his second victory.
A group of four climbed up the first mountain together, among them Ag2r's Sebastien Minard and Steve Chainel (FDJ). But they were caught very early.
On the last hill, Damiano Cunego decided to try something. He has to gain some time on the better time trialists, and allthough the hill was 13km in front of the finish, this was maybe an opportunity.
With 5km to go, he indeed held a little gap in front of the peloton. Fränk Schleck (Leopard) was chasing him.
Cunego fought but the pack showed no mercy and caught him with 1km to go. But his teammates are pulling the train off for Petacchi on the right, so the stage win was still in reach for us.
Petacchi accelerated really fast, but Cavendish was chasing him fast. It was between those two!
Petacchi continues his incredible season with his 10th victory. Even Cavendish can't challenge him at the moment.
This time, Pietropolli was our second man on the podium. Hondo got a nice fourth.
Our sprint train works so good that none of the other teams can counter. They strangely don't even try, Cavendish, as well as yesterday's second and fourth, Paolini and Freire, were all on Petacchi's wheel, instead of having their own lead out. But none of them were able to overtake our Italian.
Thanks mresuperstar. I have to say that six of these victories were during the Tour of Langkawi, were the concurrence wasn't really high. But even without them, this was his fourth ProTour win this year, which would be impressive on its own as well.
Here's stage 3:
---------------
12.03.2011
Tirreno – Adriatico: Stage 3
The last flat stage before the three decisive stages, starting tomorrow. Regarding his performance until now, there is nothing to be said against another victory by Petacchi, is it?
Very early, five riders broke free: Carlos Betancourt (Acqua & Sapone), Jonathan Bellis (Saxo Bank), Edwin Carvajal (Miche), Francisco Aramendia (Euskaltel) and Lars Petter Nordhaug (Sky).
Thanks to the efforts of HTC and Garmin, they were caught very early, allthough they tried some desperate attacks shortly before being catched.
Business as usual: Our sprint train was the only existing one. Following Petacchi where world champion Thor Hushovd and yesterday's second Mark Cavendish.
Entering the last kilometres, the picture remains the same: Hondo in front, Petacchi right behind him. Hushovd and Saxo Bank's Matteo Tossato are chasing them, Cavendish seems to be too far behind.
Our success story continues: Third win in a row for Petacchi, this time, Hondo makes it even a 1-2 for us. Cavendish outsprints Hushovd for rank 3. Cancellara's fifth is notable, he strengthens his demand for the time trial win.
There's basically nothing to say: Three stages, three wins, six podiums, nine Top-10s. Regardless Cunego's success or non-success in the GC, this T-A is allready a great achievement for us.
When Cavendish can't pass you, who will? Amazing performances by Petacchi, not to mention the great Lampre train, always getting the Italian into perfect position
@lluuiiggii: I allready played a couple of stages further, and, let me put it this way: I'm thinking about changing to extreme as well But at this moment, Petacchi probably has a better form than anyone else. I think I will play on hard at least until the Giro. But if Scarponi, let's say, wins the Giro with 5 minutes to Nibali or something like that, I'll probably change^^
Next stages are coming up tommorow (as I said, I allready have the report, but I think that two reports per day is a good speed. Any opinions on that?).
13.03.2011
Tirreno – Adriatico: Stage 4
The first stage that allows time gaps. The ones who have to expect time losses in the time trial tomorrow will probably try something today. This is the plan for Cunego, too.
The break of the day consists of interesting riders, among them former RadioShack captain Andreas Klöden, who lost time yesterday, Sky's Simon Gerrans, Domenico Pozzovio (Colnago) and Garmin's Daniel Martin. None of them was a danger for the GC, so they enjoyed some liberty, and with 20km left, they were still 3minutes in front.
On the penultimate hill, world champion Thor Hushovd attacked. He was followed by Pippo Pozzato (Katusha), RadioShack's probable new captain Yaroslav Popovych and Stijn Devolder (Vacansoleil).
Cunego countered a little later, among a group of other riders like Joaquim Rodriguez.
A group of 11 chased the las remaining escapees, Martin and Pozzovivo. Luckily, Cunego was present in this group, felt good and was in a great daily shape (+5).
With 3,5km to go, Cunego and Hushovd counter the attack of Belgian champion Stijn Devolder, thereby overtaking the last escapees.
With the finish in sight, Cunego was in front, Hushovd was his closest chaser. Could this really be our fourth stage victory?
