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