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Perhaps I've mentioned before that this is my favourite of all the Ardennes classics. Still true, I love it! So what happened?
Well I doubt anyone will be surprised to hear that Thomas De Gendt (Topsport Vlaanderen) went in an early escape, just 13km in, with Maxime Bouet (AG2R) and the two got a little gap, clearly the peloton happy to let them go. Then a group bridged up to them that was Alan Perez (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Jussi Veikkanen (Française des Jeux), Dries Devenyns (Quick-Step), Niki Terpstra (Milram) and Mauro Finetto (Liquigas). Their gap was allowed to increase to 2 minutes rather quickly and kept growing. At it's maximum they had over 8 minutes, but with 120km to go was around 6 minutes.
[Credit should go to Dirk Bellemakers (Landbouwkrediet) who spent a long, long time in between the breakway and the peloton trying to bridge to them and finally managed it with 140km to go. He must have worked very hard to get there so chapeau.]
I got live coverage with 104km to go, having re-watched the end of Fleche Wallonne again (thanks Eurosport) and at that point, the breakaway had just over 4 minutes. Oh and Caisse d'Epargne were at the front with Erviti just to please me! The break appeared to have shed one member, Mauro Finetto who was lagging behind a little as they pressed on, De Gendt setting a lot of the pace, starting to think that man is a machine. In the peloton, things were being led by various teams, all seemingly happy to help set the pace.
The gap for the breakaway was pretty steady, holding around 3 and a half minutes with 97km to go, but in the only style Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) knows, he attacked from the peloton in superb solo style. It didn't seem too pacy in the peloton, no-one was struggling to hang on at the back where they still appeared to be cruising and so they seemed happy to let Voigt go off. It was on a descent and one rider seemed keen to join the Saxo Bank-er, that rider being an Omega-Pharma Lotto one.
A crash in the peloton was inevitable and sadly came with around 96km to go. Several riders falling, but seemingly no big names (even if it was in the middle of the peloton, however I think my boy Erviti crashed, ugh). Meanwhile in the breakaway, they were also shedding poor Bouet who was having to really push himself up the climb. Voigt had shed the rider chasing him and was still going it alone. With the peloton regathered and most riders ok, Caisse d'Epargne took control at the front with Voigt in their sights.
Not content with just working in the breakaway, Perez decided to have a little dig. Perhaps go it alone, but probably testing legs with 91km to go. Bouet was just about hanging in on the back but he was struggling and the attacks probably weren't going to help.
Valverde had a mechanical with just under 80km to go, but nothing major and a slick bike change ensured he didn't get caught out. The gap for the breakaway was 2 minutes now. Voigt was around 1 minute behind them with Caisse d'Epargne still leading the peloton. Once again, Bouet was dropped by the breakaway, his day over now. He was quickly caught by Voigt where he tailed onto the wheel of the strong German, hoping for a ride back up to the five man breakaway, now that Veikkanen was also dropped.
70km to go and Voigt had 35 seconds before he caught the breakaway (having dropped Bouet, he was now towing Veikkanen back there), the peloton had 1.42 minutes to make up before they would catch them. Interestingly, Voigt suddenly sat up, the peloton catching him rather quickly. Presumably team tactics from Saxo Bank.
Maxime Montfort (HTC-Columbia) went on an attack from the peloton with 61km to go and a 1.12 minute deficit to the breakaway. He was allowed a few seconds over the chasing pack, but when Peter Weening (Rabobank) tried to follow, the move was nullified. Some more hold-ups in the peloton, a bump of wheels or a mechanical, more Caisse d'Epargne problems, was it Valverde?
Typically, my blog can never be problem free, my internet connection had a momentary fail and so I missed some action I belive. Anyway, with 52km to go, the breakaway of Devenyns, De Gendt, Bellemakers, Terpstra and Perez still had just over a minute on the peloton and half a minute on chasing Montfort. The peloton was livening up thanks to Omega-Pharma Lotto and Quick Step.
Devenyns took the initiative from the breakaway when the gap was down to just 44 seconds. He shed the other members of the breakaway as Montfort was pushing on, though it looked less determined and everyone was aware of the peloton closing in as De Gendt joined up with the HTC-Columbia rider. Game over for everyone but Devenyns as the Tony Martin led peloton caught them all and various riders began looking around, giving the leading Quick Step rider a 52 second gap. However, Tony Martin was determined to shake it up, putting a dig in, but not really doing much and causing more looking around.
Things were frisky at the front of the peloton with around 45km to go, riders pretty much all over the place as Bellemakers was taken back in, leaving just Devenyns out front. There were various counter-attacks going in and no real organisation, many just trying to figure out what would work and when. The big teams had an odd rider policing and watching how things were unfolding, notably Caisse d'Epargne who had Moreau and Erviti looking after affairs. Scheirlinckx of Landbouwkrediet was trying to get away from the peloton and catch Devenyns.
La Redoute was creeping up which always means frisky, attacking times, Radioshack intent on catching Scheirlinckx which they did with ease. Caisse d'Epargne were also lurking and with 38km to go, the Quick Step rider out front had just 22 seconds as things began to get strung out in the peloton. Almost instantly, the gap was null and Devenyns was caught with Milram taking over affairs at the front for their leader, Gerdemann. So the peloton hit the climb, what would happen as Liquigas hit the front?
It was a quiet start to the climb, calm almost with favourites lurking or hiding. Chris Horner (Radioshack) had expressed just how much he wanted to win it and was very near the front, but seemingly alone. It was Agnoli of Liquigas attacking, going it alone but making it all a little tense in the bunch. Barredo (Quick Step) put in a dig off the front, getting a rather big gap in his unique style. Ten Dam (Rabobank) took off after him, but had a gap to make up. Yet anothe rider making a move, Masciarelli (Acqua & Sapone)! However, he wasn't getting anywhere alone as Tony Martin passed him and pushed on.
