The Smiling Assassin smiles again!

by DemonCats on Apr 25, 2009 1:07 PM EDT

So Basso wins Trentino with a blistering attack on a well-supported Brajkovic and taking the overall away from the overnight leader.

So with this victory, my faith in naming him the leader of my VDS squad is restored. Can't say that about Benna now, can I?

From the Assassin's lips:

“The hard moments have made me stronger,” Basso said. “Of course, I wished it had never happened. I know this story will stain me forever, but I started the comeback from zero. I worked hard to come back and my team supported me fully. First, my gratitude goes out to my family.”

So the Northern Classics are done and my VDS is hovering around the bottom of the VDS peloton, I am hoping for some choice points from the Giro!

Who else here has Basso on their team?

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I don't have a VDS team.

But Basso! I am a fan. The doping pissed me off, but I am happy to see him back and (hopefully) clean and wining.

I can’t wait for the Giro!

by rocketpress on Apr 25, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

What? No VDS team!?!?!?

Yes, the doping pissed me off and, no doubt, the win-by-over-nine-minutes in the Giro was doping fueled, but I hope he has learned his lesson.

I also still hate the half-confession, but hey, my heroes have never been perfect!

Racing for Victory and Free Beer!

by DemonCats on Apr 25, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Great win, but you clearly didn't watch the stage

Basso never attacked, his liquigas team set a blistering pace up the final climb which cracked almost everyone, including the very under supported Brajkovic who was isolated once the final climb started. Then Basso rode a hard tempo at the front over the final few km with only 3 others being able to hold on, and Pozzovivo out front after an attack, Di Luca attacked with a few 100m left and easily took the win. Not that it matters much, it was still an impressive performance from Basso, the only thing I see stopping him is his poor TTing so far this year, if Levi can hang with him in the mountains he could put some big time in him in the 62km TT.

In Chauncey we trust!

by Phil H. on Apr 25, 2009 3:24 PM EDT reply actions