Official thread: Giro d'Italia

[BroDeal]

Bruyneel teams are normally masters of energy managment.

There is a euphemism I have not heard before.

 

[DenisMenchov]

I think Denis is no1 favourite for this one we have 60km long ITT and he`ll send Di Luca to at least 1 and a half minute behind him. He`ll also do some damage to Sastre, maybe lose some time Levi and Rogers but they can`t do anything in 84km uphill stage, so my money on Menchov.

 

[Anonymous]

There is a euphemism I have not heard before.

i think you are just upset that astana didn't take the bait again today.
di luca won.. made some time... but it won't matter a bit because he's going to lose 3 to 5 minutes in the time trial.
the only threat now to levi is basso, and that only if he TT's way better than he has already this year.

 

[Zoncolan]

i think you are just upset that astana didn't take the bait again today.
di luca won.. made some time... but it won't matter a bit because he's going to lose 3 to 5 minutes in the time trial.
the only threat now to levi is basso, and that only if he TT's way better than he has already this year.

So Menchov hasn't impressed you then?
Before the Giro started, I thought Basso, Levi and Menchov were equal favorites, but the more racing I see, I feel Levi will lose time in the climbs. Stages to Monte Petrano and Vesuvius will be telling.

 

[UniSports]

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Stage 11

 

[BroDeal]

So Menchov hasn't impressed you then?

Some "fans" only know about riders who race for the Hog--or used to race for him.

 

[ingsve]

some "fans" only know about riders who race for the hog--or used to race for him.

qft...........

 

[Delicato]

Just watched italian TV, seems like Liquigas management is counting on Pelli, not on Basso-odd for me, really.

As for who is the main threat to Levi- Menchov, of course. Rogers, perhaps. Basso is not on the same gear as he was back in 2006.

Armstrong finished in Basso's group today and is in form right now...gosh, what would happen on Tour? really don't wanna see im win.

 

[ingsve]

Just watched italian TV, seems like Liquigas management is counting on Pelli, not on Basso-odd for me, really.

As for who is the main threat to Levi- Menchov, of course. Rogers, perhaps. Basso is not on the same gear as he was back in 2006.

Armstrong finished in Basso's group today and is in form right now...gosh, what would happen on Tour? really don't wanna see im win.

If I were to rate the favourites right now it would look something like

1 Levi
2 Menchov
3 Di Luca
4 Sastre
5 Basso/Pellizotti depending on who backs who...

Rogers is not a threat for the top 3. He will make some time on the pure climbers in the TTs but he has been one of the first to drop in most climbs out of the odds on favourites.

 

[screaming fist]

I don't think Liquigas has already settled on one leader - Today Pellizotti gave it a go, Basso will do so another day. I guess they're try to keep both captain within podium's reach for as long as possible. The time trial might change the situation but as long they have both riders in top spots they'll be shooting both guns. Just like Sastre took advantage of having a team mate in yellow in the Alpe d'Huez stage in last year's Tour de France.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Great win for DiLuca, attacked at just the right moments, and made all the right moves. Stage 12 is going to be a real test for him though.

Those wondering how well Levi descended had their answer today - average. Most all the time by DiLuca, also Sastre and Pelozotti was made up on the descent as much as the climb.

Perhaps a telling scene was that when DiLuca attacked, it again looked like Menchov was on the verge of being dropped, but he hung in there. The issue however is that there were no big climbs today. Sestriere was just long and the riders just used it to slowly wear on each other. The only real telling climb was 3km from the finish where DiLuca attacked, and it was fatigue, and ability to descend, that determined fate.

I don't know that I'd say this stage shows Lance was "in form" enough to win the Tour. There were still no serious or steep climbs today. The stage was just bloody long, and he followed the right wheels.

I have to say once again I am completely sick and tired of having camera crews constantly follow Lance. We probably had as many shots of him as Di Luca. When Di Luca attacked and the splits were formed, instead of having crews follow Di Luca, then the Sastre/Menchov/Pelozotti group, then the Basso/Leipheimer/Soler group, we went back and forth with every other shot on Lance, with the announce reminding us where Lance was, and even confusing Levi for Lance at times.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Does anyone know what all the statues and awards Garzelli was receiving at the end? I know the Maglia Verde jersey, of course, and one award was the Cima Coppi, but he was on the podium two other times as well with rewards, before one more for DiLuca.

