Bite the Hand

I thank my lucky stars that we have some sort of cycling coverage on TV.  I know it was not always like this and to get the latest info you had to have a VeloNews handy or call a phone number to get the latest pre-recorded race results.  So, yes we are privileged in the access that we have to races the world over.  Not to mention the world wide web.  Our savior for all things cycling.  So, here is my open letter to Versus.

Dear Versus,

I have some ideas that might help your cycling coverage.

1.  We are already watching your station, we don't need to know about the up coming PBR (pro bull riding) (I thought it was a tasty beverage) event in slow motion.  Spandex does not mix with chaps -well not in this crowd.  Your commercials alone are enough to get me to STOP watching

2.  I will most likely never drive a Cadillac or buy Michelob Ultra.  Please for the love of all things holy sell me something I can and will use.  If we are in front of the TV and watching cycling, you can reasonably assume that we are cyclists.  Beer commercials are good, and you need more of them.  I know, I know you are limited to commercials that the sponsors are buying.

3.  Paul and Phil, love 'em.  They need a third person in the booth to keep them on track.

4.  On the same lines as Paul and Phil.  They are given a quota of how many times they can mention Lance outside of the actual action.  If Lance is somewhere at the back of the peloton, we don't need a camera on him and 5 mins of commentary.  If he is at the front, bridging, attacking, etc... fell free to give him some love.  Seriously if you are in love with Lance, let him know move to Vermont and do the deed.

5.  I want a Brian Holm and Rolg Aldag show.  Mic these guys up and put 50 cameras on them.  If you haven't seen Chasing Legends you won't know what I am talking about.  These guys are awesome.

6.  Jens Voigt.  Give us Jens.  Lots and lots of Jens, mic him up and put a tracker on him so we know what he is doing at all times.

7.  How about introducing America to other cyclists other than Lance?  There are some legends out there, that many people have never heard of.  Throw us a freakin' bone.

8.  How about some coverage on the other jerseys in a Grand Tour?  Yes, we know the leaders jersey and the Sprint, but show the battles for the KOM and the Youth.

9.  Show the start of the race, interview some riders, show how the break formed.  I mean really show it, you have plenty of time, a five sec clip of two guys going off the front does not cut it.  Show feed zones, show the intermediate sprints, same thing here 5sec is not enough.  Show the peloton with the teams getting their riders in position to start the sprint.

10.  And by all means send me a bottle of wine so I can enjoy it with your cheese.

Thank you for your considerations, I am available for a position to help you with your production.  We will also need to get the rights to every ProTour race.  I have watched your programming, and it is not like you can't make the room for a little cycling.  Whacked Out Sports???? are you kidding me?  With me on board we can do much better.  Seriously MMA, PBR, NHL and Cycling on the same network?  How much are you drinking and smoking when programing?

Glenn Duh

la Vuelta el fin

La Vuelta is over. I loved every minute of it, and then some. I was blown away, by how hard this Grand was. The Spanish have a flair for their country and their cycling. Cycling is, if you did not know... Kinda a big deal in Spain, check out the nationalities in the peloton. They do pretty good, current Olympic RR Gold is Spanish. The "smaller" Spanish teams at la Vuelta rode their hearts out, the passion that they have for their country came through in every pedal stroke.
I'm going to be a little stereotypical here, so you might want to skip over this...
Is it me or can the Spanish climb? I'm not talking about "just" climbing, I'm talking about destroying, punishing vertical climbs. And Fast, they climb like they are on fire. Rodriquez, Mosquera, Anton, Nieve, and that guy Contador(who did not race la Vuelta, but did just win* le Tour). I know they are all like 5'3" 110lbs, but they can fly.

Photo credit © Álvaro Astiz Conde
Even with all that firepower the lithe Frenchman, David Moncoutie who was on a mission for his 3rd, took the KOM from the locals.

Tyler stole the last stage from Cav in Madrid, this time a head-to-head sprint, but it was not enough to bridge the 7point gap that Cav had to take the Verde points jersey. Photo credit © Sirotti

During all of this weekend had to offer, I totally missed out on US National Champs. I missed it, just like that. Check out VeloNews. Talk about young guns coming into their own. Phinney took the TT and Ben King took the RR, both are prodigies for Trek Livestrong. Looks like we have some heavies about to hit the ProTour. Yeah!!! Worlds and then "the race of the falling leaves".

