Looks like a bad turn for the cricket. Nothing broken but he is out of the race and will be pretty raw going into MSR.

Too bad, I was looking forward to a good tactical race w/ Bettini out front and Boonen in lying in wait -- wonder how the chips will fall now.

A+

Philippe

Looks like a bad turn for the cricket. Nothing broken but he is out of the race and will be pretty raw going into MSR.

Too bad, I was looking forward to a good tactical race w/ Bettini out front and Boonen in lying in wait -- wonder how the chips will fall now.

A+

Philippe

If I was Milram, I would put Zabel, yes, Zabel on the attack and get him into a small break, and then make QS chase it down if they want Tommy "machine gun" Boonen on the top podium step. Zabel loves to race his bike, and he's good at it, and he has proven that he can go in a small break group, and really work it. If it comes down to a small breakaway group, and Zabel is in it, he should be able to take the sprint. If they get caught, guess who is lying in wait? Yes, Pettachi. Could be a good way to go. No? Yes?

advantage back to Milram, If Zabel and Petecchi (and team) work out a strategy gonna be tough on Boonen

Absolutely! And if I were Lefevre, I'd make damn sure that Pozzato, Knaven or Baguet were right there w/Zabel... that is if they are slated to do MSR!

Good thinking on Zabel... and maybe he'll pull off the first step of the podium again... (Zabel: note to self, cross line-then raise arms...cross line-then raise arms.....etc...)

A+

Philippe

advantage back to Milram, If Zabel and Petecchi (and team) work out a strategy gonna be tough on Boonen


These things rarely play out the way we predict but I still like Boonen in this race. What they do or don't with the course might make a difference.

over at cyclingnews they have some pics of the squashed cricket. Luckily his solid gold helmet saved him. Somewhere Baden Cooke is smiling.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/mar06/tirreno06/index.php?id=tirreno063/FS006

advantage back to Milram, If Zabel and Petecchi (and team) work out a strategy gonna be tough on Boonen

Either Petacchi had a really good day or Milram just had their strategy wrong the last two days having Petacchi work for Zabel. Petacchi was 6th in today's stage on what looked to be a pretty hard climb that went all the way to the line. Zabel was further back and behind a split or two and lost 15 seconds and the lead to Freire.

... Luckily his solid gold helmet saved him.



When is he going to take that thing off and put on a regular helmet? It's been almost 2 years.

When is he going to take that thing off and put on a regular helmet? It's been almost 2 years.

Unless he wins again.

Either Petacchi had a really good day or Milram just had their strategy wrong the last two days having Petacchi work for Zabel. Petacchi was 6th in today's stage on what looked to be a pretty hard climb that went all the way to the line. Zabel was further back and behind a split or two and lost 15 seconds and the lead to Freire.

Now that you mention Oscarito, he could throw a spanner in the works for both Milram and QS. He can sure handle the Cipressa and the Poggio and doesn't necesarilly need a train to launch him. Rabo could have Erik Dekker in an escape forcing QS and Milram to chase leaving Freire to take position in the wheel of choice and finish it off.

over at cyclingnews they have some pics of the squashed cricket. Luckily his solid gold helmet saved him. Somewhere Baden Cooke is smiling.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/mar06/tirreno06/index.php?id=tirreno063/FS006

Somewhere Cooke wishes he had Bettinis career and the smarts to not ride up the inside of a closing gap.

Hmmm Bettini came across and didn't hold his line. That is why he was relegated.