Jobiwan, you are one cold, cold mufu! Even in a fantasy Tour you go ahead and dash Vande Velde's dreams once again. I wish you had just crashed him out with another broken pelvis- just put him out of his misery. 
Okay, just started reading this, but a quick note: Where is Taaramae????
Surely he can do a better time trial than freaking Gesink.
Surely he can do a better time trial than freaking Gesink.
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Rouetheday said:Jobiwan, you are one cold, cold mufu! Even in a fantasy Tour you go ahead and dash Vande Velde's dreams once again. I wish you had just crashed him out with another broken pelvis- just put him out of his misery.
Hey, you had to know it was gonna happen!!
But I think Vande Velde still has some chances for success, if not for him, for his team.
LaFleur said:Okay, just started reading this, but a quick note: Where is Taaramae????
Surely he can do a better time trial than freaking Gesink.
That's one's my bad. I've tried to include all the big names in the daily results, and sometimes I've had to sneak some names in there late, like Sastre and Scarponi. I'll be sure to get Taaramae in there in the next report. I imagine he had a fairly similar time to Van Den Broeck and Van Garderen, but Cofidis lost a big chunk of time in the Team Time Trial.
As for Gesink, all that Dutch hype has given him TT wings so far!
Beating Leipheimer in the ITT and leading Rabobank to 4th in the TTT! We'll see if he can live up to the hype come the mountains. Right now, he's a strong favorite for the podium.
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Stage 7 Preview
After Stage 6's initial escapade into the hills, Stage 7 of the Tour of America continues with the tough terrain. Setting out from Johnson City, Tennessee, this stage is completely within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains and the national park over the same area. Stage 7 alternates starts in Tennessee and then heads into neighboring North Carolina, before heading back into Tennessee for the finish in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg is one of the most popular destinations in Tennessee, right on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains. Home to parks, shops, and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg, this is a popular family destination in summer and winter. Stage 7 heads into Gatlinburg towards the end of the stage, but the city itself is not the finish.
The riders will have to deal with Cherokee Orchard Road, one way into the Smoky Mountains. At 5.25 kilometers at 7%, this Category 2 Climb will be sure to test the climbers once again. With 2 kilometers to go, there is a section of 13% gradients, where riders will either launch attacks or drop off the back of the peloton. This picturesque road is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Damiano Cunego was able to climb his way back into the overall picture. Will his Lampre team and luxury teammate Michele Scarponi keep him safely in the Yellow Jersey? Bradley Wiggins wants yellow again, but will riders like Cadel Evans, Robert Gesink, and 6 Time Grand Tour champion Alberto Contador come from behind to challenge Wiggins and Cunego?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance
National Park Website
(It honestly is one of the nicest places I've ever been!)
Cherokee Orchard Road
After Stage 6's initial escapade into the hills, Stage 7 of the Tour of America continues with the tough terrain. Setting out from Johnson City, Tennessee, this stage is completely within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains and the national park over the same area. Stage 7 alternates starts in Tennessee and then heads into neighboring North Carolina, before heading back into Tennessee for the finish in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg is one of the most popular destinations in Tennessee, right on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains. Home to parks, shops, and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg, this is a popular family destination in summer and winter. Stage 7 heads into Gatlinburg towards the end of the stage, but the city itself is not the finish.
The riders will have to deal with Cherokee Orchard Road, one way into the Smoky Mountains. At 5.25 kilometers at 7%, this Category 2 Climb will be sure to test the climbers once again. With 2 kilometers to go, there is a section of 13% gradients, where riders will either launch attacks or drop off the back of the peloton. This picturesque road is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Damiano Cunego was able to climb his way back into the overall picture. Will his Lampre team and luxury teammate Michele Scarponi keep him safely in the Yellow Jersey? Bradley Wiggins wants yellow again, but will riders like Cadel Evans, Robert Gesink, and 6 Time Grand Tour champion Alberto Contador come from behind to challenge Wiggins and Cunego?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance
National Park Website
(It honestly is one of the nicest places I've ever been!)
Cherokee Orchard Road
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Stage 7 Report
July 6th, Stage 7: Johnson City - Gatlinburg, 199.97 kms
De Gendt Outpaces Contador in Final Sprint
Gilbert Caught in Last Kilometer, Cunego Keeps Lead
After the relative lull on yesterday's final climb, the climb up Cherokee Orchard Road proved to be an exciting finish to a tough, hilly stage. The animator of the final climb, Alberto Contador attacked multiple times inside the final three kilometers and finally got a gap on the main pack under the 1 kilometer to go banner. Contador was not alone though, as Thomas De Gendt had attacked just before only to latch onto Contador's wheel when he went past. The two set out to catch Philippe Gilbert, who had attacked on the very first slopes of the climb, and caught him inside 250 meters to go. De Gendt then jumped out of Contador's wheel with 100 meters to go, and claimed a fine win. Gilbert held on for third place just ahead of a charging Damiano Cunego, who comfortably held on to his Yellow Jersey.
Though Contador's gains turned out to be relatively small, his power on the final climb was no doubt unnerving to his fellow climbers. Cadel Evans, Cunego's teammate Michele Scarponi and Andy Schleck worked to close down Contador's early attacks on the climb, but Contador went one too many times for their liking and they finally had to let up. For the most part, all of the main favorites finished together with Cunego and Schleck, although Carlos Sastre and Jose Rujano did lose 10 seconds at the top. Contador's power on this climb cannot be a good sign for his competitors with a mountain top finish on Brasstown Bald just one day away.
The run-up to the final climb did not make it any easier for the riders. The up-and-down stage through the Smoky Mountains made for a very challenging stage. There were a few riders who made the break of the day, but Lampre-ISD made it clear that they were intent on keeping Cunego in yellow. Nevertheless, a 6 man group was allowed to keep a modest lead throughout the stage. Xabier Zandio (SKY), Brian Vandborg (SAX), Ramunas Navardauskas (GAR), Addy Engels (QST), Dmitry Kozontchouk (GEO), and Rob Ruijgh (VAC) went away and kept a 3-4 minute lead up until they were caught with 15 kilometers to go.
For the first time, the intermediate sprint in the peloton for the remaining places did not go to Mark Cavendish. The Green Jersey leader apparently did not have the legs to contest the sprint after the lumpy first 2/3 of the race, but his closest rival, Tom Boonen, did. Boonen took the sprint for 7th and gained valuable points in the race for green.
Many people's favorites for the stage win had been Gilbert, and he gave it his best effort by attacking early on the final climb. Gilbert, who had missed his chance yesterday after the breakaway won, had his Omega Pharma-Lotto team working alongside Lampre to ensure the break was caught. Inside the last kilometer, it looked like Gilbert was going to win the stage, but it proved to be 500 meters too far. Contador caught and passed him, but Gilbert was able to take small consolation in the fact that his countryman De Gendt took out the stage win. The climb did move Contador up in GC, but there were no other big changes except for Fabian Cancellara completely dropping out of the Top 15. Cancellara said afterwards, "I spent too much energy, and now I work only for the Schlecks."
After the finish, De Gendt was overcome with joy. "I was riding with the favorites on the final climb, and I decided to give it a go because the pace had slowed somewhat. I got a gap, but then Contador came up from behind me, so I tried to latch on to his wheel. That wasn't an easy task, but I was able to get on his wheel. He did the most work because he was interested in time. I was able to get in a good position in the end, and I was able to win the stage! It is wonderful for me!"
