Tour of America (Fantasy Tour)

[jobiwan]

Standings After Stage 16

General Classification:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Alberto Contador +3"
3. Samuel Sanchez +51”
4. Denis Menchov +1'37”
5. Tom Danielson +1'54”
6. Cadel Evans +2'11”
7. Andy Schleck +3’30”
8. Damiano Cunego +4'22"
9. Chris Horner +5'16"
10. Andreas Kloden +5'49”

11. Bradley Wiggins +5'59"
12. Vincenzo Nibali +6'22"
13. Jose Rujano +7'07"
14. Rory Sutherland +7'09"
15. Jurgen Van den Broeck +7’09"
16. Frank Schleck +7’42”
17. Peter Velits +8'08"
18. Igor Anton +9’06"
19. Ryder Hesjedal +9'34"
20. Rigoberto Uran +9'40"
21. Alexander Vinokourov +9'42”
22. Levi Leipheimer +10’26”
23. Alejandro Valverde +10’49”
24. Dries Devynyns +10'50"
25. Tony Martin +10'53”

26. Joaquim Rodriguez +11’46"
27. Janez Brajkovic +12'01”
30. Carlos Sastre +12'58"
38. Rein Taaramae +14'31"
40. Tejay Van Garderen +14’55"
44. Ivan Basso +15’15”
57. Nicolas Roche +16'58"
58. Michele Scarponi +17'08"

Top 10 Points Classification:

1. Mark Cavendish 299 pts
2. Peter Sagan 254
3. Daniele Bennati 230
4. Tom Boonen 194
5. Tyler Farrar 134
6. Fabian Cancellara 115
7. Jose Joaquin Rojas 113
8. Philippe Gilbert 108
9. Allan Davis 99
10. Alberto Contador 98

Top 15 KOM:

1. Alberto Contador 86 pts
2. David Moncoutie 43
3. Robert Gesink 66
4. Samuel Sanchez 50
5. Tom Danielson 40
6. Cadel Evans 32
7. Denis Menchov 30
8. Andy Schleck 28
9. Jose Rujano 24
10. Thomas De Gendt 23
11. Igor Anton 20
12. Christian Vande Velde 16
13. Jelle Vanendert 12
14. Kevin De Weert 8
15. Fabio Duarte 6

Young Riders:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +9'40"
3. Rein Taaramae +14'31"
4. Tejay Van Garderen +14'55"

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 17 Preview

In between the mountain time trial and the final climb of Onion Valley Road, the riders will enjoy a beautiful race around Lake Tahoe. The riders will start in the city of South Lake Tahoe, California before heading north along the west side of the lake. The riders will pass through Sunnyside-Tahoe City before arriving in the town of Truckee. The riders will then head back south towards Tahoe Vista, where the riders will take on the only climb of the day.

Once over the top, the riders will head into Nevada and head south around the east side of the lake. Then the riders will head back into California for the finish in South Lake Tahoe. Once the Tour of America passes back into California, it will stay in the great state for the remainder of the race.

The race around this stunning lake will not be terribly challenging; just one categorized climb awaits the riders. However, the elevation combined with the obvious exhaustion in the peloton leaves this stage possibly open to a breakaway. The sprinters' teams will really have the final say. If they want a sprint, there should be one. Otherwise, expect an opportunist like Sylvain Chavanel or George Hincapie to win this stage, someone whose presence in the break will not threaten the race lead of Robert Gesink.

South Lake Tahoe (winter)

More Lake Tahoe Awesomeness

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 17 Report

July 18th, Stage 17: Lake Tahoe, 160.98 kms

Costa Wins One from the Break

Hincapie Falls Short in the Finale, Gesink in Lead for Another Day

With the final mountain stage lurking just one stage away, the teams of the contenders were likely going to sit Stage 17 out. It turned out to be a good prediction, as an early breakaway got a large lead and stuck to the finish. Among them were Portuguese rider Rui Costa and American rider George Hincapie, the long time professional on the BMC squad. Hincapie attacked the breakaway late in the stage, and Costa followed to set up a one-on-one finish for the stage win in South Lake Tahoe.

With two kilometers to go, Hincapie and Costa were working well together, and it looked to be headed for a sprint finish between the two. Then with one kilometer to go, Costa found himself in the uncomfortable position of leading out Hincapie. Costa then swung off his line, and Hincapie immediately put in a huge effort. At first, Costa appeared to be caught out by the American's acceleration, but he then dug deep to try to catch Hincapie. With 400 meters to go, Costa finally connected once again to Hincapie's wheel. Hincapie tried to delay the sprint, but Costa jumped with 250 meters to go, and Hincapie could only reach Costa's back wheel as the man from Portugal claimed a fine stage win for his Movistar team.

Behind, Filippo Pozzato easily outsprinted Juan Antonio Flecha for the final podium spot, but Pozzato was visibly disappointed that he could only manage third, as he had looked to the favorite among the early breakaway. Pozzato (KAT), Flecha (SKY), Costa (MOV), Hincapie (BMC), Addy Engels (QST), David Loosli (LAM), Linus Gerdemann (LEO), Hubert Dupont (AGR), Christopher Jones (UHC), and Yaroslav Popovych (RSH) were let off the front early in the day. As none of the riders came close to threatening the race lead of Robert Gesink, his Rabobank team was content to let the breakaway work as they saved energy for Onion Valley Road.

