This was Roberto's first classic, and he couldn't be more ready. Many favorites were present and despite Roberto's monstrous performance at Catalunya, the world did not see him as a favorite. The eyes of the world were turned to the Schleck brothers, Gilbert, Valverde and Rodriguez.
An image that wasn't so special in those days but is great to see now: the two greatest champions of that era, side by side: Gilbert and Velásquez. Had they only known what great competitors they'd turn out to be!
Roberto hadn't even raced in the Netherlands before. Here we have a freezed frame from that day's broadcast, were we see Roberto exploring the finish.
Predictable now, but an incredible surprise in those days: Roberto Velásquez attacked with 38km left to go! Was he crazy, maybe?
A group joined him a bit later, and then Jelle Vanendert went on to the attack. Gilbert followed, and millions of people clutched to their television wondered where the hell that Colombian came from, who was sticking to Gilbert's wheel so closely!
The attack resulted in an even smaller group, but a relatively big group nevertheless. There were no more attacks, and the pack was heading for a finishing sprint. Roberto stayed alert and kept racing at the front, at some points even leading the pack, much to the displeasure of his coach.
Roberto found Fränk Schleck's wheel for the sprint.
But Fränk Schleck was overpowering that day. Roberto didn't stand a chance. After all, this was only his first Amstel Gold Race. We would almost feel sorry for him, but knowing now how many victories he holds at the Cauberg, we shouldn't!
Roberto Velásquez finished a respectable 6th place. Not a bad result for a relatively unknown, young neoprof. If people hadn't noticed him before, they sure had now. It's very unfortunate that his team was unable to receive wildcards for La Flèche Wallonne and L - B - L. We'll never know what he might've done there in his first year!
I was just missing some punch today, I'll definitely be 100% for La Flèche! [...] I don't know who that young Colombian was, but I think he has a great potential. We'll see more of him, no doubt.
Fränk Schleck
This is a great day for me. Me and my brother have had a lot of criticism, but we're finally on the right track, now.
Velásquez
Well, what can I say? I was very concentrated on the race, and I don't think I've made any mistakes. I still need a bit more power. Schleck's final sprint was just incredible. I'm not ashamed to say I couldn't even follow that on a good day. But I'm still young, we'll talk again next year.
the coach of Velásquez
I told him (Roberto) not to do anything today. But what did he do? He attacked! I can't seem to get through to him. He always listens, but he doesn't obey. However, we're glad with this result, I'm sure he'll wise up soon. After all, he's just a young kid, he doesn't know what he's doing and he's got this great gift. Being able to handle that isn't easy, he'll learn along the way, I'm sure.
I agree. Especially with Gilbert/Schleck/Rodriguez... around
Amstel is his type of race (hill+sprint), so he'll definitely have a nice place in his palmares for this race!
Very interesting and innovative report style. Great job so far, has got me reading these 5 pages in a row Just take care with some of the written things. For example, the fight on stage 3 with the the coach "would last for quite some time", but one day later they were cool with each other again Also, on Gilbert, "Had they only known what great competitors they'd turn out to be!", I hardly see Gilbert having a better year than 2011 (that is, unless he goes to Sky with their marginal gains ). Keep it up!
Thanks for the many comments! Also thanks to all those who read (but prefer not to comment)
JuanMotr: I hope that'll work (I can say he's legend and all that, but I forgot I still have to win all these things myself ) His following races are: Circuito del Trentino, then Vuelta a Madrid, followed a month later by Tour of Slovenia and then the National Championship. Then he'll take a little break and then I hope to get a wildcard for Vuelta!
FreitasPCM: Thanks, it is an impressive result for his first appearance here
lluuiiggii: Thanks a lot, I'm very glad you read the story! I'll try to watch out, but it's hard telling from the future when you don't know it already . However, I've been trying to keep it about right: he and his coach don't still exactly see eye to eye, I think But thanks for the advice!
TimoCycling: Will do!
sutty68: Thanks, I was lucky with his current form
Jakstar22: Thanks, it's a bit unfortunate we didn't get a wildcard for the remaining Ardennes classics. (I like the signature bit about your new story, btw)
Jakstar22: Thanks, it's a bit unfortunate we didn't get a wildcard for the remaining Ardennes classics. (I like the signature bit about your new story, btw)
Thanks. I made it myself (first signature I have made) I am very happy with the outcome.
We have only images of the second stage of the 2012 Circuito del Trentino. But we're in luck, because it was Roberto's most significant stage!
Stage 1
The team time trial did not went too well for Team Colombia, as expected. Roberto had a flat in the final km and finished 1'40" behind leader Voigt (now team manager of Audi Racing Team).