Top 15 on Stage 7:
1. Thomas De Gendt
2. Alberto Contador s.t.
3. Philippe Gilbert +7"
4. Damiano Cunego +9"
5. Samuel Sanchez
6. Peter Sagan
7. Andreas Kloden
8. Dries Devynyns
9. Robert Gesink
10. Peter Velits
11. Andy Schleck
12. Cadel Evans
13. Bradley Wiggins
14. Chris Horner
15. Alexander Vinokourov
Points Earned at Finish:
1. Thomas De Gendt 30 pts
2. Alberto Contador 25
3. Philippe Gilbert 22
4. Damiano Cunego 19
5. Samuel Sanchez 17
6. Peter Sagan 15
7. Andreas Kloden 13
8. Dries Devynyns 11
9. Robert Gesink 9
10. Peter Velits 7
11. Andy Schleck 6
12. Cadel Evans 5
13. Bradley Wiggins 4
14. Chris Horner 3
15. Alexander Vinokourov 2
Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:
1. Ramunas Navardauskas 20 pts
2. Addy Engels 17
3. Dmitry Kozontchouk 15
4. Rob Ruijgh 13
5. Xabier Zandio 11
6. Brian Vandborg 10
7. Tom Boonen 9
8. Peter Sagan 8
9. Daniele Bennati 7
10. Matt Goss 6
11. Thor Hushovd 5
12. Gert Steegmans 4
13. Philippe Gilbert 3
14. Jose Joaquin Rojas 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1
Little Creek Road, Cat 3 Climb:
1. Xabier Zandio 2 pts
2. Ramunas Navardauskas 1
Cherokee Orchard Road, Cat 2 Climb (Points Doubled for Summit Finish)
1. Thomas De Gendt 10 pts
2. Alberto Contador 6
3. Philippe Gilbert 4
4. Damiano Cunego 2
Most Aggressive Rider:
Ramunas Navardauskas
Full Standings to Come
Top 3 GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Bradley Wiggins +27"
3. Dave Zabriskie +34"
July 6th, Stage 7: Johnson City - Gatlinburg, 199.97 kms
De Gendt Outpaces Contador in Final Sprint
Gilbert Caught in Last Kilometer, Cunego Keeps Lead
After the relative lull on yesterday's final climb, the climb up Cherokee Orchard Road proved to be an exciting finish to a tough, hilly stage. The animator of the final climb, Alberto Contador attacked multiple times inside the final three kilometers and finally got a gap on the main pack under the 1 kilometer to go banner. Contador was not alone though, as Thomas De Gendt had attacked just before only to latch onto Contador's wheel when he went past. The two set out to catch Philippe Gilbert, who had attacked on the very first slopes of the climb, and caught him inside 250 meters to go. De Gendt then jumped out of Contador's wheel with 100 meters to go, and claimed a fine win. Gilbert held on for third place just ahead of a charging Damiano Cunego, who comfortably held on to his Yellow Jersey.
Though Contador's gains turned out to be relatively small, his power on the final climb was no doubt unnerving to his fellow climbers. Cadel Evans, Cunego's teammate Michele Scarponi and Andy Schleck worked to close down Contador's early attacks on the climb, but Contador went one too many times for their liking and they finally had to let up. For the most part, all of the main favorites finished together with Cunego and Schleck, although Carlos Sastre and Jose Rujano did lose 10 seconds at the top. Contador's power on this climb cannot be a good sign for his competitors with a mountain top finish on Brasstown Bald just one day away.
The run-up to the final climb did not make it any easier for the riders. The up-and-down stage through the Smoky Mountains made for a very challenging stage. There were a few riders who made the break of the day, but Lampre-ISD made it clear that they were intent on keeping Cunego in yellow. Nevertheless, a 6 man group was allowed to keep a modest lead throughout the stage. Xabier Zandio (SKY), Brian Vandborg (SAX), Ramunas Navardauskas (GAR), Addy Engels (QST), Dmitry Kozontchouk (GEO), and Rob Ruijgh (VAC) went away and kept a 3-4 minute lead up until they were caught with 15 kilometers to go.
For the first time, the intermediate sprint in the peloton for the remaining places did not go to Mark Cavendish. The Green Jersey leader apparently did not have the legs to contest the sprint after the lumpy first 2/3 of the race, but his closest rival, Tom Boonen, did. Boonen took the sprint for 7th and gained valuable points in the race for green.
Many people's favorites for the stage win had been Gilbert, and he gave it his best effort by attacking early on the final climb. Gilbert, who had missed his chance yesterday after the breakaway won, had his Omega Pharma-Lotto team working alongside Lampre to ensure the break was caught. Inside the last kilometer, it looked like Gilbert was going to win the stage, but it proved to be 500 meters too far. Contador caught and passed him, but Gilbert was able to take small consolation in the fact that his countryman De Gendt took out the stage win. The climb did move Contador up in GC, but there were no other big changes except for Fabian Cancellara completely dropping out of the Top 15. Cancellara said afterwards, "I spent too much energy, and now I work only for the Schlecks."
After the finish, De Gendt was overcome with joy. "I was riding with the favorites on the final climb, and I decided to give it a go because the pace had slowed somewhat. I got a gap, but then Contador came up from behind me, so I tried to latch on to his wheel. That wasn't an easy task, but I was able to get on his wheel. He did the most work because he was interested in time. I was able to get in a good position in the end, and I was able to win the stage! It is wonderful for me!"
Top 15 on Stage 7:
1. Thomas De Gendt
2. Alberto Contador s.t.
3. Philippe Gilbert +7"
4. Damiano Cunego +9"
5. Samuel Sanchez
6. Peter Sagan
7. Andreas Kloden
8. Dries Devynyns
9. Robert Gesink
10. Peter Velits
11. Andy Schleck
12. Cadel Evans
13. Bradley Wiggins
14. Chris Horner
15. Alexander Vinokourov
Points Earned at Finish:
1. Thomas De Gendt 30 pts
2. Alberto Contador 25
3. Philippe Gilbert 22
4. Damiano Cunego 19
5. Samuel Sanchez 17
6. Peter Sagan 15
7. Andreas Kloden 13
8. Dries Devynyns 11
9. Robert Gesink 9
10. Peter Velits 7
11. Andy Schleck 6
12. Cadel Evans 5
13. Bradley Wiggins 4
14. Chris Horner 3
15. Alexander Vinokourov 2
Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:
1. Ramunas Navardauskas 20 pts
2. Addy Engels 17
3. Dmitry Kozontchouk 15
4. Rob Ruijgh 13
5. Xabier Zandio 11
6. Brian Vandborg 10
7. Tom Boonen 9
8. Peter Sagan 8
9. Daniele Bennati 7
10. Matt Goss 6
11. Thor Hushovd 5
12. Gert Steegmans 4
13. Philippe Gilbert 3
14. Jose Joaquin Rojas 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1
Little Creek Road, Cat 3 Climb:
1. Xabier Zandio 2 pts
2. Ramunas Navardauskas 1
Cherokee Orchard Road, Cat 2 Climb (Points Doubled for Summit Finish)
1. Thomas De Gendt 10 pts
2. Alberto Contador 6
3. Philippe Gilbert 4
4. Damiano Cunego 2
Most Aggressive Rider:
Ramunas Navardauskas
Full Standings to Come
Top 3 GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Bradley Wiggins +27"
3. Dave Zabriskie +34"
First off, I'm betting that Gilbert most definitely did NOT take consolation in his countryman De Gendt winning the stage! Also, any chance that Smoky Mountains legend Dolly Parton was on hand for the podium presentations? You know, like The Guvernator used to show up for the TOC? She would be the ideal person to help re-introduce the old combination jersey given to the rider with the best cumulative results in all the other jersey competitions. Older formumites will remember this '80's era relic, a hodge podge of the yellow, green, polka-dot, and red sprints jerseys. Kind of a 'coat of many colors'.
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Eric8-A said:
I don't know. He's too good to let him get away in a break, but he's not good enough to blast away from Contador. We'll see!
Rouetheday said:
I heard reports he's a changed man! Obviously my sources might have been wrong
Working on Full Standings at the moment!
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Standings After Stage 7
Overall GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Bradley Wiggins +27"
3. Dave Zabriskie +34”
4. Alberto Contador +1'06”
5. Cadel Evans +1'06”
6. Tony Martin +1'18”
7. Andreas Kloden +1'23”
8. Dries Devynyns +1'24"
9. Edvald Boasson Hagen +'1'30”
10. Robert Gesink +1’38"
11. Janez Brajkovic +1'40”
12. Denis Menchov +1'44”
13. Alexander Vinokourov +1'48”
14. Ryder Hesjedal +1'50"
15. Rigoberto Uran +1'54"
17. Tom Danielson +1’59”
20. Levi Leipheimer +2’02”
21. Thomas De Gendt +2'04"
24. Peter Velits +2'13"
25. Jurgen Van den Broeck +2’16"
27. Carlos Sastre +2'20"
29. Samuel Sanchez +2'25”
30. Vincenzo Nibali +2'29"
31. Tejay Van Garderen +2’30"
37. Chris Horner +2'57"
40. Andy Schleck +3’10”
41. Ivan Basso +3’12”
42. Alejandro Valverde +3’19”
43. Jose Rujano +3'27"
45. Rein Taaramae +3'30"
47. Nicolas Roche +3'34"
48. Michele Scarponi +3'38"
51. Frank Schleck +3’44”
60. Igor Anton +4’20”
115. Joaquim Rodriguez +7’30"
Points Classification:
1. Mark Cavendish 104 pts
2. Tom Boonen 98
3. Daniele Bennati 83
4. Peter Sagan 78
5. Fabian Cancellara 65
6. Philippe Gilbert 64
7. Jose Joaquin Rojas 61
8. Damiano Cunego 59
9. Oscar Freire 58
10. Allan Davis 48
11. Tyler Farrar 46
12. Dries Devynyns 43
13. Bradley Wiggins 41
14. Rémy Di Grégorio 37
15. Alessandro Petacchi 36
KOM:
1. Thomas De Gendt 10 pts
2. Alberto Contador 6
3. Damiano Cunego 4
4. Philippe Gilbert 4
5. Xabier Zandio 2
6. Dave Zabriskie 1
7. Giampaolo Cheula 1
8. Pablo Urtasun 1
9. Ramunas Navardauskas 1
Young Riders:
1. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Lost some time on final climb, G. Thomas no longer at top of leaderboard)
2. Robert Gesink +8"
3. Rigoberto Uran +24"
Next Stage is MTF on Brasstown Bald!
