Romandie Stage 1: Over the Jaunpass [Update: not!]
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 12:22 AM EDT
in Live Races
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PrintUpdate -- Stage shortened due to snow; no Jaunpass.
The more I think about this stage, the more I wonder if the race isn't going to be made right out of the gate. Stage 1 didn't jump out as a massive one when I first looked at it, but here are a few things to consider. First, it's the longest stage of the race, although 176km isn't going to set any records. Secondly, though the climb comes 70km from the line and the remainder of the race is a net descent, there is a strong possibility that the race won't simply come back together. Take a gander:
Mountains may not decide the race if they come in the middle and are followed by flats. If the pack came off the Jaunpass in splinters, then did 40km of flat roads, whatever large peloton behind would probably pin back much of the gaps. A small, elite bunch of climbers grinding away on the flats would probably spend too much time looking at each other to make the most of their advantage.
But that's not the case here. However unreadable profiles may be, we can see that there is maybe 10km of serious descending, followed by some rolling roads for a while, before the climbing starts again. These aren't optimal conditions for a large group to chase back the stage leaders, particularly if the former couldn't hang with the latter on the climbs to begin with. The right group of climbers, with some workers in tow, can get away and stay there.
The first place to look is Caisse d'Epargne. Alejandro Valverde won't be dropped on this climb, it's not that steep (from what I gather), and Valverde will undoubtedly bring a teammate or two along from his gang of veteran helpers. Next, Cadel Evans will likely be there, and can count on Jurgen Van Den Broeck for help. Liquigas should have Roman Kreuziger involved, and maybe Szmyd or Zaugg to help. Euskaltel could have half a dozen guys in there. FdJ another four. You get the picture.
Chances are, the non-climbers will see their chances disappear tomorrow. Whether the climbers whittle down things more seriously depends on how hard they make the race. There's a fair chance that the final selection will be really, really small. One thing I can say: CN's mention that Robbie McEwen will be looking to win here again sounds patently ridiculous. But I agree with one thing they said, that the random breakaways won't be allowed to capture the GC. The big boys will come out, methinks.
Use this as the live race thread, at least the first one. Should be fun!
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Climb details
from Reidencbach the last 8.5 kms of Jaunpass climbs 635 metres – about 7.5% average with one full km at 9.5%
It must have snowed a little at the summit last night – 1509 metres so anyone disliking wet and cold will hate today.
Separately, tsr.ch mentioned that the end of the stage will feature the steep cobbled stretch “La Lorette” entering Fribourg, although I can’t find anything else that mentions this.
But if true, this youtube video from 2007 Tour de Suisse will show that belgium is not the only place with super steep cobbles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_nIM3uFxy8
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
Cobblestoned La Lorette is confirmed .... the finish tday will be amazing
la ville de Fribourg est à nouveau dans la course et accueillera le peloton le 29 avril 2009 pour une arrivée d’étape qui s’annonce d’ores et déjà passionnante avec la montée mythique de Lorette.
Badly tranlated:
“The town of Fribourg is again in the race and will welcome the peloton April 29h for a finish that already announces itself to be passionate with the mythic climb of Lorette”
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
My math sucks
The last 8.5 kms climbs more than 660 metres – making it almost 8% avg.
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
Well, the road is made of stones
but are they cobbles? They look rather flat to me, no horrible bouncing visible. Still a good finish of course!
I defer to belgiums re cobblestone
but they look like cobblestones to me
and from offical site:
qui empruntera la fameuse montée pavée de Lorette et ses 18% de dénivellation.
“That will share the famous cobblestoned climb of Lorette and its 18% slopes”
pavée = cobblestones? I think
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
Sure
But this looks more like Espace Crupelandt than Trouée d’Arenberg. More Cittadella di Bergamo than Koppenberg. Hey like I said, no need to diminish this finish, the citadel climb is hard too.
heheh
I am sure you are correct.
It is against Swiss sensibilities to have roads that are too bumpy ;)
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
to be clear ;)
I am not swiss and I am in favour of women voting ;)
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
I remember seeing a mountain finish years ago in the Tour
where some spectator in a polka dot jersey jumped over the barriers and rode the last k to the finish line without being spotted by the marshalls. We expect nothing less of the Marmotte spotted one.
Jaun Pass
Is not as easy at is appears….there’s a kilometer of near on 13% gradient about 3/4 up, and, as mention above….i seem to also remember the ave being around or just over 8%. Should be interesting…shame it won’t be televised.
PS.
I have some photos, if someone can tell me how to put them in a post
by bradBordeaux on Apr 29, 2009 4:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Hit reply
then click the little “image” icon, then insert the url of the image
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
You might have to put them on Flickr or something similar first
Can’t do it straigth from your own hard disk for obvious reasons.
"Non-cyclists. The emptiness of those lives shocks me." Tim Krabbé
All right, so much for building up the excitement ...
