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Vuelta Stage 5: Onward and Upward

30102_394659898780_714513780_3911404_852720_n_tiny by Chris Fontecchio on in News

Ah, stage 5... the Vuelta hits the mountains already. And serious mountains they are, at least in the context of a Vuelta that claims its "queen stage" is stage 8, and that bypasses the Pyrenees entirely. Anyway, there is nothing sweeter in Cyclo-fan-blog-land than the sight of a Grand Tour going dramatically upward. Will the race take shape in week 1... of 3? Will Oscar Pereiro elevate his chances with another heroic loss of 26 minutes? Will the real Alejandro Valverde become apparent in a stage race? Will Alex Vinokourov and his Astana mates wreak their terrible revenge on the sport? Official Sherlock-level, unintentionally funny English translation of the Official Stage Preview here. Or as Drew would say... "Stage 5 - 178K, two cat 1's followed by a cat 2 and finishing on an HC. Wheeeeeeeeee! How close is Madrid?"

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12% on the Covatilla
I hope it cools off for them in the mountains.  And I hope the roads don't melt like they do in France.
I wish I was watching it.  It's been a while since I've watched the spanish riders attacking when the road turns up.  Great entertainment!

by flying dog on Aug 29, 2006 8:23 PM EDT reply actions  

yah
It might even dampen competition. Our state ITT was in 100 degree heat, and I can assure you even the best riders slowed it down, let alone the shmucks like yours truly.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 29, 2006 10:42 PM EDT reply actions  

Go chicken, go!
My man Ras in the break. My vds team might get out of the basement!
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 7:56 AM EDT reply actions  

CSC's gonna have to work
since they don't have anyone in the break.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 8:46 AM EDT reply actions  

And the weather doesn't make it any easier
Apparently the final climb is a West facing road, meaning the sun will be blistering the backs of today's unfortunates. To make matters worse it's an exposed climb meaning no shade for the final 19K slog. Air temps today are forecast in the low 100s, which means the road's going to add another 10-15 degrees.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 9:01 AM EDT reply actions  

Ay Jesus!
That's some heat.

The gap is pretty small. CSC will probably close it over the next descent. (I wonder if they can control the peleton stage after stage.)

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Most likely
They'll try to keep it within 5' until the start of the last climb. It's mighty long and they'll have help at that point from other teams. Even for Rasmussen it would be hard to hold off a seriously chasing group for 19K.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 9:18 AM EDT reply actions  

That's true
Where's Valverde and Vino?

Is CSC the only team doing the work.

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Dunno
I'm only going through CN coverage, and since both teams are represented in the break Vino and VV should be sitting comfortably in the peleton.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

whats in a name...?
wa-keem, jo-a-keem, ja-chim...

Someone please ask Joachim how to pronounce his name.

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

drew...
your boy Mayo just tried to climb off...

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Really?
Are you having me on? That sounds too good to be true, but I wouldn't be surprised.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions  

just a bike change actually
but it did look like 2004 TdF all over again

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions  

You tease!
Just a mechanical ;-)

Remember, we stuck TC with him. Prepare to be shunned upon his return.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions  

The gap is closing...
I don't think they'll stay away. The break is shutting off the gas? How do they look, I'm just going with the Eurosport audio coverage.
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:00 AM EDT reply actions  

After the cat 2, the profile looks pretty flat
for a while.

Maybe come back together, then attacks on the final climb.

Ugh. Vino is yo yo-ing?

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

Ras and Menchov
Interesting that Ras is already on the attack. In the TdF, they kept him working for Menchov for a while...

I wouldn't go putting any bets on Menchov, now.

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:08 AM EDT reply actions  

unless having him in the break
saves the team from working...  hard to say...   Disco has 2 men in the break... i suppose the rest are with Danielson

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

true, true
This is a much different race than the TdF too. More of a mix of stages.
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

Correct
Joachim is a roller but Gusev can climb a bit. They're saving the real climbers to help Danielson if he gets into trouble or for pace setting on the last climb, depending on how it shakes out.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Boulderfield sighting...
looks like some climbable rock there

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Just shorten it to
CIB - we'll know who you mean

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Or
CDB, depending on your preference.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 10:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Caisse d E
Is putting the wood to them all.