Overall GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Bradley Wiggins +27"
3. Dave Zabriskie +34”
4. Alberto Contador +1'06”
5. Cadel Evans +1'06”
6. Tony Martin +1'18”
7. Andreas Kloden +1'23”
8. Dries Devynyns +1'24"
9. Edvald Boasson Hagen +'1'30”
10. Robert Gesink +1’38"
11. Janez Brajkovic +1'40”
12. Denis Menchov +1'44”
13. Alexander Vinokourov +1'48”
14. Ryder Hesjedal +1'50"
15. Rigoberto Uran +1'54"
17. Tom Danielson +1’59”
20. Levi Leipheimer +2’02”
21. Thomas De Gendt +2'04"
24. Peter Velits +2'13"
25. Jurgen Van den Broeck +2’16"
27. Carlos Sastre +2'20"
29. Samuel Sanchez +2'25”
30. Vincenzo Nibali +2'29"
31. Tejay Van Garderen +2’30"
37. Chris Horner +2'57"
40. Andy Schleck +3’10”
41. Ivan Basso +3’12”
42. Alejandro Valverde +3’19”
43. Jose Rujano +3'27"
45. Rein Taaramae +3'30"
47. Nicolas Roche +3'34"
48. Michele Scarponi +3'38"
51. Frank Schleck +3’44”
60. Igor Anton +4’20”
115. Joaquim Rodriguez +7’30"
Points Classification:
1. Mark Cavendish 104 pts
2. Tom Boonen 98
3. Daniele Bennati 83
4. Peter Sagan 78
5. Fabian Cancellara 65
6. Philippe Gilbert 64
7. Jose Joaquin Rojas 61
8. Damiano Cunego 59
9. Oscar Freire 58
10. Allan Davis 48
11. Tyler Farrar 46
12. Dries Devynyns 43
13. Bradley Wiggins 41
14. Rémy Di Grégorio 37
15. Alessandro Petacchi 36
KOM:
1. Thomas De Gendt 10 pts
2. Alberto Contador 6
3. Damiano Cunego 4
4. Philippe Gilbert 4
5. Xabier Zandio 2
6. Dave Zabriskie 1
7. Giampaolo Cheula 1
8. Pablo Urtasun 1
9. Ramunas Navardauskas 1
Young Riders:
1. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Lost some time on final climb, G. Thomas no longer at top of leaderboard)
2. Robert Gesink +8"
3. Rigoberto Uran +24"
Next Stage is MTF on Brasstown Bald!
i have been reading this fantasy tour
jobiwan, you are brilliant! go teejay. i just know he'll win something, right?
jobiwan, you are brilliant! go teejay. i just know he'll win something, right?
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Stage 8 Preview
After two tough days in the hills and two tough finishes, the Tour of America gets serious. Starting from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the stage heads directly into the mountains. The riders will immediately start to climb the Cat 1 Climb of the Cherohala Skyway, a pass that connects Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, North Carolina. After a flat section including the intermediate sprint in Robbinsville, the riders then tackle the Cat 2 climb of Big Choga Road, before riding into the great stage of Georgia.
One of the goals when designing the route of the inaugural Tour of America was to pay tribute to the other top races in the U.S.A. Stage 8 pays tribute to the unfortunately defunct Tour of Georgia, with a summit finish at Brasstown Bald, a classic finish in the Tour of Georgia. The climb up to Brasstown Bald puts the riders on the highest point in the state, and it's not a gradual little climb either!
The final climb is a 6.5 kilometer climb, but with an average gradient of 9.2%! Some sections of the climb are at 20%! The riders will hope that the previous two hilly days have given them their climbing legs. If not, the gaps will be severe.
Alberto Contador was a man on a mission yesterday, and gained time on a relatively tame final climb. This climb is well suited for Contador to continue his assault on the Yellow Jersey of Damiano Cunego. Can Cunego hold on? Cadel Evans, Bradley Wiggins, and Samuel Sanchez will do their best to inch closer to Cunego, but will it be enough?
And what of Andy Schleck? Contador's closest rival has not yet proven his worth in this Tour, and he needs to make up serious time on Contador. This would be an ideal place to start.
Sivstov: The last winner on Brasstown Bald in the ToG:
Brasstown Bald, 6.5 kms at 9.2%:
After two tough days in the hills and two tough finishes, the Tour of America gets serious. Starting from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the stage heads directly into the mountains. The riders will immediately start to climb the Cat 1 Climb of the Cherohala Skyway, a pass that connects Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, North Carolina. After a flat section including the intermediate sprint in Robbinsville, the riders then tackle the Cat 2 climb of Big Choga Road, before riding into the great stage of Georgia.
One of the goals when designing the route of the inaugural Tour of America was to pay tribute to the other top races in the U.S.A. Stage 8 pays tribute to the unfortunately defunct Tour of Georgia, with a summit finish at Brasstown Bald, a classic finish in the Tour of Georgia. The climb up to Brasstown Bald puts the riders on the highest point in the state, and it's not a gradual little climb either!
The final climb is a 6.5 kilometer climb, but with an average gradient of 9.2%! Some sections of the climb are at 20%! The riders will hope that the previous two hilly days have given them their climbing legs. If not, the gaps will be severe.
Alberto Contador was a man on a mission yesterday, and gained time on a relatively tame final climb. This climb is well suited for Contador to continue his assault on the Yellow Jersey of Damiano Cunego. Can Cunego hold on? Cadel Evans, Bradley Wiggins, and Samuel Sanchez will do their best to inch closer to Cunego, but will it be enough?
And what of Andy Schleck? Contador's closest rival has not yet proven his worth in this Tour, and he needs to make up serious time on Contador. This would be an ideal place to start.
Sivstov: The last winner on Brasstown Bald in the ToG:
Brasstown Bald, 6.5 kms at 9.2%:
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Stage 8 Report
July 7th, Stage 8: Tellico Plains - Brasstown Bald, 195.07 kms
Anton Conquers Brasstown Bald!
Contador 2nd Overall as Cunego Barely Holds On
While the opening stages of the Tour of America were for the sprinters and the time trialists, Stage 8 was one for the climbers, and it did not disappoint. Igor Anton, the Basque co-leader of Euskaltel-Euskadi climbed to an impressive win on top of Brasstown Bald, while behind, the race for the top step in San Francisco came to the forefront. Alberto Contador, the 6 time grand tour champion, was matched only by his arch rival Andy Schleck on the climb, and continued his march towards overall victory in style by coming second on the stage, 8 seconds behind Anton. Schleck took third, climbing significantly in the rankings. Damiano Cunego continued to impress, managing to hang on to his Yellow Jersey, although by a now slim 20 seconds. Anton was not the only impressive Euskaltel rider to impress today. Samuel Sanchez, the Asturian rider on the Basque squad and co-leader, finished alongside Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink just 10 seconds behind Schleck and Contador on a day when many contenders lost significant time.
The near 10% average gradients on the final climb took their toll on many favorites. With 5 kilometers to go, the road kicked up to 14%, and Anton, Contador, and Alejandro Valverde went on the attack. Andy and Frank Schleck saw the danger and quickly surged to join the move, bringing Cunego, Menchov, Gesink, Sanchez, ,Chris Horner, Jose Rujano,Vincenzo Nibali and Cadel Evans. Notably missing were Jurgen Van den Broeck and 2nd overall Bradley Wiggins. They were caught out by the Schleck's accelerations and along with Carlos Sastre, Ivan Basso, Tom Danielson and Andreas Kloden started on their own pace. Van Den Broeck, Danielson, Wiggins and Kloden were able to limit their losses to around 1 minute on Contador in the end, but Sastre and Basso lost more significant time.