Vuelta stage 20

EPIC

Do we actually over-use this term? Probably, or most likely we do not use it correctly. The Thesaurus lists other (adj.)s marathon, heroic, classic, larger-than-life, impressive, ambitious, grand.

I would say that what took place on stage 20 was EPIC, what I saw could be described by almost all of those words, if not all. Nibali delivered, he did his job, he did the leader's jersey proud. I wrote about the weight of the leader's jersey when Rodriquez lost it in the TT and how it can crush you. The other side to that is the transcendental quality that the jersey possesses, the one that Nibali experienced on Saturday when he rode like the champion of la Vuelta.

There is no question that this was an Epic battle between Mosquera and Nibali. It should go down in the books as one to remember. I love le Tour and I am a big fan of Andy, but la Vuelta's battle was way more exciting to watch than this year's Tour. First you had a different winner every day for the first two weeks, then Rodriquez and Anton traded the leader's jersey a few times. Rodriguez and Nibali fought for the lead, and Mosquera tried to take time out of Nibali.

This was a true Spanish style tour, equivalent to a Telemundo daytime show with all of the twists and turns, beauty, pageantry, pain and suffering. If that does not qualify as to be labeled EPIC, then I must have been misinformed. And if you missed this one, you missed out on one of the most exciting, impressive, classic, heroic, larger-than-life, Grand Tours.

Vuelta stage 19

Ok, I have been pressed for time so I skipped through the stage and kind of made my own highlight reel. I did watch the last 30 or so K, of a 231k stage; roughly 144miles. That is a classic, really that is a long race. Heck that is a long drive in a car.

I really don't want to write about this stage. Too much happened in the last 5k that it would take me too long to put it out in an intelligible composition with my poor excuse of journalistic dribble. That being said, there is something to be said for watching a stage on the interweb. Thanks Al Gore.

With a stage that looks more like a classic, you have to put your money on red -I mean put your money on the Rouleurs the hardmen the classic guys. In all reality it looked like a pancake flat sprinter's stage, well except for the bumpiness at the end and even some cobbles in there. The "pure" sprinters got taken for a ride in the last 5k getting drilled by the rouleurs stealing the stage.

I had money on Cav to roll with his momentum and take his fourth. I had not done my homework and did not realize how technically hard or how much elevation gain there was in the final 5k. Otherwise, having seen the results I would have picked Gilbert, yeah he won so knowing this he is/was my pick. I am a fan of Gilbert, what power, style, presence. He attacked the field last year at la Vuelta, then hid behind a wall as the peloton chased and then jumped on the end. Too funny. He can also win races. How do you like that?

Vuelta stage 18

Sorry folks, I am getting lazy with the posting. Don't know if it is the beautiful weather we are having, or the lack of bottled inspiration. Whatever it might be, I just have not felt like writing. Well I have felt like writing, just don't have anything to write. Is this writers block? Yes...good point...I would have to be a writer to have writer's block, that was a close call. I do have la Vuelta for a few more days. After that I am going to have to find something, Yeah like Worlds, Lombardia, and then CX season is cracking. Lucky me, I love CX, huge fan of the CX, you just will not see me out there on a skinny tire rig in the grass, mud, snow, sand. Off-road is MTB all the way for me.

Meanwhile back at the ranch (la Vuelta). Cavo is dishing out another view of his backside to the peloton with a little help from his team. And when I say his team, I mean his team. Everyone does their part to get Cav to the line first. Even Velits, who is sitting 3rd GC is taking monster pulls at the front to get Goss and Cav into position. Don't believe it? Check out the video, it's all there. HTC likes to win, Bob Stapelton likes to win. Look at their record. When they claim, Claim that they are the #1 team in the World, they really are the #1 team in the World. Please try and dispute that, they have the numbers to back it up, not just team members (men and women), but number of wins. 384* since 2008

Now that I am on the numbers train...Next stop Eddy Merckx. I had to pull out the history book on you, and drop some knowledge. Eddy has 525 W's. Most people will not get on a bike that many times in there entire life, much less win a race. Impressive. Next...History lesson. No, contrary to popular belief the King of Belgium is not Eddy Merckx.