Course shortened due to snowfall in the mountains.
From Twitter
http://twitter.com/kmoerenhout/statuses/1647528152 “Today’s stage shortened because of snow. Back to hotel, start at 15.00.”
http://twitter.com/CadelOfficial/statuses/1647529412 “Another late start here in Romandie. Snow has forced a course diversion; a long wait for a fast intense stage for us.”
http://twitter.com/christianmeier/statuses/1647532426 “Start of stage one delayed and shortened due to snow at higher altitudes, should be a sprint for Tyler and a bit more recovery time for me..”
One more
http://twitter.com/louderjeff/statuses/1647535395 “Romandie St. 1 delayed and shortened due to snow on Col du Jaun. Looks like ~80k of fury starting at 3:00. Good thing I did that 3k opener.”
And another
http://twitter.com/wegelius/statuses/1647726870 “Stage shortened. We have come to nearby uci centre in aigle to eat. Very nice track they have here.”
OK, I’m done playing Twitter RSS feed.
Good old Charlie
I’m glad he’s riding the Giro again, he was always good for a snarky comment or two in the morning.
Allen Lim on Twitter:
Sometimes I feel like twitter is my neglected Chia Pet. Just more clutter? Hmmm…
I brake on descents
He does have a very fitting avatar!
"Non-cyclists. The emptiness of those lives shocks me." Tim Krabbé
Route changed due to snow
Because of snow on top of the Jaunpass / Col de Jaun today’s route has changed.
Only 80km left and start is at 15:00h.
OK Will, this does NOT get you off the hook
we fully expect you to ride the stage anyway. We’ve seen you riding in the snow before so don’t try using that old excuse.
Where is everyone? Jaunpass is deserted?
(kidding)
ok they blinked before me, I was in gas station on way and heard on radio about the cancellation (phew …. very stormy but had my balaclava packed)
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
Allright, let's focus on the race now
Valverde or Freire might wanna take the stage win and leader jersey today. I put my money on Freire
So what is the course like now then?
Do they just start after the Jaunpass and miss out all the first section?
No, same start and finish but shortcut
http://tdr.label.ch/main/actualite/actualites/index.lbl?uid=A43F270A-02E2-4C10-8FAA-66EA20350805
la Direction (…) a décidé de raccourcir de moitié la première étape de ce 63ème Tour de Romandie qui passera donc de 176,2 km à 87,6 km.
En conséquence, le départ, prévu à 12h35 sur la place du Marché de Montreux a été repoussé à 15h00. Le parcours évitera donc toute la partie comportant notamment le Col du Jaun de 1ère Catégorie culminant à 1.508 mètres et se rendra directement de la ville de Bulle à Broc pour gagner ensuite Fribourg où l’arrivée reste prévue après 17h00.
The original route over the Jaunpass almost backs onto itself so they just cut that loop. See http://tdr.label.ch/main/course/parcours-etapes/villes-tapes-du-tour/
well, that's annoying... bunch of wimps... ride in the snow...
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
oh well, asturias stage 2 streaming is at 15.15 local
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
La Lorrette finish
does anybody know how far from the finish line is this famous La Lorrette cobblestone uphill climbing?
wow
he took his feet warmers off while riding
I can barely do it sitting down
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
you would too if someone gave you have the day off.....if you get my meaning
by bradBordeaux on Apr 29, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Dangit
I spent a lot of energy last night getting really excited about this stage.
One of the benefits of the Tour: you never wake up to find the stage has been lopped off.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:30 AM EDT reply actions
Me too,,,,,tried to dig up my photos of the pass....no luck
it’s a bitch really
by bradBordeaux on Apr 29, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Does the TdR
usually avoid these mountains due to the snow?
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Most big passes are closed always this time of year
so I think they sometimes uses lower ski stations as they are ploughed like the mountain stage last year at
Zinal
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
Tour: you never wake up to find the stage has been lopped off.
Col d’Iseran 1996 was snowed out ;)
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
I knew
someone would come up with one. But it’s rare, compared to the Giro.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I imagine it's even more rare in the Vuelta
has it ever happened there?
Sure!
Remember, the Vuelta used to be in April.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Columbia
doing what they do, pulling back a break in a reasonably but not too hard stage.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:31 AM EDT reply actions
But who knows?
Maybe Rebellin got a job on Wall Street or Bloomies, bought a smart bungalow in the suburbs and plans on taking the commuter train? THAT would be a twist now.
Why not
He could do just as well as the muppets we got runnin Wall Street as it is…
by bradBordeaux on Apr 29, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Wall Street needs some CERA....
helps recovery apparently…
by bradBordeaux on Apr 29, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
You know it's all Rabon's fault.
The shortening of the stage I mean.
Where did he last win a TT? Murcia- which had a shortened stage too.
DAMN YOU FRANTISEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!!
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Swooosh!
