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Ronda al Pais Mexicano 2012 (Fantasy Tour)

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Because I had fun doing this last year, I decided to bring it back again this year. For those of you who didn't stumble upon it last year, the 2011 race is here. This is a fantasy tour I created upon seeing Jobiwan's Tour of American and Lupetto's fantasy Giro using the tracks4bikers program.

I'll have the startlist and route up shortly.
 
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The startlist

Team Sky (GBR)

1. Michael Rogers (AUS)
2. Christian Knees (GER)
3. Danny Pate (USA)
4. Chris Sutton (AUS)
5. Xabier Zandio (ESP)
6. Lars Petter Nordhaug (NOR)
7. Davide Appollonio (ITA)
8. Thomas Lofkvist (SWE)

Colombia-Coldeportes (COL)

11. Esteban Chavez (COL)
12. Juan Pablo Suarez (COL)
13. Luis Felipe Laverde (COL)
14. Carlos Quintero (COL)
15. Fabio Duarte (COL)
16. Victor Hugo Peña (COL)
17. Jeffrey Romero (COL)
18. Darwin Atapuma (COL)

Garmin-Sharp (USA)

21. Peter Stetina (USA)
22. Heinrich Haussler (AUS)
23. Fabian Wegmann (GER)
24. Sebastien Rosseler (BEL)
25. Nathan Haas (AUS)
26. Dave Zabriskie (USA)
27. Martijn Maaskant (NED)
28. Christophe Le Mevel (FRA)

Canels Turbo (MEX)

31. Victor Manuel Garcia (ESP)
32. Jose Alfredo Aguirre (MEX)
33. Florencio Ramos (MEX)
34. Sergio Zamudio (MEX)
35. Gregorio Ladino (COL)
36. Calixto Flores (MEX)
37. Jose Ramon Aguirre (MEX)
38. Carlos Lopez (MEX)

Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela (ITA)

41. Miguel Ubeto (VEN)
42. Miguel Angel Rubiano (COL)
43. Carlos Jose Ochoa (VEN)
44. Roberto Ferrari (ITA)
45. Franco Pellizotti (ITA)
46. Jonathan Monslave (VEN)
47. Jose Serpa (COL)
48. Jose Rujano (VEN)

Radioshack-Nissan (LUX)

51. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN)
52. Andreas Kloden (GER)
53. Linus Gerdemann (GER)
54. Yaroslav Popovych (UKR)
55. Laurent Didier (LUX)
56. Robert Wagner (GER)
57. Ben Hermans (BEL)
58. Jan Bakelants (BEL)

Jelly Belly (USA)

61. Luis Enrique Lemus (MEX)
62. Ricardo Van Der Velde (NED)
63. Sean Mazich (USA)
64. Nic Hamilton (CAN)
65. Sergio Hernandez (USA)
66. Brad Huff (USA)
67. Jeremy Powers (USA)
68. Emerson Oronte (USA)

Seleccion de Cuba (CUB)

71. Arnold Alcolea (CUB)
72. Ruben Campanioni (CUB)
73. Yasmini Martinez (CUB)
74. Yennier Lopez (CUB)
75. Pedro Pertuondo (CUB)
76. Ramon Lazaro (CUB)
77. Pedro Siliba (CUB)
78. Alayn Gonzales (CUB)

Competitive Cyclist (USA)

81. Francisco Mancebo (ESP)
82. Thomas Rabou (NED)
83. Cesar Grajales (COL)
84. Michael Olheiser (USA)
85. Phil Grenfell (USA)
86. Chad Beyer (AUS)
87. Max Jenkins (USA)
88. Tommy Nankervis (AUS)

Movistar Continental (COL)

91. Oscar Soliz (BOL)
92. Ramon Carretero (PAN)
93. Luis Fernando Macias (MEX)
94. Ignacio Sarabia (MEX)
95. Freddy Montaña (COL)
96. Luis Pasamontes (ESP)
97. Byron Guama (ECU)
98. Gregory Brenes (CRC)

Jamis-Sutter Home (USA)

101. Tyler Wren (USA)
102. Luis Amaran (CUB)
103. Kyle Wamsley (USA)
104. Anibal Borrajo (ARG)
105. Alejandro Borrajo (ARG)
106. Jamey Driscoll (USA)
107. Peter Van Dijk (NED)
108. Jose Fernando Antogna (ARG)

GW-Shimano (COL)

111. Felix Cardenas (COL)
112. Jaime Suaza (COL)
113. Jairo Salas (COL)
114. Daniel Rincon (COL)
115. Oscar Sanchez (COL)
116. Jonathan Millan (COL)
117. Jesus Montoya (COL)
118. Fidel Chacon (COL)

UnitedHealthcare (USA)

121. Rory Sutherland (AUS)
122. Philip Deignan (IRE)
123. Jeff Louder (USA)
124. Jason MacCartney (USA)
125.Marc De Maar (AHO)
126. Boy Van Poppel (NED)
127. Jake Keough (USA)
128. Davide Frattini (ITA)