*not sure if that is counting Cav's win yesterday?

Vuelta stage 17

Sometimes great things happen when you are wearing the leader's jersey. Sometimes you get crushed by the weight. Rodriguez was crushed today like what he normally does to climbs. It is not hyperbole the red jersey caused Rodriguez to implode and lose so much time he is now in 5th spot on GC. Everyone said he would lose time, but I don't think anybody thought it would be this bad. Not that I know anything but I thought with the way he has been riding he had a chance to only lose 1-2min, which would be livable.

Biggest loser for the day had to be Rodriguez, so there is two sides to every coin. The biggest winner... Peter (pronounced Pet'er) Velits. Dude killed the TT. Everyone thought Fabian had put up the best time, even with a cold. That's right Fabian has a little cold and still managed just under 52kph for 46k. What the H? That is about 32mph. Slow if you are in your car on your way to work, but in a TT it is monster good. Well good enough for 3rd place. Menchov put up better numbers for 2nd, and Velits committed homicide for 1st. And...a podium spot, if he can hang onto it until Madrid.

Vuelta stage 16

Bow to the Queen
Today was the Queen stage. The finish was 10k at 8% avg grade, that is something like 2,600' in 10K. Yes, curse words are appropriate at this point. If you don't like cursing try "WOW, that's got to hurt". This was after 170k of saddle time, and one cat 3 climb and two cat 1s. That's earning your contract.

All I have to say is that I was very entertained, not because I like to watch climbing, but because it was so animated. No boring climbing stage here. I can't do it justice by throwing words out.

Frank was the Frank that I love to watch, and he was even more punchy than ever. I think he attacked three different times. His last attack was a thing of beauty, it was so smooth. Frank can fly and he can turn a climb into a flat. Too bad Andy was sitting at home with Stuy drinking 40s, Frank would have had some fun if he had his brother there to play. I finally feel like I got my money out of Frank, he did not pull very much time back on GC, but he did slot up into 4th.

Euskaltel put on a show. After loosing Martinez and Anton the lithely built team showed what it is made of...a bunch of skinny dudes that can climb and race bikes very fast uphill. Up hills that make mortals cry for their Mommies. They had one rider in the ten man break, and then sent three across the gap. That takes brass ones. Check out the profile. They wasted one to get two across and then had another wait at the top of the last downhill. The three then proceeded to catch the break and then launch Nieve to his first Grand Tour win. I'm sure they were thinking about their teammates sitting in the hospital. What a way to show your mettle. Bon Courage

Oh yeah the other stuff...Nibali cracked lost time to an attacking Rodriguez and Mosquera. Rodriguez took the jersey and about 30sec.

Vuelta stage 14 & 15

I don't care who you are, cat 5, touring, bike messenger, pro. It hurts when you fall. Crashing is a byproduct of cycling. The old saying "it's not a matter of if, but a matter of when". This is a risk that we all take when we ride, race, or tour.

Igor Anton knows this all to well. Yesterday while wearing the leader's jersey he crashed out of la Vuelta, one of the better climbers and contender for the top step in Madrid. What do you think hurt more hitting the tarmac or getting into the team car?

With Anton in the car opportunity came knocking for Nibali and Rodriguez. Rodriguez and Nibali attacked the field and Rodriguez took the stage, Nibali put on the jersey.

Stage 15
What a nasty nasty stage in profile and weather. The hot sunny days that they have been enjoying turned into rain and fog. The wheel swinging Barredo is pretty good at actually riding the bike. With the poor weather and climbs Barredo attacked the break-away group and soloed to a stage win. Short and sweet.

Vuelta stage 13

Lucky # 13. Cavo makes it back to back wins, and number 66 for his running total. When told his number of wins he was asked how many more? His reply..."I just like winning." How can you hate that. Cavo has Matt Goss to thank for both of his wins, and when interviewed he thanks Matt and the team. After crossing the line he always looks for his lead-out man and gives him the first headlock hug followed by hugs all around for the team.

