Stage 19, Avellino - Vesuvio, 164km

[Parrot23]

Sastre could easily take two minutes on this climb, and reclaim his podium spot. So Basso won't do any work.

Important point.

 

[Bala Verde]

Menchov doesn't have to react to SQUAT, unless DiLuca does something.

Agreed, but if he wants to win the giro in style, he goes for the knock out today...

 

[BroDeal]

I feel like DiLuca has resigned himself to his fate - 2nd step on the podium.

I think you are right. Why would LPR let Astana set the pace otherwise? Astana has not shown itself capable of really punishing the top men.

 

[Parrot23]

Speed of pros on an incline is stunning.

 

[Zoncolan]

Basso dropped by Sastre.
Podium looming for Carlos.

 

[kjetilraknerud]

Sastre is crushing everyone, bye bye Basso.

 

[Cobblestones]

Sastre pops Basso.

Why's Popo driving the MR group?

 

[Merckx]

Nice accelerations by Sastre.

 

[53x11 in DC]

I think you are right. Why would LPR let Astana set the pace otherwise? Astana has not shown itself capable of really punishing the top men.

Seems like Johan is making nice with LPR, eh?

 

[Parrot23]

DDL had a problem at BOTTOM of hill, and it's not getting any better. Something wrong.

Proviso: wrong! Maybe trying to fake out Menchov, al Lance with Ullrich in TDF one year.

But then his legs go again. Go figure.

 

[Bala Verde]

I think you are right. Why would LPR let Astana set the pace otherwise? Astana has not shown itself capable of really punishing the top men.

He might wait til the last 2-3k to go out in a full sprint? Otherwise it's going too slow

 

[Zoncolan]

DDL had a problem at BOTTOM of hill, and it's not getting any better. Something wrong.

Seems he's OK now. An attack

 

[Merckx]

DDL drops the astana boys.

 

[BroDeal]

Jeebus! Look at the way they went past Simoni.

 

[kjetilraknerud]

Di Luca tries to attack, does he have anything to attack with? If he cracks, he'll lose minutes.

 

[kjetilraknerud]

Di Luca looks finished to me, he won't take any time on Menchov today.

 

[53x11 in DC]

I think that for the next 6 months, every time DiLuca turns around on the street, no matter what the people behind him are wearing, he will see pink.

 

[lookkg386]

Menchov doesn't have to react to SQUAT, unless DiLuca does something.

True, got excited! - Sastre is too far back overall.

 

[Merckx]

Menchov is on him like a leech. Must be hard on the morale for DDL

 

[BroDeal]

None of the guys in the MR group looks like they have what it takes to make an attack stick. They all look tired.

Di Luca will probably grab some time in the last half a K.

 

[Bala Verde]

Must become a little demoralising for Di Luca, seeing that same face over and over again.

 

[kjetilraknerud]

It's amazing to watch Sastre.

I'm starting to look forward to july and Sastre vs. Contador vs. Schleck jr. on Mount Ventoux!

 

[BroDeal]

Menchov is on him like a leech. Must be hard on the morale for DDL

Hmmm...leech...that just opened up a new term for Leipheimer.

 

[Merckx]

At least he's trying

 

[Parrot23]

Menchov has to learn that if he wants to be a CHAMPION, you can't just wheel suck your closest opponent.

There's something DISGRACEFUL about his style here. And 26 secs are not a lot. Wusslike bike riding.

Contador will take his cake: he's a CHAMPION. Menchov not yet, by a mile. Gotta learn still.