Giro Rosa: Stage 7 Results & Comments

We expected a bunch sprint and we got a bunch sprint. Marianne Vos easily took her third stage win of Giro Rosa when she outsprinted the former double World Champion Giorgia Bronzini and Shelley Olds. Mara Abbotts stays in the Pink Jersey with a solid lead to Italian Tatiana Guderzo.

Bronzini said: “I really tried today but Vos today gave us no chance. No excuse though, she was simply the fastest. I think having lost the chance to win the Giro made her even more hungry for this stage win”.

Shelly Olds were happy taking third place in a difficult sprint: “I was alone so I had to use Vos’ Bronzini’s trains. I’m really happy to share the podium with them. My team was focused on protecting Hausler so she can keep her second place overall”.

Tomorrow is the final stage of Giro Rosa. It’s a time trial of 16 km in Cremona and we can expect high temperatures.

Stage 7 results

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Bronzini Giorgia (Wiggle Honda) s.t.

3. Olds Shelley (Team Tibco To The Top) s.t.

4. Wild Kirsten (Nazionale Olanda) s.t.

5. Guarischi Barbara (Vaiano Fondriest) s.t.

6. Tagliaferro Marta (MCipollini Ale Galassia) s.t.

7. Kozonchuk Oxana (Rusvelo) s.t.

8. Amialiusik Alena (BePink) s.t.

9. Borgato Giada (Pasta zara Cogeas) s.t.

10. Hoskins Melissa (Orica Ais) s.t.

GC:

1. Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa) in 20h06’50”

2. Guderzo Tatiana (Mcipollini Ale Galassia) a 2’28”

3. Hausler Claudia (Tibco To The Top) a 2’52”

4. Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo) a 3’01”

5. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) a 4’50”

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)

Points: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)

Youth: Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo)

Best Italian: Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia)

By: Alberto Celani 

Tour de France: Stage 8 Preview & Favorites

After one week of intense riding, it’s now time for the big mountains as the peloton enters the Pyrenees. The general classification will be changed significantly and we will see which riders have the legs to win this Tour de France and who don’t.

The Route

Starting in Castres the riders head south towards the Pyrenees. The first 140 km are more or less flat and a morning breakaway will have plenty of time to get a big gap. This is the first big mountain stage of the Tour and there are a lot more KOM points up for grabs than we’ve seen in the past week. It’s a good opportunity for riders targeting the Polka Dot Jersey but it won’t be easy to make it all the way. I think Biel Kadri will attack in order to gain more points but I doubt he will repeat teammate Christophe Riblon's win from 2010.

After a 155.5 km the ascent of the first HC climb of this year’s Tour de France, Col de Pailhères begins. The 15.3 km towards the top have an average gradient of 8 % and steep parts of over 10 % near the top. There are still 30 km to the finishing line from the top of Col de Pailhères but if you get dropped here, your stage is pretty much over already.

The GC riders will have to be ready right from the beginning of Col de Pailhères and I would expect Team Sky to try setting their usually high pace up the climb.

The Finish

The final climb of the day, Ax 3 Domaines, starts immediately after the 20 km long descent from Col de Pailhères. There are 9.3 km to go from the bottom of Ax 3 Domaines but it climb itself is only 7.8 km long. It has an average gradient of 8.2 % and the first 5 km are very steep. It evens out a bit with 2 km to the top and then it kicks up again with 8 % the last km.

In 2010, when Stage 14 of the Tour de France finished on Ax 3 Domaines, Chrisophe Riblon make it all way after a long breakaway. Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck were practicing their stop-n-go tactic and the peloton didn’t seem interested in fighting for the stage win. I think that will change this time.

The Favorites

This being the first uphill finish, there is a big psychological value of getting an advantage over your opponents, no matter how small it is. Froome has six seconds on Contador in the general classification but even though the climb is steep, I don’t think the gap between the two will change much. The way I see it, Froome and Contador are more or less on the same level and I doubt one will be able to drop the other. Both know it’s vital not to lose anything time, not even a second, and they will probably be more focused on each other than on their rivals. Still, it’s not going to be like Contador and Schleck the last time on Ax 3 Domaines, that’s for sure.

I think the fight for the stage win will be between Froome and Contador. That being said, don’t rule out Purito and Valverde just yet. Both are very fast and with 1.5 km of flat towards the finishing line, it’s not unlikely this could end in a sprint.