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Vino sighting...
According to Eurosport. Whew. I'm still in it!
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:25 AM EDT reply actions  

The peleton
will close it down on the final climb.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 10:26 AM EDT reply actions  

They;ve got a long way to go
before they start launching their GC guys. The last 10K or so is the steepest so they'll most likely ride a hard tempo until the group is shattered down to a manageable few, then that group will fight it out in the last 5-7K.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Ouch
Bad day for the gravitationally challenged.
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

Valverde basicly saying
"yes... we're going to kick ass..."

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Sorted out by the end of the day...
There's been some trepidation in the commentators' voices when discussing Vino. I'm starting to worry about my man.
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Menchov mentioned
I guess he should be sitting in at the back of the group.

Who will be left by the end?

Pereiro
Valverde
Menchov?
Vino???

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Eurosport Audio dropped connections
Anybody else listening to Eurosport? I'm having the inevitable problems with my connection...
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:36 AM EDT reply actions  

well
I just tried to start it and it's saying some kind of error occured. ... I'm not getting any audio.

by ellie on Aug 30, 2006 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

Ras talking smack to the
Relax rider in the break... "You attack and I'm gonna crush you."

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 10:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Intimidation by ras
I guess when you're going uphill and trying to stay with him it might be intimidating. In other circumstances, not so much...
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think Valverde may just stick it to them today
The team looks strong, are riding fast now, 20 K to go... A.V. is going to try to pull a LAnce on them and crush on the first MT.  

It'll be him chasing Ras at the end...

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 10:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Down 21 C
so it's 19? Which is what, like 35 degrees F? Shouldn't they have arm warmers?

20km... up!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 10:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Disco
is doing a very, very nice job for Danielson so far. I'm assuming he's tucked into the chase group?

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 10:52 AM EDT reply actions  

yeah,
all the main guys still there

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 10:54 AM EDT reply actions  

KABOOM!!
Da Chicken. More like a popping sound, with feathers everywhere.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 10:58 AM EDT reply actions  

Joe Chim
...champion of Luxembourg

by hughw on Aug 30, 2006 10:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Shades of
2005 final TT?

That was your greatest blog thread ever Chris. I still laugh about it.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 10:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Lotta
material to work with there.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions  

Joe-Chim
back in the peloton... for a few seconds anyway...

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 11:00 AM EDT reply actions  

What if Paulinho
had just stopped once he got to the team bus, parked his bike, and got in? That would have been bold.

Maybe the EE bus should park 3/4 of the way up every climb to give Mayo incentive (but lock the door so he can't actually get in).

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:02 AM EDT reply actions  

Ha!
Maybe they should tell him there's one more mountain, but if he gets to the top of this one, that'll do.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

Perfect
And make sure he has no access to stage profiles.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

Arroyo made it up to Paulhino
maybe he can get some water from Arroyo

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Don't worry
he won't last out front very long.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:05 AM EDT reply actions  

Meaning
of the Fuente, not Arroyo.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

Gomez Marchante!!
I'm gonna win this stage, dammitQ!!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Vino doing his typical
first mountain of the race act...

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 11:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Bernard Kohl
doing a nice job to stay with the big guns.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Pendejo
My entire team is in the final break. You guys are toast.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:10 AM EDT reply actions  

No they aren't
just some of them.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

OK fine
Napolitano isn't there. Six others are.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

Where is Vino?
I'm glad I have Kohl. The chicken is cooked, and is Vino spoiling.
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 11:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Um
there he is. Not good....