Empacadora San Marcos (MEX)

131. Jose Robledo (MEX)
132. Miguel Luis Alvarez (MEX)
133. Alejandro Morales (MEX)
134. Jorge Pancoatl (MEX)
135. Edgardo Lugo (MEX)
136. Uriel Chavez (MEX)
137. Irving Aguilar (MEX)
138. Uri Martins (MEX)

Seleccion de Mexico (MEX)

141. Bernardo Colex (MEX)
142. Hector Hugo Rangel (MEX)
143. Ignacio Torres (MEX)
144. Frabirzio Von Nacher (MEX)
145. Sergio Escutia (MEX)
146. Juan Aldapa (MEX)
147. Ivan Carbajal (MEX)
148. Ulises Castillo (MEX)

Astana (KAZ)

151. Paolo Tiralongo (ITA)
152. Enrico Gasparotto (ITA)
153. Valentin Iglinskiy (KAZ)
154. Tanel Kangert (EST)
155. Andrey Zeits (KAZ)
156. Assan Bazayev (KAZ)
157. Dimitriy Muravyev (KAZ)
158. Simone Ponzi (ITA)

EPM-UNE (COL

161. Giovanny Baez (COL)
162. Rafael Infantino (COL)
163. Mauricio Ortega (COL)
164. Isaac Bolivar (COL)
165. Eduard Beltran (COL)
166. Ribogzon Oyola (COL)
167. Ivan Parra (COL)
168. Walter Pedraza (COL)

Tennis Stars (MEX)

171. Juan Pablo Magallanes (MEX)
172. Ricardo Torres (MEX)
173. Daniel Cano (MEX)
174. Franciso Matamoros (MEX)
175. Ignacio Prado (MEX)
176. Andres Sanchez (MEX)
177. Luis Javier Picaso (MEX)
178. Jose Andres Sanchez (MEX)

Rabobank (NED)

181. Wilco Kelderman (NED)
182. Marc Goos (NED)
183. Paul Martens (GER)
184. Tom Leezer (NED)
185. Maarten Tjallingii (NED)
186. Rick Flens (NED)
187. Juan Manuel Garate (NED)
188. Stef Clement (NED)

Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)

191. Jesse Anthony (USA)
192. Tom Zirbel (USA)
193. Ken Hanson (USA)
194. Andrew Bajadali (USA)
195. Michael Creed (USA)
196. Michael Friedman (USA)
197. Scott Zwizanski (USA)
198. Alex Candelario (USA)
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 1: Hidalgo, Coahuila 93.2 Kms

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The 2012 edition of the Ronda al Pais Mexicano started with a circuit in the city of Hidalgo today. This offered the fast men in the race a chance to don the leader's jersey in the first few days of the race.

A 9.32km circuit, the riders went round the course 10 time before finishing on the day.

The Mexican riders rode the circuit aggressively. Movistar's Ignacio Sarabia was the hard man of the day, driving at the front with his three other breakaway companions with 5 laps to go. Only he and Competitive Cyclist's Thomas Rabou were the survivors of a dying breakaway in the final two laps. Once caught, the blue jerseys of United Healthcare took charge of the front, looking to set up their sprinter Jake Keough for the win. But as the final turn that would guide the riders into the finish line, a crash that took out several riders including Androni's Jose Rujano shook up the organization in the pack. Leadout train's were now disorganized, some sprinters isolated, using riders in front of them as their leadout instead of their own teammates.

Optum's Ken Hanson won the first stage of the Ronda. The work that United Healthcare did may not have gone to waste as Jake Keough was second on the day.

Maarten Tjallingii said that the turns on the course, and the speed and risks taken by the sprinters team resulted in the crash. He was one of the ones caught in the pileup. As the victims of the crash came rolling in one by one, nobody looked severely hurt. Some had some road rash with their kits torn, but there looked to be nothing broken. Unfortunately for Rujano, the crash took place outside the final 3 kilometers and lost time. It's not a great way for him to start the race where he finished 6th overall last year. But Androni has brought a pretty stacked squad, so they have other cards to play in terms of the general classification.

Stage Results and GC

1. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
2. Jake Keough UnitedHealthcare
3. Anibal Borrajo Jamis-Sutter Home
4. Luis Fernando Macias Movistar
5. Arnold Alcolea Seleccion de Cuba
6. Jairo Salas GW-Shimano
7. Tom Leezer Rabobank
8. Jeffery Romero Colombia-Coldeportes
9. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
10. Laurent Didier Radioshack-Nissan

Jose Rujano Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela :2:31
Darwin Atapuma Colombia-Coldeportes 2:33

Leader's Jersey (White) Ken Hanson
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Ken Hanson
Best Young Rider (Blue) Jeffry Romero
Most Combative Rider Ignacio Sarabia
 
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Armchair cyclist said:
I've seen, but not closely followed, such threads before. Are the "results" purely down to the imagination of the author, is there some sort of simulation programme being used here?