Yesterday's win put Cav in an elite group of Grand Tour Stage winners. He has won a stage in all three of the Grand Tours. Now all he has to do is survive, and I mean survive the next few days as the air gets thinner and the roads reach up into the heavens to put the riders through hell. Time for the lightweight climbing specialists to pull out all the stops and attack each other until there is nothing left in the tank.

Cav may be mouthy in interviews, he gets misquoted, and taken out of context. Watch a post race interview and you see the base, all the layers taken away, and the "real" Cavendish stands up. He thanks his team for getting him to the line. First. He said today that he hopes Goss gets a stage, because "he is so fast, and he deserves it." He tried to give him a win yesterday, but Matt would not take it, which was a good move on his part. With Cavo winning it helped him secure more points in the race for the green jersey. Which he is holding at the moment.

The one quote that stuck out today, and really hit me:

"it is better to have a star team than a team of stars" -Mark Cavendish

Vuelta stage 11 & 12

Yesterdays stage 11 featured a beyond cat climb at the finish. It was your usual fight to the climb and then the GC separated themselves and the in-fighting began. Anton, who lost the jersey the day before, looked cashed and was slipping back. The other GC were busy attacking each other when Anton motored by everyone and won the stage and took the jersey back. Impressive climbing.

Today's stage was a sprinter's stage, without too many leg breakers. The peloton brought in the break and then the sprinter's teams went to work. Garnin did a lot of work, as did Cervelo...guess they are already starting to work together. What are they going to do with Thor and Tyler next year?

Matt Goss, what is it with these Ausies and lead-outs? Goss took over the race at 300m to go, with Cavo in tow, and lit the afterburners. Watch the highlights Goss took the sprinters to school, Marc is lucky they are on the same team. Matt stopped pedaling at 10m out and finished 3rd. Cavo and Matt had time to decide who was going to take the win.

Seriously check out the highlight on universalsports.com. Color me impressed.




Oh yeah like it or not Cav is BACK




Photo: © Fotoreporter Sirotti

Vuelta stage 10/ Rant

Rest day yesterday. Andy and Stuy out of la Vuelta. Riis says "No drinking and biking." They are gone. You think it might be a little kiss off from Riis? No hard feelings there, Right? I don't know but something stinks. So Frank is Andy-less, to be honest Andy has not looked all that great since Paris. Looks like he is looking forward to next year. If I were Frank (let me be frank here) I'd be P-Oed with Andy and Riis.

O'Grady was a little upset with the decision by Riis. The guy has been a stellar rider in the trenches for Riis, he even brought home a Cobble from Roubaix for him. You are going to deny an Aussie a drink? I say how dare you, after everything that Stuy has done, I'd buy him a bar. Rules are like speed limits there is a little wiggle room.

Andy is a younger rider and rules are rules, but the guy just stood on the second step in Paris. Remember that? If he were a water carrier bust him like a water carrier, don't treat talent like a domistique. Riis you of all people should know better. I will say it again, Riis is upset with the Schlecks leaving, and he is exacting a little vengeance. Good show, A-H. Well played, you screwed Frank in the process.

OH yeah some dude won the stage and some guy got the jersey. Just kidding. Imanol Erviti of (Case D Parn- Bob Roll pronunciation) won the stage after an amazing attack on the descent. Wicked crazy golfcart path wide descent. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) took and intermediate sprint to gain a 2 second bonus. He was tied with the leader Anton, so in the end he took the jersey in his home town area.

Vuelta stage 9

6 categorized climbs, it hurts just typing that. Six, because 5 yesterday was just not enough. Can I get a ...REALLY This has to be one of the days that a pro looks as the profile and thinks that riding a bike for a living IS a job. At what point does the fun leave? Category 3 climb? Category 2 climb? Do they have fun? After all they are riding bikes. Last place has to be thinking "I get paid to do this."

Fifteen guys got into the initial break and did some damage until Barrado was the "virtual leader", Euskaltel needed to do some work to keep Anton in red. With a 15 man break you can do some damage, but there is also a lack of defined leadership and teamwork. The break usually is unorganized and several attacks will form another break. Which it did.