The breakaway quickly got a 2 minute lead, and then Peter Sagan and Edvald Boasson Hagen jumped off in an attempt to join them. This move was not pleasing to the peloton as HTC-Highroad and Katusha quickly moved to shut it down. HTC was worried that Sagan would close the points gap to Mark Cavendish, while Katusha did not any more sprinters to reach Pozzato's group, as he was the only fast finisher in the breakaway. After a fairly long struggle, Sagan and Boasson Hagen were brought back, and the gap to the breakaway grew to a point where victory was assured for the breakaway. Cavendish then asserted his authority at the intermediate sprint, taking the first remaining place to pad his lead in the Green Jersey competition. Sagan did manage to take the field sprint at the finish, although Cavendish did not bother to compete as it looks like his victory is almost assured. Gesink crossed the line with the peloton to continue his rule in the Yellow Jersey, although one has to wonder if he will be able to keep it.

With 20 kilometers to go, the breakaway riders took turns attacking Pozzato, as they did not want to gift him the stage in the end. Gerdemann and Popovych attacked first, and they managed a decent sized gap. Pozzato received some assistance from Hincapie and Flecha, who wanted their own chance to attack. Although it took till 10 kilometers to go, the two attackers were brought back. Engels and Jones then attacked, but they were brought back with 8 kilometers to go. Popovych put another attack in with 7 kilometers to go, and looked to have a chance at victory with a 10 second gap. He was brought back, however, with 4 kilometers to go. Costa and Hincapie then attacked, and this time Pozzato and the other breakaway members could not answer. By this point, Pozzato was not getting anymore help from his fellow escapees, and the stage win was conceded to the two riders out in front.

Top 15 on Stage 17 and Points Earned at Finish:

1. Rui Costa 30 pts
2. George Hincapie (s.t.) 25
3. Filippo Pozzato (+14") 22
4. Juan Antonio Flecha 19
5. David Loosli 17
6. Linus Gerdemann 15
7. Addy Engels 13
8. Christopher Jones 11
9. Hubert Dupont 9
10. Yaroslav Popovych (+23") 7
11. Peter Sagan 6
12. Thor Hushovd 5
13. Fabian Cancellara 4
14. Stuart O'Grady 3
15. Carlos Barredo 2

Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:

1. Filippo Pozzato 20 pts
2. Addy Engels 17
3. Hubert Dupont 15
4. George Hincapie 13
5. David Loosli 11
6. Yaroslav Popovych 10
7. Rui Costa 9
8. Juan Antonio Flecha 8
9. Christopher Jones 7
10. Linus Gerdemann 6
11. Mark Cavendish 5
12. Peter Sagan 4
13. Daniele Bennati 3
14. Fabian Cancellara 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1

Tahoe Vista, Cat 3 Climb:

1. David Loosli 2 pts
2. Christopher Jones 1

Most Aggressive Rider:

George Hincapie

Top 7 GC:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Alberto Contador +3"
3. Samuel Sanchez +51”
4. Denis Menchov +1'37”
5. Tom Danielson +1'54”
6. Cadel Evans +2'11”
7. Andy Schleck +3’30”

 

[jobiwan]

Standings After Stage 17

General Classification:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Alberto Contador +3"
3. Samuel Sanchez +51”
4. Denis Menchov +1'37”
5. Tom Danielson +1'54”
6. Cadel Evans +2'11”
7. Andy Schleck +3’30”
8. Damiano Cunego +4'22"
9. Chris Horner +5'16"
10. Andreas Kloden +5'49”

11. Bradley Wiggins +5'59"
12. Vincenzo Nibali +6'22"
13. Jose Rujano +7'07"
14. Rory Sutherland +7'09"
15. Jurgen Van den Broeck +7’09"
16. Frank Schleck +7’42”
17. Peter Velits +8'08"
18. Igor Anton +9’06"
19. Ryder Hesjedal +9'34"
20. Rigoberto Uran +9'40"
21. Alexander Vinokourov +9'42”
22. Levi Leipheimer +10’26”
23. Alejandro Valverde +10’49”
24. Dries Devynyns +10'50"
25. Tony Martin +10'53”

26. Joaquim Rodriguez +11’46"
27. Janez Brajkovic +12'01”
30. Carlos Sastre +12'58"
38. Rein Taaramae +14'31"
40. Tejay Van Garderen +14’55"
44. Ivan Basso +15’15”
57. Nicolas Roche +16'58"
58. Michele Scarponi +17'08"

Top 10 Points Classification:

1. Mark Cavendish 304 pts
2. Peter Sagan 264
3. Daniele Bennati 233
4. Tom Boonen 194
5. Tyler Farrar 134
6. Fabian Cancellara 121
7. Jose Joaquin Rojas 113
8. Philippe Gilbert 108
9. Allan Davis 99
10. Alberto Contador 98

Top 15 KOM:

1. Alberto Contador 86 pts
2. David Moncoutie 43
3. Robert Gesink 66
4. Samuel Sanchez 50
5. Tom Danielson 40
6. Cadel Evans 32
7. Denis Menchov 30
8. Andy Schleck 28
9. Jose Rujano 24
10. Thomas De Gendt 23
11. Igor Anton 20
12. Christian Vande Velde 16
13. Jelle Vanendert 12
14. Kevin De Weert 8
15. Fabio Duarte 6

Young Riders:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +9'40"
3. Rein Taaramae +14'31"
4. Tejay Van Garderen +14'55"

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 18 Preview

Well, this is it. The last mountain of the Tour of America. The race for the Yellow Jersey still has not been decided, so the climbers have one last shot to make time, and boy, there's a lot of time to made on this climb!!

