BiciRace.com :: News :: September 2005

News :: September 2005

7 September 2005

Pyrenees Take Their Toll

Botero Before Start, photo: BiciRace.com

The riders just completed two grewsome stages of the Vuelta a España, stages 10 and 11. Both stages ended on an uphill note, and both stages put an end to the Vuelta for many riders. Two of the most important players of the Vuelta were left on the side of the rode in yesterday's stage 11. Brad McGee, early wearer of the golden jersey, decided enough was enough. Thor Hushovd abandoned the race while wearing the blue-yellow points jersey. Thor was the winner of stage 5 to Cuenca, and was finishing high on every sprint stage. Now the jersey goes over to Menchov.

Also gone are two big hopes of this year's Vuelta: Santiago Botero and Luis Pérez. Both riders were having a lackluster Vuelta, and they have now put an end to the suffering. Botero may or may not make an appearance at the World Championship TT. The winner of the 2002 Worlds TT would have a hard time if he was to race this year.

Complete list of abandons:
DNF Santiago Botero (Col) Phonak
DNF Christophe Edaleine (Fra) Cofidis
DNF Luis Perez (Spa) Cofidis
DNF Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
DNF Markel Irizar (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
DNF Frédéric Guesdon (Fra) Française des Jeux
DNF Bradley McGee (Aus) Française des Jeux
DNF Mathew Hayman (Aus) Rabobank
DNS Benoît Poilvet (Fra) Crédit Agricole

Throughout the Vuelta, you can refer to the BiciRace.com startlist for a complete list of riders that abandon. Their names will be crossed out, like 11 Botero Santiago.

Laiseka Still Has The Legs

Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel-Euskadi) proved in stage 11 that he can still tash it up in the high mountains. He prepared well for this year's Vuelta a España, gaining confidence from a good performance in the Tour de Suisse. "You have keep trying in cycling, and I have vision and the legs", added the Basque cyclist.

The 36-year old said that his orange squadra worked really well during the stage, allowing him to give the final thrust. Laiseka hopes that this victory will bring some cheer to the Basque team, who have been down in the dumps lately. The team had a terrible showing at the Tour de France, but before that they did win two big races, Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré and Tour de Suisse. "Here two and two aren't four. The others also ride very well, and seems that when you didn't ride a good Tour, you didn't do anything. There are still other races, and a lot to do."

Laiseka's first attempt at freedom in stage 11 did not work out, but he persisted and achieved victory. The Basque put in an attack at 10K, but the riders were pulling him back with a joint effort, so he sat up. Laiseka was able to find his rhythm again, after some serious attacks by Carlos Sastre. He launched his final missile with 3K remaining, slowly gaining an advantage over his rivals. "I had the advantage that I was with the first five of the overall GC, that is what allowed me to take some distance and the win the stage."

Roberto Keeping Regular

Roberto Heras, captain of Liberty Seguros, was satisfied with his last two stages of the Vuelta a España. He has not opened a gap on Menchov, and he will need to before the final TT, stage 20. The climbs have not been tough enough according to Heras. Regarding the finish to stage 10, Heras said "I couldn't continue [after the attack] because the climb isn't that hard." Heras added, "... Menchov stayed in my wheel and it was hard to continue like that."

"In a Vuelta of three weeks, regularity is the key because everyday is different," said Heras. The Spaniard is counting on his Russian friend to crack in the coming weeks. Denis Menchov is relatively untested at this sort of three week game, and lacks a strong team. "I think there is still a Vuelta in abundance, for me it's not a question of taking seconds every day, but to feel good and to go on slowly."

60th Vuelta a España:
Startlist
Stages and Maps, Key Stages, Overall Map
Photos, Dust Devil's Daily Wrap

6 September News ...