I’m pretty sure Froome will put in a couple of strong attacks to drop his rivals and I wouldn’t be surprised if Contador is the only rider able to follow him. Valverde, Purito, Evans etc. won’t be far off but I doubt they will be able to respond to Froome’s or Contador’s strong accelerations. Should it end like that, with Froome and Contador arriving together, I think Froome will take the win. He outsprinted Contador - and Purito - in a flat finish in Tour of Oman earlier this year and he shouldn’t have problems beating Contador in a sprint this time either.

The Jokers

I think Team Sky, Saxo-Tinkoff and probably Movistar too will set such a high pace on Col de Pailhères that it kills a breakaway’s chances of succeeding. Therefore, I rather focus on strong climbers, already behind in the GC, for the joker spot. I have two strong outsiders for this stage and they both ride for Euskaltel. The Tour enters Basque territory in the Pyrenees and the roads will be colored orange. Mikel Nieve and Igor Antón are both 1:29 minutes down in the GC and they are only here for stage wins. On paper, this Tour de France is great for climbers like Nieve and Antón but for Euskaltel a stage win is much more important than finishing 10^th overall. Both riders have won stages in Giro d’Italia and Vuelta España in the past and they are now aiming to enter the club of stage winners in all three Grand Tours. Samuel Sanchez took third place on Ax 3 Domaines in 2010 and with a little luck; Euskaltel can improve that result Saturday afternoon.

Favorite: Chris Froome

Jokers: Mikel Nieve & Igor Antón

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 8:

Giro Rosa: Stage 6 Results & Comments

Mara Abbott on her way to take her second stage win in a row. This time in the Pink Jersey. Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

Mara Abbott took her second stage win in a row and she’s now leading the overall classification with 2:40 min to Tatiana Guderzo. Giro Rosa entered the hometown of Elisa Longo Borghini and the injured Italian star rider was cheering for her colleagues from a wheelchair in front of her home in Ornavasso.

Italian youngster Francesca Cauz finished third on the stage and keeps her White Jersey as she is now fourth overall. Winner of the Giro in 2009, Claduia Hausler is third overall after she finished second on the stage. “It’s very hard to beat Abbott on a finish like today so I’m happy with my second place”, she tells.

Saturday’s stage is one for the sprinters. Still, after two difficult days in the mountains many riders will be tired and with a little luck, a break could make it.

Stage 6 results:

1. Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)

2. Hausler Claudia (Tibco To The Top) a 24"

3. Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo) a 34"

4. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 41"

5. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 1'03"

6. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) a 1'32"

7. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) a 1'39"

8. Gillow Shara (Orica Ais) a 1'46"

9. Moolman Ashleigh (Lotto Belisol Ladies) a 1'52"

10. Vysotska Yegvenia (Sc Michela Fanini Rox) a 1'53"

Overall Classification:

1. Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa) in 17h14'34"

2. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 2'40"

3. Hausler Claudia (Tibco To The Top) a 2'55"

4. Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo) a 3'10"

5. Gillow Shara (Orica Ais) a 4'50"

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)

Points: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)

Youth: Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo)

Best Italian: Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia)

By: Alberto Celani 

Tour de France: Stage 7 Preview & Favorites

The peloton continues heading west and this stage should end up with another bunch sprint. Still, the 205.5 km includes four categorized climbs and if Cannondale and others set a high pace, some of pure sprinters may have troubles keeping up.

The Route

With the Pyrenees waiting in the weekend, the GC riders would welcome a quiet day in the saddle. The sprinters hope the same but a couple of hard climbs will make their day difficult. The first 50 km are flat but from here on the road starts to kick up. Col des 13 Vents is only a category 3 climb but its 6.9 km have an average gradient of 5.6 % and there is hard part of 8 % near the top.

After the descent, the peloton immediately starts on the next climb; Col de la Croix de Mounis. It’s the hardest climb of the day and the 6.7 km towards the top have an average gradient of 6.5 %. The climb is very steep the first two kilometers and after a flat part near the top, it kicks up with over 10 %.

There are still 110 km from the top of Col de la Croix de Mounis to the finishing line in Albi. Many sprinters will be chasing the peloton at this point and most of them should be able to rejoin in time for the intermediate sprint in Viane. The next climb, Côte de la Quintaine, won’t bring the sprinters any problems and the final one, Côte de Teillet, isn’t steep either. The final 55 km are downhill and sets for a face finish. However, it doesn’t favor a breakaway much with headwind the final 35 km towards Albi.