The imagination of the author.
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 2: Pachuca de Soto - Apizaco 165.33 Kms

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Last year, the Ronda was missing a stage win from a Mexican rider. It may have been partly due to their low numbers. But with a bigger presence in this year's race, a stage win as more likely to happen. But who knew it would come this early?

Prior to the start of the race, there were mixed opinions on how the race would finish. Some said a sprint, others said it was a stage suited to a punchier rider. Race leader Ken Hanson looked at ease, his Optum team keeping him sheltered, keeping the break up front on check.

It was for the second day in a row that the race didn't finish in a true bunch sprint. Towards the end of the stage, the Mexican rider Jose Ramon Aguirre riding for Canels Turbo broke away from the main group. Aguirre put in his track experience to work, pushing hard on his pedals. He would eventually build a lead of 12 seconds on. Optum and Sky worked in unison to reel the rider in blue back in. Knowing that these moves usually end up with the attacker getting caught within the final two kilometers, nobody expected Aguirre to actually cross the line in first place, free from the charging peloton. Androni's Roberto Ferrari crossed the line in second place, while race leader Ken Hanson rounded out the podium in third, but he also lost his time in the leader's jersey. Given that there are no time bonuses, Aguirre's two second gap now made him the new leader of the race, but Hanson did managed to keep the point jersey.

Stage Results

1. Jose Ramon Aguirre Canels Turbo
2. Roberto Ferrari Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela :02
3. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
4. Chris Sutton Team Sky
5. Alejandro Borrajo Jamis-Sutter Home
6. Heinrich Haussler Garmin-Sharp
7. Fabrizio Von Nacher Seleccion de Mexico
8. Boy Van Poppel UnitedHealthcare
9. Valentin Iglinskiy Astana
10. Ruben Campanioni Seleccion de Cuba

GC After Stage 2

1. Jose Ramon Aguirre Canels Turbo
2. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies :02
3. Jake Keough UnitedHealthcare
4. Anibal Borrajo Jamis-Sutter Home
5. Luis Fernando Macias Movistar
6. Arnold Alcolea Seleccion de Cuba
7. Jairo Salas Gw-Shimano
8. Tom Leezer Rabobank
9. Jeffry Romero Colombia-Coldeportes
10. Francisco Mancebo Cmpetitive Cyclist

Leader's Jersey (White): Jose Ramon Aguirre
Telcel Points Leader (Green): Ken Hanson
Best Young Rider (Blue): Jose Ramon Aguirre
Most Combative Rider: Jose Ramon Aguirre
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 3: Tlaxcala de Xiocohtencatl-Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza

tour_pro_huff_t640.jpg


The sugarcoated boy from the Jelly Belly squad sprinted to the win on the third stage of the Ronda. The shortest stage of the race at under 85 kilometers, stage three was another stage that was for the sprinters.

Today saw the first actual bunch sprint of the race with no crashes and no late attacks towards the finish. The spoilers of the first two days have surely left the sprinters hungry for a true fight to the line, and that's what they got at the end of the day.

The team of race leader Jose Ramon Aguirre took charge of the front, protecting the white jersey of their young rider. Optum was also aiding in the work. Second in the general classification is Ken Hanson who won stage 1, but lost his lead after Aguirre's gutsy move on stage 2. At only two seconds back, Hanson had to do something more than cross the line ahead of Aguirre. Given that there are no time bonuses at the line, something along the lines of a crash or a mechanical had to halt Aguirre in order for Hanson to put on the white jersey of race leader again.

But that wouldn't be the case as Aguirre was present once the final 250 meters came. But neither Aguirre nor Hanson would come away with the win. Instead, it was Jelly Belly's Brad Huff who crossed the line first. Huff was seen to start his sprint fairly early. Later in an interview, he said he saw himself getting boxed in and had no choice but to sprint. Surely the big guy from Jelly Belly had enough reserves left to gut it out for so long to come away with the stage.

Stage Results

1. Brad Huff Jelly Belly
2. Roberto Ferrari Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
3. Hector Hugo Rangel Seleccion de Mexico
4. Fernando Antogna Jamis-Sutter Home
5. Jake Keough UnitedHealthcare
6. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
7. Chris Sutton Team Sky
8. Jairo Salas Gw-Shimano
9. Robert Wagner Radioshack-Nissa
10. Paul Martens Rabobank

GC After Stage 2

1. Jose Ramon Aguirre Canels Turbo
2. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies :02
3. Jake Keough UnitedHealthcare
4. Anibal Borrajo Jamis-Sutter Home
5. Luis Fernando Macias Movistar
6. Arnold Alcolea Seleccion de Cuba
7. Jairo Salas GW-Shimano
8. Tom Leezer Rabobank
9. Jeffry Romero Colombia-Coldeportes
10. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist

Leader's Jersey (White) Jose Ramon Aguirre
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Ken Hanson
Best Young Rider (Blue) Jose Ramon Aguirre
Most Aggressive Rider Fabian Wegmann
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 4: Tehuacan - Oaxaca 169.74 Kms

lb2012_9005_600.jpg


Stage 4 of the Ronda al Pais Mexicano, while not a high mountain stage, did see some action from those that were looking to ride for the general classification. 40 kilometers into the stage saw the dropping of most of the sprinters including race leader Jose Ramon Aguirre. Aguirre's Canels Turbo however did have other riders up there in the likes of Carlos Lopez, Victor Garcia, and Gregorio Ladino who were being led by Florencio Ramos.

