So much to say / report. Big cast for the opening scene and some glorious weather a backdrop. Pairs and largely decent etiquette on the way out. Mr Durnan rightly showed the most constraint ever taking us onto westferry and so the work began. Some newbies looking smooth and graceful (the pale Mr Voeckler), some looking determined and skillful (Emma davies). Some tired legs kicking about after intensive off season training (Nicole cooke). Splits as usual In the second half of the dual carriageway into headwind. Several small groups working together with schleck, cippo, lance, voeckler and menchov to the fore. Then the fun really kicked off – Schleck showed his persistent issue is not watts but rather mechanical ineptitude (yet again) new chain, hanger and rear mech required. Lance cruised to king of the mountains chatting as he smoothly applied 3.5-4 w/kg up the hill. The older statesman lance then went back down the hill to assist the stranded schleck – The youngster needs to realise how fortunate he is and how much he owes. So we rolled again - now gravity and tailwind assisted the off season training reports were confirmed with a rampant Ullrich splitting the bunch repeatedly. Cooke and davies played smart tactics sitting in till cooke required to stop for a saddle pack issue – pozatto ever the gentlemen peeled off to help the lady home, assisted by Thor. So to the Georgetown where just 4 rolled at the front – rampant Ullrich, Voeckler, Cippo and emma davies sitting tight. Solid pace with work shared by the 3 big men. Cippo took the 2 sprints with ease but says chapeau to the gentlemen who were not there due to their generous nature towards others. Pozatto then took the team bus to collect schlock and Lance who was wearing a wry smile. Me thinks Schleck owes a lot of people access to his back wheel and courteous, respectful riding this year
Summary:
Flame rouge – Ullrich
KOM - Lance
Green points - Cippo
Lanterne rouge – Schleck
Ones to watch – Ullrich, Voeckler, Davies.
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