Starting from Mammoth Lakes, California, the riders will head south on Highway 395, and will have an easy run through the cities of Bishop and Big Pine. However, the entire race they will see just to the west the fearsome peaks of the Eastern Sierra, and will put dread into the minds of the riders. The peloton will arrive in the city of Independence, and then the fun begins.

The riders will turn onto Onion Valley Road, and will ride this road all the way up to its summit. Steeper and longer than the famed Col du Tourmalet of the Tour de France - if Mount Evans didn't crush you, Onion Valley Road will. The climb is not at nearly as high an elevation as Mount Evans, but the elements will still play a factor. What might be 90 degree temperatures at the bottom could be 50 degree temps at the top, and the entire climb is completely exposed to the wind. And, on top of that, it's STEEP!

Gaining 5000 feet in just 13 miles (21 kilometers), this road averages at 8%, but at multiple points it will be above 20%. Lots of switchbacks and havoc winds await any riders willing to challenge this fearsome climb.

Robert Gesink, after 2 1/2 weeks, hold a 3 SECOND LEAD over Alberto Contador. It looks bleak for the young Dutchman, and even finishing with Contador would look to spell doom with the Time Trial remaining. Can he get the time he needs, or will Contador assert his authority on this final climb? Samuel Sanchez and Tom Danielson sit close behind in the standings. Can either of them add a second American stage win to their record? And can Andy Schleck finally salvage something more than a mediocre Top 10? He's been climbing with Contador the whole way. Can he jump ahead to take this stage? Stay tuned everyone!

Have fun on this one, peloton!

 

[greenedge]

Tommy D for the win, probably just like in the USA Pro Cycling challenge.

 

[Eric8-A]

And this is where Contador will win

 

[The Hitch]

lol no way does Gesink hold yellow going into the last mountain stage

Drop Contador. Lol.

I still expect Andrew to win

 

[Eric8-A]

I was having high hopes for Valverde

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 18 Report

July 19th, Stage 18: Mammoth Lakes - Onion Valley Road, 156.23 km

Schleck and Contador Conquer Final Climb

Schleck Takes Stage as Contador Takes Back Yellow from Gesink

The twists and turns of Onion Valley Road combined with the sheer power of Alberto Contador finally proved too much for Robert Gesink, as the young Dutchman had to relinquish his Yellow Jersey. Contador completed his revenge for his defeat on Mount Evans, as a return to normal elevations gave Contador the kick he had lost in Colorado. With the Yellow Jersey squarely on Contador's shoulders and the 60 km time trial looming on Saturday, a 7th grand tour victory seems almost assured. The victory on the stage, however, went to young Andy Schleck, who once again climbed with Contador and was seemingly gifted the stage win by Contador, who had already achieved the needed gap. Joaquim Rodriguez and Michele Scarponi managed to hold on from the day's early break to race for third place, and Rodriguez managed to win the sprint for 3rd. Samuel Sanchez outsprinted Cadel Evans and Chris Horner for 5th place, while Gesink came in with Tom Danielson and Denis Menchov to finish in 8th, having lost his race lead, probably permanently.

With the tough climb lurking in the distance, the teams of the contenders took a leisurely pace through the majority of the stage. And as such, a rather famous break was allowed to escape. Scarponi (LAM), Rodriguez (KAT) and Tejay Van Garderen (HTC), previously thought to be contenders were allowed in the break due to large time losses earlier in the Tour. They were joined by David Moncoutie (COF), Amets Txurruka (EUS), Maxime Monfort (LEO), Luis Leon Sanchez (RAB), Markel Irizar (RSH), and Geraint Thomas (SKY). This rather recognizable breakaway was allowed a lead of 7 minutes with 70 kilometers to go, but the furious work of Saxo Bank Sungard and BMC Racing Team brought the gap back to 3 minutes with 25 kilometers to go. With 20 kilometers to go, Van Garderen attacked from the breakaway, and immediately Monfort, Sanchez, Irizar, and Thomas were off the back. Txurruka then put in a large effort that rid the break of Moncoutie. With 15 kilometers to go, the peloton behind was under the escort of super-domestiques Daniel Navarro and Chris Anker Sorenson, both working for Contador. The pace was enough to shed the unimportant riders, but all the big favorites remained in the pack, which was now 1:45 behind the four leaders.

With 12 kilometes to go, the climb reached gradients of 20%, and the race for the overall win went to the forefront. Contador put in his first large attack of the day, and Gesink was forced to bring the group back to Contador. He did succeed, but was visually exhausted from his efforts. Contador's attack combined with Gesink's pace had narrowed the field down to Contador, Gesink, Evans, Sanchez, Horner, Andy Schleck, Danielson, Menchov, Vincenzo Nibali, Jurgen Van Den Broeck and Andreas Kloden. Notably missing were Andy's brother Frank Schleck, Bradley Wiggins, former race leader Damiano Cunego and Jose Rujano. Gesink's furious pace had whittled the group down to just 11 riders with 10 kilometers to go. The four leaders - Van Garderen, Txurruka, Scarponi, and Rodriguez - were now just 1:15 in front of the favorites.

