2008 Giro - Stage 20

And Sella wins another one. I so need to keep him in mind for my VDS teams in the future. The few k's before he got his gap, we were all expecting some serious racing (as in attacks) to get going. Up to that point the group was sticking together and then in the steep hairpins the pace got picked up and riders started drifting off the back. Ryder had just lost contact with that main leaders group before that. DiLuca lost contact. It looked brutal and the climb on the narrow road was full on. But, the huge attacks amongst the top GC guys didn't seem to happen. They were all looking around at each other but the group, other than Sella taking off, managed to stay together. As Chris (and Dan) put it over at PdC, it was kinda anti-climatic after such a good Giro.

I like Alberto and love watching him climb the mountains but I so wanted to see him attack and put some ownership on the pink jersey. He's earned his jersey but I like it when the leader shows more leadership versus hanging with the group. Bummer.

Colom put in an impressive ride today. And huge kudos to Ryder today for hanging with that group. Watching it, he looked pretty cooked but great job for 17th in such a stage.

Tomorrow's TT should be pretty intense. I think Alberto, less mechanicals and horrible bad luck, will keep his win. I don't think Ricco is going to out TT him. The third podium spot on the other hand could be highly fought over. Bruseghin is at 2.00, Pellizotti at 2.05, Sella at 2.35, and Menchov at 2.47. If any of them has a great ride or a bad day, those four will be all on for getting to the podium and it is pretty open.

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - and always the best PdC 1 & PdC 2

Stage 20 - Saturday 5/31: Rovetta - Tirano, 232km
Results
1 Emanuele Sella (Ita) CSF Group Navigare 6.52.45 (33.725 km/h)
5 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 1.30
17 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 10.53
19 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
72 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 35.20
74 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
75 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
80 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
140 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 37.19
General classification after stage 20
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 89.23.25
19 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 45.19
52 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.44.16
55 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 1.46.20
61 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.00.07
94 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 2.56.18
95 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.56.47
139 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 4.07.34

Slipstream: Ryder finishes 17th on penultimate stage
TeamCSC: Contador Looks Like Giro Winner
Astana_CMehl: Four Precious Seconds
CW: Contador sets up Giro d'Italia victory

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 20
Astana: Stage 20
TeamCSC: Thru Stage 20

CW: Giro Analysis: Final Time Trial Preview

2008 Giro - Stage 19

What an exciting stage to lead up to what should be an all out war tomorrow! The weather really sucked today with the rain. Getting into to watch the stage was a serious pain this morning and then once there, feeds all over were sketchy because of the weather up the mountains. Once they got over the one though, the feeds were back and good to go to the end. The race has gotten so close that I can't wait for tomorrow's stage. I know some of the guys are cross-eyed and just want to be done and I feel for them. But then, in the same thought, I am so ready for tomorrow's race. Contador has the lead but by only 4 seconds over Ricco and DiLuca is only 21 seconds back. A race that close after 19 days of racing - exciting!!! Anything can happen!!!

VN: Hampsten and the 1988 Pink Jersey: Part 4
PEZ: Riders Predict Stage 19
CycleTo: What We Learned In Legnano

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC

Stage 19 - Friday 5/30: Legnano - Presolana/Monte Pora, 238km
Results
1 Vasili Kiryienka (Blr) Tinkoff Credit Systems 6.37.32 (35.92 km/h)
12 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 6.21
36 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 25.36
91 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 36.53
92 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
109 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
114 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
136 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
141 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
DNS Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
General classification after stage 19
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 82.29.10
21 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 35.56
47 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.10.26
48 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 1.12.30
72 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.50.44
94 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 2.22.28
95 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.22.57
141 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 3.31.45

Slipstream: Making it to Milan
TeamCSC: Sorensen Attacked in Cliffhanger Stage
Astana_CMehl: Contador Holds On, DiLuca Moves Up
CW: Contador hangs on to Giro d' Italia lead
PEZ: Did That Just Happen?!?!
Bicycle.net: Vasil Kiryienka of Tinkoff Wins The Giro Stage 19, Contador Still Wearing Pink But Says Race Is Still Wide Open
CW: Ricco and DiLuca talk tough after gaining time on Contador
BikeRadar: The spitting Cobra

CW: Cummings gives his all in Giro d'Italia break

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 19
Astana: Stage 19

2008 Giro - Stage 18

Photo from PEZ cycling.

