Laggard

With a nice climb 36k from the finish and a great field, this looks to be a great race.

I'm looking for Vino, Hincapie, Rebellin, Bettini and Van Petegem
to be in the break that stays away to the finish.

The WC is looking pretty interesting.

don d.

If Van Petegem gets into the winning move in this race, I will....I don't know, I'll be very surprised. Vino's a good bet, Bettini and Casagrande both rode well in the mid-week Italian tune up race for this, the Citta di Camaiore, so I'm expecting a big effort from Francesco and Bettini. Casagrande has won here before and he needs a result. Rik Verbrugge's team boss Sercu came out in the press and blasted Rik about his poor performances this year, and said that Rik had better do something this weekend. Rik has the ability to get over the hills so he may show at the front to save his contract. Rabobank will also be targeting this race with Dekker and Boogerd. They always race hard in Spain. So, we'll see. I would lean towards Casagrande with Bettini only doing what is necessary if Petegem has a bad day. If Petegem makies it over the mountain in the front, it will turn into a big race.

Laggard

You were right about Rebellin. He's smart enough to get in the good breaks but doesn't do much to capitalize on it.
I forgot about Boogerd. I'm leaning towards Vino or Bettini now. Bettini really impressed me at the Hew.

don d.

Bettini's story is very interesting. If you haven't followed him for a long time, it may surprise you to find out that Bettini was Bartoli's "helper" at Mapei when Mapei was internally divided into two sub-teams, Belgians around Museew and Italians around Bartoli. Then Bartoli hurt his knee and Bettini just blossomed into this superstar. Bartoli was very put out and said alot of silly things in the press, but Bettini has really surpassed Bartoli. He is a better sprinter, and he is a better climber. Bettini has always had the blue collar aura around him while Bartoli seems to like the celebrity style. I am a fan of Bettini and happy for his success.

Bartoli has real style on the bike, maybe a classier rider than Bettini, but his attitude puts me off. If you have never seen Bartoli ride, you have to get a video of him from World Cycling Productions. His victory over Jalabert in the 97 Leige-Bastogne-Leige is truly a remarkable feat. You get to watch two of the best riders of our time, Bartoli and Jalabert.

Laggard

*Spoiler*









You called this one well, Don. Van Petegem had a terrible day and Casagrande fought really hard. Sounded like a great race.

Bettini seems be the man this year. Don't see how he shouldn't win the WC now.

don d.

Wow! Three classics in one season for Bettini. Very impressive. Bettini is really dominant.

RacerX

I feel this is an inaccurate portrayl of Bartoli. First, they were a great duo-Bettini was happy to be Bartoli's helper and Bettini learned alot from Bartoli. Whe Bartoli hurt his knee- "hurt" is not an adequate description. Filleted like a fish and destroyed would be a better description.
Then Bettini won Liege-Bastone-Liege. Bettini called Bartoli immediately and was very happy for him. With Bartoli injured, Bettini took the reigns. Bartoli didn't like it for obvious reasons (When Lance got booted when he had cancer, did he like it?). After that, they were both "leaders" so of course there will be conflict. You can't have 2 chefs in the kitchen.

As for ability, Bartoli is a great sprinter. He beat Oscar Freire last spring- when Friere was on form. Bartoli is a fantasic climber and one of the best one-day riders there is. Bettini is enjoying stellar success now but that doesn't diminish Bartoli's power. Remember, Bartoli came back to win Amstel from the hands of Lance and Boogie. He broke his hip and came back in the same season to win big again (I think Normandy?).

Bartoli is a great rider who wins and rides with alot of class. That in itself is very rare. He also supports Lance Armstrong's charities and is a great champion of helping others with his celebrity. His philosophy on racing is great and why they call him "THe Warrior" is from a japanese text on combat and discipline.

I love watching Bettini and I'm a fan of his also. Watching Bettini is like Seabuscuit; workmanlike but gets the results and endearing to fans. Bartoli is like Secretarit; amazing on the bike and races like he was born to it.

Both are stellar in my book and a personal feud between men should not affect how anyone feels about them. It was between them.

RacerX

I never said Bartoli "said silly things". In your roundabout way are you saying "I'm right youre wrong?" You base that on the false assumption that I am agreeing with your statements and your mis-interpretation of mine.

Yes Bartoli admires and respects japanese philosophy. I find his comments on fighting on, struggling and trying hard very interesting.

If you have an argument with someone, is it a negative reflection on you? Many personalities clash in personal lives and professional lives. They were very close. It is a matter between them two. Why take sides on an issue between them? And if you believe every quote written in the press...

Even if you somehow gathered Bettini "took the high road" what does that have to do with them as sportsmen? Yeah they argued and said things...it's called being human. Do you have everything you've done held against you? They lead very public lives but they are human beings! Holding totally irrelevant matters against his character... well, I've said my peace.

They conduct themselves well on and off the bike. Bartoli has had a difficult road and fought back to win some huge races. I admire that. He's a fighter and not a quitter. The blood (figuratively) he left on the climbs of Amstel should show you the character he's made of.

If you want to research Bartoli, do so. Google, Alta Vista, back issues of magazines, gazetta, whatever.

don d.

Sorry about this, Laggard. It was fun to talk about the race.