The Finish

The final 6 km of Stage 7.

Thanks to the headwind, the peloton shouldn’t have problems bringing back a breakaway. There are three roundabouts to overcome just before entering Albi and from here on it’s pretty much straight out towards the line. Still, there is a tricky roundabout passing with 2.5 km to go and this will stretch out the peloton as the road gets smaller. That means it’s important to be well placed as the final part towards the line is very fast. You won’t win the sprint at this point but being in a poor position can very well end your chances of success.

The Favorites

Mark Cavendish missed out on Stage 6 after he crashed and had to waste a lot of energy getting back. Cavendish was furious after the stage and he’s usually good at using his rage to motivate him even more. On Stage 5 Cavendish showed that he has no problems coping with small hills and those in the final of Stage 6 shouldn’t trouble him. The category 2 climb is nasty but with over 100 km to go from the top, Omega Pharma Quickstep will have plenty of time to bring back Cavendish. This is not like on Corsica where the riders had to overcome tough climbs near the finishing line.

I’ve been talking about the importance of a good lead out train the last couple of days and there is no need to repeat all of it again. Lotto-Belisol showed how it’s done on Stage 6 and they will be eager to do it again on this stage. I still think Argos-Shimano have best train but I’m not sure how Marcel Kittel will get over the climbs. Instead I expect the Dutch team to change focus to John Degenkolb and that’s not improving their chances of a stage win. Peter Sagan will be there in the final, so will Edvald Boasson Hagen and if Cavendish and Greipel are there to, Degenkolb will simply be overmatched. The three top sprinters, Kittel, Cavendish and Greipel have now all won a stage and it’s only Peter Sagan of the big guns who’s still winless. Sagan won’t have problems on the climbs today and if the other sprinters don’t get back in time, he’s the man to beat.

The Jokers

I personally doubt a breakaway will make all the way but should it happen, look out for Juan-Antonio Flecha. The Spaniard was very active the first days on Corsica and after a few quiet days, his batteries are now re-charged. Flecha is not afraid of attacking - quite the opposite - and he’s fast on the line too. The headwind will make it difficult to keep the peloton at bay but should they miss-time it, Flecha seems like a good pick. Jens Voigt is another rider for these kind of stages. Radioshack have been unlucky the last couple of days with both Andreas Klöden and Haimar Zubeldia crashing and they could need a success story. Voigt has friends from Berlin visiting him on Stage 7 and why not show them the real Jens Voigt trademark with a strong attack?

Favorites: Mark Cavendish / Peter Sagan

Jokers: Juan-Antonio Flecha / Jens Voigt

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 7:

Giro Rosa: Stage 5 Results & Comments

Mara Abbott won the Queen Stage of Giro Rosa after a strong solo attack. Race leader Vos lost more than 5 minutes.
Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

Stage 5 was the Queen Stage of this year's Giro Rosa and made a huge upset in general classification as Marianne Vos lost more than five minutes. Vos had been dominating the race until in the first four stages but now she only 7^th overall, 3:15 min after the new leader Mara Abbott.

Abbot from Boulder, Colorado won the race in 2010 and today she took an amazing stage win on the American Independence Day. “I am more than happy. I didn’t have any tactics, I just attacked when the road started to get steeper”, Abbott said after the stage.  

Marianne Vos knew it wouldn’t be easy for her today but she didn’t expect to lose the jersey. “I wanted to keep the jersey but the race is not over yet”, she explains.

New rider in the White Jersey is Francesca Cauz. The young Italian finished second on stage and now hopes to keep the jersey all the way. “I knew I was feeling good today and I have to thank my team, my sport directors and the sponsors”.

Second in the overall classification is Tatiana Guderzo who finished fourth on the stage. She’s now aiming at the time trial on the final day: “Today I wasted too much energy but I know the time trial suits me. I will take it day by day and tomorrow is already another hard day”.

Tomorrow Giro Rosa take place in the Verbano Cusio Ossola area, Elisa Longo Borghini's homeland. The Italian rider crashed at the national championship and had to forfeit for the Giro.We think her friends and teammates will prepare something special for her, like the Americans did today.