Seeing Txurruka and Van Garderen struggling at the back of the group, Scarponi accelerated away with Rodriguez, and the two set out to try to stay away for the stage win. Their plans, however, were soon dealt a huge blow, as with 8 kilometers to go, Contador violently accelerated once again in another stretch of 15% gradient. Schleck the younger and Sanchez were able to stay on Contador's wheel, and Gesink was once again able to crawl his way back to Contador, although he appeared to be on his limits. With 5 kilometers to go, Sanchez and Evans attacked the 8 man group (Nibali, Van Den Broeck, and Kloden were forced to drop off) and Contador, Horner and Schleck immediately responded, and this time, Gesink had to finally give in. Sanchez, Evans, Horner, Schleck, and Contador then set off to catch the two leaders, as Gesink, Menchov and Danielson were forced to limit their losses.

With 4 kilometers to go, the gap to Rodriguez and Scarponi was just 25 seconds, so Horner attacked in an effort to take the stage. Schleck, however, was unwilling to let him go, and he along with Contador caught and passed the veteran American, leaving he, Sanchez, and Evans to fight it out behind. Contador, then sensing he could eat up time to Gesink and especially Evans for the time trial then went in front of the young Luxembourger to make the pace. With 2 kilometers to go, Contador with Schleck on his wheel caught Rodriguez and Scarponi. Schleck, sensing stronger sprinters in Rodriguez and Scarponi, then attacked out of Contador's wheel, distancing the two riders from the early break. Contador, however, had no problems staying with Schleck, and as the two quickly got a 15 second gap with 1 kilometer remaining, Contador seemed to tell Schleck that the stage win was his if he wanted it. Schleck then slipped back while Contador continued to make the pace in his quest for time, and Schleck passed the Spaniard in the final stretch to claim the stage victory, while just behind Contador also raised his arms, having essentially sealed up the overall win.

Behind, Rodriguez outsprinted his companion Scarponi to take 3rd on the stage, 20 seconds behind, but he seemed visibly upset that his effort had fallen 2 kilometers short. Sanchez outsprinted Evans and Horner for 5th place on the day, having lost 43 seconds to Contador. 45 seconds after that, a visibly dejected Gesink crawled over the line (along with an equally exhausted Danielson) and banged his handlebars in anger as he felt the Yellow Jersey ripped off his back. Gesink will now have to focus on keeping his podium place, as Sanchez, Menchov, and especially Evans will be looking to gain serious time in Saturday's race of truth. However, no one it seems will challenge the victory of Alberto Contador, as the 6 time grand tour champion showed his El Pistolero celebration on the Yellow Jersey podium, a 7th grand tour now just 3 days away.

Top 30 on Stage 18:

1. Andy Schleck (20 bonus seconds)
2. Alberto Contador s.t. (12 bonus seconds)
3. Joaquim Rodriguez +20" (8 bonus seconds)
4. Michele Scarponi
5. Samuel Sanchez +43"
6. Cadel Evans
7. Chris Horner
8. Robert Gesink +1'28"
9. Tom Danielson
10. Denis Menchov
11. Amets Txurruka +1'39"
12. Jurgen Van Den Broeck +1'48"
13. Andreas Kloden
14. Vincenzo Nibali +1'56"
15. Tejay Van Garderen +2'10"
16. Ryder Hesjedal +2'14"
17. Jose Rujano +2'34"
18. David Moncoutie
19. Dan Martin
20. Alexander Vinokourov +2'46"
21. Damiano Cunego +2'52"
22. Frank Schleck
23. Team Gadret +2'57"
24. Peter Velits
25. Bradley Wiggins +3'15"
26. Alejandro Valverde
27. Jelle Vanender +3'24"
28. Ivan Basso +3'26"
29. Dries Devynyns
30. Janez Brajkovic

Points Earned at Finish:

1. Andy Schleck 20 pts
2. Alberto Contador 17
3. Joaquim Rodriguez 15
4. Michele Scarponi 13
5. Samuel Sanchez 11
6. Cadel Evans 10
7. Chris Horner 9
8. Robert Gesink 8
9. Tom Danielson 7
10. Denis Menchov 6
11. Amets Txurruka 5
12. Jurgen Van Den Broeck 4
13. Andreas Kloden 3
14. Vincenzo Nibali 2
15. Tejay Van Garderen 1

Onion Valley Road, HC Climb (Points Doubled for Summit Finish):

1. Andy Schleck 40 pts
2. Alberto Contador 32
3. Joaquim Rodriguez 24
4. Michele Scarponi 16
5. Samuel Sanchez 8
6. Cadel Evans 4

Most Aggressive Rider:

Tejay Van Garderen

Top 3 GC: (Time Gaps May Not be 100% accurate, I'll correct them in a few hours if not )

1. Alberto Contador
2. Robert Gesink +1'37"
3. Samuel Sanchez +1'43"

 

[greenedge]

And Andy magically ITT's his way into the lead. Failing that give Cadel the win.