Whoo hoo!!!! Jens! gets the stage win. I thought for sure he went a wee bit early for that solo at the end. But one should know not to 2nd guess him. I wonder if someone messed with his food before the stage. That usually helps get him fired up! Tee hee hee! LOL!!! I love that man and will be very sorry to see him not in the peloton someday.

The Slippies hung back today. Can't tell if they attempted to get in the break earlier or if they planned to rest up. Either way, rest is needed. Have you seen the next two days? Gonna be some good stuff going down on them roads. I know the riders are probably tired but I can't wait for tomorrow. Good luck to all the guys. I'm hoping, but doubting, Julian will stick it out. Not sure the pain is worth it although he might just want to finish in Milan. I'm really hopeful that Pate makes it through the next two stages. I would really love to see him finish in Milan on Sunday. First GT ever, first Giro, and he finishes. That would be awesome!

Misc reads...

WashingtonPost: Cycling's Drug Test

BruceHildenbrand: Crash Update

CompetitorSoCalMag: The Argyle Armada Sails for France

Finally listened to this: TheCompetitorsRadioShow - Tyler Ferrar

PEZ: BMC’s Mike Sayers Calls It A Day

CW: From the CW archives: the 1987 Giro d'Italia

CycleTo: Access to the athletes

PEZ: Another Day At The Giro?

PEZ: Finding Cav

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC

Stage 18 - Thursday 5/29: Mendrisio - Varese, 147km
Results
1 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 3.22.46 (43.5 km/h)
14 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 7.51
43 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
90 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
101 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 7.51
109 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 10.16
112 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 10.54
133 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 12.16
138 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 12.35
General classification after stage 18
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 75.45.17
21 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 16.41
40 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 39.54
44 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 41.58
70 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.20.12
93 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 1.51.56
95 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.52.25
136 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.44.01
144 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 3.01.13

Slipstream: Calm before final weekend

TeamCSC: Jens Voigt Won Stage 18

Astana_CMehl: Voigt Powers in for Solo Win

CW: Voigt wins Giro d'Italia 'Worlds' stage in Varese

PEZ: Voigt's Varese Victory!

Slipstream_Millar: Unofficialy the hardest bike race in the world

CW: Contador, Ricco and Simoni to face off in final Giro d'Italia mountains

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 18

Astana: Stage 18

TeamCSC: Thru Stage 18

2008 Giro - Stage 17

One flat stage done, one more to go. I have yet to watch much of this as work took priority today but I will probably watch a little of it later tonight. I did listen to it and caught a few secs here and there. The Tinkoff rider that was in the break has a very odd descending style and I have to say, with that, I would fear for the family jewels. Jens! went for a break at the very end but that was brought back pretty quickly. Since work was front and center, I think I had about 4-5 cups of coffee, in honor of the game and all. :-) Still have to love him for just attacking and not sitting in the group till the end. Slipstream was pretty quiet today but Team High Road had a great day. I'm not sure Cav wouldn't have won if he really wanted it but it certainly looked like he held back seeing that Greipel would win and Bennati was on his wheel so why risk the stage for the team. Good stuff. My day would've been a bit better if Cav had won for my VDS team sake but what ya gonna do. Heck my eyes wouldn't have minded Bennati up there either. Tee hee hee! Enjoy your night!