A very smart move from Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) who passed Martin, Masciarelli and Ten Dam. Many riders out behind chasing these moves down, but none of the huge favourites just yet. Hesjedal (Garmin-Transitions) was one of them with 34km to go. Barredo and Agnoli had joined forces with a 20 second gap over the peloton and 8 seconds over the various chasers. However, the lead two very sensibly waited for the chasers to join them as a group stands more chance, but the peloton were closing in on them. With that one over, Tankink (Rabobank) made a move, clearly still in good form from Wednesday.
Katusha's major attacker, Ivanov decided to attack again, wishing to close down the 12 second gap to Tankink with 27km to go. The peloton were keeping Ivanov in their sights, you can never really let him go without it being dangerous. Finally, some action in the peloton with 20km to go! Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) and Philippe Gilbert (Omega-Pharma). Behind them, several riders knew it was dangerous and tried to follow. The attacking two quickly caught Tankink who can't climb like them and the peloton were coming up from behind, Nibali and Evans looking interested.
Everyone thought Contador (Astana) was suffering but bang, the Spaniard attacked! Like him or hate him, he is always exciting and a pleasure to watch. Could he catch the two up front? He was riding away and away from the riders behind so why not. He did almost instantly and Gilbert looked frustrated, he'd have to do something to shed the two better climbers. So favourites coming togethor with 18km to go, now what? It was all about marking each other and wondering what would happen. Astana had the 1-2 card to play with Contador and Vinokourov.
All the names you'd expect were in this group, the Spaniards bunching together as usual (Anton, Valverde, Contador, Rodriguez) and World Champion Evans also lurking. The only rider I couldn't spot was the elder Schleck, but with Andy in there, he probably wasn't too concerned. So up front with 16km to go, it was Vino and Kolobnev and the chasers immediately behind were Gilbert and everyone's favourite man to hate, Valverde. In the group behind, there were counter-attacks galore and it was definitely going to be a tense finish.
Cadel Evans took his rainbow jersey to the attackers, joining Valverde and Gilbert in a bid to catch the leading two! A good threesome if they could work together and they had a 15 second deficit to nullify. However, it was going up, 24 seconds and then over a minute to the bigger chasing group. Vino and Kolobnev were really pushing on hard because you could see the three behind weren't slacking.
Very tense, attacking racing with just 8km remaining. The main chase group behind the two smaller groups had to make a decision because at 1.15 minutes down, they were really blowing it if they didn't get organised. In my opinion it was down to the five ahead of them as the World Champion's trio finally began shutting the gap down or so it seemed at first! Vino tried to shed Kolobnev but it wasn't going to be that easy.
From the peloton, Anton, Contador and Andy Schleck made the decision to try and do something, going in pursuit of the three ahead but Valverde wouldn't be making that easy by attacking his trio. The other two clawed to his wheel until Gilbert decided he had to go, shedding Evans first and also distancing Valverde! Incredible attack, the problem being could he sustain it and bridge to the leaders? He cut the lead down to 24 seconds, some fabulous attacking riding from him.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love the Ardennes, 5km to go and no idea who'll win it. Valverde and Evans were having to join forces with Gilbert gone and chasing down the twosome up front. He was digging so hard you couldn't help but root for him but Vinokourov and Kolobnev were keeping the pressure on, upping the gap, sensibly still working together than than playing cat and mouse. Gilbert sadly had no chance once it went back out to 37 seconds and would just have to try and keep his third place podium spot, still, no-one can fault him for effort and passion!
So, 2km to go and the gap at 41 seconds, the cat and mouse games could begin, but would Vinokourov just try and ride the Russian off his wheel? Gilbert was still between them and the duo of Evans and Valverde as the two leaders went under the red kite for 1km to go. They still hadn't attacked each other and it was a case of waiting now. Sickening for Gilbert as Evans and Valverde caught him! Vinokourov put in the first move at the front of the course, a stinging attack that Kolobnev would have to really, really work for, but he didn't have the legs. One of the villains of the sport, Vinokourov took the victory. Kolobnev got second.
It was all about who'd got third. Gilbert had tried so, so hard but Valverde and Evans are no slouches in a sprint. The other riders behind were trying to catch them including Schleck, Horrner, Contador. Valverde tried to take it, starting the sprint and holding off Gilbert and Evans to collect third in a podium that is sure to upset many.
The top 15:-
1) Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) 6:37:49
2) Alexandr Kolobnev (Katusha) +0.06 seconds
3) Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) +1.04 mins
4) Philippe Gilbert (Omega-Pharma)
5) Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team)
6) Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) +1.07
7) Igor Anton (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
8) Chris Horner (Radioshack)
9) Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
10) Alberto Contador (Astana)
11) Thomas Voeckler (Bbox Bouygues) +1.18
12) Simon Gerrans (Team Sky)
13) Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Transitions)
14) Benoit Vaugrenard (Francaise des jeux)
15) Paul Martens (Rabobank)
Screen shots? The first lot is below all this text, it contains...Nikki! I love me some Terpstra. Thomas 'attacker' De Gendt and Dries with a bandage on his arm, think he crashed on Wednesday? Then there's the fighter, Maxime Bouet eating something. Euski's Perez in the break. The beast that is Jens! Hehe. Imanol!!!
Second lot is over here. Deignan had a crash in the feed zone, think he's ok though. AV had a mechanical. He swapped bikes, no worries. Got to admire Jens and his grit. More problems for AV, medical car this time. Oscarito Freire looking smooth as ever. Weee! Bends are fun. This cap is just because the advert is awesome. Mafia Contador for the win ;) Schlecklet giving older Schleck some coke, brotherly love.