Stage 5 results:

1. Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)

2. Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo) a 1'44"

3. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 1'49"

4. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 1'51"

5. Gillow Shara (Orica Ais) a 2'38"

6. Hausler Claudia (Tibco To The Top) 2'49"

7. Vysotska Yevgenia (Michela Fanini Rox) a 3'02"

8. Alena Amialiusik (BePink) a 3'45"

9. Moolman Ashleigh (Lotto Belisol Ladies) 3'51"

10. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) a 3'51"

Overall Classification:

1. Abbott Mara (Usa)

2. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 1'27"

3. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 1'34"

4. Hausler Claudia (Tibco To The Top) a 2'27"

5. Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo) a 2'30"

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Abbott Mara (Usa)

Points: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Cromwell Tiffany (Orica Ais)

Youth: Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo)

Best Italian: Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia)

By Alberto Celani & Mikkel Condé

Tour de France: Stage 6 Preview & Favorites

This is a stage for the pure sprinters and the peloton shouldn’t have any problems bringing back a morning breakaway. We are in for another fight between the best sprinters in the world and hopefully we won’t see any crashes.

The Route

The 176.5 km from Aix-En-Provence to Montpellier only include a tiny climb and from its top, there are still over 100 km to go. The biggest threat today is therefore the crosswind which they riders will be battling the whole stage.

If the wind is as strong as expected, a couple of teams could really blow the race a part and the all the GC riders will have to stay in front. That means it will be a fast stage and together with high temperatures it won’t an easy day in the saddle. Not at all!

The final 9 km of the stage. 

The Finish

The finish is very easy and there is not much so say about it. Entering Montpellier the peloton only has to tackle one difficult corner the last 8 km. With 2.5 km to go the riders turn left into the tail wind and from here on it’s more or less straight out the way towards the line.

The Favorites

This is a surely a finish for big sprinters like Greipel and Kittel. Lotto-Belisol and Argos-Shimano have the two best lead out trains in the world and it will be a furious fight to take the lead on the final kilometers. Argos timed it perfectly on Stage 1 - not knowing about the bus-situation, just focusing on their plan - and I think they will end up in front on the final two kilometers. In Koen De Kort, John Degenkolb and Tom Veelers, Marcel Kittel has an extraordinary lead out and he will be eager for revenge after his crash on Stage 5.

With riders like Kittel and Greipel it’s all about who’s team ends up in front when it counts. Kittel has a strong lead out train but Andre Greipel does too. The German Champion can count on support from Marcel Sieberg, Jurgen Roelandts and Greg Henderson and if Lotto-Belisol gets the lead, it will be Greipel who will be difficult to pass.

Mark Cavendish doesn’t have a lead out train as strong as he used to. Still with Tony Martin to set the pace and Matteo Trentin and Gert Steegmans to lead him out, he showed on Stage 5 that it’s all he needs. Omega Pharma Quickstep were outstanding in the final and no one came close to beating Cavendish on the line. From the helicopter view it seemed like Peter Sagan was able to match Cavendish’ speed but once again Sagan didn’t position himself well. It would have been a close call had Sagan been on Cavendish’ wheel and hopefully we will see them go head to head soon again.

The Jokers

I’ve named Alexander Kristoff as a joker the last couple of years but I doubt he fits that category anymore. The big Norwegian has been on fire this season and don’t be surprised to see him make Top3 again on this stage. Another joker I’ve used before is Danny Van Poppel. The Vacansoleil-DCM sprinter is the youngster rider to take part in the Tour since WWII. Many doubted if Van Poppel was strong enough to be in the mix but he showed on Stage 1 that he is. He took third place in the sprint and I think he will be up there again this time. It’s true many of the top sprinters didn’t contest in that sprint but even with a full peloton I think Danny Van Poppel has what it takes to make another great result. It won’t be easy to beat the big sprinters but I wouldn’t rule out Top5 on a good day.

It’s hard to not pick Mark Cavendish as the big favorite after his - and his team’s - performance on Stage 5. Also, if the race gets blown a part, Omega Pharma Quickstep shouldn’t be one of the teams left behind. They have a big part of their Classic team here and they will be able to take advantage of it. However, the way I see, Argos-Shimano have the best lead out train in the race. If they can take the front - and keep it - with 3 km to go, Marcel Kittel will extremely difficult to pass with Tom Veelers leading him out. If anyone can do it though, it’s Mark Cavendish.

Another joker for the stage is Ramunas Navardauskas. If we end up with echelons, I would imagine Navardauskas to be in the front group. He’s not going to outsprint Mark Cavendish but if some of the big favorites are caught behind, he might be able to do top3.