It indeed is. Cunego used his better climbing abillities to even increase the advance on his followers!
Stage result
1
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - ISD
4h10'59
2
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervelo
+ 52
3
Filippo Pozzato
Katusha Team
+ 1'01
4
Stijn Devolder
Vacansoleil - DMC
+ 1'08
5
Yaroslav Popovych
Team RadioShack
s.t.
6
Maxim Iglinskiy
Astana
+ 1'25
7
Andreas Klöden
Team RadioShack
+ 1'32
8
Francesco Failli
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
s.t.
9
Simon Gerrans
Sky Professional Cycling Team
+ 1'48
10
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
General classification
1
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - ISD
15h37'59
2
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervelo
+ 56
3
Filippo Pozzato
Katusha Team
+ 1'07
4
Stijn Devolder
Vacansoleil - DMC
+ 1'18
5
Yaroslav Popovych
Team RadioShack
s.t.
6
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - ISD
+ 1'54
7
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 1'58
8
Philippe Gilbert
Omega Pharma - Lotto
+ 2'13
9
Matti Breschel
Rabobank
+ 2'24
10
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky Professional Cycling Team
s.t.
The race of the two seas continues to be an enormous success for us. Petacchi managed to stay in the front part of the field, finishing 14th. He remains in the Top 10, thanks to the bonus seconds he collected.
The time trial tomorrow will allow big time gaps, and at least Popovych and Devolder are far better time trialists than Cunego. Cancellara is only 2'24 behind, but the hilly terrain should suit Cunego. I'm really curious what'll happen!
14.03.2011
Tirreno – Adriatico: Stage 5
The (probably) decisive time trial. Thanks to two hills, minor time trialists with good puncheur qualities could also play a role today. Of course I hope for exactly that for Cunego.
Our first starter, Adriano Malori, does really good. He overtakes Leopard's Giacomo Nizzolo on the last climb and sets an early best time.
It took more than 60 riders until Belorussian Vasil Kiryienka lowered his time by seven seconds, but he couldn't enjoy that very long as Tejay Van Garderen came in 4 seconds faster. Movistar by the way forgot their usual equipment and had to use their old Caisse d'Erpagne bikes and helmets. They were a little embarrassed.
The real fight for the overall win was started by Christian Vande Velde. The Garmin rider is one of the best time trialists in the world and a big favorite for today. He justifies this role and shoots through the parcours like a rocket. The result: He beats all former best times by more than a minute.
The first to come close to Vande Velde's time was Janez Brajkovic: Provisional second, 15 seconds behind.
Fabian Cancellara is the huge favorite today. He is by far the best time trialist in the world, and he proves that today. He crushed Vande Velde's time by 1'37, a nice bid for the overall classement, too.
Stijn Devolder isn't only the Belgian road champion, but also the time trial champion. Before this stage, he was only 1'18 behind Cunego and had hopes for a top rank in the GC, but he disappointed, finishing 22nd.
Thor Hushovd is obviously in great shape. The overall second competes with riders who are normally way better in time trials. Eventually, he finished 6th, only 1'44 behind Cancellara.
Then it was time for the leader, Damiano Cunego. Being 33rd on the second checkpoint, 2'08 behind, I allready wrote the leader's jersey off, as Cancellara was only 2'24 behind before today.
But what he did then was simply amazing. Within the last 7 kilometres, he made up more than a minute on the Swiss and finished second, only 55 seconds behind.
Stage result
1
Fabian Cancellara
Leopard - Trek
47'20
2
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - ISD
+ 55
3
Christian Vande Velde
Team Garmin - Cervelo
+ 1'38
4
George Hincapie
BMC Racing Team
+ 1'39
5
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
+ 1'43
6
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervelo
+ 1'44
7
Alexandre Vinokourov
Astana
+ 1'49
8
Janez Brajkovič
Team RadioShack
+ 1'53
9
Lars Ytting Bak
HTC - Highroad
+ 1'54
10
Marzio Bruseghin
Movistar Team
+ 1'57
General classification
1
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - ISD
16h26'14
2
Fabian Cancellara
Leopard - Trek
+ 1'29
3
Thor Hushovd
Team Garmin - Cervelo
+ 1'45
4
Filippo Pozzato
Katusha Team
+ 2'25
5
Yaroslav Popovych
Team RadioShack
+ 2'42
6
Stijn Devolder
Vacansoleil - DMC
+ 2'53
7
Alessandro Petacchi
Lampre - ISD
+ 2'58
8
Alexandre Vinokourov
Astana
+ 3'45
9
Sandy Casar
FDJ
+ 3'46
10
Marzio Bruseghin
Movistar Team
+ 3'53
The success doesn't stop. Italy fully compenstates the medium results of Paris – Nice. Cunego did so good that it becomes a little spooky. Remarkable as well is that Petacchi came in 11th, beating the likes of Lars Boom, David Zabriskie or Roman Kreuziger. He therefore keeps his Top-10 overall.
