Vuelta: Sanchez takes the stage, who can take the overall?
Published by Halverde on 9/08/2006 at 16:38.
Now and then something happens that takes you by such surprise that you just don't know how to react. 9/11. Somebody actually making a film called Snakes on a Plane. A Vuelta breakaway that doesn't feature a Caisse d'Epargne rider. Truly, these are capricious times.
Of course, the breakaway didn't make it to the finish today. Wonky legged parrot fanatic Alessandro Petacchi put Milram's Italian contingent on the front to work for him, possibly in the desperate hope that he'd be able to manage to do something to convince us all that him going to the World's would be a good idea. What he didn't bank on is Alejandro Valverde attacking off the front after the break surrendered, and tearing the race to shreds on the way. With a downhill attack from Samuel Sanchez escaping from the somewhat nervous leaders in the front group, the main contenders were forced to sprint for the second and third place time bonuses.
Valverde took the time from Vinokourov, but spent most of the last kilometres and the final sprint worriedly watching him. Is this year's Vuelta the Valverde and Vinokourov show? Let's see what the odds think.
Carlos Sastre
Despite the fact that Sastre is riding his fifth grand tour in a row, he still went into this year's race considered to be the joint favourite for victory. Last year nobody would even give him a second glance, but this season he's suddenly become quite a superstar. That status might be more short lived than Carlos would like -- he's plummeted all the way down to fourth favourite to win overall, even though he's looking very comfortable in third place on general classification. So it's been a bit of an up-and-down past 18 months for Sastre, really. Cycling fans: you're such a fickle bunch.
Betting odds: 7/1
José Angel Gomez Marchante
Fourth placed José Angel Gomez Marchante has looked fairly convincing, even in his vomit-yellow team kit -- he's climbed well alongside Sastre and Valverde, despite being clearly weighed down by having to carry the largest name in the peleton. The much publicised wind tunnel tests that Saunier Duval undertook recently didn't prove very fruitful in the Tour de France, but if he can put in a decent time on Saturday he could still be in with a shout.
Betting odds: 16/1
Janez Brajkovic
We never thought we'd ever say this about a Discovery Channel rider, but we sort of like Brajkovic. Not because his suffering is oh-so-human and difficult to watch. Not even because he's the only Discovery rider who doesn't walk around with his nose in the air claiming it's his God-given right to win at any cost and if you disagree you'll be facing a huge lawsuit. No, the reason why we like Brajkovic is because his fine performance in this year's Vuelta has pissed all over Tom Danielson's rather unfortunately named "coming out party". The New Lance (tm) isn't even the best child in the team, it would appear.
Betting odds: 25/1
DerailedUK and Betfair are now offering YOU the opportunity to make money from your cycling knowledge. Follow the link and click "join now" for the best cycling betting deals on the interweb. £10 on Sastre could go a long, long way. Winners always welcome at Betfair!
Later: the odds for tomorrow's time trial. Maybe.
Of course, the breakaway didn't make it to the finish today. Wonky legged parrot fanatic Alessandro Petacchi put Milram's Italian contingent on the front to work for him, possibly in the desperate hope that he'd be able to manage to do something to convince us all that him going to the World's would be a good idea. What he didn't bank on is Alejandro Valverde attacking off the front after the break surrendered, and tearing the race to shreds on the way. With a downhill attack from Samuel Sanchez escaping from the somewhat nervous leaders in the front group, the main contenders were forced to sprint for the second and third place time bonuses.
Valverde took the time from Vinokourov, but spent most of the last kilometres and the final sprint worriedly watching him. Is this year's Vuelta the Valverde and Vinokourov show? Let's see what the odds think.
Carlos Sastre
Despite the fact that Sastre is riding his fifth grand tour in a row, he still went into this year's race considered to be the joint favourite for victory. Last year nobody would even give him a second glance, but this season he's suddenly become quite a superstar. That status might be more short lived than Carlos would like -- he's plummeted all the way down to fourth favourite to win overall, even though he's looking very comfortable in third place on general classification. So it's been a bit of an up-and-down past 18 months for Sastre, really. Cycling fans: you're such a fickle bunch.
Betting odds: 7/1
José Angel Gomez Marchante
Fourth placed José Angel Gomez Marchante has looked fairly convincing, even in his vomit-yellow team kit -- he's climbed well alongside Sastre and Valverde, despite being clearly weighed down by having to carry the largest name in the peleton. The much publicised wind tunnel tests that Saunier Duval undertook recently didn't prove very fruitful in the Tour de France, but if he can put in a decent time on Saturday he could still be in with a shout.
Betting odds: 16/1
Janez Brajkovic
We never thought we'd ever say this about a Discovery Channel rider, but we sort of like Brajkovic. Not because his suffering is oh-so-human and difficult to watch. Not even because he's the only Discovery rider who doesn't walk around with his nose in the air claiming it's his God-given right to win at any cost and if you disagree you'll be facing a huge lawsuit. No, the reason why we like Brajkovic is because his fine performance in this year's Vuelta has pissed all over Tom Danielson's rather unfortunately named "coming out party". The New Lance (tm) isn't even the best child in the team, it would appear.
Betting odds: 25/1
DerailedUK and Betfair are now offering YOU the opportunity to make money from your cycling knowledge. Follow the link and click "join now" for the best cycling betting deals on the interweb. £10 on Sastre could go a long, long way. Winners always welcome at Betfair!
Later: the odds for tomorrow's time trial. Maybe.