With the teams riding for their sprinters in the first three days, now things were different as teams were riding for their team captains. In the GC, Paco Mancebo was the one looking best to take the race lead with the elimination of the sprinters. Mancebo's Competitive Cyclist team were doing a fair amount of work for him, as was Team Sky who were riding for defending champion Michael Rogers.

The first of the Corona King of the Mountain points were awarded today. At about 114 kilometers into the stage, in between San Jose Manteverde and San Agustin Montelobos. The Cuban Arnold Alcolea was to take maximum points, using the climb as a springboard to unleash an attack from the main field. He was followed by Victor Hugo Peña, and Juan Manuel Garate, who were later joined by Nathan Haas and Jason McCartney.

From then on, there were some downhill sections which the break used to gain time on the chasers. They would eventually build up a lead of 3:01.

Caught in the final 15 kilometers, the small little climbs leading to the finish line gave way for attack after attack. Radioshack's Linus Gerdemann was the main protagonist in the run in to the finish, taking several riders with him during each attack. Mancebo's teammate joined Gerdemann in the break. Last year's runner up, Juan Pablo Suarez also put in a dig to meet up with the German and the Dutch. With Rabou in the front, Competitive Cyclist eased off the front and let Sky do the chasing. Only the backs of the trio were seen by the chasing pack as they succeeded in getting away. Thomas Rabou sprinted uphill to take the win. Suarez would also walk away with some confidence with his seconds place.

So once again, we see a new leader of the race. Thomas Rabou, along with his stage win put on the white jersey, and will lead the race during stage 5. Rabou will surely not be a threat later in the race, but his teammate Mancebo finished in the group behind. Defending champion Michael Rogers also finished in the same group as Mancebo. But it's still too early to decide who will ride like today or better once the tougher stages come around.

Stage Results

1. Thomas Rabou Competitive Cyclist
2. Juan Pablo Suarez Colombia-Coldeportes
3. Linus Gerdemann Radioshack-Nissan
4. Paolo Tiralongo Astana :05
5. Felix Cardenas GW-Shimano
6. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
7. Carlos Lopez Canels Turbo
8. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
9. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare
10. Michael Rogers Team Sky

GC After Stage 4

1. Thomas Rabou Competitive Cyclist
2. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist :05
3. Arnold Alcolea Seleccion de Cuba
4. Juan Pablo Suarez Colombia-Coldeportes
5. Linus Gerdemann Radioshack-Nissan
6. Paolo Tiralongo Astana
7. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
8. Carlos Lopez Canels Turbo
9. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare
10. Michael Rogers Team Sky

Leader's Jersey (White) Thomas Rabou
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Ken Hanson
Best Young Rider (Blue) Isaac Bolivar
Most Aggressive Rider Linus Gerdemann
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 5: Oaxaca 163.56 Kms

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Yesterday saw the first little shakeup in the general classification. Although it's surely to change in the coming stages, it did show who came with good legs. But stage 5 brought the riders back into sprinter's territory. Androni's Roberto Ferrari took the win over stage one winner Ken Hanson this time. Ferrari had been fairly consistent in the sprints, but until today, he got his win.

Ken Hanson still holds his grip on the points classification, but just by a small margin as Ferrari gets ever closer to snatching the green jersey from the American.

Today's stage saw no changes in the general classification, so Thomas Rabou was able to enjoy a relaxed day in the leader's jersey.

Stage Results

1. Roberto Ferrari Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
2. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
3. Davide Appollonio Team Sky
4. Heinrich Haussler Garmin-Sharp
5. Luis Fernando Macias Movistar
6. Fernando Antogna Jamis-Sutter Home
7. Boy Van Poppel UnitedHealthcare
8. Valentin Iglinski Astana
9. Jeffry Romero Colombia-Coldeportes
10. Hector Hugo Rangel Seleccion de Mexico

GC After Stage 5


1. Thomas Rabou Competitive Cyclist
2. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist :05
3. Arnold Alcolea Seleccion de Cuba
4. Juan Pablo Suarez Colombia-Coldeportes
5. Linus Gerdemann Radioshack-Nissan
6. Paolo Tiralongo Astana
7. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
8. Carlos Lopez Canels Turbo
9. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare
10. Michael Rogers Team Sky

Leader's Jersey (White)
Thomas Rabou
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Ken Hanson
Best Young Rider (Blue) Isaac Bolivar
Most Aggressive Rider Ramon Lazaro
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 6: Ciudad Renacimiento-Tecuixiapan 177.40 Kms

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Steering away from the flat sprinter's stages, the Ronda turns its attention to more hilly-like terrain. Last year's King of the Mountains, and the winner of the overall Most Aggressive Rider prize, Paolo Tiralongo won stage 6 of the Ronda ahead of the other GC rivals. The Competitive Cyclist team which lead the race with Thomas Rabou were riding in favor of Paco Mancebo who trailed his Dutch teammate by only five seconds.