 

[Mellow Velo]

If Levi rides the ITT course like he rode today, he won't be taking 5 minutes from any contender.
Any gains made on the few flat sections and moderate inclines will be lost, decending like a bag of wet cement.

I had thought the Astana power junkies would blitz the field. Now, I'm not so sure.
I also bet they're all losing sleep dwelling on the fact that from Saturday, they face stage after stage like todays, with "killer" parcours.



Garzelli? Most aggressive rider thingy?

 

[benpounder]

Those wondering how well Levi descended had their answer today - average. Most all the time by DiLuca, also Sastre and Pelozotti was made up on the descent as much as the climb.

Actually the only one that made up any time on the climb was Pellizotti - and not much. DiiLuca summited with Menchov, Sastre, Basso, Garzelli, Leipheimer, Arroyo, and Soler. Rogers, Simoni, and several others had already fallen of the back. Levi made a tactical error(?) of not hanging on to Arroyo who was following Sastre and Menchov once DiLuca went Franz Klammer.

instead... we went back and forth with every other shot on Lance, with the announce reminding us where Lance was, and even confusing Levi for Lance at times.

Mixing up Rogers and Lovkvist as well. And how many others were screaming at the screen when the commentator kept on saying that liquigas was on the attack - for goodness sake man, Pellizotti is one of the most recognizable riders in the peloton!

 

[Escarabajo]

If I were to rate the favourites right now it would look something like

1 Levi
2 Menchov
3 Di Luca
4 Sastre
5 Basso/Pellizotti depending on who backs who...

Rogers is not a threat for the top 3. He will make some time on the pure climbers in the TTs but he has been one of the first to drop in most climbs out of the odds on favourites.

Based on what I have seen so far:

1- Di Luca: Too many more stages that suit him
2- Sastre: Becareful with this killer
3- Menchov: Tends to fade towards the end or third week.
4- Levi: Will gain on the TT. But he needs more help from his Daddy
5- Basso: I am sticking with my initial predition. Lack of depth after two years of not competing at high level.
6- Pellizoti: History don't help him

 

[benpounder]

According to the results, Garzelli in addition to claiming Mountain jersey out right also won the days T.V., Most combative, and Trofeo Fuga Cervelo classifications - I've no Idea what the TV and Trofeo are...

But then, I never understood the InterGiro either.

 

[benpounder]

Based on what I have seen so far:

1- Di Luca: Too many more stages that suit him
2- Sastre: Becareful with this killer
3- Menchov: Tends to fade towards the end or third week.
4- Levi: Will gain on the TT. But he needs more help from his Daddy
5- Basso: I am sticking with my initial predition. Lack of depth after two years of not competing at high level.
6- Pellizoti: History don't help him

1. DiLuca is riding impressively - really impressively.
2. Menchov - ridestrong for Horillo
3. Leipehimer - unlike Rogers, Sastre or Lovkvist has not been caught out on the climbs - will lose time to Menchov and DiLuca in the long TT.
4. Rogers
5. Sastre - remaining climbs dont suit his strengths, no team to protect him.
6. Pellizotti - will lose time in the TT's but make it up in the uphills
7. Basso - refuses to relinquish team leadership, but cant back it up
8. Simoni - battles back on the few remaining steep climbs
9. Arroyo - continues to cling with the top climbers
10. Horner - forced to ride really strong to protect Levi

I hope I am wrong!

 

[Mokky75]

I'm Loving it

Its all go, Di Luca at Boom time, wearing il Rosa!! Basso and Pellizoti- could it be any better- YES

I love the Dolce & Gabbana "rosa", the towels around the neck on the podium, I bet there is some fruit based cologne eminating from the Podium, and not from the "Ladies" either, from the Killer!!!!!