Now I’m not saying anything at all bad about the spring racing here but…
It’s nice seeing these swooping descents on these faster wide roads after a spring of narrow donkey paths. Change of pace I guess.
Brian likes their chances
Tough place to pin back a small break on these winding roads.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions
Col de Lorette!
Ouch. Are those loose cobbles??
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:41 AM EDT reply actions
2.52
Presumably they aren’t about to blow up. It’s only what, 60km?
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:42 AM EDT reply actions
What a day....
5 hours in the saddle, new VeloMagazine arrived, Romadie, and Champions League tonight…..
Barca-Chelsea?
Haven’t seen a score
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Chelsea were disgraceful in a nil-nil draw....three times the fouls fo Chelsea
dreadful
by bradBordeaux on Apr 29, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I am so glad
I didn’t invest a second in that match.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I am so glad
my champions league this year finished at the quarters.
so I don’t have to get up at 4:30 am anymore!
goin to be Manu unfortunately
as long as it isn’t an all English final
my brother in law is the Chief of Operations at the NeuCamp
hopefully tickets for the final
by bradBordeaux on Apr 29, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah...
well Barca couldn’t get past Chelsea’s defense yesterday. I doubt that they would make too much of a dent into Man U.
by Vlaanderen90 on Apr 29, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Elite chase group
I’m not convinced yet.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:50 AM EDT reply actions
wow serious clouds
they are getting lucky as there has been some serious rain/snow around
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
1.44
15km to go
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions
Oops
my feed is a tad slow. Lame computer…
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah
go ahead. I’m on kid duty as it is.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Euskies
drilling it on the front.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions
Hm
Wonder if they need any fish lawyers in the Freibourg region?
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:02 AM EDT reply actions
there was a big report today
on the quality of water in lake geneva
and people eat the Perch
(does that help?)
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
Yes!
Pack up the kids! I’m on my way!
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Perch? Ruthann and I like Perch.
I think her and I need to go test the quality of this. We will do it in the name of Cafe research. :-)
I love C, not because he rocks as a cyclist, but because deep down he's a band geek! LOL!
And
Brian debunks Global Warming, thanks to the snowstorm. Bad form!
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions
Wait...I see Theo Bos coming next to Cav
by Vlaanderen90 on Apr 29, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
And he has
a foreign object in his hand!
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Even with those ominous clouds
it’s still so pretty… wish I was there.
Gap dropping
The leaders will have to have some wattage to spare when they hit the cobbles again.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions
Stopped showing the gaps on ctv
why do they do that?
Tony Martin goes
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions
stream slowing to a crawl.
Goddammit.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:15 AM EDT reply actions
Make that
stopped. WTF?
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh good
I missed the finish. Stupid CTV. Why does the stream suddenly slow on the low setting at the end of the race?
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 11:18 AM EDT reply actions
Play with the timeline thing on the bottom of the vid when that happens
If I click just before or after the current position it usually goes ok. By the way, if you had wanted to see what good internet TV was if you watched the Masters Golf on masters.org. High res, really sharp, real pic in picture (you could pic what you wanted) and no stuttering for hours.
I tried
moving the cursor back and forth to different points in the vid. The stream just stopped loading. Yay!
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Schumacher confirmed second positive
at cyclingnews
I wouldn't mind me some Serrano right now
Yes, I mean the ham
Oh my, I've just fallen in love with Roger De Vlaeminck's sideburns.
From CN:
1 Ricardo Serrano Gonzalez (Spa) Fuji-Servetto 2.08.35
2 Lars Ytting Bak (Den) Team Saxo Bank
3 Gregory Rast (Swi) Astana
4 Tony Martin (Ger) Team Columbia – Highroad 0.28
5 Haimar Zubeldia Agirre (Spa) Astana
6 Koldo Fernandez De Larrea (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi 0.31
7 Jacopo Guarnieri (Ita) Liquigas
8 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin – Slipstream
9 Markus Zberg (Swi) BMC Racing Team
10 Michael Schär (Swi) Astana
General classification after stage 1
1 Gregory Rast (Swi) Astana
So what are the chances this happens Saturday?
I see the finish town is almost as high as the final mountain, so if they are able to get into Saint Croix they should be able to go over the climbs hopefully. If not, the Tour will be decided on the TTT and no were else, which would suck.
In Chauncey we trust!
Higher, actually
As to the weather… we wait.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 29, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Checked the weather in Saint Croix
it is expected to RAIN on Saturday, which means no SNOW, so I’m optimistic about the stage happening as planned.
In Chauncey we trust!
weather looks a lot better
and the other climbs are less high hopeful
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
Interesting comment by the new yellow jersey leader
He said that he spoke with the other two in break group and they let him win the intermediate sprints – if he didn’t contest the KOMs. And the time bonus pretty much locked him the jersey.
formerly known as cyclingchallenge
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