GeorgeHincapie: Updated iphone pics of him and Michael Barry
Meaball: So much to do, such little time

VN: Inside Cycling: Andy Hampsten and the 1988 pink jersey, part 3
CW: Cavendish goes for the record third Giro stage win
CycleTo: Voigt on the final week

Live chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC

Stage 17 - Wednesday 5/28: Sondrio - Locarno, 146km
Results
1 André Greipel (Ger) Team High Road 3.27.05 (42.301 km/h)
17 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 0.04
35 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
48 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
59 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
68 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
99 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
128 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
130 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
134 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.51
General classification after stage 17
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 72.14.40
20 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 16.41
40 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 39.54
49 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 50.09
68 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.20.12
92 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 1.47.31
93 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.49.22
136 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 2.41.36
144 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 2.56.29

Slipstream: Short and sweet
^ If you like to play along, make sure to make your prediction on tomorrow's stage in the comments.
For more fun, check out predictions for the Tour team. Some of us start early! ha ha!
TeamCSC: Another Attempt by Voigt
Astana_CMehl: Greipel Surprises as Contador Stays in Pink
VN: Q&A Levi Leipheimer: 'We'll Ride for Alberto'
PEZ_Jered: High Road! High Road!
CW: Cav gifts Giro d'Italia stage to Greipel

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 17
TeamCSC Photos: Through Stage 17
Astana: Stage 17

Kick-the-Can & Giro Rest Day #2

Thank goodness today was a rest day. Too many work things to get caught up on and I'm not sure my eyes could've taken another day watching the race. Well okay, who are we kidding, I know I totally would've been up for watching, but still, happy to have a break all the same. I wasn't sure if I was even going to sign on tonight as I have 81 pages still to read for work in the morning but what the heck. Tomorrow's stage sadly might have to be watched on demand. The nerve of work, I swear!

I've read a bunch of sites today and I have to say I really do love Podium Cafe the best! On a day when people are looking for fun, Chris is flow charting the Giro for us! How sweet is that? I think it might've just been a ploy to really see how many of us geeks are there that love that crap but maybe he was just really procrastinating with our update for VDS? Tifosa checked in from the TT yesterday with some sweet shots and write up. Then to top the great reading for the day, ursula writes up an awesome Giro End Game. He needs to write more often with that insight! This afternoon, after a long weekend, crashdan inspires us some more with his post - PdC Drinking Game... I need not say anything more! Ha Ha! The PdC just rocks!!!

Oh, and need I not forget, the kick-the-can part. Today after lunch one of the guys and I were talking about the weekend and all the fun bands around, scenery, and what we all did. We somehow start talking about growing up and trails we knew and how an area he knew really well now looks very different. This leads to more stuff we did growing up and we get into fun chatter on mischief and how what we did years ago doesn't happen anymore - like kids playing Kick-the-Can. I mean seriously, what happened to that kind of stuff? My brother and I along with the neighborhood guys played that kind of thing every summer. We were always outside "exploring" something. Games like Kick-the-Can should not be forgotten. We had a killer yard with hills and an orchard up back and a huge football sized field in the middle of the block with kept us occupied and usually out of trouble for hours everyday. Now that said yard was a bitch cutting lawn for week after week but it rocked all the same. We weren't bored, we were out doing. Atari had nothing on the fun we created ourselves!

I think now I might need to go sober up after maybe drinking a wee bit much with all the PdC fun being had tonight. Somehow I have to figure out how to speed read those last 81 pages. Ouch!!!

Some other reads for ya'll:
VN_Michael Barry's Diary: All for one and one for all (great read!)
VN: Slipstream’s Ellis: Pink jersey ‘huge' for team
TV3: Bruised Deans hanging on in Giro
TeamCSC: Bradley McGee Making lots of Progress
PEZ: Nowhere To Go But Up
CW: The Tuesday Comment
PEZ: PEZ Rides The Marmolada and Pordoi! (stage 19 preview)

2008 Giro - Stage 16 - ITT

Today's stage was painful. The climbing discussed the past 24 hours was seen and holy crap did that last bit bite! Man! I loved seeing that McCartney had a good ride to start things off. Ryder had a good ride as well but I'm thinking he's in need of some serious sleep as he thinks this was the coolest time trial ever. Crazy. Jens! was great today and seeing him hang in the top 3 for quite some time was cool. As the top GC guys came in he dropped to 11th but way to go all the same!!! Christian came in 1 second in front of Levi. I like Levi unlike some, actually I think I like that whole Girona group, and I was happy to see C finishing with the same time-ish. The climb was hard and brutal to watch and the guys deserve a solid rest day tomorrow. If they didn't have a 4 hour transfer they might get more from it but hopefully it will help some. Some rest and then more mountains to come this week. I'd love to see C get into a good break and go for a stage. This last week is anything but easy but I think the team has some chances!

