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