Stage 2
This was a stage made for Roberto if I've ever seen one.
This day is not only important for its results, but also as the day Roberto and his coach made up. Roberto listened carefully to his coach and didn't participate too much at the front. He followed and chose his breakaway companions closely. When Kiserlovski and Uran went, he thought: this'll stick, and went with them.
Moreno joined them and increased the pace, Roberto got caught up with him in a sprint for the mountain points.
Right before the final climb, a small group had come together. Roberto Velásquez seemed to have gone through an entire transformation and rides careful, watching his opponents and waiting patiently.
He placed his attack perfectly and only Brambilla was able to follow his pace.
Roberto was very cool and played a perfect hand of poker so it was Brambilla who started the sprint, already knowing the result deep down.
We have a picture of an interview going on, but unfortunately the interview was lost. All we know is that both he and his coach were very happy, and their relationship, which started off on the wrong foot, was now growing into some kind of friendship.
Result
1
Roberto Velásquez
Colombia Coldeportes
4h14'10
IanButler
2
Gianluca Brambilla
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
3
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
+ 43
4
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
+ 51
5
Robert Kiserlovski
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
6
Haimar Zubeldia
Radioshack Nissan Trek
+ 1'21
7
Jens Voigt
Radioshack Nissan Trek
+ 1'43
8
Marco Pinotti
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
9
Matteo Carrara
Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
10
Volodimir Gustov
Team Saxo Bank
s.t.
Stage 3
Roberto was not feeling himself that day and just pedaled along. When Moreno attacked, he didn't find an answer and when the sprint came, he decided to skip it. He had a real off-day.
Result
1
Damiano Cunego
Lampre-ISD
4h50'11
2
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
s.t.
3
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
4
Francesco Reda
Acqua & Sapone
+ 33
5
Julien El Fares
Team Type 1 - Sanofi
s.t.
6
Danilo Di Luca
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
7
John Gadret
Ag2r La Mondiale
s.t.
8
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Pro Cycling
s.t.
9
Linus Gerdemann
Radioshack Nissan Trek
s.t.
10
Gianluca Brambilla
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
(...)
15
Roberto Velásquez
Colombia Coldeportes
s.t.
IanButler
Final Stage
Still not feeling very fit, he dropped out 20km to the finish. However, he decided he wasn't giving up that easily and reduced the gap from 3 minutes to 1 minute and a half. It was an impressive move, and it kept him in the top 10 overall.
Result
1
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
5h06'18
2
Damiano Cunego
Lampre-ISD
s.t.
3
Gianluca Brambilla
Colnago - CSF Inox
+ 36
4
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
+ 1'13
5
Haimar Zubeldia
Radioshack Nissan Trek
s.t.
6
Fortunato Baliani
Team Nippo
s.t.
7
John Gadret
Ag2r La Mondiale
s.t.
8
Hubert Dupont
Ag2r La Mondiale
s.t.
9
Robert Kiserlovski
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
10
Stefano Pirazzi
Colnago - CSF Inox
s.t.
11
Roberto Velásquez
Colombia Coldeportes
+ 1'29
IanButler
12
Ivan Basso
Liquigas-Cannondale
s.t.
13
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Pro Cycling
s.t.
14
Danilo Di Luca
Acqua & Sapone
s.t.
15
Volodimir Gustov
Team Saxo Bank
s.t.
GC
1
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
14h29'03
2
Gianluca Brambilla
Colnago - CSF Inox
+ 16
3
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
+ 47
4
Haimar Zubeldia
Radioshack Nissan Trek
+ 1'21
5
Roberto Velásquez
Colombia Coldeportes
+ 1'37
IanButler
6
Damiano Cunego
Lampre-ISD
+ 1'56
7
Robert Kiserlovski
Astana Pro Team
+ 2'02
8
Bradley Wiggins
Sky Pro Cycling
+ 2'32
9
Volodimir Gustov
Team Saxo Bank
+ 3'30
10
Matteo Carrara
Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
Points
1
Stefano Garzelli
Acqua & Sapone
55
2
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
50
3
Damiano Cunego
Lampre-ISD
45
4
Gianluca Brambilla
Colnago - CSF Inox
42
5
Roberto Velásquez
Colombia Coldeportes
31
IanButler
KoM
1
Roberto Velásquez
Colombia Coldeportes
64
IanButler
2
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
52
3
Gianluca Brambilla
Colnago - CSF Inox
50
Roberto was quite happy about the race:
I've had a nice time here. Italy's a beautiful country. I go home with a stage win and the mountain jersey, I'm a happy man. [...] I was having some trouble the final two stages, but I guess that's just a part of being a cyclist. This sport has given me so much already, I don't mind it taking a bit, too, once in a while.