After watching today I spent some great time outside. I discovered that little Miss Autumn next door may never get tired of swinging on her new swing set her dad built this weekend. My arm muscles got a good work out pushing her for what felt like forever. Thank goodness the sun was out and we have a great breeze today. We spent a lot of time out there and it was a blast! A few wine coolers later and a small break inside to read up on the guys was in order. Now it's time to head back out, give the girls their baths, do some grilling, and then chill before work tomorrow. The rest day in the Giro will mean serious work time at work to help free up some viewing time to come later in the week! Hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Memorial Day!!!

VN: Andy Hampsten and the 1988 Pink Jersey: Part 2
CycleTo: Mountain gearing (w/Levi)
EuroPeloton: Giro Mountain Time Trial on Tap, Favorites Flex Form

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC

Stage 16 - Monday 5/26: San Vigilio di Marebbe - Plan de Corones (ITT), 12.85km
Results
1 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 40.26 (19.142 km/h)
4 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 0.22
11 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 1.55
31 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 3.41
48 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 4.16
52 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 4.37
53 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 4.38
91 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 6.22
124 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 8.14
146 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 10.19
Outside time limit (Hors Delai)
HD Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 52.35
General classification after stage 16
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 68.47.31
20 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 16.41
40 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 39.54
49 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 50.09
68 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.20.12
92 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 1.47.31
93 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.48.35
136 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.41.36
144 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.56.29

Slipstream: "Coolest time trial ever!"
TeamCSC: Splendid Performance by Voigt
Astana_CMehl: Contador Increases Lead
BikeRadar: Pellizotti denies Sella a third win
PEZ: Pellizotti 'Flies' To Kronplatz!
CW: Pellizotti wins Giro d'Italia mountain time trial
VN: Plan de Corones: Gimmick or Epic?
CW: Six Brits finish Giro mountain time trial
DP: Stage 16 Interviews
Astana_CB: What We've Learned So Far
CW: Cummings blasts Giro cheats

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 16
Team CSC: Through Stage 16

2008 Giro - Stage 15

I'm not sure what to say about today's stage other than OUCH! All the climbing made me hurt a bit just watching. Jens! was in the break again(!) today and I must smile. I'm not sure anyone can tell him what to do as when he feels good and wants to go, he does! Seeing him up there again was great for CSC and certainly enjoyable to follow. Make sure to check out CSC's photos from the Giro (linked at the bottom). The ones of him yesterday are telling.

I was keeping an eye out for C this morning. He hung with the grupetto and teammates today and came in 35 minutes behind the leaders putting him in 41st overall. Hopefully that will allow a solid chance at a possible stage win later this week! I'm hoping he can have a good time trial tomorrow but in all seriousness - have you looked at that thing? OMG. There's still another week of racing to be done and the climbing isn't over. I'm off to take a quick look at the VS coverage but will most likely finish watching it tomorrow at some point.