 

[jobiwan]

Standings After Stage 18

General Classification:

1. Alberto Contador
2. Robert Gesink +1'37"
3. Samuel Sanchez +1'43”
4. Cadel Evans +3'03"
5. Denis Menchov +3'14”
6. Andy Schleck +3’19”
7. Tom Danielson +3'31”
8. Chris Horner +6'08"
9. Damiano Cunego +7'23"
10. Andreas Kloden +7'46”

11. Vincenzo Nibali +8'27"
12. Jurgen Van den Broeck +9’06"
13. Bradley Wiggins +9'23"
14. Jose Rujano +9'50"
15. Frank Schleck +10’43”
16. Peter Velits +11'14"
17. Rory Sutherland +11'46"
18. Joaquim Rodriguez +12’07"
19. Alexander Vinokourov +12'37”
20. Ryder Hesjedal +12'57"
21. Igor Anton +12’43"
22. Alejandro Valverde +14’13”
23. Dries Devynyns +14'25"
24. Rigoberto Uran +14'27"
25. Levi Leipheimer +14’33”

26. Tony Martin +15'30”
27. Janez Brajkovic +15'36”
32. Tejay Van Garderen +16’14"
34. Carlos Sastre +17'35"
35. Michele Scarponi +17'37"
40. Ivan Basso +18’50”
41. Rein Taaramae +19'08"
52. Nicolas Roche +21'37"

Top 10 Points Classification:

1. Mark Cavendish 304 pts
2. Peter Sagan 264
3. Daniele Bennati 233
4. Tom Boonen 194
5. Tyler Farrar 134
6. Fabian Cancellara 121
7. Alberto Contador 115
8. Jose Joaquin Rojas 113
9. Philippe Gilbert 108
10. Allan Davis 99

Top 15 KOM:

1. Alberto Contador 118 pts
2. Andy Schleck 68
3. Robert Gesink 66
4. Samuel Sanchez 58
5. David Moncoutie 43
6. Tom Danielson 40
7. Cadel Evans 36
8. Denis Menchov 30
9. Joaquim Rodriguez 24
10. Jose Rujano 24
11. Thomas De Gendt 23
12. Igor Anton 20
13. Christian Vande Velde 16
14. Jelle Vanendert 12
15. Kevin De Weert 8

Young Riders:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +13 minutes or so
3. Tejay Van Garderen +15 minutes or so
4. Rein Taaramae +18 minutes or so

 

[More Strides than Rides]

General Classification:

1. Alberto Contador
2. Robert Gesink +1'37"
3. Samuel Sanchez +1'43”
4. Cadel Evans +3'03"
5. Denis Menchov +3'14”
6. Andy Schleck +3’19”
7. Tom Danielson +3'31”
8. Chris Horner +6'08"
9. Damiano Cunego +7'23"
10. Andreas Kloden +7'46”

11. Vincenzo Nibali +8'27"
12. Jurgen Van den Broeck +9’06"
13. Bradley Wiggins +9'23"
14. Jose Rujano +9'50"
15. Frank Schleck +10’43”
16. Peter Velits +11'14"
17. Rory Sutherland +11'46"
18. Joaquim Rodriguez +12’07"
19. Alexander Vinokourov +12'37”
20. Ryder Hesjedal +12'57"
21. Igor Anton +12’43"
22. Alejandro Valverde +14’13”
23. Dries Devynyns +14'25"
24. Rigoberto Uran +14'27"
25. Levi Leipheimer +14’33”

26. Tony Martin +15'30”
27. Janez Brajkovic +15'36”
32. Tejay Van Garderen +16’14"
34. Carlos Sastre +17'35"
35. Michele Scarponi +17'37"
40. Ivan Basso +18’50”
41. Rein Taaramae +19'08"
52. Nicolas Roche +21'37"

Top 10 Points Classification:

1. Mark Cavendish 304 pts
2. Peter Sagan 264
3. Daniele Bennati 233
4. Tom Boonen 194
5. Tyler Farrar 134
6. Fabian Cancellara 121
7. Alberto Contador 115
8. Jose Joaquin Rojas 113
9. Philippe Gilbert 108
10. Allan Davis 99

Top 15 KOM:

1. Alberto Contador 118 pts
2. Andy Schleck 68
3. Robert Gesink 66
4. Samuel Sanchez 58
5. David Moncoutie 43
6. Tom Danielson 40
7. Cadel Evans 36
8. Denis Menchov 30
9. Joaquim Rodriguez 24
10. Jose Rujano 24
11. Thomas De Gendt 23
12. Igor Anton 20
13. Christian Vande Velde 16
14. Jelle Vanendert 12
15. Kevin De Weert 8

Young Riders:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +13 minutes or so
3. Tejay Van Garderen +15 minutes or so
4. Rein Taaramae +18 minutes or so

Good thing this is a fantasy tour, otherwise we would have many (more) threads about Gesinks TTing potential.

Also, props on predicting stage 14 to play out similarly to this afternoon's race: action on the final ascent, overall lead change on the descent and similar time gaps. Spooky almost...

 

[jobiwan]

Sorry for the lack of new posts! I just moved back to school and I'll be able to finish once things get settled down! I'll try to get something up later today!!

 

[Eric8-A]

Gives the riders some extra rest

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 19 Preview

Just 3 stages left to go in the inaugural Tour of America, and for the final 3 stages, we're hitting the big cities in one of the biggest states, California. Stage 19 starts from the city of San Bernadino and winds its way west towards the 2nd largest city in the United States, Los Angeles.