When Anton, Contador, and Valverde were caught by the Schlecks and their group, Anton immediately went again. Contador once again surged and was followed by Andy Schleck, Sanchez, Menchov and Gesink. The group caught Anton with about 3 kilometers to go, and then rode together up until the 2 kilometer to go banner, where Anton kicked again on the maximum 20% gradients and quickly gained 20 seconds. Contador chose not to follow this time, waiting until one kilometer to go to launch his last attack. Only the younger Schleck could follow Contador's last move, and the two set out to catch Anton, but were only able to close the gap to 8 seconds when Anton raised his arms in victory at the finish. Sanchez, Menchov, and Gesink limited their losses well, Sanchez crossing the line in 4th just 10 seconds behind Contador to cap a great day for Euskaltel.
Behind the Top 6, Cunego was fighting to keep his Yellow Jersey. He received virtually no help other than a few pulls from Chris Horner, but was able to keep the gap to Contador just big enough to keep yellow. In the process, he had dropped Nibali, Valverde and Evans from his group, and he crossed the line 7th on the day to keep his lead, although it does not look like he will be able to keep it once the mountains resume.
Part of the reason the finishing climb was so difficult was the stage it was in! From the gun, the riders climbed up the Cherohala Skyway, and the pace was hard enough that a break couldn't get free and near the top, many sprinters fell off, including Mark Cavendish, the points leader. Thomas De Gendt, the stage 7 winner, jumped out of the pack to claim 10 more points for the KOM classification. De Gendt was one the beneficiaries of the hard pace, in that there was not a break to take the points. He was, however, challenged by David Moncoutie, who may be looking throughout the Tour to rack up points for his effort.
Cavendish along with a few teammates was able to reconnect with the peloton on the descent just before the intermediate sprint, but he was unable to win the intermediate sprint. Due to the lack of a breakaway, the sprint was for the full 20 points, and Tom Boonen took full advantage, taking 1st place and the green jersey, due to Cavendish only managing 6th place.
Once the sprint was over, a breakaway finally got clear. Rui Costa (MOV), Geraint Thomas (SKY), Marcel Wyss (GEO), Lars Bak (HTC) and Sebastian Lang (OLO) made up the break and took the points on the Category 2 climb, but were caught 6 kilometers before the start of the final climb. Euskaltel set a torrid pace up to the final climb, and it quickly became apparent why as Anton attacked furiously to win a great stage!
Top 30 on Stage 8:
1. Igor Anton
2. Alberto Contador +8"
3. Andy Schleck
4. Samuel Sanchez +18"
5. Robert Gesink
6. Denis Menchov
7. Damiano Cunego +42"
8. Chris Horner
9. Jose Rujano
10. Frank Schleck
11. Vincenzo Nibali +49"
12. Joaquim Rodriguez
13. Cadel Evans
14. Alejandro Valverde +52"
15. Andreas Kloden +1'08"
16. Jurgen Van Den Broeck
17. Bradley Wiggins
18. Tom Danielson
19. Carlos Sastre +1'34"
20. Ivan Basso
21. Tejay Van Garderen
22. Peter Velits
23. Michele Scarponi
24. Rigoberto Uran
25. Alexander Vinokourov +1'49
26. Levi Leipheimer
27. Tony Martin
28. Ryder Hesjedal
29. Rein Taaramae
30. Dries Devynyns +2'00"
Points Earned at Finish:
1. Igor Anton 20 pts
2. Alberto Contador 17
3. Andy Schleck 15
4. Samuel Sanchez 13
5. Robert Gesink 11
6. Denis Menchov 10
7. Damiano Cunego 9
8. Chris Horner 8
9. Jose Rujano 7
10. Frank Schleck 6
11. Vincenzo Nibali 5
12. Joaquim Rodriguez 4
13. Cadel Evans 3
14. Alejandro Valverde 2
15. Andreas Kloden 1
Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:
1. Tom Boonen 20 pts
2. Peter Sagan 17
3. Daniele Bennati 15
4. Philippe Gilbert 13
5. Thor Hushovd 11
6. Mark Cavendish 10
7. Fabian Cancellara 9
8. Gert Steegmans 8
9. Samuel Dumoulin 7
10. Jose Joaquin Rojas 6
11. Matthew Goss 5
12. Andre Greipel 4
13. Tony Martin 3
14. Denis Galimzyanov 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1
Cherohala Skyway, Cat 1 Climb:
1. Thomas De Gendt 10 pts
2. David Moncoutie 8
3. Fabio Duarte 6
4. Xabier Zandio 4
5. Johnny Hoogerland 2
6. Pablo Urtasun 1
Big Choga Road, Cat 2 Climb:
1. Rui Costa 5 pts
2. Geraint Thomas 3
3. Lars Bak 2
4. Marcel Wyss 1
Brasstown Bald, Cat 1 Climb (Points Doubled For Summit Finish):
1. Igor Anton 20 pts
2. Alberto Contador 16
3. Andy Schleck 12
4. Samuel Sanchez 8
5. Robert Gesink 4
6. Denis Menchov 2
Most Aggressive Rider:
Rui Costa
Full Standings to Come, BOONEN IN GREEN!
Top 3 GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20"
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
July 7th, Stage 8: Tellico Plains - Brasstown Bald, 195.07 kms
Anton Conquers Brasstown Bald!
Contador 2nd Overall as Cunego Barely Holds On
While the opening stages of the Tour of America were for the sprinters and the time trialists, Stage 8 was one for the climbers, and it did not disappoint. Igor Anton, the Basque co-leader of Euskaltel-Euskadi climbed to an impressive win on top of Brasstown Bald, while behind, the race for the top step in San Francisco came to the forefront. Alberto Contador, the 6 time grand tour champion, was matched only by his arch rival Andy Schleck on the climb, and continued his march towards overall victory in style by coming second on the stage, 8 seconds behind Anton. Schleck took third, climbing significantly in the rankings. Damiano Cunego continued to impress, managing to hang on to his Yellow Jersey, although by a now slim 20 seconds. Anton was not the only impressive Euskaltel rider to impress today. Samuel Sanchez, the Asturian rider on the Basque squad and co-leader, finished alongside Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink just 10 seconds behind Schleck and Contador on a day when many contenders lost significant time.
The near 10% average gradients on the final climb took their toll on many favorites. With 5 kilometers to go, the road kicked up to 14%, and Anton, Contador, and Alejandro Valverde went on the attack. Andy and Frank Schleck saw the danger and quickly surged to join the move, bringing Cunego, Menchov, Gesink, Sanchez, ,Chris Horner, Jose Rujano,Vincenzo Nibali and Cadel Evans. Notably missing were Jurgen Van den Broeck and 2nd overall Bradley Wiggins. They were caught out by the Schleck's accelerations and along with Carlos Sastre, Ivan Basso, Tom Danielson and Andreas Kloden started on their own pace. Van Den Broeck, Danielson, Wiggins and Kloden were able to limit their losses to around 1 minute on Contador in the end, but Sastre and Basso lost more significant time.
When Anton, Contador, and Valverde were caught by the Schlecks and their group, Anton immediately went again. Contador once again surged and was followed by Andy Schleck, Sanchez, Menchov and Gesink. The group caught Anton with about 3 kilometers to go, and then rode together up until the 2 kilometer to go banner, where Anton kicked again on the maximum 20% gradients and quickly gained 20 seconds. Contador chose not to follow this time, waiting until one kilometer to go to launch his last attack. Only the younger Schleck could follow Contador's last move, and the two set out to catch Anton, but were only able to close the gap to 8 seconds when Anton raised his arms in victory at the finish. Sanchez, Menchov, and Gesink limited their losses well, Sanchez crossing the line in 4th just 10 seconds behind Contador to cap a great day for Euskaltel.
Behind the Top 6, Cunego was fighting to keep his Yellow Jersey. He received virtually no help other than a few pulls from Chris Horner, but was able to keep the gap to Contador just big enough to keep yellow. In the process, he had dropped Nibali, Valverde and Evans from his group, and he crossed the line 7th on the day to keep his lead, although it does not look like he will be able to keep it once the mountains resume.
Part of the reason the finishing climb was so difficult was the stage it was in! From the gun, the riders climbed up the Cherohala Skyway, and the pace was hard enough that a break couldn't get free and near the top, many sprinters fell off, including Mark Cavendish, the points leader. Thomas De Gendt, the stage 7 winner, jumped out of the pack to claim 10 more points for the KOM classification. De Gendt was one the beneficiaries of the hard pace, in that there was not a break to take the points. He was, however, challenged by David Moncoutie, who may be looking throughout the Tour to rack up points for his effort.