JeffKao: David Millar & Why Bike Racing Sucks.
CycleTo: Inside Info At The Start

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC

Stage 15 - Sunday 5/25: Arabba - Passo Fedaia/Marmolada (Dolomites Stars), 154km
Results
1 Emanuele Sella (Ita) CSF Group Navigare 4.53.24 (31.492 km/h)
6 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 2.27
18 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 7.26
24 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 9.06
49 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 21.12
52 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
105 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 35.17
106 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
119 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
146 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
149 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
General classification after stage 15
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 68.06.43
19 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 12.25
41 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 35.39
49 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 48.36
69 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.16.18
92 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.42.35
94 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 1.44.12
138 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.31.39
148 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.48.37
151 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.58.27

Slipstream: Seeing Dolomites Stars
TeamCSC: Nicely Fought by Voigt and Larsson
Astana_CMehl: Contador In Pink!!
PEZ: Another Mountain Sella-bration!
VN: Contador: 'Pink jersey like a gift'
CW: Sella strikes again at Giro d'Italia
BikeRadar: Sella does the double
CW: Contador takes control at Giro d'Italia
EuroPeloton: Giro Weekend Wrap: Favorites Revealed
PEZ: Up Down Up Down Up Down

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 15
Astana Photos: Stage 15
TeamCSC Photos: Thru Stage 14 (including one very tired looking Jens!)

2008 Catalunya - Final

One can't say Slipstream hasn't been trying! Today's stage sounded a bit sketchy with the weather but didn't keep the guys from getting into break aways! Coverage and blogs have been quiet this week so hopefully we'll get to hear a bit more from some of the riders as they they return home. Make sure to check their sites in the next few days.

I haven't read or heard anything on DZ's little one yet. Hopefully he will post an entry when he arrives. Even if I hear anything I'll need to wait to read it before sharing. I'm not sure when Mel is due either but Papa Georgio is happy to get home to her I'm sure!

Stage 6 - May 25: Pallejà - Barcelona, 124.0km
Results
1 José Luis Carrasco Gamiz (Spa) Andalucía - Cajasur 2.20.38 (45.309km/h)
25 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 0.23
30 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
32 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
39 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
52 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
82 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road 0.55
85 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 3.11
88 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 3.13
97 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 6.37
Final general classification
1 Gustavo Cesar (Spa) Karpin Galicia 24.29.22
20 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 2.01
24 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.12
57 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 13.51
58 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 14.02
87 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 25.04
88 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 25.08
89 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road 25.43
96 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 30.32
102 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 31.47

Slipstream: A wet, hard-fought final
Slipstream_Martin: Awesome week of racing and lessons

Added:
5/28-CW: Martin 24th in Tour of Catalonia

2008 Giro - Stage 14

What a hum-dinger of a stage! Not much beats signing in and seeing that C and Jens! are both in the break away! There were only 4 video cameras(ish) so we didn't get to see a lot of them today but the shots we did were great. I laughed as one now has to wonder what kind of bedtime story Jens! told C last night! Tee hee hee!!! When I called John he was out and about with Ian up in Madison. Get to a computer! :-) It's always fun keeping him updated but it's kind of nerve wracking too as things change so fast - even while on the phone. One call he's just over 4 mins back from Sella and about 4 in front of the other GC guys. The next, they're all over the place and the other GC guys are all around him. I rely on feeds and such and the typed stuff is usually minutes behind the video I watch.

Watching the last climb was nail biting, not in a freak out way but, in hopes that C could hang on knowing the group was coming up from behind. And hang on he did - with Alberto Contador! I am a bit disappointed in Graham as his caption says "Vande Velde has waited for Contador and paces the Spaniard towards the line..." WTH Graham? Seriously?!?

It was a great opener to the mountains and I'm happy C had a good day. He only moved up one overall spot on GC but is now within 3 minutes of the leader. That is awesome! Tomorrow has a wee bit more climbing(!) and should be incredible to watch. I can not wait for my Norwegian cycling language lesson to begin again!