Throughout the stage, riders will pass some famous sites, such as the world famous Disneyland. (After the delay caused by Andy Schleck's detour at Hershey Park, Leopard Trek might want to be cautious!!) The race will pass right through the city of Long Beach, and an intermediate sprint will give an idea on the favorites for the final run-in. The riders will then see the Pacific Ocean as they pass through Rancho Palos Verdes, and the race will run right up the coastline until the finish. The riders will pass Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, before passing right by Los Angeles International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. Finally the riders will arrive in Marina del Rey, where the final sprint will end a picturesque stage.

Mark Cavendish could essentially lock up his Green Jersey with a win here, but Peter Sagan will be looking to take back as many points as he can get. Other sprinters like Oscar Freire, Daniele Bennati, and Tom Boonen will be looking to score their second win, while others such as Andre Greipel and Tyler Farrar just want to get their first.

Disneyland

Marina del Rey Aerial Shot

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 19 Report

July 20th, Stage 19: San Bernadino - Los Angeles, 196.16 kms

Cavendish Clinches Green With Emphatic Stage Win

Contador Maintains Yellow Going into Time Trial

Mark Cavendish once again proved his dominance in the sprints, becoming the first multiple stage winner in the Tour of America by means of a powerful come-from-behind sprint win. Jumping out from the wheel of Peter Sagan with 150 meters to go, Cavendish passed Sagan, Daniele Bennati and Tyler Farrar to claim the win at the line. Farrar and Bennati rounded out the day's podium, while Sagan was helpless to stop Cavendish from sealing the Green Jersey competition. Barring crashes, Cavendish will claim the Points Jersey on Sunday, as the stage win along with more points at the intermediate sprint gave him a large enough buffer over Sagan to mathematically clinch the win.

Alberto Contador had an easy day on the bike, and it was much needed, as a 60 kilometer test against the clock awaits the riders on the penultimate day of racing. For Stage 19, however, Contador and his team stayed near the front, but Contador was seen having friendly chats with his main competitors Robert Gesink, Samuel Sanchez and Cadel Evans. Tomorrow, however, the riders will be put to the test one last time, as the race of truth will determine once and for all the winner of the first Tour of America.

The stage itself went mostly according to plan. An early breakaway containing Jens Voigt (LEO), Maarten Tjallingii (RAB), Sebastian Lang (OLO), Blel Kadri (AGR), Niki Terpstra (QST), Rafael Valls (GEO), Mickaël Buffaz (COF), Emanuele Sella (AND), and Andrew Pinfold (UHC) managed to get away and take the majority of the intermediate sprint points, leaving Cavendish to easily take the points for 10th place. The sprinters teams once again performed the catch to perfection, as with 11 kilometers to go, 8 of the 9 breakaway members were accounted for. No surprise, of course, than Voigt tried to prolong the inevitable, but a proud effort by the German was caught with 6 kilometers to go, leaving the sprint trains to sort out the victory amongst themselves.

At one point, however, the breakaway did have a better chance to succeed. As the main peloton passed Disneyland midway through the race, Fabian Cancellara arrived at the front of the pack and ordered a complete stop of the peloton, allowing Andy Schleck to get a picture with Mickey Mouse. Once he had his photo, the peloton went back into chase mode, HTC-Highroad visibly upset at the delay (even though of course they could have just ignored Cancellara and went on ahead with their chase.)

With 2 kilometers to go, Cavendish's leadout train was visibly shorter than normal, presumably due to the extra effort used after Cancellara's stoppage of the pack. With 1 kilometer to go, just Mark Renshaw was left for the Manx Missile, so Cavendish slotted back behind Sagan while allowing Renshaw to continue the pace making. With 300 meters to go, Bennati and Farrar looked to be fighting for first and second, but they were eventually no match when the Manx Missile sprung into action, pumping his arms emphatically as he knew the Green Jersey was his.

Top 15 on Stage 19 and Points Earned at Finish:

1. Mark Cavendish 45 pts
2. Tyler Farrar 35
3. Daniele Bennati 30
4. Peter Sagan 26
5. Samuel Dumoulin 22
6. Andre Greipel 20
7. Tom Boonen 18
8. Robbie McEwen 16
9. Philippe Gilbert 14
10. Thor Hushovd 12
11. Allan Davis 10
12. Alejandro Valverde 8
13. Alberto Contador 6
14. Daniel Oss 4
15. Juan Jose Haedo 2

Top 15 Intermediate Sprint:

1. Andrew Pinfold 20 pts
2. Sebastian Lang 17
3. Jens Voigt 15
4. Mickaël Buffaz 13
5. Emanuele Sella 11
6. Maarten Tjallingii 10
7. Niki Terpstra 9
8. Blel Kadri 8
9. Rafael Valls 7
10. Mark Cavendish 6
11. Mark Renshaw 5
12. Daniele Bennati 4
13. Matthew Goss 3
14. Peter Sagan 2
15. Bernhard Eisel 1

Most Aggressive Rider:

Jens Voigt

Top 7 GC:

1. Alberto Contador
2. Robert Gesink +1'37"
3. Samuel Sanchez +1'43”
4. Cadel Evans +3'03"
5. Denis Menchov +3'14”
6. Andy Schleck +3’19”
7. Tom Danielson +3'31”

 

[Michielveedeebee]

At one point, however, the breakaway did have a better chance to succeed. As the main peloton passed Disneyland midway through the race, Fabian Cancellara arrived at the front of the pack and ordered a complete stop of the peloton, allowing Andy Schleck to get a picture with Mickey Mouse. Once he had his photo, the peloton went back into chase mode, HTC-Highroad visibly upset at the delay (even though of course they could have just ignored Cancellara and went on ahead with their chase.)

you amazing man

 

[The Hitch]

At one point, however, the breakaway did have a better chance to succeed. As the main peloton passed Disneyland midway through the race, Fabian Cancellara arrived at the front of the pack and ordered a complete stop of the peloton, allowing Andy Schleck to get a picture with Mickey Mouse.