Oh and there's a third.. Hello Maxime! Formation riding makes me happy. Carlos sighting! Elder Schleck had a mechanical issue but seeemed relaxed about it. Devenyns really going for it, windy too. Has Barredo lost his soul patch? The two favourites going for it! I love Kolobnev's style, damn he's awesome.
Locate the fourth lot here. It has no podium stuff as ES never show me it. Cuddles! Then Gilbert and his earring. Some nice climbing from these three, massive gear for Valverde. Contador gives the winner a hug. Vino celebrating, ew. Injured AV makes me sad. That concludes this year's LBL screen shots.
So, the Ardennes are over *sniff*. They've been as enjoyable as ever, you know, minus the race winner here. Anyway, err...until next year I guess!
Spaniards-Valverde-All Things Cycling
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Welcome, I should probably start explaining my game. I am a cycling obsessive, i follow all kinds of races and riders but of course become biased for teams/riders. As much as my blog may sometimes seem to point otherwise, I do have a good knowledge of cycling and can hold my own in a debate, but I chose to approach the more humerous side of it, and have no qualms admitting I'm also a fangirl. I'm female, it's hard to not notice that these guys are often good looking muscular guys in tight clothing with pretty bikes. So be warned.
I have my favourite riders which as it stands (for better or worse) are Valverde, Pereiro, the Schlecks, LL Sanchez, Contador, Sammy Sanchez and most Spaniards, Bennati, Boonen, Taylor Phinney, Eisel, Lovkvist, Wiggins, Rogers, Hincapie, DZ, many of the Garmin boys, Cancellara, Lequatre, Fleeman, Millar, Kenny, JA Flecha, Basso, Capecchi, De la Fuente, etc etc. The favourites tend to crop up lots if you need a more in-depth list.
I welcome all, but apologise for my lack of languages. I only speak English and very poor German, but welcome everyone :]
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Son profil
Helsy3322 ans
Cleethorpes/Leicester
Royaume-Uni
Cleethorpes/Leicester
Royaume-Uni
Perhaps a little late but it's still Thursday here, so that counts. I'm going to jump straight back into my habit of favouring Spaniards (technically they're Basque, but shh) by saying that this week's Thursday Thighs is three members of Euskaltel-Euskadi. A bonus to make up for a lack of it recently. The first two are Javier Aramendia and Josu Agirre. Then the third is my personal favourite. He's young, 23 and from San Sebastian and his thighs are well, err, good, step forward Sergio De Lis.
The photo below is mine from last year's Tour of Britain, on the left you have Javier Aramendia (with bonus tanline) and on the right is Josu Agirre. However there is evidence for Mr De Lis here, photo not mine. Not sure whose, so if it's yours and you want credit, comment and I'll give you it.
The photo below is mine from last year's Tour of Britain, on the left you have Javier Aramendia (with bonus tanline) and on the right is Josu Agirre. However there is evidence for Mr De Lis here, photo not mine. Not sure whose, so if it's yours and you want credit, comment and I'll give you it.
Did I mention how much I've missed doing this blog? It's only been because of time that I stopped but mostly I only missed the close season and the early races. Anyway, back to business from here on in. Fingers crossed I get screen shots for Liege but I'm travelling back from somewhere so we'll see.
So, Fleche Wallonne! I love the Ardennes. Anyway, it's 198km and sees riders starting in Charleroi and ending in Huy after some climbs and tough riding. Who'll prevail? I always find classics too hard to call because anything can happen in them. It's interesting to see if Kirchen is in form. Obviously last year's winner is now serving a drugs ban so let's not go there. That sort of means that Andy Schleck could defend his title but that hasn't happened officially yet if I'm right? Also, I believe all the riders on the start list will make it but the volcano is still causing issues so we'll see.
What actually happened? There were the usual early attacks that weren't allowed to get away, however they include Maxime Bouet, I miss seeing that boy try to breakaway! Five riders did appear to get themselves a gap after 44km raced, David Loosli (Lampre), Dimitri Champion (AG2R), Benjamin Gourgue (Landbouwkredit), Stephane Auge (Cofidis) and Giuseppe Palumbo (Acqua & Sapone). They got themselves just under a 3 minute gap with 55km raced and finally the peloton seemed happy for a break to go. Their lead quickly grew to 8 and a half minutes by the time they climbed Mur de Huy for the first time featuring lovely 9.3% gradient for a kilometre.
Their gap came down a little to 7.10 minutes as Caisse d'Epargne and Katusha began working on the front of the peloton, the five still had a healthy advantage but with lots of time for the peloton to eat it away remaining. I had to endure snooker while waiting for Eurosport to go live which was a battle to stay awake, but sadly besides the gap coming down another minute, nothing was really going on in the race. With 100km to go, the gap was down to 5.40 minutes, clearly Katusha and Caisse d'Epargne meant business.
With 84km to go, SaxoBank decided it was time to start their plan. They began putting the hammer down on the peloton with Jens Voigt, Laurent Didier and a little group of theirs began making it hard and pulling along a little group that contained Christope Moreau (Caisse d'Epargne), Chris Froome (Team Sky), Thomas De Gendt (Topsport Vlaanderen), Bakelants (Omega Pharma-Lotto) and Daniele Righi (Lampre). They had a gap but QuickStep and Caisse d'Epargne were working hard at the front of the peloton, keen not to let it go. Voigt however, had another idea. Anthon Roux (Francaise des jeux) wanted to join this group, pedalling away from the peloton in a bid to do so but not really achieving a huge gap.