David Lopez one of the Caisse d’Epargne riders who is not a GC favorite was in the break within a break and he attacked at the right time. Sometimes timing is what wins the stage, and David was a Swiss watch with his attack. With 1k to go it was in the bag. Nine stages and 9 different winners.

The GC group came in and there was some racing in there to change the red jersey, but across the line nothing changed.

Petacchi had to abandon the stage after his brush with the pavement yesterday. He said that the legs were coming around and he was disappointed to leave la Vuelta. He is coming off a win in this Vuelta and 20-something total for his career. I will miss him in the future flat stages, if there are any.

Vuelta stage 8

As promised Gilbert lost the GC, but not without a fight. You have to give it to the big man. Five, count 'em 5 categorized climbs on stage 8. Not an easy day in the saddle. Omega did a great job protecting their leader for the days that he was in the jersey. I like Gilbert, and enjoyed seeing him win a stage and wear the leader's jersey.

Team Sky has had a rough go at la Vuelta and Friday evening Txema Gonzalez, a team Sky soigneur died of a blood infection. Sky has had several riders abandon la Vuelta due to a virus not related to Gonzalez's infection. With this news and all of the abandons Sky pulled out of the race.

What's up with Tommy D? So far the dude is looking like he should have three years ago, or is it just a matter of time before he implodes and ends up in the team car headed for the hotel? I've been disappointed by him in the past, but I always end up coming back and rooting for him. Only to be let down. Go Tom!!!

Tejay is still hanging in there, all 22years. The commentators were talking about his chances of lasting the full three weeks. Age does have a great deal to do with the rider, but sometimes, sometimes it makes no difference. I would like to see a product of our USAC kick some ... in his first Grand.

David Moncoutié wants a third KOM of la Vuelta, and he went for it today, not only did he work his way up the standings he also took home the stage win. Not a bad way to start a campaign for the dots. This should be a crazy crazy crazy race for the KOM, seems like every stage has at least one climb.

Vuelta stage 7

Questions, questions, questions? What's up with Cav? Is he missing Renshaw? I am. Is he tired, sick, injured? He has not looked like himself at all in la Vuelta. Bad for him, but good for watching. It has been totally unpredictable, betting lines have been thrown out the window. We get a new stage winner every day. It's a stage winning Christmas.

187k of racing and of course it followed the program to a T. One categorized climb that even the sprinters made it over. So no worries there, the peloton pulled in the break right about 5k to go.

Petacchi had a lead out train and used it textbook style. Cav was there, but looked a little boxed in. Is he saving for Worlds? Petacchi took the stage and Cav took the green jersey from Anton, so there is a little up-side for the Manxman. Bad news is that he only leads Tyler by a few points. The battle for the points leader's jersey has begun. Speaking of jerseys, Gilbert should lose the GC today.

If you have a chance to watch, today would be a good day if you like pain and suffering. The climb today, I'm not even going to try and spell it much less say it, is going to be a separator, and we should see a big shake-up on GC. I think it is even going to hurt to watch.

Vuelta stage 6

I have still yet to be disappointed by la Vuelta. I will admit that it does follow the typical Grand Tour format, it is a Grand Tour. The attack happens early, forms a break, the leader's team does the work keeping the gap down, sprinter's teams take over for the catch and bada bing bada boom we have a stage in the books.

Sure sounds great on paper, now throw in a cat 2 climb and soften up those sprinter's legs. Only climbers, rouleurs and hard men can make that kind of climb and still have the legs to sprint it out after 151k. OK, scratch the climbers on the sprinting, but at least they are still there in the end.

Now that we know what kind/type of rider is going to be at the finish we can now take auditions for the finish. Cavo, Tyler sorry not your kind of day...have a seat in the autobus. Alright, who is left? Oh yeah we have Pozzato, Thor, Bennati, Gilbert, and some others. Mix these guys together and you have a classic, Fabian was in the autobus with the sprinters (who's wanting some rainbow stripes this year?).

