2012 Giro d'Italia, May 23rd, stage 17: Falzes → Cortina D'Ampezzo, 186 Kms

[Libertine Seguros]

Given the negative language trend, a climb straight from the start and Katusha's reluctance (well, everybody's reluctance, really) to control the race, I really fancy the chances of a big break forming, the best of whom go all the way.

Folks like Bruseghin, Bakelandts, Txurruka......well, you could pick a dozen more out of a hat.

I'd like to see young Tom the Butcher get out there. He's almost 11 minutes down, so no problemo.

In fact, we may have a second break try and join the first.

Androni will definitely fire men up the road. The only question is who........

I'll hazard a guess at Rubiano and Sella.

Rubiano, Golas and Amador to try to make the break in search of mountains points. Rabottini too, if he's recovered from his epic ride on Sunday.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

How long will Rujano ride in front before being caught and spat out the back, and will Ryo disappear for a few days, make excuses, or (lol) face reality?

 

[hrotha]

How long will Rujano ride in front before being caught and spat out the back, and will Ryo disappear for a few days, make excuses, or (lol) face reality?

I hear Rujano had a slight fever.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

I hear Rujano had a slight fever.

Yeah, and his sisters neighbour just had a clavus removed last week - not exactly the optimal conditions for Rujano to be competitive in. Also, I think it rained in Venezuela a few days ago so that obviously bothers him a lot and he must be mentally absent for sure.

 

[Sasquatch]

De Clercq to win from breakaway

 

[Frosty]

A few people have decided enough is enough.

Bos and Impey are both DNS - i thought they might have a chance to be involved in the finale tomorrow so bit of a shame there

Kennaugh has already retired after 7km apparently although other sources say he didnt take to the start. Whatever, Sky are down to 7 riders through the rest of the race. Could affect their ability to control it tomorrow as there are only 4 other than Uran, Henao and Cavendish.

http://skysports.html.infostradaspo...D=0&LayoutCode=1073741843&Cache=4&Framesize=2

Thats assuming that info is correct - yesterday someone was down as a DNS but then appeared in the breakaway.

 

[Martina]

if he is still there after giau he will surely attack in downhil. kreuziger is a great downhiller and it's his only chance. but no worries. he sucks as much as every year and he won't be a factor for podium and possibly even top 5

Ryo, good to have you back
Once Kokoso will see this, we will have a fight

 

[Zam_Olyas]

 

[glassmoon]

can't understand a word italian but this guy on rai-tv is apparently chatting with ponies.
as for today, i think kreuziger will be dropped

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

rujano interviewed this morning. he again has throat infection thanks to the cold and rain

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

Does anybody know whether Hesjedal can downhill?

Joaquin is pretty bad at downhill right?

 

[Gloin22]

Does anybody know whether Hesjedal can downhill?

Joaquin is pretty bad at downhill right?

Hesjedal is quite awesome an downhiling, he's a former mountain biker so he's very good. Much better than any other GC contender imo.

Joaquin is decent, not great but not best.

 

[jens_attacks]

rujano interviewed this morning. he again has throat infection thanks to the cold and rain

god damn it,i hope he will never ride the giro only if it moves in august or something jezuz...it was expected but still what a disappointment

 

[Pharazon]

one thing i'd just love to see one day, and that would be the grupetto going downhill, struggling to make the time cut... see how they actually do it

 

[Lexman]

De Clercq to win from breakaway

you're still full of hope ?

 

[Frosty]

Bille of Lotto also retires.

Group of 20 got away but then were reeled back in.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Hesjedal is quite awesome an downhiling, he's a former mountain biker so he's very good. Much better than any other GC contender imo.

Joaquin is decent, not great but not best.

kreuziger is pretty good also.

 

[Lexman]

kreuziger is pretty good also.

he'll need to get back with the main group

 

[Lexman]

Bille of Lotto also retires.

That's a pity since he was riding quite welll for his first year, won the GP Pino Cerami

 

[kanari]

I remember Hesjedal doing a really good downhill in California a couple years back. Or was it last year? He attacked with one other guy who I can't remember but who really struggled to keep up with Ryder. Also did well when he was caught by EBH and Thor on the descent to Gap last year when he had no difficulties staying with those two who are among the best descenders in the peloton.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

Plan for liquigas try to keep someone in the break.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

he'll need to get back with the main group

If this is raced properly there wont be a main group.

Also Hesjedal will too.

 

[Lexman]

If this is raced properly there wont be a main group.

Also Hesjedal will too.

i mean with main group the group (even it's only 3 or 4 riders) of GC riders, Kreueziger will use all he can on the descend to get back after he had to let them go on the ascent

 

[FellOff]

Rambo Rabottini having another go - hope he doesn't fall off.

 

[Frosty]

5 riders have a lead of a minute

37 Seeldraeyers (BEL, AST) +14:57
148 Samoilav (BLR, MOV) +47:45
74 Rabottini (ITA, FAR) +53:57
18 Montaguti (ITA, ALM) +1:27:14
22 Serpa (COL, AND) +1:57:11

http://skysports.html.infostradaspo...D=0&LayoutCode=1073741843&Cache=4&Framesize=2

Have put £1 on Samoilau for the mountain stages thus far but forgot to do so today