The Voigt group had around 40 seconds over the peloton and the increase in pace meant that the original breakway were only 4.58 ahead of the peloton now, but still looking comfortable enough and working with each other, Auge even joking around with the cameraman.
With 71km there was a nasty crash on the corner and Dominik Roels (Milram) took down a lot of riders. One appeared to go over the iron barrier into the river, hopefully it was just the rider's bike. Several Radioshack riders went down including Popovych and there were some nasty looking injuries. Fingers crossed for all involved riders.
At 65km to go, Moreau had a puncture in the chasing group and suddenly Caisse d'Epargne began helping the peloton again, my favourite Erviti coming to the forefront to assist Katusha in their chase. The gap to the Voigt chasing group was 2.10 and to the original breakway 2.49, meaning the two breakways were soon to merge. However, the peloton were really hammering and with 61km to go, had virtually caught the Voigt group, meaning the inevitable catch was on, Voigt driving it on in an attempt to keep it going.
It was pretty early but the various attacks from the peloton had driven the pace high and the gap to the original five man breakaway was down to 1.31 minutes with 55km to go, the five knowing they'd have to work hard. The Voigt group was also caught with 55km to go.
The original breakaway found itself down to three men with Palumbo having been dropped on the climb and then loosing Gourgue but there was much activity at the front of the peloton with just over 50km to go. Sergei Ivanov (Katusha) started it by launching an extremely early attack and found himself joined by Pinotti (Columbia) , with many other riders chasing on to this group including...oh yes, Jens Voigt (SaxoBank) again! The group got closed down by SaxoBank but attacks weren't over yet. The gap to the three out front? Just 57 seconds. There were many big riders also hanging onto the back of the peloton, not as on form as you'd think. Bram Tankink (Rabobank) and Eduard Vorganov (Katusha) were the two kick-starting another move, taking Kadri (AG2R) with them. They picked up Gourgue who'd been dropped from the original break (though he lost contact pretty quickly) and Jurgen Van de Walle (Quick Step) who is always useful in a break.
The gap for the original breakaway, now just of three men, Loosli, Champion and Auge, had a bigger gap again now of 1.51 minutes and the chasing group had around 50 seconds over the peloton. The losers? Omega Pharma-Lotto, Saxo Bank and Caisse d'Epargne. The biggest teams without any riders in there, could that have been a mistake? In typical, De Gendt style, the Topsport Vlaanderen rider jumped off the front of the peloton to chase down the chase group. With 40km to go, Auge was struggling in the lead group, Loosli and Champion leaving him behind.
Having looked in trouble, or not so strong, Tony Martin (HTC-Columbia) came to the front of the peloton to start working as the flatland domestiques began to slip off the back, their work pretty much done for the day. Euskaltel-Euskadi made a move, Martinez launching off the front with Ivanov (Katusha) and Martin (HTC-Columbia) jumping straight onto his wheel, but the move ultimately came to nothing. Auge waited up and joined the chase group as back up front, Loosli and Champion continued to work together, but were sat up looking for the chase group.
A 7 man group was formed at the front of Champion, Loosli, Van de Walle, Auge, Vorganov, Tankink and Kadri and they had a very slender one minute lead over an unorganised peloton that was in pieces. The gap was halved with 38km to go, only 27 seconds and Lampre were trying to bridge across to it despite already having Loosli in it, clearly Cunego was feeling good. There were three or four riders wanting to bridge across ahead of the next climb to come, the second time on the Mur de Huy- Peter Velits (HTC-Columbia), Spezialetti (Lampre) and Kreder (Garmin) and what looked like Oscar Pereiro (Astana) trying to get away from the front of the peloton. Very unorganised at the front and still a 30 second gap to the leading group. The three who'd tried to escape had failed with Saxo Bank taking charge at the front of the peloton.
With the second ascent of the Mur de Huy looming, it was all being set up for the big guns to go for it. Rabobank were keeping their men at the front and everyone was desperate to get their desired positions at the front as the seven up front hit the climb, a minimal gap. Kadri and Auge were struggling to hang on and the peloton could see them all.
Andy Schleck (SaxoBank) was at the front of the peloton, Alberto Contador (Astana) on his wheel. Great to see a Grand Tour winner doing a classic like this and actually competing. All the big names were there as they hit the steep climb. The peloton caught most of the breakaway, the Schlecks and Contador at the very front, a lot of the big names lurking there still. 30km to go and it was really heating up as you could pretty much spot all the big names you'd except to still be there. The Schlecks sat up for a moment, the pace dropping a little as they hit ac flatter area. However, Frank Schleck decided to keep it going, opening a slight gap with Kreuziger (Liquigas) and Loosli (Lampre) there with him and Tankink (Rabobank) joining them. Then there was the select group of around 20 riders behind, Kolobnev (Katusha) keen to shut down the move- Kreuziger and the elder Schleck too dangerous to let go. The group appeared to be discussing and sitting up a little, it looked as though they may be waiting but with 27km to go, they had a very small gap over the chasers that involved Vorganov, Nordhaug, Van den Broeck, Hesjedal.
Rodriguez seemed to be having more problems. On Sunday it seemed to be form, today it seemed to be more mechanical issues as the chasing group got much bigger. In typical Kolobnev style, he charged off the front of this chasing group, aware of the imminent threat of the peloton (what was left of it) behind. No-one went with him as he attempted to shut down the 17 second gap. The Frank Schleck group had 24 seconds over the peloton containing Contador and Schleck junior as Astana put down the hammer a little to try and shut the gaps.
Poor Kolobnev had his move quashed again by Astana who were very obviously setting things up for Contador. Would you bet against their main man? He looked so unbelievably comfortable on the last climb of the Mur that it isn't unrealistic for him to shatter whatever group he's in and go for it on the last ascent of it. However, first, they'd need to close the 28 second gap that the Kreuziger/Schleck/Tankink/Loosli group had with just 19km remaining.