15.03.2011
Tirreno – Adriatico: Stage 6
Today is the last chance for changes in the GC. 234 km and the highest mountain of this year's route make this the queen stage. Cunego will most probably hold his overall lead as the next better climber is Cadel Evans, allready 4 minutes back.
The challenge for today is to bring Petacchi over the Sasso Tetto as good as possible in order to keep him in a good position in the classement. The same applies not only for us as Hushovd and Pozzato aren't the best climbers either.
We step right into action: Entering the long climb of the Sasso Tetto, a group consisting of nine riders leads the race with about 8 minutes of advance, but the advance is allready declining and the chances for them to come through aren't very high. Interesting riders in the group are Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago), Tejay van Garderen (HTC) and Norwegian champion Kurt Arsle Arvesen (Sky).
The pace of the peloton on the ascent was really low, no one tried to attack. That means that Petacchi was able to stay in the pack. It also means that I have to revise my former estimation: With 45 km to go, the escapees are still 7'45 in front.
With 10km to go, it seems clear that today's victory will be decided among these three rider: Farnese Vini's Luca Mazzanti, his compatriot Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago) and Colombian Jose Serpa (Androni).
Meanwhile, the first top riders attacked out of the pack. Fränk Schleck's attack was countered by the Belgians Devolder and Gilbert, Pippo Pozzato and Ivan Basso.
When Hushovd and Cancellara made their move, Cunego saw himself forced to go as well. Matti Breschel is in front of him.
Cunego is in great shape and with 4km to go, he attacked out of the favorite's group. Gilbert and Cancellara try to follow him, but the Belgian hasn't enough power left.
In front, Serpa shook of his fellow escapees and celebrates a great victory.
Mazzanti secures his second place while Cunego and Cancellara are able overtake Pozzovivo. They prove to be the strongest in Italy and they will take the first places really deserved.
Another successful day for us. Petacchi attacked within the last kilometres and gained enough ground to hold his seventh overall. With a stage win tomorrow, he would even move up to place five.
16.03.2011
Tirreno – Adriatico: Stage 7
The last stage. If no one crashes, the GC should be fixed. We're hoping for the fourth win for Petacchi.
A ten-men break dominated the race today. Interesting riders are Roman Kreuziger, Jan Bakelandts (Omega-Pharma) and Euskaltel's Mikel Nieve, who is best in the GC with about 10 and a half minutes back in the GC.
They got caught early enough. The sprint preperations were a little surprising as for the first time in this race, we weren't the only ones launching a train. On the other side of the road, Christian Klier led Hushovd out. Cavendish and Freire followed Petacchi.
Under the flamme rouge, Petacchi was in front. Freire and Hushovd were sprinting to his sides while Cavendish was still following.
Cavendish came really close to the Italian, and if the finish line would have been ten metres further, he would probably have won. But Petacchi is just incredible, celebrating his fourth stage win here. Hondo is on five this time.
There is one team standing out of the rest: Lampre! Five stage wins, the overall first and fifth, that was really amazing. Damiano Cunego especially impressed with the great time trial and the stage win. Petacchi was untouchable in the sprints and has now 12 wins this season.
I named Cadel Evans as the top-favorite. I've rarely been so wrong. He finished down 16th, 7 minutes behind. Andreas Klöden surely expected more than a 29th rank, too. Alexandre Vinokourov and Ivan Basso on 10 and 11 may well be not that satisfied either.
Another Malaysia for us. Five out of seven stage wins, our sprint train is continuing to bring excellent results. In contrary to the Tour de Langkawi, this time, Cunego even takes the overall win. Simply brilliant. And this was only planned as a preperation race for Milan – San Remo.
A small blow was only the crash and injury of Matteo Bono, who'll be out for the rest of the month. But regarding the results, that's something I really can cope with.
).
Hopefully it's over, though, in time for TA, good luck 