Favorite: Mark Cavendish

Top3: Marcel Kittel

Jokers: Danny Van Poppel / Ramunas Navardauskas

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 6:

Giro Rosa: Stage 4 Results & Comments

Marianna Vos takes her second stage win in a row after soloing away in the final. Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

Nothing out of the ordinary in Giro Rosa. Marianne Vos won her second stage in a row and extended her lead in the overall classification.  She made the race hard herself and in the end she soloed after from a small breakaway. Vos doesn’t leave anything to other riders as she proves to be able to win any stage in this year’s Giro Rosa. She says: “After two second places and two victories I can’t ask for me. Winning is never easy and there is still many uphill kilometers before we get to Cremona on Sunday”.

Tomorrow is the Queen Stage of this year’s Giro Rosa. The 73.3 km to Monte Beigua end with a steep climb towards the finishing line. In our Overall Preview of the race, Walter Zini picked Evelyn Stevens as the favorite for the stage and Stevens has high ambitions. “I like tomorrow’s stage profile a lot. My team is strong and we aim to win. Still, it’s never easy with Vos in the race”.

South African Ashleigh Moolman took third place on Stage 4. A result that really boosted her moral: “I love these uphill finishes and my podium spot today gives me confidence for the upcoming stages”, Moolman explains.

Stage 4 results:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) a 3"

3. Moolman Ashleigh (Lotto Belisol Ladies) a 3"

4. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 3"

5. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 7"

6. Van der Breggen Anna (Nazionale Olanda) a 9"

7. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 18"

8. Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo) a 20"

9. Cromwell Tiffany (Orica Ais) a 20"

10. Abbot Mara (Nazionale Usa) a 22"

Overall Classification:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 1'31"

3. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 1'33"

4. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 1'39"

5. Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck) A 1'41"

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Points: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Youth: Van der Breggen Anna (Nazionale Olanda)

Best Italian: Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia)

By Alberto Celani & Mikkel Condé

Giro Rosa: Stage 3 Results & Comments

Marianne Vos on the podium after winning Stage 3 of Giro Rosa. Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

The main news of stage 3 is that Marianne Vos finally won a stage and once again demonstrated she is the Queen of cycling. She displayed her skills downhill, uphill and in the flat part of the stage. The World and Olympic Champion crossed the line alone after a long break where she dropped all her fellow escapees. Naturally, Marianne Vos keeps the Pink Jersey.

The stage started out with a break of six riders getting away. Vos had teammate Brand with her together with White Jersey Guarischi, the Green Jersey Scandolara and Cromwell and Hall. After 65 km Vos made another selection and this time only Cromwell could keep up. Unfortunately Cromwell crashed on the final descent with few km to go and had to see her stages of a stage win wash away. “I will try again on another stage”, Cromwell said after crossing the line.

The steep finish of 10 % wasn't a problem for Marianne Vos who managed to keep a gap of 45 seconds to Claudia Hausler and Tatiana Guderzo. Rossella Ratto crossed the line 50 seconds after Marianne Vos and she’s now new rider in the White Jersey.

After her stage win Vos explained that it wasn’t her plan to attack that far from the finishing line. However it served her well as she took 55 seconds on her main rival Evelyn Stevens. Overall Marianne Vos now leads with 1:13 min and one could wonder if the Giro has already found its winner.

Today’s stage winner Marianne Vos says: ”After ending second twice in a row I needed to win! The final part was very steep and very demanding on paves. I’m very happy I was able to extend my overall lead”.

After the stage we talked with Danish youngster Julie Leth about her first Giro Rosa. Leth managed to take the White Jersey on the very first stage and that came as a big surprise.

“I am here to support my teammates and it wasn’t my plan to take the White Jersey on Stage 1. I was planning to leadout my teammate in the first intermediate sprint but she overlooked the sprint and in the end only Vos overtook me. Therefore I got some unexpected bonus seconds. I didn’t think much about it but after the stage a teammate told me I might have gotten the White Jersey. It was a big surprise for me and I am very happy for it. This is my first Giro and I clearly didn’t expect this”, Julie Leth tells and explains her role on the team for the rest of the race.

“The terrain isn’t really for me so I won’t focus much on my own chances. Our designated team leader Elisa Longo Borghini crashed at her national championships and therefore we are only here with 5 riders which makes it very hard. However my teammate Rossella Ratto now has the White Jersey and I will do whatever I can to help her keep it”.