After the catch was made it was a free-for-all, with the sprinters MIA there were no trains leaving the station today. It was "a stage hunting we will go." Gilbert had a lead out of one, and he put on a good show, but with Thor et al on your wheel you are pretty much doomed to no-podium. Thor took full advantage of the lead out and scorched the field. Thor may not be the straight-up sprinter of Cavo and Tyler, but he is a classics guy who can light it up in the sprint. Head to head Cavo can take Thor, but if Cavo is 12min back it is no contest. I was pretty harsh on Thor in le Tour, so I have to give him credit where credit is due. Impressive

So here is something to "talk amongst yourselves": Best sprinter...is it the guy who is most consistent, or is it the one with the most wins? Consistency is taking points in intermediate sprints and finishing in the top 5. Most wins, hope you can figure that one out on your own. So which is it going to be?

Vuelta stage 5

Well la Vuelta finally got boring. If you believe that then I have a hammer with your name on it. Send me your address and I'll get that shipped out to you.

Flat stage, which means bunch sprint, which also means in la Vuelta rolling hills. Seriously nothing is flat in Spain. The peloton has been inundated with heat and climbing, so they were content letting the break of four get a 6:30 lead, but then Gilbert sent Omega to the front to keep them within a usable gap. The sprinter's teams also helped keep the break to a workable gap, with bunch sprint on the menu today.

14k to go the break was consumed by the peloton and the sprinter's teams went to the front to push the pace into the 50kph+ range. Taxi please. That is fast, even for a short distance, but 13-14k to go at 50kph+ after being in the saddle over 150k. I can't wrap my head around that. ????

Cavo has no lead out, HTC used all their matches and left Cav to fend for himself. It worked for him after he lost Renshaw in France. Cavo launches at about 400m and is gone, but then Tyler launches on the left and brings Fernandez with him. Tyler and Fernandez catch Cav just before the line and take One Two from him. Way to go Tyler.

Now don't believe the hype, or should I say excuses. No excuses, you either do or you don't. Tyler won and that is all there is to it, no water cooler talk about this or that. Watch the highlights, and be your own judge. I will tell you that in cycling you are only as good as your last race. Period.

Photo: © Roberto Bettini

Vuelta stage 4

Same ol' story, I'm starting to sound like a broken record. La Vuelta is awesome, it is starting to look like there are no flats in Spain, they keep going up and up and up. Today's stage was (what is another word for awesome?), yeah I know just like yesterday, except it keeps getting better. As soon as I post this I am going to watch the last 5k for the third time. 1k to go--the road turns into a path just wide enough for two motos to ride too close to each other, and it turns heavenward. How does 27% sound? Hey!!! there could be children around...wash your mouth out. That had to hurt, that's why I am going to watch it again and probably again. Why? Because it is so unbelievable... 184k two cat 2 climbs one cat 3 and then the finish from hell. What else you got????

Oh, do you want to know what happened? Hold on, I'm going to watch it again and I'll be right back.

Luis-Leon Sanchez started the gunfight firing off the first attack, he was caught and then his teammate, Rigoberto Uran launched a textbook counter. Somewhere while everyone is trying to shift into a gear not on their cassette, Igor Anton hits the JATO and is gone. Nibali, P. Veltis, Rodriguez, Gilbert, and Van Garderen follow but are unable to match the ferocity of Anton. Speechless...got to watch it again.

Here is where I am impressed...1) Nibali looked lackluster yesterday when Glibert took him to school on a 5%er. 2) Gilbert is rocking it up a finisher that has 27% in it. 3) Tejay Van Garderen so far is living up to his billing. 4) Peter Veltis can climb, you would know this if your name is Bob Stapelton.

What a great day for la Vuelta, but under a cloud of sadness with the passing of Fignon. He would have enjoyed the stage, he was a fan of a sport that will forever remember him.

Vuelta stage 3

When I tuned in it looked like the break was going to stick. Serafin Martinez exuded smoothness and was drilling it. He had three chasers and then a 1min gap to the peloton, it looked great. He was looking for the first win of his pro career. (you have to pull for a guy like that) Then out of nowhere his gap was down to 36sec. Poof. It's over. Please find a place somewhere in the peloton, thank you for effort, but we have it from here. Should get most aggressive, you have my vote. I'm a sucker for the break sticking. Yes, I'm a fan of the breakaway.