Three spots where KoM points where KoM were awarded were on the line today. The first wearer of the Corona King of the Mountains jersey, the Cuban Arnold Alcolea was unable to keep his jersey by Mancebo who know leads in that classification. Although good, it surely wasn't the jersey he was after. Being only five seconds away from the white jersey, it was the leader's jersey that Mancebo was looking to put on at the end of the day. In the final ramp during the final 10 kilometers of the race, Tiralongo was leading the rest of the riders up to the finish. It was Mancebo that triggered the winning move for the Italian when he accelerated from the field. Once again, no time bonuses, and since Mancebo and Tiralongo were tied on time, Mancebo had to finish ahead of the Astana rider in order to lead the Ronda. But it wasn't the case as Mancebo was outsprinted by Tiralongo for the win and the race lead.

Defending champion Michael Rogers was in difficulty on today's stage. He lost contact with the main group prior to the descent before the final uphill towards the finish. He did however take advantage of the downhill part of the route to limit his losses and rode better in the finale of the race. Don't count him out just yet as there is a time trial tomorrow where he can pull back those little seconds he lost and take the lead away from Paolo.

Stage Results

1. Paolo Tiralongo Astana
2. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
3. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :01
4. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
5. Mauricio Ortega EPM-UNE
6. Tyler Wren Jamis-Sutter Home
7. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan :04
8. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp
9. Felix Cardenas GW-Shimano
10. Giovanny Baez EPM-UNE

Michael Rogers Team Sky :23

GC After Stage 6

1. Paolo Tiralongo Astana
2. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
3. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :04
4. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
5. Juan Pablo Suarez Colombia-Coldeportes :05
6. Felix Cardenas GW-Shimano
7. Linus Gerdeman Radioshack-Nissan
8. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
9. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :08
10. Carlos Lopez Canels Turbo :09
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 7: Acapulco ITT 27.70 Kms

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One week into the race already, and the overall is still up for grabs. Which brings us to stage number 7 of the Ronda, an individual time trial in Acapulco.

Dave Zabriskie, otherwise known as Captain America rode the course in the fastest time, bringing back some of that early season form that saw him win time trials in Langkawi and California. The margin wasn't so big though as Michael Rogers was a serious challenge to the Americans time, crossing the line one second slower than him.

As has been customary so far in this race, the results of today's stage gave us a new leader. Michael Rogers is now in white, but only trails Fuglsang by a mere two seconds. We've seen this year the dominance of Team Sky for Bradley Wiggins, but Rogers does not have riders like Porte, or Froome with him in this race. Surely Team Sky will have to fend off a strong Radioshack team that now has three riders in the top 10.

Stage Results

1. Dave Zabriskie Garmin-Sharp
2. Michael Rogers Team Sky :01
3. Andreas Kloden Radioshack-Nissan :08
4. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan :24
5. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :33
6. Tom Zirbel Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies :35
7. Ramon Carretero Movistar :41
8. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :46
9. Luis Amaran Jamis-Sutter Home :58
10. Linus Gerdeman Radioshack-Nissan 1:00

Paolo Tiralongo Astana 2:43
Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist 1:22
Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 2:59
Juan Pablo Suarez Colombia-Coldeportes 1:11
Felix Cardenas GW-Shimano 3:04
Carlos Lopez Canels Turbo 4:48


GC After Stage 7

1. Michael Rogers Team Sky
2. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan :02
3. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :18
4. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :32
5. Linus Gerdeman Radioshack-Nissan :43
6. Juan Pablo Suarez Colombia-Coldeportes :54
7. Francisco Mancebo Competitve Cyclist 1:00
8. Andreas Kloden Radioshack-Nissan 1:53
9. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank 2:05
10. Rafael Infantino EPM-UNE 2:17

Jerseys
Leader's Jersey (White) Michael Rogers
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Ken Hanson
Corona King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Best Young Rider (Blue) Wilco Kelderman


*Doing the time gaps in time trials seems to give me the most trouble. I know last year I screwed up on one rider, but I feel like maybe I did it with all of them in the GC. I worked some time to figure it out to my understanding, but if anybody sees faults, let me know so I can edit it.

Hope you're enjoying the race :D
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 8: Culiacan, Sinaloa 146.46 Kms

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With the rest day behind them, the Ronda now turns to the more mountainous stages. The only real stage that left significant gaps withing the GC contenders was the time trial in Acapulco that saw Michael Rogers in the white jersey.