Wednesday’s Stage 4 is longest of this year’s Giro Rosa. The 137 km to Castelfidardo will be very hard for the girls but despite a slightly uphill finish, we expect a bunch sprint.

Stage 3 results:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 45’’

3. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Giordana) a 45’’

4. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 48’’

5. Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck) a 50’’

6. Moolman Ashleigh (Lotto Belisol Ladies) a 55’’

7. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) a 55’’

8. Van der Breggen Anna (Nazionale Olanda) a 58’’

9. Abbot Mara (Nazionale Usa) a 58’’

10.  UckGillow Shara (Orica Ais) a 1’02’’

Overall Classification:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 1’13’’

3. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Giordana) a 1’15’’

4. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 1’22’’

5. Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck) a 1’24’’

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Points: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Scandolara Valentina (MCipollini Ale Galassia)

Youth: Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck)

By Alberto Celani & Mikkel Condé

Tour de France: Stage 5 Preview & Favorites

Despite an undulating profile, this should be a stage for the sprinters. There are four categorized climbs on the menu but except for the first one, they shouldn’t really trouble the sprinters.

The Route

With its 228.5 km this is the longest stage of the Tour so far. Going west towards Marseille, the riders start climbing right away on Côte de Châteauneuf-Grasse. The climb is only 1.4 km long but it has an average gradient of 8.4 %. Many riders will be eager to get away and this is the perfect place to do so.

The two top sprinters of the race Mark Cavendish and Andre Greipel are yet to compete in a bunch sprint in this Tour and Omega Pharma Quickstep and Lotto-Belisol will have to control the race. Peter Sagan is also out for revenge after finishing second twice already and his Cannondale team should help out too.

The last categorized climb has its top with just 20 km to go. On Corsica, the late climbs proved to be too much for the sprinters but it shouldn’t be case this time. The 5.7 km towards the top of Côte des Bastides kick up with 3.1 % and Cavendish and especially Greipel should be able to stay in the bunch.

The final 4 km towards the finishing line.

The Finish

According to ASO Côte des Bastides was the last climb worth categorizing on this stage. However, the riders still have to overcome Col de la Gineste. The 7 km towards the top aren’t steep but if some sprinters had troubles on Côte des Bastides, they will have big problems getting back into the peloton in time for the final sprint. The view from the top of Côte des Bastides over the Mediterranean Sea is spectacular and the riders can almost see the finishing line 12.5 km ahead. The descent is much steeper than the ascent of the climb and this should make for a fast finish.

The riders enters Marseille with about 6 km to go and continue on big roads all the way to the line. Coming down Avenue du Prado towards the sea, the riders pass the last km port before turning left on Avenue Pierre Mendès France with just 500 meters to go. It’s not a very difficult corner but it will stretch out the peloton. Therefore, it’s important to be among the first five or six riders in order to win the stage. Like the view from the top of Col de la Gineste, also the final 500 meters are breathtaking with the hills in the background and the Mediterranean Sea on the right side. So far ASO have really spoiled us with post card scenery in this 100^th edition of the Tour de France.

The Favorites

With everybody on 100 %, I would pick Mark Cavendish as the favorite. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Cavendish started out the Tour with bronchitis and even though he’s feeling better, he hasn’t been great so far. Another good candidate for this stage is Peter Sagan. He will have no problems with the climbs but the crash on Stage 1 has weakened him. He barely managed to keep Michal Kwiatkowski behind him on Stage 2 and came up short against Simon Gerrans on Stage 3. Sagan’s team hasn’t been good enough so far and even though it’s hard to bet against him, I don’t see Sagan as the big favorite for this stage.

Instead, my favorite is Andre Greipel. The German Champion came to the Tour in great shape but hasn’t been able to show it yet. He couldn’t keep up with the front group on Stage 2 but he came close to bridge the gap. On Stage 3 he quickly realized it wasn’t going to happen and I think he saved a little energy being dropped early on. Many don’t think Andre Greipel is good on the hills but he’s actually not bad at all. In Tour of Turkey he won Stage 4 despite a long climb near the finish and he has won uphill sprints in the past too. The hills today are not steep at all and Lotto-Belisol showed on the TTT that they are very strong. Both Greipel and Cavendish are behind in the fight for the Green Jersey and they can’t let this opportunity go to waste. Orica-GreenEdge will work hard in order to keep the Yellow Jersey and this should come down to a bunch sprint.