In the ongoing saga that is 'Robert Gesink:- Man of Bad Luck', the Dutch rider had another puncture, poor thing, he has no luck! Still, better to puncture now than later. 15km to go and the peloton had allll the big favourites at the front, Astana finally making a dent in the gap of the leaders, trimming it to 23 seconds. All being set up for an Andy Schleck v Contador duel on the Mur? I would have said that until I spotted some of the other riders creeping near the front. Cunego, Valverde, Ivanov/Kolobnev. I also finally got a shot of Cadel Evans, hadn't seen him since the start line!
Getting a slight sense of deja vu, Ivanov went on the attack again with 12km to go and a 19 second gap to the four out front. Clearly he had the legs, but perhaps too early? Too much given it's not the first attack. Either way, the peloton or rather, group of favourites, weren't entirely keen on letting it go, but the organisation had slipped a little. Tondo of Cervelo was putting the pressure on a little bit, testing the legs.
10km to go and the peloton was very strung out. The four out front had just 22 seconds and very impressive that Loosli was staying there (and comfortably) given he'd been out since km 44! Thomas De Gendt put in a little dig on the front of the peloton again, Hesjedal and Schleck monitoring it closely, but ultimately the move doing nothing. Iglinskiy was the one doing the work for Astana as Kloden appeared for Radioshack. Kolobnev put in yet another dig, Vaugrenard (Francaise des jeux) jumping onto it and Igor Anton for Euskaltel-Euskadi. They were really putting on pressure with 7km to go and 10 seconds to make up on the leading four, Loosli and Tankink getting a pretty easy ride to the climb but the gap was tiny now and bearing down. It was all leading up to a Mur de Huy showdown!
The lead group was caught by the three but the peloton were closing the gap. Who'd go? They couldn't wait. Kolobnev of course! Loosli was straight after him, Kreuziger towing Schleck and the others along with just 4km to go. Agressive as ever, would it finally pay off for Kolobnev? The gap was still small and no-one had made it to his wheel. The remnants of the breakaway were caught by the peloton leaving just Kolobnev on his own as they headed for the final climb of the day.
Euskaltel-Euskadi were doing the work, but most teams were represented near the front, Luis Leon Sanchez looking rather lively, followed by Valverde and Cunego. It was the two Caisse d'Epargne riders heading off, Sanchez chasing down Kolobnev and really upping the pace behind as the others decided they couldn't let the two Spaniards go for it. Another dig off the front once it was all back together, but he wasn't allowed to go anyway. Just 1km to go and Euskaltel decided they had to make a move, pacing Anton for the win as they entered the climb.
But out of nowhere, Kloden of Radioshack put in a very big dig at the base of the climb. He lacks that punchy climbing kick and it was interesting to see who could chase him down. Contador was lurking very closely near the front of the peloton, Gilbert and Evans around him. Kloden as predicted was caught by Anton leading the chase. Only Contador could keep with Anton, holding him off with Kreuziger trying to close them down, then Evans behind! Very exciting and very powerful riding by Igor Anton! Contaodr was still on his wheel, looking comfortable and you couldn't help but look for when Contador would make his kick and go. Bang, Contador just moved ahead of Anton, but Evans was coming up behind them. It'd be very close but could anyone shut down Contador? Evans could, the better at uphill sprints! Rodriguez also came around Contador just on the line! Wow.
The top 15:-
1) Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) 4:39:14
2) Joaquim Rodrigiuez (Katusha)
3) Alberto Contador (Astana)
4) Igor Anton (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
5) Daminao Cunego (Lampre)
6) Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto)
7) Chris Horner (Radioshack)
8) Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)
9) Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
10) Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Transitions)
11) Michael Albasini (HTC-Columbia)
12) De Waele
13) Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)
14) Christophe Le Mevel (Francaise des jeux)
15) Robert Gesink (Rabobank)
Screen shots? The first lot is posted below all of this. Features...Cuddles saying hi to the crowd. Nicolas Roche looking cool as ever. Oscar Freire, yay! Cunego's dodgy fluorescent bike. Contador looking lovely. Palumbo smiling in the breakaway for you. Thomas De Gendt, my favourite new-found rider from last year's Tour of Brit. He's awesome. Last in this lot at the bottom is the big crash. Owch!
Second lot is here. Champion's French champion kit is niiiice. My boy Erviti on the front of the peloton. David Loosli in the break, I always think he looks quite majestic on a bike. Good style. Loosli checks the route while they wait for the chase group. Mmmm steep! Kolobnev gets his tongue out as he digs deep. Then Cuddles winning the thing. Enjoy. I had no podium, sorry!
Next? Well, the next big thing is Liege-Bastogne-Liege, my personal favourite of the three! I'll try and get a proper preview of this up at some point before Friday.
So, Fleche Wallonne! I love the Ardennes. Anyway, it's 198km and sees riders starting in Charleroi and ending in Huy after some climbs and tough riding. Who'll prevail? I always find classics too hard to call because anything can happen in them. It's interesting to see if Kirchen is in form. Obviously last year's winner is now serving a drugs ban so let's not go there. That sort of means that Andy Schleck could defend his title but that hasn't happened officially yet if I'm right? Also, I believe all the riders on the start list will make it but the volcano is still causing issues so we'll see.
