Tirreno – Adriatico Tirreno – Adriatico, is known as the "race of the two seas", is an elite cycle race following a route between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic coasts of Italy. Traditionally held in early season, it is considered important preparation for the Milan – San Remo classic race.
Results 1 Rabobank Cycling Team 0:18:082 Team Garmin-Cervelo 0:00:093 HTC-Highroad 0:00:104 Saxo Bank Sungard 0:00:115 Liquigas-Cannondale 0:00:226 BMC Racing Team 0:00:267 Leopard Trek 0:00:298 Team RadioShack 0:00:309 Sky Procycling 0:00:3310 Lampre - ISD 0:00:3711 Omega Pharma-Lotto 0:00:4112 Acqua & Sapone 0:00:4713 Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team 0:00:5114 Pro Team Astana 15 Movistar Team 16 Katusha Team 0:00:5317 Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli 0:00:5518 AG2R La Mondiale 0:00:5719 Quickstep Cycling Team 0:01:0820 Euskaltel-Euskadi 0:01:13
When in Leopard Trek talked about "true racing", I understood they're going to race against other teams, not among themselves. Only two riders could keep up with Cancellara all the way. Schleck was one of them and that must be encouraging for him. I believe Cancellara is satisfied with his performance too. He's obviously on the right path toward April. But, generally, I think they can't be satisfied. Losing half of the team in short TTT is far from pleasing. At least they have picture of what to expect from each rider in TTT.
But, generally, I think they can't be satisfied. Losing half of the team in short TTT is far from pleasing. At least they have picture of what to expect from each rider in TTT.
The photo below says it all [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/ROTF.gif[/IMG]
Greipel's finishing the TTT has to be the epitome of being a true 'team player'. When your face is throbbing like a SOB, he goes out there and gives it up for the other members of the squad. To say I'm extremely impressed with his intestinal fortitude is an understatement. Read where he decided to go ahead and do the TTT only 15mins from the start - I'm sure he was properly warmed up[IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/rolleyes.gif[/IMG]. Understandably, he pulled out of the race and DNS stage 2 due to excessive swelling around his eye.
Leopards TTT was a debacle of the highest order. That was almost as bad as I've ever seen and I think 7-11's 1986 TTT only ranks as worse. Z's near collapse when Boardman was in yellow was the only other ride that I can think of that was a near borderline disaster saved only by Boardman dragging the team around the course at 34mph. Even LeMond was having a tough day of it. Maybe he needed more 'iron shots' Tony, I know you have a thing for Andrei, but you may find that the reason he attempted to do the race is that compared to the last few seasons where he's raked in most of his wins early season, this year has been very slim pickings. That never sits well especially when you're brought on board as the star sprinter with a history of silverware... What have Lotto got so far this year? Two stage wins in the Algavre? I'm sure Marc Sargeant is just over the moon with that tally when he sees what the likes of Rabobank and HTC are up to - stage wins and jerseys a-plenty. You do have to say it was a good effort to get through the couple of stages but when you think of what others have gone through like Tyler Hamilton grinding his teeth down to nothing due to his broken collar bone or Pascal Simon in the yellow jersey when he suffered a similar fate but rode through the Alps and Pyrenees before losing the jersey then it's all a bit run of the mill for someone who gets paid a kings ransom to ride a bike for a living. Of course I have to mention Bernard Hinault. Remember the face plant in 85, a broken nose and facial lacerations caused by his broken Ray Bans digging into his face when Phil Anderson decked him during a flat out sprint? He still rode the last half of the Tour through the Pyrenees. Now that's some cojones. Awesome. Godlike. THAT is worthy of praise.
When in Leopard Trek talked about "true racing", I understood they're going to race against other teams, not among themselves. Only two riders could keep up with Cancellara all the way. Schleck was one of them and that must be encouraging for him. I believe Cancellara is satisfied with his performance too. He's obviously on the right path toward April. But, generally, I think they can't be satisfied. Losing half of the team in short TTT is far from pleasing. At least they have picture of what to expect from each rider in TTT.
I doubt that Schleck will see anything pleasing about that effort. He's an heir apparent to the Tour and he likes the classics, so he should have the legs to stay with Cancellara. The rest of the team were dire. Losing 30 seconds in a mere 18 minutes with Fabian hauling on the front = terrible team effort. A few of their guys rolled in several minutes back. I bet Andy is hoping that this doesn't happen again later in the year. You can bet your last dollar that this kind of ride would not have happened with Riis at the helm.
^^ Damn, this is just TOO easy...LOL! Total command of one's psyche...can be amusing at first, but gets to be very boring over the long-term...somebody please help the guy with a pm or something...
You asked - I answered. I answer questions in other threads asked by other people - nothing strange there.
When I ask all you can do is ^^^yawn because when it comes to cycling you're an empty head that doesn't have a clue, especially when it comes to whats going on in the Pro world. Your ability to predict riders who you believe will go onto great thing and then consequently choke when it comes to the big events is amazing - I have to give you that one. The folks who bet on races should follow your words and bet accordingly (on someone else). You'd be a big hit in Japan at the track but for all the wrong reasons.
^^ LOL![IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/ROTF.gif[/IMG] Can you say, "Strawman 101"? Creating fictional stories to argue with?! LOL! The guy says he's arguing with predictions?? Is he serious?! It truly appears so. Non compos mentis - to the extreme...sad.
Instead of being a fanboy, he really should be riding his bike more. Better yet, instead of sniffing pro riders' chamois, he should post his own competition results. Oh, my mistake, he has NONE. LOL!
Great stage today, and very effective ride from Lampre duo. The stage looked like trailer of the season to come. All classics protagonists were active, trying to score on profile which gave a chance to everybody, and at the end GT riders finished strongest.
I almost missed today's stage and thought how I'm not so excited about new season. Probably because of all soap opera surrounding that rat Contador and all scandals in the sport. But, after today's stage, I'm looking forward to San Remo and month of April. While P-N brings more like GT type of racing with breaks at the edge of success, and overall winner decided on big climbs and TT, Tirreno - Adriatico is better suited to prestigious races in close future. That, and absence of main Tour contenders, is the reason why I totally neglected P-N this year
Great race, some good early season form from a few. As for you other two, it was funny at first but now it's getting annoying, maybe you both should realy get a room.