Oh man, this was a great finish to this stage. A 5% power climb to the finish, hard man style. Omega, Liquigas, and Katusha all had representation at the base of the climb. Nibali made a move that looked good, but Gilbert was all over it. There was some more shuffling and then Gilbert gassed it, FULL Throttle. Dropped Nibali and proceded to teach a class on how to power climb and win a stage at la Vuelta. The only student in attendance was Rodriguez, but Gilbert kept him at a 3sec arms length. Like I said "hard man style". Gilbert is a classics guy, his DS said that this stage was built for him. -good call.

Once again la Vuelta is edge of the seat. Try and find the finish out there on the interweb. I was yelling at the monitor so much so that I scared the dogs. It's OK, they think I am Touched.

I am so disappointed at the amount of non-exposure that la Vuelta gets. Should we put Tour de Spain out there so that people will be fooled into tuning in? France is cool with le Tour, but last time I checked there are three, 3 Grand Tours. 3!!! Tour Day France as Bob Roll likes to call it, the G-Row, and then the Vuelta. So how do you say Vuelta? Vwell-ta, good job now you are hooked on phonics, put a la in front and you are golden. Now that you can say it do yourself a huge XL-American sized favor and WATCH IT, or just read my words and hope to your God that I know what I am talking about.

Vuelta stage 2

I started watching with 33k to go and the break was already over the summit. Moto 1 with the break showed 80+kph. Johnny Walker with Footon was riding with no regard to personal safety sitting on his top tube on the descent. When you have to get aero you have to get aero -your boys be damned. You have to love that name.

HTC was well in control doing their duty to keep the break in check, but also doing their work for holding the leader's jersey.

You have to give props to the Andalucia rider getting into the break and getting the sponsor some love. Speaking of sponsors, I cannot tell you how nice it is to watch la Vuelta without someone trying to sell me a Cadillac, Nissan, or Lance selling Michelob Ultra. Commercial free is the only way to go. I'll pay you to not inundate me with stuff I will never buy. Oh yeah, this just solidifies how much I hate the VS coverage. I am willing to pay for all of my cycling viewing pleasure. It is worth it, trust me.

I'm going to get some haters on this, but... The commentary is few and far between, and I like that. Just enough and not TOO MUCH. There is a great deal of "dead air", sometimes silence is golden. Sorry Paul and Phil. It is also a breath of fresh Lance Free air, I've been watching for over an hour and no mention of the Texan.

6k and everyone is back together. Bunch sprint. Blood is pumping sitting on the couch, need a HR monitor on, TSS score high just from watching. What happens next, I don't even want to tell you. It is crazy, you really should watch it for yourself, so go to youtube or cyclingfans. If not keep reading...



All of the sprinting "heads of state" are lined up, Tyler, Cavo, Petacchi. Tyler goes with Cavo on his wheel Petacchi is following. Cavo goes Petacchi on his wheel unable to come around. Cavo goes around Tyler for the win...WAIT there is a white kit coming up on the left side that pips Cavo at the line by a half-wheel????????? What? Who? How? Yauheni Hutarovich of FDJ. Yeah me to, I'm going to have to do some research on this guy.

So far la Vuelta is better than expected, and I had high expectations.

Vuelta stage 1

13k TTT under the lights in Sevilla. What an absolute blast to watch, I'm not a big fan of the ITT, ...now TTT that is a different story. It really showcases cycling as a team sport. Watching these teams drilling a paceline is a thing of beauty.

HTC needless to say... Put it down, and picked up the win and placed Cavo in the red leaders jersey. Nicely done. The podium presentation was around midnight local time. Ouch. It's going to be a short night.

I'm so stoked to have a grand Tour starting. I still cannot get over how cool stage 1 was. If you did not get to see it try and watch some highlights on youtube, or cyclingfans. It is a must see in my book. More homework people, chop chop.

1. Team HTC-Columbia, 13km in 14:06
2. Liquigas -Doimo, at 0:10
3. Team Saxo Bank, at 0:12
4. Cervélo TestTeam, at 0:13
5. Lampre-Farese Vini, at 0:14

Photo: © AFP Photo