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

Sastre cracked...
Di Luca is still there???
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 11:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Newsflash!
Mayo dropped - my god, I didn't see that coming.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:14 AM EDT reply actions  

DiLuca hammering the group[ apart!
Only Sastre, Brankovich and Valverde follow... Wowowow!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:15 AM EDT reply actions  

Wow - how many of us jumped on
the Mayo dropped bandwagon? Why, oh why isn't TC getting home today.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:15 AM EDT reply actions  

Valverde looks great
takes the fore. Kashechkin joins the party.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:16 AM EDT reply actions  

Bronson cracks
leaving only two Pendejos on the front, Gomez Marchante and Paulinho.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Danielson catches the heads of state
not done yet by any means.

Looking good for Valverde in a sprint if they catch the leaders

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Paulinho
slips back. 16 seconds for my four-namer, but the big boys are coming.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Hmmmmmmm
One 4 name guy drops another 4 name guy. How ironic.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Jesus!
What the hell has gotten into DiLuca? He just blew up Sastre!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Meanwhile
Brajkovic is riding great.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Gomez Marchante again!
gets caught, but apparently DiLuca needed a breather when he got there.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:25 AM EDT reply actions  

1km to go!
Looks like it flattens a bit. Danilo should have this one.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:27 AM EDT reply actions  

DiLuca and Brajkovich
in the lead, Marchante dropped with about a K to go.   VV, Sastre behind them.

Kasheshchin trying to catch up with DiLuca and Janez.

by Ruthann on Aug 30, 2006 11:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Sweet
DiLuca koills the sprint.  Yeah...

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 11:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Braj right behind him.
Sastre and VV about 21 seconds back, Danielsonn about 38 seconds back. Not officially, just what I saw on the clock.

by Ruthann on Aug 30, 2006 11:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Kashechkin
looked pretty spry at the end there. Great racing today! Oh, and no Oscar Pereiro... his strategy is all coming together.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:32 AM EDT reply actions  

For sure
not too steep there though...

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions  

Menchov
drops over three minutes. No long TTs to make that up. Adios!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Excellent first day in the mountains
And I love that it happens so early in the race. The way things are spread out we should be guessing about the winner until the very end (hopefully).

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Um
isn't it a bit strange to see riders heading back down the hill on the course while the race is still on??

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:33 AM EDT reply actions  

OP
drops 5:56. What a great champion!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:35 AM EDT reply actions  

He's giving everyone else
a false sense of security.

Actually, he's giving them a genuine sense of security.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yes, and the rules 'officially' forbid it
but the riders do it anyway. At least the big names do. Remember Paolo in the Tour? Whoops!

So maybe the Killer meant that he would challenge in 'some' grand tour this year, and people assumed he meant the Giro.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Can someone put up
a provisional top 15 when it's flashed? CN is signing off.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:37 AM EDT reply actions  

DiLuca was the best today
Fabulous closing speed. Did tons of work, animated the breaks, didn't play around in the last KM too much, and with Brajkovich sucking his wheel he just hammered home, leaving Brajko and a closing Kashechkin defenseless.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Eurosport
says Mayo dropped 1:43 and Vino 2:12.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Final standings, Stg 5:
  1.  DiLuca
  2.  Janez Brajkovich
  3.  Kashechkin -7
  4.  Marchante -15
  5.  Sastre -22
  6.  Valverde -22
  7.  Marzoli  -6
  8.  Sammy Sanchez -38
  9.  Beltran  -38
  10.  B. Kohl -??  

by Ruthann on Aug 30, 2006 11:41 AM EDT reply actions  

DiLuca first?!?!
Wow. I never, ever thought I'd say this, but he might be worth 31 points. Did anyone take him??

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Actually...
TC didn't even enter a team. Making DiLuca my "virtual" choice only in the most virtual sense.

Good to see him finally kicking a little butt. Wonder if he'll be a classics rider next year...

by TCWriter on Aug 30, 2006 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions  

Um...........
you might want to check the team listings when you get a chance. Welcome back btw, hope you had luck with the fishies.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think you
stunned poor TC into complete silence.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Uh...........
Let's not forget who came up with his composite team - Chris

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

I"m not back...
In fact, I haven't left yet. Let's just say I had a few unhappy interactions with my friends from the virus universe, and I'm scrambling to get caught up.