For those that lost time and were wiped out from the top 10 in the general classification, rider like Pellizotti and Cardenas would have to ride more aggressively in the coming days to take back time.

Like most mountain stages that have several climbs along the route, stage 8 only had one. It started flat, but along the way pitched up, flattening up only until the final kilometer.

Jose Serpa was the winner of stage 8 after launching an attack with over 20 kilometers to go. Starting the day at 1:33 back on Rogers, while he may not have been able to take the lead from Rogers, there was a chance that he could have bumped someone down from the general classification. Back on the field, Team Sky was hard at work setting the pace for their leader Michael Rogers who was comfortably riding up the slopes. Behind them was Radioshack. People were expecting Jakob Fuglsang to attack Rogers. As he was only two seconds back on the white jersey, it seemed plausible that he would do it. But the attack never came. The Danish rider had Kloden and Gerdeman to pace him up, who were keeping a close eye on the boys in black.

Further up the road, Serpa was quickly gaining time on the chasers, building up a lead of 53 seconds, his companions were the Spaniard Victor Manuel Garcia of Canels Turbo, Freddy Montaña of Movistar, Bernardo Colex of the Mexican national team, and Felix Cardenas of GW-Shimano. Cardenas was in the top in the early stages of the race, eventually slipping to 3:04 back on Rogers after the time trial, so the real threat in this group was Serpa.

Aside from the win, Serpa also took back some seconds. With Rujano's time loss in the first stage, it now looks like Androni will look to both Pellizotti and Serpa as their main GC men.

Stage Results

1. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
2. Victor Manuel Garcia Canels Turbo :03
3. Isaac Bolivar EPM-UNE :35
4. Freddy Montaña Movistar :38
5. Felix Cardenas GW-Shimano :41
6. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
7. Paolo Tiralongo Astana
8. Giovanny Baez EPM-UNE :49
9. Tyler Wren Jamis-Sutter Home :50
10. Bernardo Colex Seleccion de Mexico

GC After Stage 8

1. Michael Rogers Team Sky
2. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan :02
3. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :11
4. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :32
5. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist 1:01
6. Linus Gerdeman Radioshack-Nissan 1:09
7. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 1:43
8. Paolo Tiralongo Team Astana 1:53
9. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 2:06
10. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank 2:11

Leader's Jersey (White) Michael Rogers
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Ken Hanson
Best Young Rider (Blue) Wilco Kelderman
Corona King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Most Aggressive Rider Jose Serpa
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 9: Durango 125.17 Kms

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The attack that people were waiting for yesterday that never came, happened on today's stage. Jakob Fuglsang put in a gutsy move, ridding himself from Michael Rogers, his Sky team, and the other top names in this race to win stage number 9. Finishing 23 seconds ahead of Michael Rogers, Jakob Fuglsang is now leading the race.

When Jakob unleashed his attack, Sky worked hard at the front to try to reel in the Danish rider, going through rider after rider, until Rogers was left with only Pate to pace him up. But that was shortlived as Pate also fell back, leaving Rogers along against the others to try and catch back to Jakob.

Michael Rogers who led the race after the stage 7 time trial was hoping to lead the race until the end, similar to the way he did last year. Yesterday, many were looking to Jakob to do what he did today. The defending champion can still make a repeat of his 2011 victory, as he is only 23 seconds back on Jakob's time.

Rory Sutherland keeps on putting in great rides, his chances for a overall podium spot were boosted, he now lies second in the general classification, stuck between Jakob and Rogers. Yesterday's stage winner Jose Serpa dropped from 7th in the GC down to 10th. But, Pellizotti moved up on spot on GC, Androni's looks to want to defend their tittle in the team classification the way they did last year. But they will have to take it from Radioshack who leads that classification currently. Radioshack has Fuglsang, Gerdeman, and Kloden in the top 10, but Klodi slipped back on the general classification after yesterday's stage. But Gerdeman is still there in 6th position.

Stage Results

1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Oscar Soliz Movistar :11
3. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :13
4. Arnold Alcolea Seleccion de Cuba
5. Gregorio Ladino Canels Turbo
6. Esteban Chavez Colombia-Coldeportes :15
7. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
8. Paolo Tiralongo Astana
9. Michael Rogers Team Sky :23
10. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela :25

GC After Stage 9

1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :02
3. Michael Rogers Team Sky :23
4. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist :44
5. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :55
6. Linus Gerdeman Radioshack-Nissan 1:09
7. Paolo Tiralongo Astana 1:36
8. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 1:39
9. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank
10. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 2:01

Leader's Jersey (White) Jakob Fuglsang
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Ken Hanson
Corona King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Most Aggressive Rider Gregorio Ladino
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 10: Aguascalientes 132.18 Kms

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Stage 5 was the last time the sprinters had a chance to gut it out against each other. The first week was pretty much sprinter's territory, while in the second week, it has shifted in favor of the GC men.