Cavendish along with a few teammates was able to reconnect with the peloton on the descent just before the intermediate sprint, but he was unable to win the intermediate sprint. Due to the lack of a breakaway, the sprint was for the full 20 points, and Tom Boonen took full advantage, taking 1st place and the green jersey, due to Cavendish only managing 6th place.
Once the sprint was over, a breakaway finally got clear. Rui Costa (MOV), Geraint Thomas (SKY), Marcel Wyss (GEO), Lars Bak (HTC) and Sebastian Lang (OLO) made up the break and took the points on the Category 2 climb, but were caught 6 kilometers before the start of the final climb. Euskaltel set a torrid pace up to the final climb, and it quickly became apparent why as Anton attacked furiously to win a great stage!
Top 30 on Stage 8:
1. Igor Anton
2. Alberto Contador +8"
3. Andy Schleck
4. Samuel Sanchez +18"
5. Robert Gesink
6. Denis Menchov
7. Damiano Cunego +42"
8. Chris Horner
9. Jose Rujano
10. Frank Schleck
11. Vincenzo Nibali +49"
12. Joaquim Rodriguez
13. Cadel Evans
14. Alejandro Valverde +52"
15. Andreas Kloden +1'08"
16. Jurgen Van Den Broeck
17. Bradley Wiggins
18. Tom Danielson
19. Carlos Sastre +1'34"
20. Ivan Basso
21. Tejay Van Garderen
22. Peter Velits
23. Michele Scarponi
24. Rigoberto Uran
25. Alexander Vinokourov +1'49
26. Levi Leipheimer
27. Tony Martin
28. Ryder Hesjedal
29. Rein Taaramae
30. Dries Devynyns +2'00"
Points Earned at Finish:
1. Igor Anton 20 pts
2. Alberto Contador 17
3. Andy Schleck 15
4. Samuel Sanchez 13
5. Robert Gesink 11
6. Denis Menchov 10
7. Damiano Cunego 9
8. Chris Horner 8
9. Jose Rujano 7
10. Frank Schleck 6
11. Vincenzo Nibali 5
12. Joaquim Rodriguez 4
13. Cadel Evans 3
14. Alejandro Valverde 2
15. Andreas Kloden 1
Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:
1. Tom Boonen 20 pts
2. Peter Sagan 17
3. Daniele Bennati 15
4. Philippe Gilbert 13
5. Thor Hushovd 11
6. Mark Cavendish 10
7. Fabian Cancellara 9
8. Gert Steegmans 8
9. Samuel Dumoulin 7
10. Jose Joaquin Rojas 6
11. Matthew Goss 5
12. Andre Greipel 4
13. Tony Martin 3
14. Denis Galimzyanov 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1
Cherohala Skyway, Cat 1 Climb:
1. Thomas De Gendt 10 pts
2. David Moncoutie 8
3. Fabio Duarte 6
4. Xabier Zandio 4
5. Johnny Hoogerland 2
6. Pablo Urtasun 1
Big Choga Road, Cat 2 Climb:
1. Rui Costa 5 pts
2. Geraint Thomas 3
3. Lars Bak 2
4. Marcel Wyss 1
Brasstown Bald, Cat 1 Climb (Points Doubled For Summit Finish):
1. Igor Anton 20 pts
2. Alberto Contador 16
3. Andy Schleck 12
4. Samuel Sanchez 8
5. Robert Gesink 4
6. Denis Menchov 2
Most Aggressive Rider:
Rui Costa
Full Standings to Come, BOONEN IN GREEN!
Top 3 GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20"
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
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Michielveedeebee said:No Vandevelde in the top 30 ?
A reporter caught up with him after the stage, and he said he did work for Tommy D and Ryder, and then he dropped off. He said after his badly timed mechanicals on Stage 7 that put him out of contention, he is saving his energy to work for his team , and to possibly have a go at a stage later on.
Starting on Full Results, but it might take a while!
EDIT: Didn't take too long. Standings are up. New leaders in Points, KOM, and Young Riders!
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Standings After Stage 8
Overall GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20”
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
4. Cadel Evans +1'13”
5. Robert Gesink +1’14"
6. Denis Menchov +1'20”
7. Andreas Kloden +1'49”
8. Samuel Sanchez +2'01”
9. Tony Martin +2'25”
10. Tom Danielson +2’25”
11. Andy Schleck +2’28”
12. Vincenzo Nibali +2'36"
13. Dries Devynyns +2'42"
14. Jurgen Van den Broeck +2’42"
15. Rigoberto Uran +2'46"
17. Alexander Vinokourov +2'55”
18. Chris Horner +2'57"
19. Ryder Hesjedal +2'57"
21. Peter Velits +3'05"
23. Levi Leipheimer +3’09”
24. Carlos Sastre +3'12"
26. Igor Anton +3’18”
28. Tejay Van Garderen +3’22"
32. Jose Rujano +3'27"
33. Alejandro Valverde +3’29”
34. Thomas De Gendt +3'32"
40. Frank Schleck +3’44”
42. Janez Brajkovic +3'50”
45. Ivan Basso +4’04”
50. Michele Scarponi +4'30"
52. Rein Taaramae +4'37"
53. Nicolas Roche +4'52"
98. Joaquim Rodriguez +7’37"
Top 15 Points Classification:
1. Tom Boonen 118 pts
2. Mark Cavendish 114
3. Daniele Bennati 98
4. Peter Sagan 95
5. Philippe Gilbert 77
6. Fabian Cancellara 74
7. Damiano Cunego 68
8. Jose Joaquin Rojas 67
9. Oscar Friere 58
10. Alberto Contador 51
11. Allan Davis 48
12. Tyler Farrar 46
13. Dries Devynyns 43
14. Bradley Wiggins 41
15. Rémy Di Grégorio 37
Top 15 KOM:
1. Alberto Contador 22 pts
2. Thomas De Gendt 20
3. Igor Anton 20
4. Andy Schleck 12
5. David Moncoutie 8
6. Samuel Sanchez 8
7. Fabio Duarte 6
8. Xabier Zandio 6
9. Rui Costa 5
10. Damiano Cunego 4
11. Robert Gesink 4
12. Geraint Thomas 3
13. Denis Menchov 2
14. Johnny Hoogerland 2
15. Lars Bak 2
Young Riders:
1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +1'32"
3. Tejay Van Garderen +2'08"
(I'm looking forward to a couple of flat stages where all I have to change is likely the points classification!!)
Overall GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20”
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
4. Cadel Evans +1'13”
5. Robert Gesink +1’14"
6. Denis Menchov +1'20”
7. Andreas Kloden +1'49”
8. Samuel Sanchez +2'01”
9. Tony Martin +2'25”
10. Tom Danielson +2’25”
11. Andy Schleck +2’28”
12. Vincenzo Nibali +2'36"
13. Dries Devynyns +2'42"
14. Jurgen Van den Broeck +2’42"
15. Rigoberto Uran +2'46"
17. Alexander Vinokourov +2'55”
18. Chris Horner +2'57"
19. Ryder Hesjedal +2'57"
21. Peter Velits +3'05"
23. Levi Leipheimer +3’09”
24. Carlos Sastre +3'12"
26. Igor Anton +3’18”
28. Tejay Van Garderen +3’22"
32. Jose Rujano +3'27"
33. Alejandro Valverde +3’29”
34. Thomas De Gendt +3'32"
40. Frank Schleck +3’44”
42. Janez Brajkovic +3'50”
45. Ivan Basso +4’04”
50. Michele Scarponi +4'30"
52. Rein Taaramae +4'37"
53. Nicolas Roche +4'52"
98. Joaquim Rodriguez +7’37"
Top 15 Points Classification:
1. Tom Boonen 118 pts
2. Mark Cavendish 114
3. Daniele Bennati 98
4. Peter Sagan 95
5. Philippe Gilbert 77
6. Fabian Cancellara 74
7. Damiano Cunego 68
8. Jose Joaquin Rojas 67
9. Oscar Friere 58
10. Alberto Contador 51
11. Allan Davis 48
12. Tyler Farrar 46
13. Dries Devynyns 43
14. Bradley Wiggins 41
15. Rémy Di Grégorio 37
Top 15 KOM:
1. Alberto Contador 22 pts
2. Thomas De Gendt 20
3. Igor Anton 20
4. Andy Schleck 12
5. David Moncoutie 8
6. Samuel Sanchez 8
7. Fabio Duarte 6
8. Xabier Zandio 6
9. Rui Costa 5
10. Damiano Cunego 4
11. Robert Gesink 4
12. Geraint Thomas 3
13. Denis Menchov 2
14. Johnny Hoogerland 2
15. Lars Bak 2
Young Riders:
1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +1'32"
3. Tejay Van Garderen +2'08"
(I'm looking forward to a couple of flat stages where all I have to change is likely the points classification!!