CW: Giro Analysis: How Cavendish compares to sprint stars
EuroPeloton: Giro Mountains Loom, Contador Sounds Off
LaGazzetta: PreRace Fun Bikes
CycleTo: All Smiles At The Start (C & Jens! included)

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC1 - PC2

Stage 14 - Saturday 5/24: Verona - Alpe di Pampeago/Val di Fiemme, 195km
Results
1 Emanuele Sella (Ita) CSF Group Navigare 5.37.14 (34.338 km/h)
15 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 9.33
16 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 9.38
34 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 13.08
39 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 13.46
109 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 34.37
113 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 35.59
131 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 41.37
136 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
144 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
148 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
DNF Pat McCarty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
General classification after stage 14
1 Gabriele Bosisio (Ita) LPR Brakes 63.10.47
2 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 0.05
15 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.54
23 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 5.51
61 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 43.42
77 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 57.38
91 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.09.50
104 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 1.25.32
143 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.58.54
153 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.15.52
156 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.25.42

Slipstream_CVV: Digging deep for a dream
Slipstream: Tenacious Vande Velde only 3' down on GC after first mountain reality check
TeamCSC: Brilliant Stage Win by Sella
Astana_CMehl: Sella Soars While Contador Moves Up a Notch
PEZ_Jered: Sella Storms Pampeago
CW: Giro d'Italia contenders suffer in Dolomites
CW: Sella wins first Giro d'Italia mountain stage
ROAD: Giro: Stage 14

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 14
Astana: Stage 14

2008 Catalunya - Stage 6

One more day to go with this one. Very little found on today's stage but the results are below. Sounds like break aways are hard to get formed and sprint finishes are the norm. Hopefully tomorrow or after the weekend some more write-ups can be found and/or some blogs will be found. :-)

Another unrelated but again, enjoyable read - VN: Andy Hampsten and the 1988 Pink Jersey: Part 1. I'll put it in this post to give a good read for those checking! :-)

Stage 5 - May 24: El Vendrell - Pallejà, 163.9km
Results
1 Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Liquigas 3.44.17 (43.846km/h)
47 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
56 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
58 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
61 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
74 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road
84 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road
98 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
109 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
115 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
125 Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
129 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
154 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.20
General classification after stage six
1 Rémi Pauriol (Fra) Crédit Agricole 22.08.42
24 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 1.40
28 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 1.51
56 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 10.51
64 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 13.17
77 Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 17.05
91 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 23.57
96 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 24.43
97 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 24.47
98 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road 24.50
108 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 28.38
148 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 42.01

Slipstream: Status quo
TeamCSC: Several Attempts by Team CSC

2008 Giro - Stage 13

Fun Friday today! Work became a bit of a giggle. I had cycling on and was paying little attention to much else. I got up before 5 this morning to finish a couple things before actually going into work just to have some opened time. Then the stage was looking like it might not finish before my meeting. Yep, I went to that a wee bit late! Ha Ha! Then at the meeting (which one of the guys saw me walking up and he rolls over to open the door for me since I was that wee bit late) and we get into the discussion of my WTF?!? sent about having the thing today. One of the girls was like WTF?, what's that, so one of the guys says it and it becomes the motto of the meeting. Good stuff!

All in all it was a good meeting but it ended up being like 4 1/2 hours which hurt a bit. The best was getting back and seeing that the PC gang took care of me with a screen shot of C doing his hand print while I was away. Thanks Monty!!! Oh, and then the "boss" stops in and he and I get into a pretty fun cycling discussion. He was over in Italy during the Giro one year so that was a pretty fun conversation I have to say!!! Then he tells me to get out of there and have a great weekend! Rockin!

The stage was pretty typical for the flat ones and again they made a smart move with calling the times at 3k instead of the line. Such a safer move that I happily applaud. Slipstream worked really hard to get Julian up in the sprint which I just love. He came in 5th. I'm not sure many can beat Cav or Bennati right now so mucho kudo's on the 5th! Greipel was impressive leading out for Cav. Mark is on my VDS team so I loved the win! The past two days have made for great sprints but them be gone for a bit now. Tomorrow starts some good mountain stuff. I'm hoping C hangs with the big guys and moves up some more. It will be interesting and I will be glued to the computer tomorrow morning with coffee in hand. Don't plan on missing this weekend's racing for anything! Go Slippies!

