Volta Ciclista a Catalunya: Jan Ullrich Reflects
The Giro d'Italia, Krauss in Intergiro lead
Michael Barry "there were a few obstacles: garbage cans, cars, spectators, that we had to avoid."
Giro d'Italia, Italy
Stage 17, Varazze - Limone Piemonte (Colle di Tenda), 194K
26 May
Dust Devil's Daily Wrap
Redemption Song
Stage List, Dust Devil's Daily Wrap
![Dust Devil](javascript:ImagePopup("../../photo/2005/other/DustDevilNameFrame.jpg", 640, 343, "Dust Devil's Daily Wrap"); "Dust Devil's Daily Wrap")
How impressive is it that Ivan Basso rode through being sick to take a stage win in Limone Piemonte? He could've abandoned as soon as the plan went south (earlier in the Giro) and he would've exited with a very sour taste in his mouth. But, as it stands, at the very least he will walk away being a major player in two very tough mountain stages. One resulting in a stage win and the other a pink jersey. That's not too bad. That's a success in most people's book. He didn't win overall like he set out to do, but hey, that's racing and that's life. He'll also have a lot of confidence in himself going into the Tour that he can go all the way in the mountains-if he can avoid illness.
![Basso Alone](javascript:ImagePopup("../../photo/2005/Giro/17/teamIvanBassoAloneColleDiTenda.jpg", 500, 326, "Basso Alone"); "Basso Alone, Colle Di Tenda, photo: Team CSC")
Basso Alone on the Colle Di Tenda, photo: Team CSC
I believe Simoni is hanging on-just. He's waiting to attack so close to the finish that he is not capable of doing the damage necessary to put himself in the drivers seat. I don't think his form is bad, I just think he's lacking a bit. The Simoni of 2003 would've chased down Basso on today's stage just for fun and to show everybody that he ruled the roost, even though he was no threat to his lead. But what we are seeing here is a conservative and defensive Simoni who is not fully capable of delivering a swift and fast death blow. He may still win in Milan, but it won't be in convincing style.
And the TT tomorrow, I believe, will favor Savoldelli. Of all the GC boys in contention for overall victory, he is clearly the strongest-far and away from everybody else. He's in pink to boot. Which means he's got the advantage by starting last. He'll have the benefit of all the time splits, what to watch out for, where to go fast, etc... Simoni will have to have the TT of his life to limit losses on Il Falco tomorrow. And the same is true for Rujano. I can't imagine this pint sized little mountain goat is a very proficient time trialer. We could see Di Luca move back into third tomorrow. Juan Manuel Garate is in a good place to jump into third place with a good ride tomorrow as well. If Savoldelli puts 2 minutes into Simoni tomorrow, he could seal victory with that-boom! done! I believe no matter how brutal an attack Simoni, or anybody else, could deliver on Saturday, Savoldelli is climbing well enough to defend.
There are a lot of possibilities still open here. We still have Sestriere on Saturday, which is sure to create a lot of bloodshed!
The Dust Devil
Chat with the Director Sportivo, "It's good ... as I've told you the most important thing is not to have cold on downhill."
2005 Giro d'Italia - The Dust Devil's Daily Wrap, "The weather was far from hospitable in the normally scenic Lake Como/Lecco region, with most of the riders unrecognizable due to being covered by their rain capes."
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya: Yaroslav Popovych, Discovery Channel, Wins a Big GC race
Battaglia Italiana, Simoni and Cunego Box? "Also, they have selected a photo where I appear fat."
Stefano Garzelli - "No, Even in Spain I train with some pros in the area. While in Italy, I ride with Nardello, Andriotto, Zanini, Mason, Peron, etc."