2010 Vuelta al Pais Vasco

[Bala Verde]

Did you hear that on Sporza by any chance? About their kids playing together in a hotel lobby somewhere? The way Wuyts told that story made it sound like they were in Al Qaeda.

hehe, yep. The best source for cycling related anecdotes (in absence of the great Jean 'trivial cycling facts collector' Nelissen)

 

[Aguirre]

nothing to compare to yesterday, freire had enough space, but not the legs, the finish was uphill where the stronger allways wins, as valverde is

sorry for the anti-valverde crowd

 

[luckyboy]

Retirement Shack leading the team classement

 

[ak-zaaf]

nothing to compare to yesterday, freire had enough space, but not the legs, the finish was uphill where the stronger allways wins, as valverde is

sorry for the anti-valverde crowd

I kind of agree.

 

[Bala Verde]

nothing to compare to yesterday, freire had enough space, but not the legs, the finish was uphill where the stronger allways wins, as valverde is

sorry for the anti-valverde crowd

Certainly true, it didn't look like Freire was ever going to pass Valverde anymore, even if the road had continued for another 2k.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Freire did shake Valverde's hand before having words, so I don't know if it's bad blood, but there is definitely a very clear point being made by his pointedly stating that he won't protest. Then again, with there being a corner on the run-in today, perhaps it's more easily explicable than yesterday's, which had a straighter run-in. Also, it looks like Valverde would have had it sewn up regardless; Magnus Backstedt did say that, on second view, there's probably slightly less in it than there was yesterday, and he agrees with most of us that yesterday didn't merit a demotion (especially if Boasson Hagen's Abdoujaparov tribute at Tirreno didn't merit one!).

 

[luckyboy]

I'd have to see it again, but I thought it looked like Freire could've got past until piti's back wheel almost knocked into Oscar.

 

[The Sheep]

I'd have to see it again, but I thought it looked like Freire could've got past until piti's back wheel almost knocked into Oscar.

I think that was Gesink

 

[theyoungest]

Class by Freire: "I won't protest, because it is the same sprint as yesterday". Making his point to the jury and sore loser Valverde as well

Classy. Although there's no way he was going to win that sprint, even if he hadn't been slightly obstructed.

 

[Mellow Velo]

sorry for the anti-valverde crowd

Nothing to do with the sprint. The correct result.
However, in all honesty, there shouldn't be a pro Valverde crowd, at the moment.
He's out there riding, sticking up two fingers, to the sport.

Appalling behaviour from Caisse to allow it.

Retirement Shack leading the team classement

They certainly are hitting their season's goals!

 

[theyoungest]

I think that was Gesink

Huh? No it wasn't.

 

[Moondance]

Interesting... Valverde (and Freire) have been recorded as having a 1 second lead over the rest of that group. Don't remember looking for it, but was there really a second there? Another 'helping hand' by the race organizers maybe? Every second helps in a decisive TT after all

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

It definately was Martens, is also logical because Martens is more of a sprinter and finished 10th also.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Interesting... Valverde (and Freire) have been recorded as having a 1 second lead over the rest of that group. Don't remember looking for it, but was there really a second there? Another 'helping hand' by the race organizers maybe? Every second helps in a decisive TT after all

Don't worry, Valverde will win regardless.

 

[Moondance]

Don't worry, Valverde will win regardless.

Of course... The powers that be have already decided that.

Although if there were bonification seconds awards for this race I imagine the Rabo direction would've told Freire that he better damn well protest and that he'll like it.

 

[Moondance]

Tomorrow's race looks like it'll be a bunch sprint as well (barring breakaways or late escapees)... Who takes the rubber match? Piti or Freire?

 

[luckyboy]

Freire to do a Bos on Valverde anyone?

 

[theyoungest]

Tomorrow's race looks like it'll be a bunch sprint as well (barring breakaways or late escapees)... Who takes the rubber match? Piti or Freire?

It seems like Valverde is trying to win all stages and the GC (obviously). He could pull it off. The TT will be the hardest, although it's a climby one.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

But you'd think it would be in their interests not to have the yellow jersey after one stage, since there are no time bonuses. Freire isn't likely to compete on the MTF, so why not let Rabo burn their men for a while defending the jersey while the Caisse guys get some respite?

 

[Angliru]

I thought it was alright tbh.

A note: Why are they all sitting on their top tubes? Seats too high for feet to reach the ground?

They're embarrassed to reveal the beige part that makes it look like they're wearing chaps and nothing else. Reminds me of the outfit Prince had on during one of his performances that had his booty somewhat exposed. If I weren't at work I'd take the time to find a photo because I know all of you want to see Prince's bootay.

 

[Jamsque]

But you'd think it would be in their interests not to have the yellow jersey after one stage, since there are no time bonuses. Freire isn't likely to compete on the MTF, so why not let Rabo burn their men for a while defending the jersey while the Caisse guys get some respite?

Just a guess, but it may have something to do with Valverde's ego being out of control and his desire to make a point prior to getting banned from the sport for two years.

 

[luckyboy]

Just a guess, but it may have something to do with Valverde's ego being out of control and his desire to make a point prior to getting banned from the sport for two years.

I don't know what would be better..

1. To have his Italian ban extended and for the world ban to run out at the same time as the Italian one would've, thus wiping all of his results (including this) since the Italian ban started.
2. To not have him in cycling for two long years (but he gets to keep all his fraudulent results).

Hmmm..

 

[Libertine Seguros]

and of course, because Caisse need a new sponsor, they need as many wins and high profile showings as they can. The neverending Valverde case is likely to be a problem point for getting a sponsor, so they may as well milk him for all the money and victories he's worth while he's still there.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

They're embarrassed to reveal the beige part that makes it look like they're wearing chaps and nothing else. Reminds me of the outfit Prince had on during one of his performances that had his booty somewhat exposed. If I weren't at work I'd take the time to find a photo because I know all of you want to see Prince's bootay.

If you don't love Prince, you have no soul.

 

[Angliru]

If you don't love Prince, you have no soul.

I happen to be a huge Prince fan by the way!