In fact, I'll probably be here more when I'm gone. (Feel free to shower me with money for that last sentence.)

Now that I see the team travesty that's been perpatrated in the name of Hennie Kuiper, I may shun the entire board, creating posts aimed solely at myself.

by TCWriter on Aug 30, 2006 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just plain wrong
TC, we knew how much it would pain you to be excluded from the First Annual Podium Cafe Vuelta a Espana Virtual Directeur Sportif contest, so a team of us got together, assembled a list of all your posts to the site, and tried to determine which riders you would choose for your squad. It took 7 days, 125 revisions, and cost upwards of $50,000 in labor and material, but we think we put a team together that you -- and Hennie -- would be proud of. So your instant reaction is not only misguided, it hurts. Deeply.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

My only regret...
is that I didn't think of it first.

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ok, so...
You're telling me that you essentially replicated a congressional budgeting process (and we all know how well those turn out) in order to chose a team.

So we know they're not going to perform well, but at least they'll cost 10x what they should... 8-)

But don't let that lessen my deep, heartfelt thanks!

Hopefully I can sit it on one or two more stages before going...

by TCWriter on Aug 30, 2006 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

TC, listen
I was the one who said, and I quote, "I hope TC gets back in time to play."  Looking out after your best interests, of course.

One of them, though I can't remember who...said, "hey, we all know how much TC likes the sprinters...and since he's not here, lets us form him a team..."

It went downhill from there, my friend.  Downhill, faster than Il Falco on a good day.

You should get the VDS Vuelta Good Sport Jersey.

Hey, at least they didn't stick you with Mayo....oh, nevermind.

by bethie on Aug 30, 2006 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's not me so much...
I've been in marketing for 20+ years. There's nothing that can be done to me here that hasn't already happened in a meeting.

I am, however, terrified of the damage done to the reputation of the Greatest Rider Ever Not Named Eddy - Hennie Kuiper.

I'd hate for this "misunderstanding" to harm his chances for a sporting Nobel Prize.

Bastidges...

by TCWriter on Aug 31, 2006 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Let the record show
that the team I put together for you had 'TC' as the director, not the sainted Hennie.

But, (ok, hold on, I see the bus coming.....it's almost here....getting closer.......and PUSH!) Chris decided to name the DS for the composite team. So most, if not all, of your anger should be directed at him.

by Drew on Aug 31, 2006 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks buddy
Hey, could you cover my back for a while? That'd be swell, thanks.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 31, 2006 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yep, hold on just a minute
gotta go get my knife...............

by Drew on Aug 31, 2006 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

And no, I will not make
any Monica Selles jokes.

Oops.

by Drew on Aug 31, 2006 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

No need...
To cover anyone' back. I'm going to hunt both of you down, burn your houses, and kill you.

by TCWriter on Aug 31, 2006 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

TC
Do you ever just get down on your knees and thank god that you know them and have access to their dementia?

by bethie on Aug 31, 2006 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did I ever mention
that my dad is Kaiser Souze?

by Drew on Aug 31, 2006 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

No need to hunt...
For a small fee I can give you there exact locations...

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 31, 2006 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

OK, to be above board
We didn't really design it with your success in mind. But with the credentials of the persons involved, it's possible that the pathway to success would indeed be the method we chose -- namely, what's the worst-looking team we can think of? Like the Seinfeld episode where George realizes that since his every instinct is wrong, all he has to do to get ahead is the opposite.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why do they call it Ovaltine?
The jar is round. The glass is round. They should call it Roundtine.

by Drew on Aug 31, 2006 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh
and Congress would never have gotten something out this fast.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

TC, You mean...
...that you didn't enter that team...?!!  Gasp...  My, Oh My, who could have perpetrated such fraud...?

by ELVISGOAT on Aug 30, 2006 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

I scanned the first 20 teams
and didn't see him. At 31 pts I don't see why anyone would have considering he's shown nothing this season to back it up.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:45 AM EDT reply actions  

Yeah
until today, it was unthinkable. Damn, though, he was FLYING!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

Well
we'll see if he's for real by the end of the weekend. Stages 7 and 9 are climbing stages too, let's see if he can support his effort from today.