)I'm assuming that there's at least a handful of people on these forums who made a pilgrimmage to the Brasstown Bald for the TdG. I'm curious to know if anyone else had the same 'encounter' as my friends and I. As we were driving home after the '05 race (a Tommy D victory), we pased a convenience store/gas station and I nearly drove off the road when I noticed their signage. In addition to the business' name it featured what I guess they considered to be their 'mascot'- a giant black man dressed in overalls and a straw hat, with a huge toothy moron's grin on his face!! Now, I've lived my whole life, nearly 50 years in the South and I've seen some ****. About 15 years ago I was cycling out in the sticks when I hear a man yelling, "Stop N-word! Get back here N-word!" I looked around, terrified, and realized a dog, a black dog, was chasing me. Presumably, this is the name the man's family, friends and neighbors used for this dog, as well. But, as bad as that was, I don't think it quite compares to the folks in North Georgia who seemingly have no qualms about using such a stunningly offensive caricature to promote their business. And what about the corporation that supplies their gasoline, have they no objections? It was as if we travelled through a wormhole back to the 1950's! Unfortunately, we didn't manage to take any photos of this monstrosity. We could just make out the faint strains of a lone banjo wafting down the holler, and knew it was in our best interests to keep moving.
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Stage 9 Preview
After Stage 8's tough summit finish, the Tour of America finishes heads to the first rest day with a stage for the sprinters. Starting in Rome, Georgia, Stage 9 hits its only bump in the road from the gun, a Category 3 climb up Mount Alto. Once the climb is negotiated, the riders will head southwest along flat roads to the finish in Birmingham, Alabama.
The finish is on the roads of Downtown Birmingham, and it looks to be a stage for the sprinters. Those sprinters who have had an easier time in the mountains might look to have to an advantage over the sprinters who struggled. The finish could also present problems, with multiple bends in the last kilometer. Positioning will be key if a sprinter is to snatch victory before the rest day.
Tom Boonen claimed the intermediate sprint in Stage 8 to claim green, and his consistency has given him a slight lead over Mark Cavendish. The Manx Missile has yet to even win a stage, and this stretch from Stages 9-12 could be his last opportunity to win before the final weekend. His HTC-Highroad train will look to deliver him to the final 200 meters in good position. Can he regain green with Daniele Bennati and Peter Sagan lurking close behind?
Birmingham, Alabama
The actual report probably won't come for a while. You gotta sleep sometime, you know!
After Stage 8's tough summit finish, the Tour of America finishes heads to the first rest day with a stage for the sprinters. Starting in Rome, Georgia, Stage 9 hits its only bump in the road from the gun, a Category 3 climb up Mount Alto. Once the climb is negotiated, the riders will head southwest along flat roads to the finish in Birmingham, Alabama.
The finish is on the roads of Downtown Birmingham, and it looks to be a stage for the sprinters. Those sprinters who have had an easier time in the mountains might look to have to an advantage over the sprinters who struggled. The finish could also present problems, with multiple bends in the last kilometer. Positioning will be key if a sprinter is to snatch victory before the rest day.
Tom Boonen claimed the intermediate sprint in Stage 8 to claim green, and his consistency has given him a slight lead over Mark Cavendish. The Manx Missile has yet to even win a stage, and this stretch from Stages 9-12 could be his last opportunity to win before the final weekend. His HTC-Highroad train will look to deliver him to the final 200 meters in good position. Can he regain green with Daniele Bennati and Peter Sagan lurking close behind?
Birmingham, Alabama
The actual report probably won't come for a while. You gotta sleep sometime, you know!
Would have loved to see a finish on the Talladega Superspeedway! I understand Carl Edwards is an avid cyclist, he could have pulled some strings.
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Stage 9 Report
July 8th, Stage 9: Rome - Birmingham, 198.79 kms
Sagan Bests the Cav Train
Mountains Take Toll on Cavendish, Cunego Keeps Lead
Not often does a Grand Tour complete its first week without a Mark Cavendish stage win, but the Tour of America has done just that. In the aftermath of the sprint, it became clear that the previous days' mountains had taken their toll on the Manx Missile. His famous lead-out train was not as sharp, and his final man Mark Renshaw did not have the same kick as normal. This left Cavendish alone in front with 300 meters to go, and Peter Sagan took full advantage. Knowing that Cavendish did not want to go for another long sprint, having failed in that attempt early in the Tour, Sagan jumped out of Cav's wheel and surprised everyone, powering away from the rest of the sprinters to win comfortably. Mark Cavendish was, however, able to regain the Green Jersey, coming in third behind Sagan and Daniele Bennati, who also passed Cav in the final sprint.
The run-in to the finish was tricky, with several 90 degree bends in the last 2 kilometers, and a small hill 1.5 kilometers from the finish line. It was this hill that probably put the final nail in the coffin for Cavendish today, as Philippe Gilbert and Alexander Vinokourov jumped away from the field, setting the remaining members of Cav's lead-out train in panic mode. Bernhard Eisel and Matt Goss buried themselves earlier than normal to catch the two escapees, and once they were finally caught, Renshaw was the last man left for Cav, but with 600 meters still to go. Renshaw could not deliver his man to the ideal spot, and the other sprinters were willing to let Cavendish waste himself on the front until the ideal time.
Damiano Cunego continued his reign in the Yellow Jersey, able to relax and recover after Stage 8's exhausting efforts. His team, Lampre-ISD, only did marginal work, as HTC-Highroad and Quick Step were intent on a bunch finish, and as such did the majority of the work. Cunego was content to sit in the pack, recovering his strength for the mountains in the second weekend.
Once more, a breakaway jumped away in the early kilometers, but it was clear that the riders would not get any rewards for their efforts other than camera time. Still, 9 men comprised the breakaway. Maxim Iglinsky (AST), Paolo Longo Borghini (LIQ), David Millar (GAR), Francisco Jose Ventoso (MOV), Jerome Pineau (QST), Manuel Quinziato (BMC), Julien El Fares (COF), Gustav Larsson (SAX), and Bradley White (UHC) were in front of the peloton all day. Larsson jumped away from the very start, taking the 2 points on Mount Alto to secure teammate Alberto Contador's KOM lead for another day.
The 9 breakaway riders stayed away and took the first placings at the intermediate sprint, and once again, Cavendish took the first remaining place. Tom Boonen was beaten at the sprint, but did not relinquish his points lead until the final sprint, where he could only manage 7th. Sagan and Bennati also surged closer to the lead, turning the Green Jersey competition into a four man race heading into the second week.
Top 15 on Stage 9 and Points Earned at Finish:
1. Peter Sagan 45 pts
2. Daniele Bennati 35
3. Mark Cavendish 30
4. Allan Davis 26
5. Andre Greipel 22
6. Robert Forster 20
7. Tom Boonen 18
8. Oscar Freire 16
9. Romain Feillu 14
10. Alessandro Petacchi 12
11. Greg Van Avermaet 10
12. Ben Swift 8
13. Jose Joaquin Rojas 6
14. Robbie McEwen 4
15. Juan Jose Haedo 2
Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:
1. Francisco Jose Ventoso 20 pts
2. Bradley White 17
3. Paolo Longo Borghini 15
4. Jerome Pineau 13
5. David Millar 11
6. Maxim Iglinsky 10
7. Gustav Larsson 9
8. Manuel Quinziato 8
9. Julien El Fares 7
10. Mark Cavendish 6
11. Tom Boonen 5
12. Jose Joaquin Rojas 4
13. Peter Sagan 3
14. Fabian Cancellara 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1
Mount Alto, Cat 3 Climb:
1. Gustav Larsson 2 pts
2. Manuel Quinziato 1
Most Aggressive Rider:
David Millar
Standings to Come, Cav back in Green
Top 3 GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20”
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
July 8th, Stage 9: Rome - Birmingham, 198.79 kms
Sagan Bests the Cav Train
Mountains Take Toll on Cavendish, Cunego Keeps Lead
Not often does a Grand Tour complete its first week without a Mark Cavendish stage win, but the Tour of America has done just that. In the aftermath of the sprint, it became clear that the previous days' mountains had taken their toll on the Manx Missile. His famous lead-out train was not as sharp, and his final man Mark Renshaw did not have the same kick as normal. This left Cavendish alone in front with 300 meters to go, and Peter Sagan took full advantage. Knowing that Cavendish did not want to go for another long sprint, having failed in that attempt early in the Tour, Sagan jumped out of Cav's wheel and surprised everyone, powering away from the rest of the sprinters to win comfortably. Mark Cavendish was, however, able to regain the Green Jersey, coming in third behind Sagan and Daniele Bennati, who also passed Cav in the final sprint.
