Posted on 07/15/2006 9:39:03 PM PDT by nutmeg
Stage 14: Montélimar to Gap - 180.5km
Course: With a rest day coming up in Gap, followed by the Alps, this gives the lesser known riders one of their last chances of glory. The intricate 180.5km stage through hilly terrain north of Mont Ventoux offers two Cat. 3 climbs in the first half and two Cat. 2s in the second half. The narrow back roads and constant ups-and-downs will make it a hard stage for everyone and encourage breakaways. The last of the climbs, the Sentinelle, is less than 10km from the finish and offers a great chance for a solo rider to stay clear of a small breakaway group.
History: Gap has seen the finish of 18 stages of the Tour, the latest being in 2003 when Vinokourov scored a solo win after breaking clear on the final climb and descent. Gap is also where Joseba Beloki suffered his horrendous crash and Armstrong had his "cyclo-cross" adventure. On a 1991 stage, Greg LeMond tried to take a morale-boosting win in a Tour he was losing to Miguel Induráin, but was outsmarted in the two-man sprint by Italian Marco Lietti.
Favorites: This is another unpredictable stage that favors long-distance breakaways that don't contain GC contenders. However, those who have lost a chance at the podium in the Pyrénées could be involved - maybe that will be someone like Christophe Moreau (AG2R). Otherwise, look for an enterprising rider like David Moncoutié (Cofidis) or Axel Merckx (Phonak) to succeed with a late solo move.
Graphics by CyclingNews.com
Was that another crash?
Man, the chase down the backside of le Sentenelle is going to be interesting!!
The Phonake team has come to the front of the peloton but now Rasmussen and Boogerd at moving forward to try and claim points for the climbing classification...
I am sooo over him! I waited around all day and he never showed up! >:(
LOL!!! No kidding, kicked him to the curb, didya!?!? ;>)
I'm not sure, but it looked like a Discovery rider is in the first chase group with Boogerd. I'm wondering if that might be Hincapie or Martinez?
That was indeed a crash you saw, vision:
16:56 - Goubert & Chavanel Crash...
There has been a crash in the peloton thats included Goubert and Chavanel. They are back on their bikes and riding again...
This is going to be a good last 3 miles. A "free for all"
I think they said it is Hincapie
The points at the top of the final climb were won by:
1. Commesso (LAM) 20pts
2. Fedrigo (BTL) 18pts
3. Boogerd (RAB) 16pts - at 35"
4. Schleck (CSC) 14pts
5. Rasmussen (RAB) 12pts
6. Zubeldia (EUS) 10pts...
As the Col de la Sentinelle is category-two, double points are awarded to the first six over the summit.
letour says it was actually Popovych.
Down some really nasty curvy steep roads...
17:12 - 4km To Go...
With 4km to go Commesso and Fedrigo have a lead of 20". Popovych and Azevedo (DSC) are at the head of the peloton, right behind this Discovery Channel pair is Moreau...
They're moving the cameras out to give the riders more room between the leaders and peleton
attack
Good! They're gonna need that room, those camera cars & bikes have no business being between them on a descent like this!
The yellow jersey is present in the second group thats 14" behind Commesso and Fedrigo with 2km to go. The chase group has about 40 riders in it.
The peloton was within sight of the two stage leaders but they couldnt close the gap. Fedrigo has won the 14th stage in fine style, easily beating Commesso to the line...!
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