VG result from Discovery today, with 5 guys being in on things until the very end.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 11:50 AM EDT reply actions  

Danielson?
where was Danielson in the end though? Not even in the top 10? Did he fade badly? And is there now going to be a bit of a power struggle for the leader position between Brajkovic and Danielson?

by Lili on Aug 30, 2006 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

#11 at s.t. as #10
1º    131     DI LUCA, Danilo    ITA    LIQ    5:02:25
2º    73     BRAJKOVIC, Janez    SLO    DSC    m.t.
3º    205     KASHECHKIN, Andrey    KAZ    AWT    a 7
4º    182     GOMEZ MARCHANTE, José Ange    ESP    SDV    a 15
5º    11     SASTRE, Carlos    ESP    CSC    a 22
6º    51     VALVERDE, Alejandro    ESP    CEI    a 22
7º    126     MARZOLI, Ruggero    ITA    LAM    a 36
8º    91     SÁNCHEZ, Samuel    ESP    EUS    a 39
9º    72     BELTRAN, Manuel    ESP    DSC    a 39
10º    195     KOHL, Bernhard    AUT    TMO    a 42
11º    74     DANIELSON, Thomas    USA    DSC    a 42

by ellie on Aug 30, 2006 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

BTW
Are you in internet contact this weekend? I'm not...

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 11:54 AM EDT reply actions  

hooo!
3 disco boys in the top 11. Go my men Janez, Manuel and Tom!

Some disco smack talking is going to start soon ...

by ellie on Aug 30, 2006 11:59 AM EDT reply actions  

woohoo
3 disco boys in the top 8 on GC. Team Wishful Thinking is moving up in the VDS comp tonight.

And AV has not yet broken his collar bone. I think I'm going to claim victory now ...

by ellie on Aug 30, 2006 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

can i crow too? huh, huh, can i, can i?
my virtual team had 5 of the top 11 for the stage
and now has 5 of the top 8 in GC!

who says you need to know anything about racing...

by Scott. on Aug 30, 2006 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

dayum
you have a lot of disco riders on your team. You were supposed to learn from my disastorus results in the TdF VDS. But since not, ok, you can crow too ;)

by ellie on Aug 30, 2006 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

also
If I haddn't swaped Angel Gomez for Paulinho, I would have the identical result to you. Instead my top 5 are in the top 13 ... I'm keeping the disco faith tho!

by ellie on Aug 30, 2006 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

way cool,
this is gonna be fun. never done one of these virtual thingys (or is that thingies?) before.

by Scott. on Aug 30, 2006 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

You seem to have the hang of things!
My Team Brooklyn Chewing Gum also had 5 in the top 11.

We're pretty similar, the one rider different is Kasheshkin vs. Beltran.

These things are a lot of fun!

(more insane thanks to Clydesdale for putting this together!!!)

by Koppenberg on Aug 30, 2006 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

G.C.
1º    131     DI LUCA, Danilo    ITA    LIQ    18:37:56
2º    73     BRAJKOVIC, Janez    SLO    DSC    a 4
3º    205     KASHECHKIN, Andrey    KAZ    AWT    a 18
4º    11     SASTRE, Carlos    ESP    CSC    a 29
5º    182     GOMEZ MARCHANTE, José Angel    ESP    SDV    a 35
6º    51     VALVERDE, Alejandro    ESP    CEI    a 36
7º    72     BELTRAN, Manuel    ESP    DSC    a 55
8º    74     DANIELSON, Thomas    USA    DSC    a 58
9º    195     KOHL, Bernhard    AUT    TMO    a 1:00
10º    91     SÁNCHEZ, Samuel    ESP    EUS    a 1:04
...
16º    93     MAYO, Iban    ESP    EUS    a 2:09
...
19º    201     VINOKOUROV, Alexandre    KAZ    AWT    a 2:32
...
29º    1     MENCHOV, Denis    RUS    RAB    a 4:02
30º    6     BOOGERD, Michael    NED    RAB    a 4:02

