Volta a Catalunya 2012 - Stage 4; Tremp - Ascó "La vostra energia" (199km)

[sucotash]

Szmyd will not be the Liquigas leader for the Giro. They will go with Basso. But with all Basso problems he can not be trusted 100% to be in good form, so they should keep Szmyd as their second card to play. Szmyd when riding GT as gregario was always loosing time on easy stages not taking any risks on the flatter parts of the race. Now he should avoid it. Looking at his form this season he is able of a top 10 place, with maybe a stage win in the mountains

 

[theyoungest]

I think in 2010 Basso wasn't exactly impressive in the early season either. He'll be okay (not Robobasso okay, but just okay).

 

[canyonball]

Thing is Basso in early season 2010 wasn't good, but was racing. Now he's either sick or crashing. Not racing that much. And all this must have an effect in training too. We'll see. If there's an exodus for le Tour this year, it might be a good chance for yet another Giro. So there's a lot of motivation for him to go well from here.

Edit: if Rujano gets sick of course, if not he must give up on his ambitions or so I've read somewhere...

 

[Zam_Olyas]

oh man, don't even mention the Vuelta, it will be to awesome to think about in March...

Yea the Vuelta will be brutal, Senor Velasco will be pouring down hate and discontent like a mofcuker

 

[Poursuivant]

Where was Wiggins?

 

[sucotash]

At home, he withdrew of the race yesterday

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

so the strongest riders should always win the race?

Go Steve and BMC!!!!

Pretty much yeah.

But understandable coming from a BMC fan

 

[Richeypen]

At home, he withdrew of the race yesterday

There was a rumour that they were given the opportunity to ride today but turned it down. If true it was the right decision IMO. Imagine this forum if Uran had won today after Wiggins had towed the break!

 

[sucotash]

Did not hear about it.

But it would have been stupid to let them start, and very very unfair to the riders that were tough enough and finished yesterdays stage

 

[Poursuivant]

At home, he withdrew of the race yesterday

Thanks. How come he withdrew?

 

[Spine Concept]

Imagine my surprise when I read that Kelderman took a tumble in yet another race. Sigh. We can add water bottle to the endless list of reasons for a Rabobank rider to graze the pavement. Really doing their ''laughing stock of the pro peloton'' tag justice.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Doesn't seem too serious. But these little things add up. Not best of preparations, but I just don't see Szmyd as Giro leader. Too big of a risk. It's not like Liquigas don't have a plan B, if we get to that point...

not serious? liqiuigas are in panick. basso is totally out of it and liquigas have already said nibali to prepare for giro as he will probably have to ride it.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

There was a rumour that they were given the opportunity to ride today but turned it down. If true it was the right decision IMO. Imagine this forum if Uran had won today after Wiggins had towed the break!

they were not given the opportunity to ride. none of them

 

[cineteq]

not serious? liqiuigas are in panick. basso is totally out of it and liquigas have already said nibali to prepare for giro as he will probably have to ride it.

I hope not, but I will disregard this since it's you who's posting it?

 

[will10]

not serious? liqiuigas are in panick. basso is totally out of it and liquigas have already said nibali to prepare for giro as he will probably have to ride it.

Yup, Liquigas can't go to the Giro without an Italian leader. Definitely panic time.

 

[cineteq]

Interview with Uran (in Spanish)
http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/espndeportesradio/play?id=1488790

 

[JRanton]

I have to give Uran credit for his descending after claiming he was very average a few days ago. ''Above average descender'' is fair I think.

 

[greenedge]

Nice work by Uran.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Yup, Liquigas can't go to the Giro without an Italian leader. Definitely panic time.

shall we make a bet that nibali will be riding giro?

 

[AussieGoddess]

they were not given the opportunity to ride. none of them

reading back - TJVG and 2 others who DNF stage 3 rode in this stage.

The comment was that everyone was given the oppurtunity to start, and only 3 chose to

not sure if its true or not though - just other peoples comments

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

well tjvdg didn't ride so it seems bs again, spread by people who have no clue on the internet or about cycling

 

[theyoungest]

well tjvdg didn't ride so it seems bs again, spread by people who have no clue on the internet or about cycling

People who have no clue... you mean people who think that a stage will go on undisturbedly when the finish line is covered in snow?

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

People who have no clue... you mean people who think that a stage will go on undisturbedly when the finish line is covered in snow?

I was right in that as well. as the organisation had not planned any alteration to the course despite all the people saying otherwise