What actually happened? There were the usual early attacks that weren't allowed to get away, however they include Maxime Bouet, I miss seeing that boy try to breakaway! Five riders did appear to get themselves a gap after 44km raced, David Loosli (Lampre), Dimitri Champion (AG2R), Benjamin Gourgue (Landbouwkredit), Stephane Auge (Cofidis) and Giuseppe Palumbo (Acqua & Sapone). They got themselves just under a 3 minute gap with 55km raced and finally the peloton seemed happy for a break to go. Their lead quickly grew to 8 and a half minutes by the time they climbed Mur de Huy for the first time featuring lovely 9.3% gradient for a kilometre.
Their gap came down a little to 7.10 minutes as Caisse d'Epargne and Katusha began working on the front of the peloton, the five still had a healthy advantage but with lots of time for the peloton to eat it away remaining. I had to endure snooker while waiting for Eurosport to go live which was a battle to stay awake, but sadly besides the gap coming down another minute, nothing was really going on in the race. With 100km to go, the gap was down to 5.40 minutes, clearly Katusha and Caisse d'Epargne meant business.
With 84km to go, SaxoBank decided it was time to start their plan. They began putting the hammer down on the peloton with Jens Voigt, Laurent Didier and a little group of theirs began making it hard and pulling along a little group that contained Christope Moreau (Caisse d'Epargne), Chris Froome (Team Sky), Thomas De Gendt (Topsport Vlaanderen), Bakelants (Omega Pharma-Lotto) and Daniele Righi (Lampre). They had a gap but QuickStep and Caisse d'Epargne were working hard at the front of the peloton, keen not to let it go. Voigt however, had another idea. Anthon Roux (Francaise des jeux) wanted to join this group, pedalling away from the peloton in a bid to do so but not really achieving a huge gap.
The Voigt group had around 40 seconds over the peloton and the increase in pace meant that the original breakway were only 4.58 ahead of the peloton now, but still looking comfortable enough and working with each other, Auge even joking around with the cameraman.
With 71km there was a nasty crash on the corner and Dominik Roels (Milram) took down a lot of riders. One appeared to go over the iron barrier into the river, hopefully it was just the rider's bike. Several Radioshack riders went down including Popovych and there were some nasty looking injuries. Fingers crossed for all involved riders.
At 65km to go, Moreau had a puncture in the chasing group and suddenly Caisse d'Epargne began helping the peloton again, my favourite Erviti coming to the forefront to assist Katusha in their chase. The gap to the Voigt chasing group was 2.10 and to the original breakway 2.49, meaning the two breakways were soon to merge. However, the peloton were really hammering and with 61km to go, had virtually caught the Voigt group, meaning the inevitable catch was on, Voigt driving it on in an attempt to keep it going.
It was pretty early but the various attacks from the peloton had driven the pace high and the gap to the original five man breakaway was down to 1.31 minutes with 55km to go, the five knowing they'd have to work hard. The Voigt group was also caught with 55km to go.
The original breakaway found itself down to three men with Palumbo having been dropped on the climb and then loosing Gourgue but there was much activity at the front of the peloton with just over 50km to go. Sergei Ivanov (Katusha) started it by launching an extremely early attack and found himself joined by Pinotti (Columbia) , with many other riders chasing on to this group including...oh yes, Jens Voigt (SaxoBank) again! The group got closed down by SaxoBank but attacks weren't over yet. The gap to the three out front? Just 57 seconds. There were many big riders also hanging onto the back of the peloton, not as on form as you'd think. Bram Tankink (Rabobank) and Eduard Vorganov (Katusha) were the two kick-starting another move, taking Kadri (AG2R) with them. They picked up Gourgue who'd been dropped from the original break (though he lost contact pretty quickly) and Jurgen Van de Walle (Quick Step) who is always useful in a break.
The gap for the original breakaway, now just of three men, Loosli, Champion and Auge, had a bigger gap again now of 1.51 minutes and the chasing group had around 50 seconds over the peloton. The losers? Omega Pharma-Lotto, Saxo Bank and Caisse d'Epargne. The biggest teams without any riders in there, could that have been a mistake? In typical, De Gendt style, the Topsport Vlaanderen rider jumped off the front of the peloton to chase down the chase group. With 40km to go, Auge was struggling in the lead group, Loosli and Champion leaving him behind.
Having looked in trouble, or not so strong, Tony Martin (HTC-Columbia) came to the front of the peloton to start working as the flatland domestiques began to slip off the back, their work pretty much done for the day. Euskaltel-Euskadi made a move, Martinez launching off the front with Ivanov (Katusha) and Martin (HTC-Columbia) jumping straight onto his wheel, but the move ultimately came to nothing. Auge waited up and joined the chase group as back up front, Loosli and Champion continued to work together, but were sat up looking for the chase group.
A 7 man group was formed at the front of Champion, Loosli, Van de Walle, Auge, Vorganov, Tankink and Kadri and they had a very slender one minute lead over an unorganised peloton that was in pieces. The gap was halved with 38km to go, only 27 seconds and Lampre were trying to bridge across to it despite already having Loosli in it, clearly Cunego was feeling good. There were three or four riders wanting to bridge across ahead of the next climb to come, the second time on the Mur de Huy- Peter Velits (HTC-Columbia), Spezialetti (Lampre) and Kreder (Garmin) and what looked like Oscar Pereiro (Astana) trying to get away from the front of the peloton. Very unorganised at the front and still a 30 second gap to the leading group. The three who'd tried to escape had failed with Saxo Bank taking charge at the front of the peloton.
With the second ascent of the Mur de Huy looming, it was all being set up for the big guns to go for it. Rabobank were keeping their men at the front and everyone was desperate to get their desired positions at the front as the seven up front hit the climb, a minimal gap. Kadri and Auge were struggling to hang on and the peloton could see them all.