~:> isn't even in the top 50 overall.

by ellie on Aug 30, 2006 12:04 PM EDT reply actions  

I felt so smart most of the day
My last minute switch of Danielson for Rasmussen seemed like a good move.

I can smell the burnt feathers from here in Ohio.

The only good result of that move was that I had to take Kohl to stay under 100 pts.

And Vino, he's just warming up.

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Cool!
Hey, I picked up SOME points today! Couldn't afford VV, but at least I got Di Luca and Sastre and didn't get too many big names that popped today.

I'll have to look at the casualty list when it come out.

What happened to TD today? A little concerned.

by Rydr1 on Aug 30, 2006 12:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Leakygaz
If I weren't on a team -- or more to the point, when I can't keep up anymore -- and were/am buying pro jerseys, they'd be the first.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

You can buy one
And just wear it in private.
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well
I'm trying to institute "Pro Tour casual" Fridays at the office.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Will you start
by riding your bike? Or just wearing the jersey to work?

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

I stopped counting
but had ridden to work about 90% of the time this year.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just think
of the productivity gains from the extra pockets.
-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2006 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Cool #2
Got five guys with less than 3 min on GC! (but 2 guys not even in the top 50, ouch! Must have left their legs at the Tour.)

by Rydr1 on Aug 30, 2006 12:34 PM EDT reply actions  

According to the CN results
McEwen finished outside the time limit with two Boygues Telecom riders.

by bethie on Aug 30, 2006 2:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Sounds like
a guy itching for a vacation. Although it's a bit of a shame, since there's no shortage of sprint stages this year.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

And strong
imagine being a 36 yr old climber who can finish within 10' of the leaders on a stage like that.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's why it's so impressive that
he's on so many podiums of sprint stages.  He is such a great all around talent.  I'm surprised he doesn't have a better classic record beyond M-SR.

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well...
If you are looking at total wins, he does have 9 wins in major (World Cup rounds) classics. He's won MSR 4 times, Paris-Tours 3 times, plus wins at Amstel-Gold and HEW Classics. They changed the parcours to include a final climb after he won the Dutch Classic. So he's done pretty well in races other than La Primavera.

Bettini only has 8 major classic wins and nobody else is close. Plus, Zabel has podiumed at Paris-Roubaix and finished high up at Flanders and he even won the World Cup one year.

If we are talking about the greatest active classics rider, then we are talking about either Zabel or Bettini. Knowing how the wind blows on the PC, then we definately are talking about Zabel.

by Koppenberg on Aug 30, 2006 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

I stand corrected.
I was thinking more of Flanders and Liege, but you're right it's still very impressive.  Yeah you won't get too many who argue for Bettini over Zabel over here...  

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I might be the only one
Well, there may be others, but I won't expose them to shunning by naming names... ;-)

Three World Cups in a row tilt the scales in my mind. He'd have won the fourth over DiLuca and Boonen if it had been held. I made a spreadsheet and calculated WC points, just to be sure. But it is hard to tell, some riders didn't compete in the required 6 rounds to be eligible for the finale. Indeed, if they hadn't ended the competition I don't see how he wouldn't keep winning it year after year.

But I am but a lone voice & Ete certainly deserves all the respect in the world. He's one of the greats.

by Koppenberg on Aug 30, 2006 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

But..
during Ete's prime his main focus was winning six straight Green Jersey's.  Just saying that is mind numbing.

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Two silvers at worlds
At least two silvers, he finished 2nd to Oscar Friere twice in the World Championship Road Race.