Stage 10 was won by the Olympian Hector Hugo Rangel. The Coahuilense took advantage of a national team that has some young track talent such as Fabrizio Von Nacher and Sergio Escutia who delivered him to the line, giving Mexico their second victory in this race. The first going to Jose Ramon Aguirre eight stages ago.

With the relatively flat parcours from today, the GC men were able to take a breather and take it easy. But not so easy since tomorrow the race goes up once again.

Stage Results

1. Hector Hugo Rangel Seleccion de Mexico
2. Fernando Antogna Jamis-Sutter Home
3. Roberto Ferrari Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
4. Brad Huff Jelly Belly
5. Boy Van Poppel UnitedHealthcare
6. Heinrich Haussler Garmin-Sharp
7. Chris Sutton Team Sky
8. Valentin Iglinsky Astana
9. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
10. Luis Fernando Macias Movistar

GC After Stage 10


1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :02
3. Michael Rogers Team Sky :23
4. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist :44
5. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :55
6. Linus Gerdeman Radioshack-Nissan 1:09
7. Paolo Tiralongo Astana 1:36
8. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 1:39
9. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank
10. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 2:01

Leader's Jersey (White) Jakob Fuglsang
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Roberto Ferrari
Corona King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Best Young Rider (Blue) Wilco Kelderman
Most Aggressive Rider Luis Amaran
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 11: Nayarit 185.55 Kms

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Stage Results

1. Esteban Chavez Colombia-Coldeportes
2. Xabier Zandio Team Sky
3. Byron Guama Movistar :28
4. Carlos Lopez Canels Turbo :49
5. Mauricio Ortega EPM-UNE 1:00
6. Jan Bakelants Radioshack-Nissan 1:30
7. Jose Rujano Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 1:33
8. Jose Robledo Empacadora San Marcos 1:59
9. Peter Van Dijk Jamis-Sutter Home
10. Chad Beyer Competitive Cyclist

GC After Stage 11

1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :11
3. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist :45
4. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :59
5. Michael Rogers Team Sky 1:07
6. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 1:31
7. Paolo Tiralongo Astana 1:49
8. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank 1:55
9. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 2:10
10. Rafael Infantino EPM-UNE 2:21

Stage 11 of the Ronda saw probably the most aggressive stage by far. Aside from that, it also produced the biggest margin by which a breakaway made it to the finish line without getting caught. It was also the biggest breakaway formed in the race.

Stage was won by the youngster from the Colombia-Coldeportes squad, Esteban Chavez, getting the best of Sky's Xabier Zandio.

As previously mentioned, the breakaway was composed of numerous riders that shrunk in size once the stage neared the finish. Riders in the break worked in unison the gain the a substantial lead on the chasing group that allowed them to stay away until the finish while the riders in the back were attacking each other at every opportunity they got to maybe bridge across to the break and steal some time which never happened. Paolo Tiralongo tried doing this on several occasions. Something about today didn't go in favor of defending champion Michael Rogers who fell from third to fifth in the general classification. Unable to respond to the accelerations from riders like Mancebo, Rogers sat up and just rode up slowly to the finish line, hoping that he wouldn't lose too much time, but he ended up losing over 40 seconds. Mancebo who currently leads the Corona King of the Mountains classification stole Rogers' third place spot, and Peter Stetina who was a podium finisher in last year's is under Mancebo.

As Chavez crossed the line victorious, the remnants of the break were coming across one by one. It maybe wasn't the toughest stage, but what made it hard was the way that it was ridden with the large break and the attacks going on in the back. It was perhaps the last time for anybody to take back time. Tomorrow's stage while not mountainous, can still make room for some surprised, maybe even offer another chance for a break like today's to form. But the time trial coming the day after that looks to be more decisive than stage 12.

Leader's Jersey (White) Michael Rogers
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Roberto Ferrari
Corona King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Best Young Rider (Blue) Wilco Kelderman
Most Aggressive Rider Paolo Tiralongo
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 12: Irapuato-Dolores Hidalgo 168.23 Kms

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Looking good in the early parts of the race but then falling down the general classification after the time trial, Felix Cardenas won't leave this race without something in the bag.

Unlike yesterday, a huge break wasn't able to form, but that didn't deter the riders from attacking, trying their chances to walk away with a stage win.

Mauricio Ortega of the EPM-UNE squad came in second to Cardenas who had a much powerful kick to the line, creating a hap to the other finishers.

Towards the final 30 kilometers was when the day's break was caught, the downhill section that led to the finish helped the chasers reel them back in.

There were no changes in the general classification.