Meanwhile Frank Schleck had a picture with Minnie Mouse.

Going through disneyland is such a lovely idea though.

As is Cancellara stopping the peloton for this purpose.

 

[Eric8-A]

The picture with Mickey Mouse thing was pretty funny. Wouldn't doubt if it was done in real life.

 

[jobiwan]

Standings After Stage 19

General Classification:

1. Alberto Contador
2. Robert Gesink +1'37"
3. Samuel Sanchez +1'43”
4. Cadel Evans +3'03"
5. Denis Menchov +3'14”
6. Andy Schleck +3’19”
7. Tom Danielson +3'31”
8. Chris Horner +6'08"
9. Damiano Cunego +7'23"
10. Andreas Kloden +7'46”

11. Vincenzo Nibali +8'27"
12. Jurgen Van den Broeck +9’06"
13. Bradley Wiggins +9'23"
14. Jose Rujano +9'50"
15. Frank Schleck +10’43”
16. Peter Velits +11'14"
17. Rory Sutherland +11'46"
18. Joaquim Rodriguez +12’07"
19. Alexander Vinokourov +12'37”
20. Ryder Hesjedal +12'57"
21. Igor Anton +12’43"
22. Alejandro Valverde +14’13”
23. Dries Devynyns +14'25"
24. Rigoberto Uran +14'27"
25. Levi Leipheimer +14’33”

26. Tony Martin +15'30”
27. Janez Brajkovic +15'36”
32. Tejay Van Garderen +16’14"
34. Carlos Sastre +17'35"
35. Michele Scarponi +17'37"
40. Ivan Basso +18’50”
41. Rein Taaramae +19'08"
52. Nicolas Roche +21'37"

Top 10 Points Classification:

1. Mark Cavendish 355 pts
2. Peter Sagan 292
3. Daniele Bennati 267
4. Tom Boonen 212
5. Tyler Farrar 169
6. Fabian Cancellara 121
7. Alberto Contador 115
8. Jose Joaquin Rojas 113
9. Allan Davis 109
10. Philippe Gilbert 108

Top 15 KOM:

1. Alberto Contador 118 pts
2. Andy Schleck 68
3. Robert Gesink 66
4. Samuel Sanchez 58
5. David Moncoutie 43
6. Tom Danielson 40
7. Cadel Evans 36
8. Denis Menchov 30
9. Joaquim Rodriguez 24
10. Jose Rujano 24
11. Thomas De Gendt 23
12. Igor Anton 20
13. Christian Vande Velde 16
14. Jelle Vanendert 12
15. Kevin De Weert 8

Young Riders:

1. Robert Gesink
2. Rigoberto Uran +13 minutes or so
3. Tejay Van Garderen +15 minutes or so
4. Rein Taaramae +18 minutes or so

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 20 Preview

Well, this is it. The leader after this stage will win the Tour of America, but it won't be won easily. In the opening 35 kilometer time trial in Cooperstown, there were some large time gaps opened up. NOW, with 19 days of rough racing in the riders' legs, there will be serious time gaps. The favorites will have to have their best day on the bike if they want to survive the 60 kilometer test around Los Angeles, California.

The riders will once again take a scenic tour of the city, although we highly doubt they'll be paying much attention. With the start located at historic Dodger Stadium, the riders will head north and will make the climb up to the famous Hollywood Sign. This climb, at 3 kilometer at 7% with max gradients of 11% comes just 1/6 of the way through the race, so if the riders struggle here, it's not a good sign. After riding around Universal Studios, the riders will head south and then turn onto Santa Monica Boulevard. The riders will stay on this road until they reach Beverly Hills, and then the riders will head back east. Passing the La Brea Tar Pits and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the middle part of the race, the riders will have to grind their way through the last 10 kilometers, and will surely crash immediately after the finish back at Dodger Stadium.

Alberto Contador seems to be a good enough time trialist to have the win sealed, but he will still be looking to put a big exclamation point on his apparent victory. The race for the 2 remaining podium spots might be even more exciting, as the consistent Samuel Sanchez lies just 6 seconds behind former race leader Robert Gesink. Gesink will have to ride the time trial of his life to withstand the Asturian's charge, and if he is not careful, strong time-trialists Cadel Evans and Denis Menchov could knock him off the podium altogether. Tom Danielson and Andy Schleck, more known for their climbing than their TT skills, look too far back to challenge the podium, but the motivation for high finishes will still be there. Other favorites for the stage win include Tony Martin, Dave Zabriskie, World Champion Fabian Cancellara, and Stage 1 winner Bradley Wiggins.

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles

 

[Eric8-A]

I'll be in attendance at the Dodge Stadium

 

[jobiwan]

Stage 20 Report

July 21st, Stage 20: Los Angeles ITT, 60.35 kms

Cancellara Powers Away to Time Trial Win as...

...Contador Clinches 7th Grand Tour!!!