Heck, he's done it all. For his full glory, check out his palmares. Jayzus H. M. F. Kee-rist.

by Koppenberg on Aug 30, 2006 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

yikes!
He's got more wins than most guys have starts.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Actually
that was 236 and 237.

Where is Clydesdale!?!? I'm desperate for some VDS results!!

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 2:31 PM EDT reply actions  

As long as you can count to 3
you've got the podium covered

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 2:40 PM EDT reply actions  

Calling him out
I call total Bullshit on Oscar Pereiro, for this quote following today's stage (where he finished 5'38" back)

"We were saying that Alejandro [Valverde] was going to be our leader. But in the Tour I recovered 30 minutes, so imagine how little five minutes is. However, that said, now we have a clear leader to support."

Oh really, you recovered 30' on your own, did you? He's a total wanker.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 3:47 PM EDT reply actions  

(snort!)
Bethie I am now hoping you win the Virtual Vuelta, even if it means I come in second.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Me too
although, that said, NO GIFTS!!!

Where, oh where, is Clydesdale???

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

He seems like a nice enough guy..
is it possible that this was taken out of context or it didn't translate well?  He seems to be talking about Riding for Valverde first.  Perhaps the 30 minute comment was just a bit of a joke after a stupid question...  

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 3:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Do you want to be shunned?
First you're hoping for a VDB comeback and now this?

The next time we ride together I'm going to be the Italians and you're going to be Dave Stoller.........

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 4:02 PM EDT reply actions  

You can't hate the guy
because the Peleton let him back in and then Floyd failed two drug tests.  I thought he represented himself well (he beat Sastre in the final ITT).  He was very happy for Floyd after he won stage 17, and now he seems happy to be riding for Valverde.  Beside's I'm un-shunnable..

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Indeed
Plus, if you look at the way he rides, it makes a ton of sense to suppose he lost the time intentionally in order to be allowed in breaks and hunt stage wins.

It just so happened that his break was let go and suddenly he was in the lead. What was he going to do, give it back?

by Koppenberg on Aug 30, 2006 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks Guy who was named
after my favorite climb in all of cycling.  Was he supposed to pull up and wait for the peleton that wasn't chasing him?  He was the luckiest man in the worst Tour in recent years.  Just because he will be declared the winner eventually, it's no reason to hate the guy.

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

No
you're right, that's not the reason to hate the guy. The reason to hate him is he's pulling a GW bush, about whom it was once said "he was born on third base, thinking he hit a triple."

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I was
just about to lift this quote. What a complete idiot. He still thinks he stormed away for a 30' win.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 4:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Thank you Chris
What I don't like about him Pete is the fact that he seems to think he pulled 30' back on all his own. Floyd has nothing to do with it.

I was very impressed with his final TT but other than that he happened to be in the right place at the right time and has since translated that in his mind into "I am a great GC rider." That's what I don't like.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 4:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Like I said before..
I just think the comment was taken out of context.  Doesn't it seem like it was said like:

Reporter:  Oscar you do you feel about your chances after losing 5:38 today?

Oscar (with a big smile on his face):  I made up 30 minutes in the tour so this is a piece of cake.

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 4:44 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe
But he's spent the last month acting like he didn't get any gifts, so I'm inclined to take him at face value.

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 4:53 PM EDT reply actions  

for about the 100th
fucking time - I don't hate him. I dislike the remarks he makes that make his placing in the Tour (either 1st or 2nd) the byproduct of all his own effort.

by Drew on Aug 30, 2006 4:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Ok sure.
But after he was let back in, he did ride like he deserved the podium (IMHO).

by Peter Fontecchio on Aug 30, 2006 4:57 PM EDT reply actions  

replay of live coverage on c.tv - sound muffled?
is anyone else watching the replay now? I missed it this morning and am watching it now. The picture is the typical quality, but the sound is low for me. Anyone else experiencing this?

by hcp on Aug 30, 2006 6:40 PM EDT reply actions  

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