I just love Italy and all its passion

I just love Cycling and how it captures emotion

I just love Cycling, whoever wins

Cycling- Boom Time

 

[titan_90]

Based on what I have seen so far:

1- Di Luca: Too many more stages that suit him
2- Sastre: Becareful with this killer
3- Menchov: Tends to fade towards the end or third week.
4- Levi: Will gain on the TT. But he needs more help from his Daddy
5- Basso: I am sticking with my initial predition. Lack of depth after two years of not competing at high level.
6- Pellizoti: History don't help him

So far I would have to agree. I must admit I figured that Di Luca would be in the top 5 but not be on the podium this year let alone have a chance to win overall. However there is still 11 days left so anything could still happen. I have always liked Di Luca for his aggressiveness.

 

[cineteq]

You also need to consider the team around your favorite.
Who has the best team to support your favorite?
I'll use that filter.

These are the only riders with a real chance to win the 2009 Giro:

1. Leipheimer (Astana)
2. Pellizoti/Basso (Liquigas)
3. Rogers (Columbia)
4. Satre (Saxo Bank)

Sorry but Di Luca, Menchov are out.

 

[benpounder]

You also need to consider the team around your favorite.
Who has the best team to support your favorite?
I'll use that filter.

Sure teams matter, but if the top rider cant perform, that is irrelevant.

 

[ingsve]

3. Leipehimer - unlike Rogers, Sastre or Lovkvist has not been caught out on the climbs - will lose time to Menchov and DiLuca in the long TT.

This made me chuckle. You seriously think Levi will lose time to Di Luca in the TT?

 

[Escarabajo]

You also need to consider the team around your favorite.
Who has the best team to support your favorite?
I'll use that filter.

These are the only riders with a real chance to win the 2009 Giro:

1. Leipheimer (Astana)
2. Pellizoti/Basso (Liquigas)
3. Rogers (Columbia)
4. Satre (Saxo Bank)

Sorry but Di Luca, Menchov are out.

If you mean "Sastre" instead of "Satre" then He is riding for the Cervelo Team and not the Saxo Bank. The only top rider riding for the Saxo Bank at this moment is Lars Ytting Bak (Den) who is 36 on General Standings.

Interesting point of view. I am not sure I agree on picking the GC based on teams. But well, we'll see.

 

[cineteq]

If you mean "Sastre" instead of "Satre" then He is riding for the Cervelo Team and not the Saxo Bank. The only top rider riding for the Saxo Bank at this moment is Lars Ytting Bak (Den) who is 36 on General Standings.

Oops, am I still in 2008?
Sastre is out then.

1. Leipheimer (Astana)
2. Pellizoti/Basso (Liquigas)
3. Rogers (Columbia)

The top teams will attack Di Luca, relentless, if he's still contention after the ITT.

 

[benpounder]

This made me chuckle. You seriously think Levi will lose time to Di Luca in the TT?

If you have Google Earth, go to here and click on the link labeled "View Stage 12 in Google Earth". Zoom in as close as resolution will allow and follow both downhill sections from start to finish.

Today, I wondered if Levi got caught behind slowpokes, but looking closely at the video, Levi let the gap form (he was leading Basso, Garzelli and Soler) when DiLuca took off. (Menchov, Sastre, and Arroyo were able to cling on.)

Thursday's ITT is not the typical diesel engine test track, not even close. It has a modest climb followed by a modest false flat (roads that you could us a TT bike) but the first downhill is beautiful, twisty, narrow, and steep beast - 8.4km (the kind of road I love to ride, both up and down). There is another modest uphill followed by a modest downhill... but with some nasty switchbacks here and there.

Given what I saw today, Levi will not be able to use his strength, whereas DiLuca will. That said, I think it is Menchov's to lose.

But I could be mistaken.

I am mistaken - but thus far, only about my course discription - I'll edit again shortly.

OK, Course details are:
2.8km @ +0.21%
15.8km@ +3.82%
7.5km @ +0.05%
8.4km @ -7.29%
2.5km @ +1.32%
7.5km @ +6.80%
10.2km @ -0.76%
4.5km @ -7.24%
1.4km @ +5.71%

Two false flats followed by two twisty steep downhills...