Tour of the Basque Country 2012

[auscyclefan94]

Tony. Dan isn't going for GC, he's just preparing for the Ardennes.

The fact Tony can't climb is a bit of a problem in this race.

This years route actually looks quite exciting. should be a good race.

 

[Eric8-A]

The fact Tony can't climb is a bit of a problem in this race.

Some people here will beg to differ on that statement.

 

[jens_attacks]

nordhaug,klodi and velits my favourites for the overall.henao to win on arrate

 

[theyoungest]

Wrong...
Thomas Dekker said on twitter a few days ago he would ride Sarthe. He also tweeted his program after: Brabantse Pijl, Amstel, FW, Liege...

So, just a bit lighter build up.

So he didn't make the A-team for Pais Vasco. Lighter build up my .ss.

The fact Tony can't climb is a bit of a problem in this race.

This years route actually looks quite exciting. should be a good race.

This is a bit like that Paris-Nice he won, so who knows. Although there are climbers in Ardennes form here, against whom he might have no chance.

 

[jens_attacks]

tony won't lose much on eibar let's just say 30 seconds.but what about ibardin,where i understood that the last 300 meters are at 19%?
it will be interesting if he has the paris-nice 2011 form though

 

[rantanplan]

Everything about Itzula 52th edition (fauvorites, history, routes, videos from 2011) in Desde la Cuneta Magazine website

http://www.revistadesdelacuneta.com

 

[Machu Picchu]

Shame for Levi, a horrible experience to happen to anyone but thankfully it doesn't sound too bad:

Leipheimer Injured in Bike/Car Accident
Today, Levi Leipheimer was hit from behind by a car while alone on a training ride in Pais Vasco. Leipheimer suffered soreness and swelling to his lower left leg. He was transported to the hospital where an echo was performed. No broken bones were found, and there is hope that the injury is just a muscle contusion to his left calf.

He's been racing well this year (last year too) so hopefully he bounces back soon.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

can't wait for henao here. how is the first stage?

 

[theyoungest]

can't wait for henao here. how is the first stage?

Bunch sprint material.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

ah I just saw. the itt is 19 km though. I thought was going to be 24

 

[dlwssonic]

Are there even any sprinters in pais vasco???

 

[happytramp]

Are there even any sprinters in pais vasco???

Martin, Cunego, Van Der Broeck should all be on top sprinting form after Catalunya.

 

[dlwssonic]

Martin, Cunego, Van Der Broeck should all be on top sprinting form after Catalunya.

haha LOL!!

 

[kjetilraknerud]

Are there even any sprinters in pais vasco???

Not really. A couple of sprinter-esque riders. Davis, Gavazzi (often wins a stage here), Matthews.

As for the overall; Albasini to be allowed 12 minutes on stage 1 and win the overall.

 

[Kazistuta]

Not really. A couple of sprinter-esque riders. Davis, Gavazzi (often wins a stage here), Matthews.

As for the overall; Albasini to be allowed 12 minutes on stage 1 and win the overall.

I'd say Rojas is bound to be second a couple of times

Also Appolionio, Vicioso, Cedric Pineau & Haussler should be in the mix, and maybe Wegmann, Roux and Meersman will contest the sprints as well seing the low-quality sprinting field.

If Matthews has healed after his injury he's the man to beat for sure.

 

[LaFlorecita]

... HELLOOO!

Are you all forgetting about JESUS! ??

He will win and he will earn me shiny cq points.

 

[RHRH19861986]

Wrong...
Thomas Dekker said on twitter a few days ago he would ride Sarthe. He also tweeted his program after: Brabantse Pijl, Amstel, FW, Liege...

So, just a bit lighter build up.

Thanks!!

 

[search]

Also [...] Haussler should be in the mix

I saw his name on the startlist but I can't imagine him to start here today. He did the Ronde yesterday and with almost absolute certainty will start at Paris-Roubaix next sunday.

 

[theyoungest]

Gesink has had the flu for a few days, he says he'll start but hopes to just get through the stage. I.e. don't bet on him

 

[Spine Concept]

...and of course Gesink has the flu, so his goals have changed to ''get through the stages as good as possible''. Can't blame him for having the flu, but you get the feeling that there's always something with these guys. Frustrating. Anyway, I hope that Mollema or Kruijswijk can do something of note here. Not really up for another post-race excuse.

p.s.: Darn youngest beat me to it.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

I don't think anyone with a brain would've done it anyway

 

[theyoungest]

...and of course Gesink has the flu, so his goals have changed to ''get through the stages as good as possible''. Can't blame him for having the flu, but you get the feeling that there's always something with these guys. Frustrating. Anyway, I hope that Mollema or Kruijswijk can do something of note here. Not really up for another post-race excuse.

p.s.: Darn youngest beat me to it.

I've already removed my post. But don't let it get to you, he wouldn't have featured anyway.

 

[Spine Concept]

I've already removed my post. But don't let it get to you, he wouldn't have featured anyway.

I guess you're right. I might be getting too caught up in the ''Gesink performing better than expected'' situation. It might be better than expected but still not quite at the level he usually is, especially climbing-wise.

 

[nobilis]

I don't know if someone asked that question. But why are Utensilnord Named invited. They were overlooked by the organisers of most of the italian races and yet they're on a Spanish WT race. Is it because of Patxi Vila? Is it his last year as a pro and they wanted to honour him by inviting his team, being a basque himself?

 

[RHRH19861986]

I don't know if someone asked that question. But why are Utensilnord Named invited. They were overlooked by the organisers of most of the italian races and yet they're on a Spanish WT race. Is it because of Patxi Vila? Is it his last year as a pro and they wanted to honour him by inviting his team, being a basque himself?

Yes, Patxi Vila should be the reason. He´s quite popular in Basque Country (was second to Landis in 2006 Paris-Nice and even quite successful triathlete during is doping suspension), and the Utensilnord lineup isn´t too bad, with e.g. Bosisio in there.

From a quality perspective, however, I´d have liked rather Cofidis or Saur in there, with Moncoutie (who does quite well in Pais Vasco normally) or Coppel. I agree, some strange decision to invite Utensilnord. However, I think Vila will continue beyond 2012, having lost few years due to suspension.