Sanchez Claims 2nd While Gesink Barely Stays on Podium

59.5 kilometers into the 60 kilometer time trial, Alberto Contador finally eased up on his bike. A 7th grand tour win had finally been sealed, and a powerful performance in the time trial had wrapped up a great Tour for the Spaniard. With no need to do anymore work, as the best time had already gone by and his margin of victory was close to 2 minutes, he let off the gas and coasted to the win, raising his hand at the line for his trademark Pistol salute. The giant multitude of fans gathered at the finish line at Dodger Stadium cheered loudly as the best current rider in the peloton wrapped up his latest Grand Tour victory.

The winner of the day, however, was World Time Trial Champion Fabian Cancellara, whose early best time held up easily against the likes of early goers such as Dave Zabriskie, Gustav Larrson, Richie Porte, and Adriano Malori. The closest man of the early starters to Spartacus' time was young German Tony Martin, who had been essentially equal to Cancellara's time the entire 60 kilometers, but as the German crossed the line, Cancellara's time had evaded him by a mere 5 seconds. Cancellara could then rest easier, though the powerful time trialists in the top 15 were still to come, and they had something to race for.

Bradley Wiggins, winner of the opening time trial in Cooperstown, set a torrid pace out of the start, and by the first intermediate time check had a 12 second lead on Cancellara. However, the mountain stages proved to have taken their toll on the Sky rider, as Wiggins faded past the times of Cancellara and Martin to take 4rd at the time. Jurgen Van Den Broeck and Vincenzo Nibali set decent times of their own, each guaranteeing a good overall finish. Next, Andreas Kloden led the Top 10 out of the start house, and his time eventually place him 6th on the day. Former race leader Damiano Cunego struggled once again after all his early efforts, and he eventually lost him Top 10 place in the Tour, although his race can hardly be called disappointing. Chris Horner rode a good time trial to keep his 8th place, and then the battle for the podium took center stage.

Andy Schleck actually managed a fairly decent ride, although by the end of the day he slipped to 7th place overall behind Tom Danielson. Both riders, though they missed the top 5, had very good Tours with each getting a stage win. Denis Menchov and Cadel Evans then set out in search of the podium spot of Robert Gesink, who was expected to lose his 2nd place and possibly even 3rd on the time trial. Menchov somewhat disappointed, finishing 2 minutes behind the time of Cancellara, though the same cannot be said for Evans. The veteran Aussie flew through the long course setting the 3rd best time through all the time checks, finishing just 22 seconds behind Spartacus on the day.

Samuel Sanchez was looking to make his first Grand Tour podium, and he rode well through the course, limiting his losses to the stronger time trialer Evans, while easily passing the time of Gesink to take 2nd overall. Whether Gesink would stay on the podium was the big question, and though he was not as strong as Evans and Sanchez, he answered the question well. The young Dutchman and former race leader clearly saved his energy well, as he powered through the last third of the course to finish just 1:30 behind Cancellara, staying on the podium by less than half a minute in front of Evans.

Contador then rode through the course at a steady pace, as the times of Evans and Sanchez were not nearly fast enough to challenge his race lead. Although he did not win the stage, he clearly was the best overall rider in the race, as even with his celebrations he finished 5th on the day, placed only behind Cancellara, Martin, Evans and Wiggins. At the podium celebration, Contador finally let out his glee, as tomorrow he will officially become the 1st winner of the Tour of America.

Top 15 on Stage 20 and Other Notables:

1. Fabian Cancellara
2. Tony Martin +5"
3. Cadel Evans +22"
4. Bradley Wiggins +51"
5. Alberto Contador +56"
6. Andreas Kloden +1'11"
7. Samuel Sanchez +1'13"
8. Richie Porte +1'18"
9. Peter Velits +1'23"
10. Adriano Malori +1'24"
11. Robert Gesink +1'30"
12. David Zabriskie +1'35"
13. Tejay Van Garderen +1'44"
14. Denis Menchov +2'00"
15. Janez Brajkovic +2'04"

16. Vincenzo Nibali +2'15"
17. Tom Danielson +2'21"
18. Alejandro Valverde +2'34"
19. Chris Horner +2'38"
20. Levi Leipheimer +2'46"
21. Jurgen Van Den Broeck +2'47"
22. Alexander Vinokourov +2'48"
23. Andy Schleck +2'55"
24. Frank Schleck +2'58"
25. Jose Rujano +3'07"
27. Alejandro Valverde +3'15"
28. Ryder Hesjedal +3'15
33. Damiano Cunego +3'47"
34. Dries Devynyns +3'56"

156. Joaquim Rodriguez +9'42"

Points Earned at Finish:

1. Fabian Cancellara 20 pts
2. Tony Martin 17
3. Cadel Evans 15
4. Bradley Wiggins 13
5. Alberto Contador 11
6. Andreas Kloden 10
7. Samuel Sanchez 9
8. Richie Porte 8
9. Peter Velits 7
10. Adriano Malori 6
11. Robert Gesink 5
12. David Zabriskie 4
13. Tejay Van Garderen 3
14. Denis Menchov 2
15. Janez Brajkovic 1

Hollywood Sign, Cat 4 Climb:

1. Bradley Wiggins 1 pt

Top 3 GC:

1. Alberto Contador
2. Samuel Sanchez +2'01"
3. Robert Gesink +2'11"

 

[Rouetheday]

Wow, a time trial stage in Los Angeles! It's 'Carmageddon', Part 2!!!