The Jokers

One of the strongest riders so far in this Tour de France has been Juan-Antonio Flecha. He has been attacking almost every day and I would be surprised not to see him try again soon. Vacansoleil-DCM are still without sponsors for next season and the riders are eager to show themselves and help the team get seen on TV. As I’ve said, it won’t be easy for a breakaway to make it on this stage. The sprinters’ teams want control the race and a morning breakaway seems doomed.

The view from the top of Col de la Gineste over the sea.

However, a late attack in the final may be the right choice. Normally I wouldn’t pick Flecha for an uphill attack but he showed on Stage 2 that his legs are great and that he’s climbing just fine. Flecha is fast on the line and should he manage to get away over the top of Col de la Gineste, the peloton will have to work hard in order to catch him. The wind is in favor of the peloton though. The final 12 km take place in a strong head / cross wind and that makes it hard to maintain a gap. Especially the last 2 km on Avenue Pierre Mendès will be extremely hard alone against the pack.

On the topic of jokers, look out for Julien Simon as well.  The French sprinter was furious after Stage 3 when Rojas blocked his way. According to Simon he had the legs to win the stage and he will be eager to demonstrate that in Marseille. His team mate Julien El Fares is another candidate. I’ve already mentioned El Fares earlier in the Tour and this is a stage he has marked in his road book. He comes from the area and his family and friends will be out cheering for him. However, in order for El Fares to succeed he needs to attack from a far. If he’s not up the road already, the Frenchmen will have to work hard for teammate Julien Simon in the final sprint.

Favorite: Andre Greipel

Jokers: Juan-Antonio Flecha / Julien Simon

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 5:

Tour de France: Stage 4 TTT Preview & Favorites

After three spectacular days on Corsica, Tour de France now continues on the mainland. The surroundings in Nice are not bad at all but for the TV-viewers Corsica will be missed. Before the Tour started, Omega Pharma Quickstep were the big favorite for this stage. However, the three days on Corsica have changed that fact a little.

The Route

Looking at the map this is a stage for the big powerhouses. The 25 km in Nice take place on big roads and only include nine corners. Furthermore, the profile is as flat as a pancake. The first 1.5 km are the most technical with three 90° corners before the riders get on Promenade des Anglais. There is a split time after 13 km and from here on there are only two corners to overcome. This means that fastest team at the split time won’t necessarily win the stage.

Starting Order
15:15 Argos-Shimano
15:19 Omega Pharma Quickstep
15:23 Lotto-Belisol
15:27 Cannondale
15:31 Cofidis
15:35 FDJ.fr
15:39 Belkin
15:43 Garmin-Sharp
15:47 Euskaltel
15:51 Sky
15:55 Katusha
15:59 Sojasun
16:03 Astana
16:07 Movistar
16:11 Team Saxo-Tinkoff
16:15 Europcar
16:19 AG2R
16:23 Orica-GreenEdge
16:27 Lampre
16:31 Vacansoleil-DCM
16:35 BMC
16:39 Radioshack

The Favorites

As stated in the beginning Omega Pharma Quickstep came to the Tour as the big favorites for this stage. The Belgian team won the World Championship last year and bring strong time trialists like Sylvain Chavanel, Tony Martin, Michal Kwiatkowski, Niki Terpstra and Peter Velits. Add to that list Mark Cavendish who always delivers a top performance in these disciplines. Unfortunately, Omega Pharma Quickstep haven’t had much luck so far. Tony Martin went down hard in the big crash on Stage 1 which also ended Mark Cavendish’ chances of the Yellow Jersey. Cavendish himself has been suffering from bronchitis lately and on Stage 3 Niki Terpstra crashed on a descent. I still think Omega Pharma Quickstep will make podium on this stage but they are not the big favorite anymore.

The way I see it, Garmin-Sharp is now the new favorite. The American team has always had high ambitions for the team time trials and they have an incredible strong team. All nine riders – except for Dan Martin - are good against the clock and David Millar will be eager to take the yellow jersey after he missed out with just one second on Stage 2. Garmin-Sharp won the team time trial in the Giro d’Italia last year and took the leader’s jersey and I wouldn’t be surprised if they do same thing in Nice.

Orica-GreenEdge also bring a very strong team for this TTT and the course really suits them with strong motors like Cameron Meyer, Brett Lancaster, Daryl Impey and especially Svein Tuft. The Australian team don’t have any riders for the overall classification and this is surely one of their key stages in this year’s Tour de France. The moral is high after they got their first ever stage win in the Tour de France and they are one of the few teams not worried about getting the Yellow Jersey “too soon”. The other GC teams would like to save energy for the last week but without a GC rider, GreenEdge will enjoy it to the fullest, should they win this team time trial.