Stage Results

1. Felix Cardenas GW-Shimano
2. Mauricio Ortega EPM-UNE :02
3. Marc De Maar UnitedHealthcare
4. Luis Pasamontes Movistar
5. Arnold Alcolea Seleccion de Cuba :08
6. Michael Rogers Team Sky
7. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
8. Carlos Lopez Canels Turbo
9. Juan Pablo Suarez Colombia-Coldeportes
10. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare

GC After Stage 12

1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare :11
3. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist :45
4. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp :59
5. Michael Rogers Team Sky 1:07
6. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 1:31
7. Paolo Tiralongo Astana 1:49
8. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank 1:55
9. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 2:10
10. Rafael Infantino EPM-UNE 2:21

Leader's Jersey (White) Jakob Fuglsang
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Roberto Ferrari
Corona King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Best Young Rider (Blue) Wilco Kelderman
Most Aggressive Rider Mauricio Ortega
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano Stage 13: Santiago de Queretaro ITT 34.09 Kms

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Stage Results

1. Andreas Kloden Radioshack-Nissan
2. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan :17
3. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela :29
4. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist :40
5. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela 1:03
6. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare 1:19
7. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank 1:44
8. Rafael Infantino EPM-UNE 1:51
9. Felix Cardenas GW-Shimano 2:13
10. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp 2:20

GC After Stage 13

1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
3. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
4. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
5. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare
6. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank
7. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp
8. Rafael Infantino EPM-UNE
9. Michael Rogers Team Sky
10. Paolo Tiralongo Astana

The final day for the GC riders came in the form of an uphill time trial. The time trial in stage 7 saw some of the favorites lose time due to it being flat, but as the days went by, some of those who fell in the general classification because of the time trial were able to get some of that lost time back in the mountains.

Andreas Kloden who was third in the Acapulco time trial won stage 13, putting his time trialing skill and accompanying it with his climbing to finish ahead of his teammate Jakob Fuglsang. Like in stage 7, Kloden finished ahead of Jakob, but there's no rivalry there as Andreas was no threat to his teammate's white jersey.

At 34 kilometers and the course mainly pitching up as the kilometers went by, there were some who benefited from the uphill more than others. Jose Serpa was one example who went up in the general classification, as well as Franco Pellizotti. However, not all was in favor of the riders as Michael Rogers, the defending champion fell further down the general classification, but still able to maintain a top 10. Jakob Fuglsang extended his lead with his second place and can now say he will roll into Mexico city tomorrow as the winner of the 2012 Ronda al Pais Mexicano.

*Note: Once again, time trial are tricky for me. That's why in the GC, there are no time gaps. I had more trouble with this one than the other one. If I manage to figure it out, I'll put them in later.

Leader's Jersey (White) Jakob Fuglsang
Telcel Points Leader (Green) Roberto Ferrari
Corona King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Best Young Rider (Blue) Wilco Kelderman
 
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Ronda al Pais Mexicano: Mexico City 109.1 Kms

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And the 2012 edition of the Ronda al Pais Mexicano has finished. A final circuit around Mexico City on the day of the Mexican people's independence rounded out the two week race.

Androni's Robero Ferrari won the final stage which finished in front of the National Palace where the celebrations from last night occurred, and that still had a great crowd that lined up at the barriers to catch the riders passing by.

A breakway wasn't likely to escape today, but that didn't stop several riders from trying their luck. As always from the beginning the Mexican riders broke away to hear the cheers from the crowd cheering them on as they represented their country. It was a far better race for the Mexicans this year as they walk away with two stage wins from Jose Ramon Aguirre and the Olympian Hector Hugo Rangel, as well as wearing the white jersey.

A new champion was then crowned. Jakob Fuglsang is the winner of the 2012 Ronda al Pais Mexicano. Defending champion Michael Rogers was unable to repeat his win from last last year, but said that the fatigue of working all year for Bradley Wiggins caught up with him as well as the lack of flat time trialing kilometers were a major factor in him not being able to defend his title. Last year there were over 75 kilometers of time trialing which Rogers used to his advantage to win the race. This year there was only one flat time trial and the other one was a climbing one which is where he lost some major time and the hopes of at least finishing on the podium.

With the festivities still going on, Radioshack had a great race and will have lots to celebrate tonight.

Stage Results

1. Roberto Ferrari Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
2. Hector Hugo Rangel Seleccion de Mexico
3. Heinrich Haussler Garmin-Sharp
4. Ken Hanson Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
5. Brad Huff Jelly Belly
6. Jeffry Romero Colombia-Coldeportes
7. Boy Van Poppel UnitedHealthcare
8. Ramon Carretero Movistar
9. Anibal Borrajo Jamis-Sutter Home
10. Chris Sutton Team Sky

Final GC

1. Jakob Fuglsang Radioshack-Nissan
2. Francisco Mancebo Competitive Cyclist
3. Franco Pellizotti Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
4. Jose Serpa Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela
5. Rory Sutherland UnitedHealthcare
6. Wilco Kelderman Rabobank
7. Peter Stetina Garmin-Sharp
8. Rafael Infantino EPM-UNE
9. Michael Rogers Team Sky
10. Paolo Tiralongo Astana

Overall Leader Jakob Fuglsang
Overall Points Leader Roberto Ferrari
Overall King of the Mountains Francisco Mancebo
Overall Best Young Rider Wilco Kelderman
Overall Most Aggressive Rider Mauricio Ortega
 

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