The run-in to the finish was tricky, with several 90 degree bends in the last 2 kilometers, and a small hill 1.5 kilometers from the finish line. It was this hill that probably put the final nail in the coffin for Cavendish today, as Philippe Gilbert and Alexander Vinokourov jumped away from the field, setting the remaining members of Cav's lead-out train in panic mode. Bernhard Eisel and Matt Goss buried themselves earlier than normal to catch the two escapees, and once they were finally caught, Renshaw was the last man left for Cav, but with 600 meters still to go. Renshaw could not deliver his man to the ideal spot, and the other sprinters were willing to let Cavendish waste himself on the front until the ideal time.
Damiano Cunego continued his reign in the Yellow Jersey, able to relax and recover after Stage 8's exhausting efforts. His team, Lampre-ISD, only did marginal work, as HTC-Highroad and Quick Step were intent on a bunch finish, and as such did the majority of the work. Cunego was content to sit in the pack, recovering his strength for the mountains in the second weekend.
Once more, a breakaway jumped away in the early kilometers, but it was clear that the riders would not get any rewards for their efforts other than camera time. Still, 9 men comprised the breakaway. Maxim Iglinsky (AST), Paolo Longo Borghini (LIQ), David Millar (GAR), Francisco Jose Ventoso (MOV), Jerome Pineau (QST), Manuel Quinziato (BMC), Julien El Fares (COF), Gustav Larsson (SAX), and Bradley White (UHC) were in front of the peloton all day. Larsson jumped away from the very start, taking the 2 points on Mount Alto to secure teammate Alberto Contador's KOM lead for another day.
The 9 breakaway riders stayed away and took the first placings at the intermediate sprint, and once again, Cavendish took the first remaining place. Tom Boonen was beaten at the sprint, but did not relinquish his points lead until the final sprint, where he could only manage 7th. Sagan and Bennati also surged closer to the lead, turning the Green Jersey competition into a four man race heading into the second week.
Top 15 on Stage 9 and Points Earned at Finish:
1. Peter Sagan 45 pts
2. Daniele Bennati 35
3. Mark Cavendish 30
4. Allan Davis 26
5. Andre Greipel 22
6. Robert Forster 20
7. Tom Boonen 18
8. Oscar Freire 16
9. Romain Feillu 14
10. Alessandro Petacchi 12
11. Greg Van Avermaet 10
12. Ben Swift 8
13. Jose Joaquin Rojas 6
14. Robbie McEwen 4
15. Juan Jose Haedo 2
Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:
1. Francisco Jose Ventoso 20 pts
2. Bradley White 17
3. Paolo Longo Borghini 15
4. Jerome Pineau 13
5. David Millar 11
6. Maxim Iglinsky 10
7. Gustav Larsson 9
8. Manuel Quinziato 8
9. Julien El Fares 7
10. Mark Cavendish 6
11. Tom Boonen 5
12. Jose Joaquin Rojas 4
13. Peter Sagan 3
14. Fabian Cancellara 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1
Mount Alto, Cat 3 Climb:
1. Gustav Larsson 2 pts
2. Manuel Quinziato 1
Most Aggressive Rider:
David Millar
Standings to Come, Cav back in Green
Top 3 GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20”
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
- Jul 28, 2010
- 2,274
- 0
- 0
Standings After Stage 9
Overall GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20”
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
4. Cadel Evans +1'13”
5. Robert Gesink +1’14"
6. Denis Menchov +1'20”
7. Andreas Kloden +1'49”
8. Samuel Sanchez +2'01”
9. Tony Martin +2'25”
10. Tom Danielson +2’25”
11. Andy Schleck +2’28”
12. Vincenzo Nibali +2'36"
13. Dries Devynyns +2'42"
14. Jurgen Van den Broeck +2’42"
15. Rigoberto Uran +2'46"
17. Alexander Vinokourov +2'55”
18. Chris Horner +2'57"
19. Ryder Hesjedal +2'57"
21. Peter Velits +3'05"
23. Levi Leipheimer +3’09”
24. Carlos Sastre +3'12"
26. Igor Anton +3’18”
28. Tejay Van Garderen +3’22"
32. Jose Rujano +3'27"
33. Alejandro Valverde +3’29”
34. Thomas De Gendt +3'32"
40. Frank Schleck +3’44”
42. Janez Brajkovic +3'50”
45. Ivan Basso +4’04”
50. Michele Scarponi +4'30"
52. Rein Taaramae +4'37"
53. Nicolas Roche +4'52"
98. Joaquim Rodriguez +7’37"
Top 15 Points Classification:
1. Mark Cavendish 150 pts
2. Peter Sagan 143
3. Tom Boonen 141
4. Daniele Bennati 133
5. Jose Joaquin Rojas 77
6. Philippe Gilbert 77
7. Fabian Cancellara 76
8. Allan Davis 74
9. Oscar Friere 74
10. Damiano Cunego 58
11. Andre Greipel 52
12. Alberto Contador 51
13. Alessandro Petacchi 46
14. Dries Devynyns 43
15. Bradley Wiggins 41
Top 15 KOM:
1. Alberto Contador 22 pts
2. Thomas De Gendt 20
3. Igor Anton 20
4. Andy Schleck 12
5. David Moncoutie 8
6. Samuel Sanchez 8
7. Fabio Duarte 6
8. Xabier Zandio 6
9. Rui Costa 5
10. Damiano Cunego 4
11. Robert Gesink 4
12. Geraint Thomas 3
13. Denis Menchov 2
14. Johnny Hoogerland 2
15. Lars Bak 2
Young Riders:
1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +1'32"
3. Tejay Van Garderen +2'08"
Overall GC:
1. Damiano Cunego
2. Alberto Contador +20”
3. Bradley Wiggins +53"
4. Cadel Evans +1'13”
5. Robert Gesink +1’14"
6. Denis Menchov +1'20”
7. Andreas Kloden +1'49”
8. Samuel Sanchez +2'01”
9. Tony Martin +2'25”
10. Tom Danielson +2’25”
11. Andy Schleck +2’28”
12. Vincenzo Nibali +2'36"
13. Dries Devynyns +2'42"
14. Jurgen Van den Broeck +2’42"
15. Rigoberto Uran +2'46"
17. Alexander Vinokourov +2'55”
18. Chris Horner +2'57"
19. Ryder Hesjedal +2'57"
21. Peter Velits +3'05"
23. Levi Leipheimer +3’09”
24. Carlos Sastre +3'12"
26. Igor Anton +3’18”
28. Tejay Van Garderen +3’22"
32. Jose Rujano +3'27"
33. Alejandro Valverde +3’29”
34. Thomas De Gendt +3'32"
40. Frank Schleck +3’44”
42. Janez Brajkovic +3'50”
45. Ivan Basso +4’04”
50. Michele Scarponi +4'30"
52. Rein Taaramae +4'37"
53. Nicolas Roche +4'52"
98. Joaquim Rodriguez +7’37"
Top 15 Points Classification:
1. Mark Cavendish 150 pts
2. Peter Sagan 143
3. Tom Boonen 141
4. Daniele Bennati 133
5. Jose Joaquin Rojas 77
6. Philippe Gilbert 77
7. Fabian Cancellara 76
8. Allan Davis 74
9. Oscar Friere 74
10. Damiano Cunego 58
11. Andre Greipel 52
12. Alberto Contador 51
13. Alessandro Petacchi 46
14. Dries Devynyns 43
15. Bradley Wiggins 41
Top 15 KOM:
1. Alberto Contador 22 pts
2. Thomas De Gendt 20
3. Igor Anton 20
4. Andy Schleck 12
5. David Moncoutie 8
6. Samuel Sanchez 8
7. Fabio Duarte 6
8. Xabier Zandio 6
9. Rui Costa 5
10. Damiano Cunego 4
11. Robert Gesink 4
12. Geraint Thomas 3
13. Denis Menchov 2
14. Johnny Hoogerland 2
15. Lars Bak 2
Young Riders:
1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +1'32"
3. Tejay Van Garderen +2'08"
- Jul 28, 2010
- 2,274
- 0
- 0
First Week Recap
The Tour of America has enjoyed great success in the first week of its maiden voyage. Fast sprints, challenging climbs, and massive crowds have given the organizers a lot to be proud of. There have been multiple leaders in all four competitions, and every stage has had a new winner. Here's a short recap of the stages so far (and links to the full reports):
Stage 1, Winner: Wiggins, Leader: Wiggins
The Tour of America got started with a very challenging 35 kilometer individual time trial around Lake Otsego. The stage finish in Cooperstown, New York saw riders cross the line having spent massive amounts of energy on the opening day. Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky narrowly edged out Fabian Cancellara to claim the race lead.