Slipstream_McCarty: Taking the Giro one day at a time
CN: Modest Leipheimer forms part of dangerous Astana trio

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC

Stage 13 - Friday, May 23: Modena - Cittadella, 177km
Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team High Road 4.11.07 (42.291 km/h)
5 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 0.00
27 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 0.00
53 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 0.13
55 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.13
61 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 0.13
72 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 0.13
82 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 0.00
83 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 0.00
133 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 0.13
149 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 0.13
152 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 0.13
General classification after stage 13
1 Giovanni Visconti (Ita) Quick Step 57.17.06
3 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 6.59
14 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 9.10
16 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 9.33
58 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 32.28
77 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 44.40
78 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 46.23
102 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 1.07.22
151 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.39.22
156 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.47.37
160 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.50.42
164 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.00.32

Slipstream: Julian Dean 5th in technical sprint!
TeamCSC: Cavendish Won the Last Battle Before the Mountains
Astana_CMehl: Cavendish Gives Himself a Belated Birthday Treat
PEZ: Cavendish Takes #2!
Road: Giro stage 13
CW: Cavendish shows his speed in Giro d'Italia sprint
CW: Easy victory for super-fast Cavendish
CycleTo: Cavendish Wins At Cittadella
Bicycle.net: Lucky 13 for Mark Cavendish of High Road In Giro as Giovanni Visconti Keeps Pink Jersey

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 13

Is it Saturday yet???
VN: Rivals to face off in epic Dolomites showdown
PEZ: Tomorrow's New Beginning

2008 Catalunya - Stage 5

I wish I had more to comment on this race. It really is one I like but write ups are pretty short. I am starting to wonder what's going on with Fabian. Being a powerhorse in TT type stages with some serious kick with stages that suit him, I'm not thinking he'd be up near the top, but I'm surely not expecting to see him come in so far at the end. I checked CSC's site but I don't see a write up today. Hopefully all is well and he's just getting in miles and training for July. I often don't comment much on finishing places as they usually are misleading as some have the job of early on hard-as-nails support for stages and then are more likely seen coming in later. Just not sure I'm used to seeing him come in so far back like this. Hmm...?

I was hoping George would update his site with a note or another cool iphone pic but it's been quiet. Slipstream is trying to animate but not having much luck just yet. A couple more days. :-)

For an unrelated but funny and enjoyable read check out The CaliRado Cyclist. It's also posted over in Missing Saddle but I usually see the post on the blog first. Good and funny stuff he writes so take a read!


Stage 4 - May 23: Ascó "La Vostra Energia" - El Vendrell, 163.5km
Results
1 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 3.52.15 (42.293 km/h)
20 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 2.34
28 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 2.37
31 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
38 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road
48 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
76 Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
79 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
94 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
95 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
145 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
146 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
161 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 3.28
General classification after stage 4
1 Rémi Pauriol (Fra) Crédit Agricole 18.24.25
24 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 1.40
28 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 1.51
57 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 10.51
65 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 13.17
66 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 13.30
77 Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 17.05
92 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 23.57
97 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 24.43
98 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 24.47
99 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road 24.50
110 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 28.38
150 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 40.41

Slipstream: Lucas can't get a break

2008 Giro - Stage 12

One of the flat stages today but whoo... what a finish! My VDS team was so hoping that Cavendish had gotten it but Bennati beat him by the wee tiniest bit fair and square. My eyes certainly didn't mind seeing Bennati up on the podium. Ha! I had a meeting this morning and some other things to get done so I listened more than watched. The last 5K however it was up in view while I put together some stuff. Good finish. And I am so happy they called the time at 3K for the peloton to let the sprinters have at it to the finish. A mass pack would not have been any fun with the wet roads out there. It's also very enjoyable to see Julian and Chris up in the sprint fun. I am so hoping that Julian can get a win this year. He's checked in on his site so take a look below!