The map of Stage 4. Click for larger view.

Originially Team Sky were one of my favorites for this stage but they too have been suffering from crashes. Geraint Thomas rides with a fractured pelvis and Ian Stannard is not doing great either after his crash. 

Chris Froome, Richie Porte and Edvald Boasson Hagen are all among the best time trialists in the race and even without Thomas on his best, they should be able to do a top performance. Still, I doubt they can pull of a win like they did in the Giro earlier this year.

It wouldn’t be fair not to mention Movistar. For unknown reasons the Spanish team are always considered underdogs for the team time trials. However, they have been among the absolute best teams the recent years. They won the opening TTT in Vuelta España last year and they took 2^nd place in Giro d’Italia this year. On paper, Movistar don’t bring many good time trialists but their really know how to make it work when it counts. Most people will probably be surprised should Movistar make Top3 but if you take a minute to think about, it shouldn’t really surprise you.

The Joker

I’ve already named the teams I think will make Top5 on this stage, therefore it’s difficult to pick a joker with a chance of surprising. Still, I have a good feeling about the Belkin team. Lars Boom has been very active the first two stages and he’s great against the clock. Like the Movistar the individual riders are not among the best time trialists in the race but together they make it work. Bauke Mollema, Robert Gesink and Lars-Petter Nordhaug are known for being good in the mountains but they also know how to ride a good time trial. It seems to me that the Dutch team is super motivated after Belkin took over as team sponsor and I think they will put in strong ride in Nice.

Favorites: Garmin-Sharp / Omega Pharma Quickstep

Joker: Team Belkin

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 4:

Giro Rosa 2013 - Stage 2 Results & Comments

Giorgia Bronzini wins Stage 2 of Giro Rosa while Marianne Vos avoids a spectacular crash. Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

The former World Champion Giorgia Bronzini (Geelong 2010 and Copenhagen 2011) won Stage 2 of Giro Rosa in  a bunch sprint on the Pontecagnano Fagnano circuit. Marianne Vos took second place on the stage and stays in pink. Bronzini, after her seventh victory of the season, said: “I am more than happy. My last victory at the Giro came back in 2008, a lifetime ago. Yesterday was a bad day for me. I punctured on both of my wheels at the same time and when my teammate was giving me her wheel, a rider crashed into her”.

In the final sprint, Marianne Vos came close to crashing down but her exceptional bike handling skills saved her. Vos explains: “Even though I didn’t win the stage I must celebrate for not falling off my bike. I was just about to crash with the whole peloton coming down on me. My shoe got out of the pedal because of a small hole in the road. Thanks to my skills, and maybe a bit of luck, nothing happened”.

New rider in the White Jersey is Barbara Guarischi who took it from Danish Julie Leth. “It’s amazing to see my name on the podium with Bronzini and Vos. I am very excited. This has never happened in such an important race before”, Guarischi says.

Tomorrow’s Stage 3 a tricky one. The 102 km start andfFinish in Castel Volturno (CS) where Noemi Cantele (one of the big absents from the race) won back in 2009.

Stage 2 results:

1. Bronzini Giorgia (Wiggle Honda)

2. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) s.t.

3. Guarischi Barbara (Vaiano Fondriest) s.t.

4. Hall Lauren (Nazionale Usa) s.t.

5. Collins Emily (Wiggle Honda) s.t.

6. Ferrand Prevot Pauline (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) s.t.

7. Kozonchuk Oxana (Rusvelo) s.t.

8. Johnsen Cecilies Gotas (Hitec Products) s.t.

9. Amialiusik Alena (BePink) s.t.

10. Tagliaferro Marta (MCipollini Giordana) s.t.

Overall GC:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Tagliaferro Marta (MCipollini Giordana) a 17"

3. Guarischi Barbara (Vaiano Fondriest) a 17''

4. Leth Julie (Hitec Products) a 17"

5. Visser Adrie (Boels Dolmans Cycling Team) a 19''

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Marianne Vos (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Points: Marianne Vos (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Valentina Scandolara (MCipollini Giordana)

Youth: Barbara Guarischi (Vaiano Fondriest)

Best Italian: Marta Tagliaferro (MCipollini Giordana)

By: Alberto Celani & Mikkel Condé