Andy Schleck (SaxoBank) was at the front of the peloton, Alberto Contador (Astana) on his wheel. Great to see a Grand Tour winner doing a classic like this and actually competing. All the big names were there as they hit the steep climb. The peloton caught most of the breakaway, the Schlecks and Contador at the very front, a lot of the big names lurking there still. 30km to go and it was really heating up as you could pretty much spot all the big names you'd except to still be there. The Schlecks sat up for a moment, the pace dropping a little as they hit ac flatter area. However, Frank Schleck decided to keep it going, opening a slight gap with Kreuziger (Liquigas) and Loosli (Lampre) there with him and Tankink (Rabobank) joining them. Then there was the select group of around 20 riders behind, Kolobnev (Katusha) keen to shut down the move- Kreuziger and the elder Schleck too dangerous to let go. The group appeared to be discussing and sitting up a little, it looked as though they may be waiting but with 27km to go, they had a very small gap over the chasers that involved Vorganov, Nordhaug, Van den Broeck, Hesjedal.
Rodriguez seemed to be having more problems. On Sunday it seemed to be form, today it seemed to be more mechanical issues as the chasing group got much bigger. In typical Kolobnev style, he charged off the front of this chasing group, aware of the imminent threat of the peloton (what was left of it) behind. No-one went with him as he attempted to shut down the 17 second gap. The Frank Schleck group had 24 seconds over the peloton containing Contador and Schleck junior as Astana put down the hammer a little to try and shut the gaps.
Poor Kolobnev had his move quashed again by Astana who were very obviously setting things up for Contador. Would you bet against their main man? He looked so unbelievably comfortable on the last climb of the Mur that it isn't unrealistic for him to shatter whatever group he's in and go for it on the last ascent of it. However, first, they'd need to close the 28 second gap that the Kreuziger/Schleck/Tankink/Loosli group had with just 19km remaining.
In the ongoing saga that is 'Robert Gesink:- Man of Bad Luck', the Dutch rider had another puncture, poor thing, he has no luck! Still, better to puncture now than later. 15km to go and the peloton had allll the big favourites at the front, Astana finally making a dent in the gap of the leaders, trimming it to 23 seconds. All being set up for an Andy Schleck v Contador duel on the Mur? I would have said that until I spotted some of the other riders creeping near the front. Cunego, Valverde, Ivanov/Kolobnev. I also finally got a shot of Cadel Evans, hadn't seen him since the start line!
Getting a slight sense of deja vu, Ivanov went on the attack again with 12km to go and a 19 second gap to the four out front. Clearly he had the legs, but perhaps too early? Too much given it's not the first attack. Either way, the peloton or rather, group of favourites, weren't entirely keen on letting it go, but the organisation had slipped a little. Tondo of Cervelo was putting the pressure on a little bit, testing the legs.
10km to go and the peloton was very strung out. The four out front had just 22 seconds and very impressive that Loosli was staying there (and comfortably) given he'd been out since km 44! Thomas De Gendt put in a little dig on the front of the peloton again, Hesjedal and Schleck monitoring it closely, but ultimately the move doing nothing. Iglinskiy was the one doing the work for Astana as Kloden appeared for Radioshack. Kolobnev put in yet another dig, Vaugrenard (Francaise des jeux) jumping onto it and Igor Anton for Euskaltel-Euskadi. They were really putting on pressure with 7km to go and 10 seconds to make up on the leading four, Loosli and Tankink getting a pretty easy ride to the climb but the gap was tiny now and bearing down. It was all leading up to a Mur de Huy showdown!
The lead group was caught by the three but the peloton were closing the gap. Who'd go? They couldn't wait. Kolobnev of course! Loosli was straight after him, Kreuziger towing Schleck and the others along with just 4km to go. Agressive as ever, would it finally pay off for Kolobnev? The gap was still small and no-one had made it to his wheel. The remnants of the breakaway were caught by the peloton leaving just Kolobnev on his own as they headed for the final climb of the day.
Euskaltel-Euskadi were doing the work, but most teams were represented near the front, Luis Leon Sanchez looking rather lively, followed by Valverde and Cunego. It was the two Caisse d'Epargne riders heading off, Sanchez chasing down Kolobnev and really upping the pace behind as the others decided they couldn't let the two Spaniards go for it. Another dig off the front once it was all back together, but he wasn't allowed to go anyway. Just 1km to go and Euskaltel decided they had to make a move, pacing Anton for the win as they entered the climb.
But out of nowhere, Kloden of Radioshack put in a very big dig at the base of the climb. He lacks that punchy climbing kick and it was interesting to see who could chase him down. Contador was lurking very closely near the front of the peloton, Gilbert and Evans around him. Kloden as predicted was caught by Anton leading the chase. Only Contador could keep with Anton, holding him off with Kreuziger trying to close them down, then Evans behind! Very exciting and very powerful riding by Igor Anton! Contaodr was still on his wheel, looking comfortable and you couldn't help but look for when Contador would make his kick and go. Bang, Contador just moved ahead of Anton, but Evans was coming up behind them. It'd be very close but could anyone shut down Contador? Evans could, the better at uphill sprints! Rodriguez also came around Contador just on the line! Wow.
The top 15:-
1) Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) 4:39:14
2) Joaquim Rodrigiuez (Katusha)
3) Alberto Contador (Astana)
4) Igor Anton (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
5) Daminao Cunego (Lampre)
6) Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto)
7) Chris Horner (Radioshack)
8) Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)
9) Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
10) Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Transitions)
11) Michael Albasini (HTC-Columbia)
12) De Waele
13) Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)
14) Christophe Le Mevel (Francaise des jeux)
15) Robert Gesink (Rabobank)
Screen shots? The first lot is posted below all of this. Features...Cuddles saying hi to the crowd. Nicolas Roche looking cool as ever. Oscar Freire, yay! Cunego's dodgy fluorescent bike. Contador looking lovely. Palumbo smiling in the breakaway for you. Thomas De Gendt, my favourite new-found rider from last year's Tour of Brit. He's awesome. Last in this lot at the bottom is the big crash. Owch!
