Giro stage 15

I think (hope) someone will blow the race apart tomorrow with it leading into a rest day. I'm not sure who, maybe a Rujano or Gadret might go after the win, maybe Pozzovivo looking to build up some time ahead of the TT, maybe De Gendt going after a stage win and announcing his intentions to compete for the Pink, maybe even Henao or Uran... Whatever happens, it should be a cracking stage

I reckon a purie will take the win tomorrow, an Italin, and pink, but won't be able to hang onto the lead until Milan.

ie. RUJANO

Im gonna drop Ruijano for Uran and then will have both sky guys, also need to get tiralongo in, so cataldo to be dropped

Basso is never gonna score the big points for you, as he severely lacks any sort of acceleration or sprint to the line. So, he never drops anyone and is beaten by 5 or 6 guys at the finish... He wins by consistency and even that doesn't seem to be his strong suit anymore.

(he's probably going to refute my little theorem tomorrow, so you best take him)

No, that is his game but at least he doesn't fall to pieces like Rujano.

The climbs don't look quite as steep today, but the descents do...

I backed Hesjedal 2 weeks ago at 40-1, so its beginning to get interesting...

Dropped Rubiano and Caruso who seems to be struggling after being Basso's workhorse. Picked up a Rabobanker and an Italian climber, decided I was happy with my stars and wanted to take a few risks with my DSs.

Well my team know is

J-Rod
Hesjedal
Uran
Haeno

Tiralongo
Huzarski
Slagter
Caruso
Pozzovivo

My question is will there be a point at which J-Rod should be dropped from my team? to free up some credits

In an ideal world i would like to replace Haeno for Gadret, however will never be able to raise enough credits to do that without dropping J-rod, and the only one i would drop him for (scarponi) still wouldnt raise enough credits

Out:Santamorito & Intxausti
In:Basso & Barta

J-Rod
Henao
Basso
Hesjedal
Tiralongo
Golas
Barta
Casar
Rubiano

Fancy a break involving Golas or Rubiano today

Just in time 7mins left!
Ivan Basso (LIQ)
Enrico Gasparotto (AST)
Rigoberto Uran (SKY)
Jan Bakelants (RSN)
Pier Paolo De Negri (FAR)
Domenico Pozzovivo (COG)
Lars Bak (LOT)
Jack Bobridge (GRE)
Alex Rasmussen (GRM)

Wonder how it will paan out

I'm giving Kreuziger one more stage to see if he can perform.

Kreuziger
Hesjedal
Henao
Rodriguez

Pozzovivo
Benedetti
Rubiano
Golas
Tiralongo

I'm also sticking with Kreuziger for now - plenty of transfers after today. Have 4 potential guys for a break, so hopefully one of them will come good...
Kreuziger
Hesjedal
Basso
Henao
Pozzovivo
Samoilau
Pirazzi
Benedetti
Felline

Rodriguez
Hesjedal
Henao
Rujano

Tiralongo
Pozzovivo
Sella (almost went Pirazzi, it was 50/50)
Slagter (nearly went Clement, again, 50/50 decision)
Golas

Fingers crossed my transfers pay off but I may regret dropping Rubiano if he decides to go after the 4 category climbs today.

Also nearly went for Pietropolli now he's out of it GC-wise.

Quote:

Two riders have tried their luck and broken clear: Guillaume Bonnafond of AG2R and Matteo Rabottini (Farnese Vini). They have 1:45 on the peloton.

Dammit, considered Rabottini for today too

Shrek's abandoned and Hunt did not start

A lot of buzz around Rujano pre-giro(and during).

Not sure if he's justifying it(although I'll probably regret saying that come Journey's End).

Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT)
Jose Humberto Rujano (AND)
Roman Kreuziger (AST)
Benat Intxausti (MOV)
Domenico Pozzovivo (COG)
Miguel Angel Rubiano (AND)
Paolo Tiralongo (AST)
Damiano Caruso (LIQ)
Jon Izagirre (EUS)

Same team as yesterday to keep 6 transfers for after rest day tomorrow

Jez Hunt's becoming a Dad according to Twit.

de Gendt
J-Rod
Hesjedal
Basso
Guardini
Tiralongo
Rubiano
Pozzovivo
Caruso

Feel pretty good. Glad to have four transfers for the next stage...

Intermediate sprint:

Bonnafond
Rabottni
Cavendish
Golas
Rosseler
Eisel

Also...

Quote:

Emanuele Sella of Androni attacks out of the field on the climb.

Hurray!

3 Lampre's in the chasing group....Cunego(virtual leader),Malori and Ulissi.

Dangerous move?

Or are they setting it up for Scarponi?

Cunego. He's won Lombardia three times, this stage is absolutely made for him.

Well im going to be avoiding the forum until ive watched the hightlights later on eurosport as im off out now

Hope at least the chasers don't stay away. Had ullisi for the first 10 or so stages and now he tries something

Was tempted by Cunego but I thought he'd blown his chance yesterday