And the apprentice slew the master.

Cunego gave Simoni all the chances he could, but had to defend as the chasers brought him back. Also gave him all the chances in the sprint, no go, thank-you-very-much.

So, Simoni looks to the Tour, Cunego to the Vuelta?

And the apprentice slew the master.

Cunego game Simoni all the chances he could, but had to defend as the chasers brought him back. Also gave him all the chances in the sprint, no go, thank-you-very-much.

So, Simoni looks to the Tour, Cunego to the Vuelta?

I've maintained since before the Giro that Simoni has his eyes set on the Tour. Not that he didn't want to win the Giro, but delayed his buildup to be better situated for the Tour.

As for Cunego, do you really think they'll have the kid, and he is a kid, do another GT? My guess is no, but, Cunego has proven he's no ordinary 22 year old, nor an ordinary 22 year old pro bike rider...

And the apprentice slew the master.

Cunego gave Simoni all the chances he could, but had to defend as the chasers brought him back. Also gave him all the chances in the sprint, no go, thank-you-very-much.

So, Simoni looks to the Tour, Cunego to the Vuelta?

Yes, what a great stage!! The launch of Cunego to team leader and future champion is almost complete.

Simoni attacked Cunego. Why did he do that? I don't mind so much but he kept stating that he wouldn't. He gave it a go and he had nothing. The beautiful thing is Cunego didn't even chase him down (out of respect?). Others chase him (cioni) and caught him. Sure, he wanted to improve his GC standing but it sure looked like the pink jersey was on his sights too.

The way Cunego let all the breaks go and let his team do the work was perfect strategy.. Also, he did not blow away the field in the end (1-2km to go)because he didn't have to. It looks like he could have gapped that group by a minute. Smart to save energy for tomorrow. On the sprint at the end though, he put the hammer down and was downright scary.

So Simoni can look to the Tour de France now. What else can he do? Was he looking at the Tour de France all along as his main objective? I don't think so. He's the Giro champ and favorite so he gave it his best shot at the expense of Tour de France training. He has no chance in the Tour de France and he knows it. He will not even do Top 5 there. No way.

For Cunego, I hope he doesn't go to the Tour. Wait a year. Do the Vuelta though and he could be a favorite for the GC. Defending champ Heras is very focused on the Tour.

francois

Wow, maybe not this year, but this is going to be a big rivalry. Before the Giro, Cunego was something like 6 wins in last 13 starts. Valverde was 10 wins in last 20. Sprints, hills, it does not seem to matter. Both riding dominate and now both capable of solid 3 week rides. Very early in thier careers, but if they continue to mature we could have to very dominate riders in a rivalry for the next decade.

didn't attack Cunego as much as did a move similar to Damiano's a few days ago. it forced a chase, cracked a few top guys but Gibo didn't have the legs to finish it. I doubt he would have gained 2:40 even if his legs were good. at that point in the stage Damiano didn't need protection, he could use the chasers for pacesetting and sit on until they crack. I called this move 2 days ago, it would have worked well if Simoni had been stronger, Honchar may have died, Cunego would have bridged, taken second (Simoni would have been 'given' first) maintained GC and Simoni would have moved into 2nd. well he only got 3rd in GC and didn't win the stage. Read Saeco's DS's quotes on today, was a good plan unfortunately as the other day Simoni's legs let him down. If this is the form Gibo is showing right now I doubt he'll be a threat in the tour. Psychologically he must be crushed and he's obviously not riding as well as he'd hoped. I didn't take him seriously last TdF, I'm certainly not for this. I bet Cunego rests for the Tour and tries to rebuild for the Vuelta or the Olympics. 2 GT's back to back is too much for even wonder-boy. and also how well will Saeco's gregario's forms be for the tour? they will have to re-peak as well.....just not seeing it. Cunego would get killed in the TT by the heads of state, let him focus on more attainable goals and relish in his victory.