Second lot is here. Champion's French champion kit is niiiice. My boy Erviti on the front of the peloton. David Loosli in the break, I always think he looks quite majestic on a bike. Good style. Loosli checks the route while they wait for the chase group. Mmmm steep! Kolobnev gets his tongue out as he digs deep. Then Cuddles winning the thing. Enjoy. I had no podium, sorry!
Next? Well, the next big thing is Liege-Bastogne-Liege, my personal favourite of the three! I'll try and get a proper preview of this up at some point before Friday.
After a long, long hiatus as I had too much going on with my degree work and going to football and various other things, I am nearly back. I thought the Giro was going to be my first proper comeback, but I may have to make an exception for Fleche Wallonne and then Liege-Bastogne-Liege, so err, watch this space :) I've thoroughly missed doing this blog. Ohh and if I get time on Wednesday, the Tour of Britain route is announced and since I'm planning to do the whole thing (maybe barring the last stage, ugh) I'll let you know what it looks like and who it might suit :D
I missed Tuesday, so as an apology and to try and make up for it, I'm combining the two. Clearly I'm still feeling very Belgian at the moment, because last week I used Keisse and this week I've found another Belgian. He's been on the list to go on this section for a while, but I'm finally getting round to doing it, so yeah.
For those who care, he does a pretty good team shot too! Though this years one isn't quite as good as last years. Well minus this.
I think he has pretty eyes too. Bluuee! Not bad facial features.
And also, the reason he's Thursday Thighs! I first noticed them during Vuelta a Burgos. Can't imagine why.. Podium shots are also tasty. See what I mean? Wow. And in spirit of cyclocross, a mud covered Maes. Also, he holds his own against Cancellara in terms of thighs!
The pic used below is by
For those who care, he does a pretty good team shot too! Though this years one isn't quite as good as last years. Well minus this.
I think he has pretty eyes too. Bluuee! Not bad facial features.
And also, the reason he's Thursday Thighs! I first noticed them during Vuelta a Burgos. Can't imagine why.. Podium shots are also tasty. See what I mean? Wow. And in spirit of cyclocross, a mud covered Maes. Also, he holds his own against Cancellara in terms of thighs!
The pic used below is by
I seem to be having to do these waaaay too often! Ok, first things first. No entries on Friday or over the weekend? I had a car crash. A lorry went into the side of me on the M1, didn't stop and has basically totalled my car give or take a thousand pounds of the car's value. Thus I've had a lot to deal with.
Second excuse is that my uni work is seriously piling up and I'm really concentrating on that. I'm not taking a total hiatus from this blog, but the entries will be more sporadic, so just check back regularly and stuff will pop up. If this was cycling season I'd definitely make time for the blog, but with things slow and it being off-season I think it's a good time to have a quieter period. But fear not, I'll be doing a Thursday Thighs tomorrow, and since I entirely forgot to do Tuesday Totty yesterday I shall be combining the two.
Friday should also give me time to blog so perhaps I can wrap up anything I've seen, heard or read. Until tomorrow, please consider me a studious student rather than a blog failure. I'm also doing a blog for my uni, plus research, plus photo taking, plus lectures and these past few days they've had to take priority.
Second excuse is that my uni work is seriously piling up and I'm really concentrating on that. I'm not taking a total hiatus from this blog, but the entries will be more sporadic, so just check back regularly and stuff will pop up. If this was cycling season I'd definitely make time for the blog, but with things slow and it being off-season I think it's a good time to have a quieter period. But fear not, I'll be doing a Thursday Thighs tomorrow, and since I entirely forgot to do Tuesday Totty yesterday I shall be combining the two.
Friday should also give me time to blog so perhaps I can wrap up anything I've seen, heard or read. Until tomorrow, please consider me a studious student rather than a blog failure. I'm also doing a blog for my uni, plus research, plus photo taking, plus lectures and these past few days they've had to take priority.
It's Thursday, I just got drenched in the rain, so what am I going to do? Cheer myself up with some Thursday Thighs! Today's offering is cyclo-cross' biggest star right now, also known as World Champion Niels Albert.
Oh yes. Don't be fooled by his size, he might be slender but his thighs aren't worth missing. I personally think this one could sum them up best! It could be they're so appealing because they're covered in mud but I'll let you decide on whether that's the case or not. Gotta love the tan! Gotta love podium legs.
Also, there shall be no blogging from me on Saturday as I am attending Revolution! Cue much squealing and photo-taking, thus I should have a write-up and a heap load of pics to add from it on Sunday when I get back to Leicester. I'm super excited because not only does the line-up contain home riders like Ben Swift, Dean Downing and so many more, they've also added Iljo Keisse to the list! Yes, my Tuesday Totty from this week will be within photographing distance so I'll be going for it.
Oh yes. Don't be fooled by his size, he might be slender but his thighs aren't worth missing. I personally think this one could sum them up best! It could be they're so appealing because they're covered in mud but I'll let you decide on whether that's the case or not. Gotta love the tan! Gotta love podium legs.
Also, there shall be no blogging from me on Saturday as I am attending Revolution! Cue much squealing and photo-taking, thus I should have a write-up and a heap load of pics to add from it on Sunday when I get back to Leicester. I'm super excited because not only does the line-up contain home riders like Ben Swift, Dean Downing and so many more, they've also added Iljo Keisse to the list! Yes, my Tuesday Totty from this week will be within photographing distance so I'll be going for it.