This morning's emails were fun. I had emailed C a birthday wish last night before signing off. C's email back brought a fun smile with thoughts of Jens! and there's nothing wrong with that. It's eeeasy! Not! LOL! John got up at 4:30 to call him and talk to him before the stage. Pops follows along with CyclingNews and VeloNews and had asked me to send off notes for him. I do and of course, as noted by Erik in the comments, VeloNews posts the email. Very cool but I'm starting to feel like a true stalker of C after the magazine letter yesterday and then this. Love it! Just crazy fun! Any coverage (good stuff of course) that I can help get C, I am so game for!

JulianDean: The Giro So Far...
MagnusBackstedt: Giro
Funny, Funny Shit here - VelocityNation: Dave Zabriskie Interview
- - - - followed by the read: As The TOTO Turns 22

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PC

Stage 12 - Thursday 5/22: Forlì - Carpi, 172km
Results
1 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Liquigas 4.05.29 (42.04 km/h)
13 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
17 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
78 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
80 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
81 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
83 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
137 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
140 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
142 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
145 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
153 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 0.41
General classification after stage 12
1 Giovanni Visconti (Ita) Quick Step 53.05.46
3 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 6.59
13 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 9.10
16 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 9.46
58 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 32.28
77 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 44.53
78 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 46.23
102 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 1.07.22
153 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.39.35
158 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.47.37
162 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.50.42
166 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.00.45

Slipstream: Dean & Sutton in top 20 on stage
CW: Bennati gets photo finish verdict over Cavendish
TeamCSC: Bennati Won Wet Stage
PEZ: Bennati Wins, Galparsoro The Hero
CW: Cavendish disappointed after missing out in Giro d'Italia sprint
Bicycling: Bennati Wins Stage 12
CycleTo: Levi's Giro...so far
And something for the guys - PEZ: Podium Girl Exclusive

Graham Watson Photos: Stage 12
Astana: Stage 12

2008 Catalunya - Stage 4

George was 6th today! And Slipstream had 3 in the group. Good stuff. I enjoy reading up on how the guys are doing. I've asked when Mel is due but only know it's sooner than later. Of course that stuff is always good to read and usually brings more smiles than race wins. It's always good to remember these guys are real people and have lives off the bikes.

Tomorrow at work is going to be interesting. It's a Friday and one before a holiday weekend. I get a call asking how my day is looking and I'm thinking pretty awesome. No one is going to be around. I can catch some cycling, I can get over to the gym. Skip lunch and head out early. Then I get a meeting notice from this call. A 4(!!!) hour meeting from 10-2. WTF?!? I died. So some reshuffling was done tonight. Cycling will be on the back burner, the gym isn't looking likely unless I can talk to the girls and we go much earlier than normal, I'm going to be heading in super early to wrap up stuff I thought I had hours to play with. The only thing that stays is Manager (who kicked me out early today which was sweet but ended up being more like a normal time for most) told me to make sure I head out at time chatted about. So much for a free and easy day. Oh well.

Stage 3 - May 22: La Seu d'Urgell - Ascó La Vostra Energia, 217.2km
Results
1 Pierrick Fédrigo (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 5.06.01 (42.586 km/h)
6 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 0.11
34 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road
41 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
42 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road
51 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
53 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
69 Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 2.55
73 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 6.00
101 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 10.25
103 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30
124 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 14.56
153 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
General classification after stage 3
1 Rémi Pauriol (Fra) Crédit Agricole 14.29.33
24 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 1.40
28 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 1.51
57 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 10.54
65 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 13.17
66 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 13.30
77 Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 17.05
91 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 23.57
96 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 24.43
97 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 24.47
99 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road 24.50
110 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle P/b H30 28.38
144 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 39.50

Slipstream: Staying in the hunt
TeamCSC: Status Quo in Volta a Catalunya
Astana: Navarro Rides Strong
BikeRadar: Pierrick Fedrigo wins; lead changes


Reading through some other stuff tonight. Make sure to check out Lyne's site - Podium In Sight. Also make sure to check PodiumCafe out where Lyne's posted for us some awesome pics of Mt.Hood. Here's the TT too.
Also, I'm not sure why pics of riders on little kids bikes crack me up, but they just do. Adam Mills has some good shots and some notes on the Tour of Arkansas.