Stage 2, Winner: Boonen, Leader: Wiggins
The first mass start stage of the Tour of America saw a rather unexpected winner. Tom Boonen, thought to have lost a bit of his past speed, went for a long sprint and was rewarded. Mark Cavendish had to settle for second at the picturesque Niagara Falls.
Stage 3, Winner: Bennati, Leader: Wiggins
Once again, Mark Cavendish had to settle for second place, this time beaten by both strong headwinds and Daniele Bennati. Bennati came out from the wheel of Cavendish in the last moment to take the win, although Cavendish did claim the early lead in the Points Standings.
Stage 4, Winner: Freire, Leader: Cancellara
Stage 4 was just another sprint finish, but the tricky twists and turns in the final kilometer paved the way for some big changes. Fabian Cancellara looked set to ride away from the crash-ridden field, but Oscar Freire came up from behind at the last second to win the stage. Cancellara was rewarded for his efforts, taking the Yellow Jersey from Bradley Wiggins on the strength of bonus seconds.
Stage 5, Winner: Garmin-Cervelo, Leader: Cancellara
The Tour of American celebrated American Independence Day in style, with a Team Time Trial in the nation's capitol in Washington, D.C. American team Garmin-Cervelo celebrated in style as well, winning the stage with an impressive time. Team Sky almost put Bradley Wiggins back in yellow, but Fabian Cancellara dragged his Leopard Trek along to stay in yellow by 2 seconds.
Stage 6, Winner: Cunego, Leader: Cunego
Stage 6 saw Damiano Cunego win big from the breakaway, winning the stage and taking the overall race lead. Fabian Cancellara's team chose to not put in the effort to keep the race lead, and the breakaway was allowed to sort out the win for themselves. Cunego easily blasted away from his break companions to win the stage, and the peloton finished far enough back to put Cunego in the Yellow Jersey.
Stage 7, Winner: De Gendt, Leader: Cunego
Though Stage 7 was won by Thomas De Gendt, the eyes of the racers and the public turned to Alberto Contador. The six time grand tour champion attacked on the final hill to gain small seconds, but more importantly strike fear into the hearts of his competitors. De Gendt was able to latch on the Contador's wheel, and he took the stage win at the line. Damiano Cunego was still able to comfortably keep yellow, despite Contador's attacks.
Stage 8, Winner: Anton, Leader: Cunego
The Tour of America arrived at it's first real mountain stage, and it did not disappoint. Igor Anton attacked again and again on the final climb to win the stage, but once again Alberto Contador stole the show. Contador attacked multiple times on the climb to Brasstown Bald, and gained important time over all of his main rivals bar Andy Schleck. Damiano Cunego fought hard and kept his Yellow Jersey, but the gap to Contador is now only 20 seconds.
Stage 9, Winner: Sagan, Leader: Cunego
The final day of the first week shifted the focus back to the sprinters, and the race for the Green Jersey once again got tighter. Mark Cavendish regained the jersey after losing it to Tom Boonen in the previous stage, but once again was denied the stage win. Peter Sagan, the young Slovakian phenom, had the stronger legs after the mountains and bursted past Cavendish to win the stage and charge up to 2nd in the points standings. Damiano Cunego comfortably held his lead heading into the first rest day and the second week of the Tour.
The riders will have a day of rest before returning to the open American roads. A few flat and intermediate stages await the riders before they hit the ridiculously tough Rocky Mountains in the second weekend. The race for the podium in San Francisco will be sure to heat up once again.
Here's a few pictures from the first week of racing!!
Fabian Cancellara barely lost on the first stage in Cooperstown.
Team HTC-Highroad has had a disappointing first week, including their TTT performance.
Alberto Contador attacked relentlessly on the climb to Brasstown Bald.
The Tour of America has enjoyed great success in the first week of its maiden voyage. Fast sprints, challenging climbs, and massive crowds have given the organizers a lot to be proud of. There have been multiple leaders in all four competitions, and every stage has had a new winner. Here's a short recap of the stages so far (and links to the full reports):
Stage 1, Winner: Wiggins, Leader: Wiggins
The Tour of America got started with a very challenging 35 kilometer individual time trial around Lake Otsego. The stage finish in Cooperstown, New York saw riders cross the line having spent massive amounts of energy on the opening day. Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky narrowly edged out Fabian Cancellara to claim the race lead.
Stage 2, Winner: Boonen, Leader: Wiggins
The first mass start stage of the Tour of America saw a rather unexpected winner. Tom Boonen, thought to have lost a bit of his past speed, went for a long sprint and was rewarded. Mark Cavendish had to settle for second at the picturesque Niagara Falls.
Stage 3, Winner: Bennati, Leader: Wiggins
Once again, Mark Cavendish had to settle for second place, this time beaten by both strong headwinds and Daniele Bennati. Bennati came out from the wheel of Cavendish in the last moment to take the win, although Cavendish did claim the early lead in the Points Standings.
Stage 4, Winner: Freire, Leader: Cancellara
Stage 4 was just another sprint finish, but the tricky twists and turns in the final kilometer paved the way for some big changes. Fabian Cancellara looked set to ride away from the crash-ridden field, but Oscar Freire came up from behind at the last second to win the stage. Cancellara was rewarded for his efforts, taking the Yellow Jersey from Bradley Wiggins on the strength of bonus seconds.
Stage 5, Winner: Garmin-Cervelo, Leader: Cancellara
The Tour of American celebrated American Independence Day in style, with a Team Time Trial in the nation's capitol in Washington, D.C. American team Garmin-Cervelo celebrated in style as well, winning the stage with an impressive time. Team Sky almost put Bradley Wiggins back in yellow, but Fabian Cancellara dragged his Leopard Trek along to stay in yellow by 2 seconds.
Stage 6, Winner: Cunego, Leader: Cunego
Stage 6 saw Damiano Cunego win big from the breakaway, winning the stage and taking the overall race lead. Fabian Cancellara's team chose to not put in the effort to keep the race lead, and the breakaway was allowed to sort out the win for themselves. Cunego easily blasted away from his break companions to win the stage, and the peloton finished far enough back to put Cunego in the Yellow Jersey.
Stage 7, Winner: De Gendt, Leader: Cunego
Though Stage 7 was won by Thomas De Gendt, the eyes of the racers and the public turned to Alberto Contador. The six time grand tour champion attacked on the final hill to gain small seconds, but more importantly strike fear into the hearts of his competitors. De Gendt was able to latch on the Contador's wheel, and he took the stage win at the line. Damiano Cunego was still able to comfortably keep yellow, despite Contador's attacks.
Stage 8, Winner: Anton, Leader: Cunego
The Tour of America arrived at it's first real mountain stage, and it did not disappoint. Igor Anton attacked again and again on the final climb to win the stage, but once again Alberto Contador stole the show. Contador attacked multiple times on the climb to Brasstown Bald, and gained important time over all of his main rivals bar Andy Schleck. Damiano Cunego fought hard and kept his Yellow Jersey, but the gap to Contador is now only 20 seconds.
Stage 9, Winner: Sagan, Leader: Cunego
The final day of the first week shifted the focus back to the sprinters, and the race for the Green Jersey once again got tighter. Mark Cavendish regained the jersey after losing it to Tom Boonen in the previous stage, but once again was denied the stage win. Peter Sagan, the young Slovakian phenom, had the stronger legs after the mountains and bursted past Cavendish to win the stage and charge up to 2nd in the points standings. Damiano Cunego comfortably held his lead heading into the first rest day and the second week of the Tour.
The riders will have a day of rest before returning to the open American roads. A few flat and intermediate stages await the riders before they hit the ridiculously tough Rocky Mountains in the second weekend. The race for the podium in San Francisco will be sure to heat up once again.
Here's a few pictures from the first week of racing!!
Fabian Cancellara barely lost on the first stage in Cooperstown.
Team HTC-Highroad has had a disappointing first week, including their TTT performance.
Alberto Contador attacked relentlessly on the climb to Brasstown Bald.
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