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20 May 2006

20 May News ...

Horrach: A Beautiful Moment

"I am sorry for the bad luck of Mori and Sella, but because of their bad luck I had good luck," said a very truthful Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) after winning the Giro d'Italia Stage 12 to Sestri Levante. "I know the two were going very strong and might have stayed clear."

The 32 year-old from Deja, Mallorca, with blue eyes, long hair and an unshaven look, marked his first victory for the 2006 season. "This is my most beautiful win, everyone wants to win one of the 21 stages in a Grand Tour, and I was able to win today."

"I really like the mountains, and I think the coming stages will be even better," continued Spaniard, professional since 2000. "There will be less stress for breakaways, the classification will be sorted out and it will be easier to find the right escape group. I will try again in the last week."

The win from Horrach is one of those victories that tifosi love, but which they often forget amongst the grand overall battle. Horrach, who would have been a carpenter like his dad and brother if not racing, passed one of the most beautiful moments in his life here at la Corsa Rosa. This moment, combined with all the other stories of Italy's tour, is what brings the Giro to life. Viva il Giro!

89th Giro d'Italia, 6 - 28 May
Main, Startlist, Classifications, Giro Favorites
Stages and Maps, Key Stages, Overall Map
Photos, The Dust Devil's Daily Wrap
Aaron Olson and Saunier Duval-Prodir Updates
2005 Giro d'Italia

Emotional Sella in Sestri Levante

"I wanted to do something in the finish, but forget it," said an emotional Emanuele Sella (Panaria-Navigare) after the finish of stage 12. Sella was in a break with Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval-Prodir), but the two crashed with eight kilometers remaining to the finish in Sestri Levante, ruining their chances of staying clear.

"It was a bad curve," the Italian went on to explain. "I tried. I am really and truly sorry I was not able to pull off the win. My condition is fine, and the team is fine. So I will try again."

Disappointed Manuele Mori

"I am sorry for it all," explained a very disappointed Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval-Prodir) after the finish. Il Toscano approached a hard left-hander, was forced to unclip his left shoe, before crashing into the trees. "It was a straight run, then the second turn... It was too tight and I missed the road."

"I hope there will be another opportunity to win a Giro stage in my life. I had my chance today, but unfortunately this time it went wrong."

Gilberto Simoni was also upset for his teammate, saying "I am sorry for Mori, it was great course for him. It would have been his finish."

The Saunier Duval-Prodir focus will shift to Simoni in the coming stages. The Giro hits the first set of true mountains tomorrow, and the GC men will be forced to show their cards.

Basso: Bella and Fatiguing Giro

"Everyday the Giro unfolds with every new turn: The race departs and different break always form," said Giro d'Italia race leader, Ivan Basso after stage 12. "...It is a bello Giro. It causes a lot of fatigue, but it is exciting and beautiful."

"The climb, Valico Guaitarola, was a hard climb," continued the Italian Stallion. "It had a gradient that was difficult... It was a true climb. ... But for us the escape was good because it eased the pressure." The tight parcours leading to the stage finish in Sestri Levante made for some tough descending, "We heard about the crash ahead, and afterwards we made sure to pay attention to the curve."

Earlier in the stage Serhiy Honchar (T-Mobile), previous wearer of the Maglia Rosa, crashed and lost contact with the peloton. "I had heard that Honchar was dropped, but I was not really thinking of him. Even though he lost time, he is still a danger. Now it will be easy for him to go in an escape. And when you are up in the classification, you can not be allowed your freedom to go in escapes. This is the game of cycling. Bella! ... In this moment the work is on our backs. The team has to control everyone, and watch everything."

Ivan Basso is firmly in the race leader's Maglia Rosa, and he is forced to watch threats from all quarters. "I said at the start of this Giro that I would have to watch everyone, and that is what I am doing. I am always ready to defend the maglia, and I remain very attentive to what goes on around me." The day will soon come where Basso will be put on the ropes, and if he can punch back and defend the jersey will soon be known.

Stage 13, with the climb of the Colle San Carlo, 1951 meters, will present the tifosi a first look at how strong Basso is in the mountains. The Colle San Carlo, topping out seven kilometers to go, has a technical descent that Basso's rival, Savoldelli could use to attack. "Yes, the first part is tricky, and then it gets a little easier for the finale. I don't have a problem with descending. Certainly I am not going to take huge risks like Savoldelli. He is fast and impressive. But I should not have to risk it."

There will be two types of scenarios tomorrow: one where an escape goes and fights for the stage, while us classification-men battle amongst ourselves, and the other would be if a classification rider wants to win the stage, then no escape would go clear. It depends on how the course goes as to what strategy I will take tomorrow."

Danielson Throwing Elbows

BiciRace.com spoke with Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) Friday morning, before the start of stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia. We made sure to complement him on his hard work for Savoldelli on stage 8 to Passo Lanciano, where he used his impressive form to pull Savoldelli to the finish.

Are you going to have any chances of your own for a stage win? "I don't know," said l'Americano. "I may have my chances, but like I said before, I am here to learn. I am learning all I can from Savoldelli in this Giro. Last year I had some close days in the Vuelta, and here in the Giro I just want to make it to the end and learn."

We read that Savoldelli wants to have a go today on the technical run-in to Sestri Levante. Is there any truth to this? "I don't know. We have nothing planned. Like the other day, when Savoldelli rode off the front, it was unplanned, and we were all like 'wow!'"

How is your feeling in the gruppo? "It is good. There are still some of the guys that don't give you any respect. The other day I was on Paolo's wheel, and once the road went up they were edging in right in front of me, behind Paolo." You need to keep your elbows out, and stiff! "Yes. But I am not that big," continued Danielson. "Eat more brioches!"

Thanks for talking Tom. Have a good day. "Thanks. The Giro really starts now."

19 May News ...