2008 TOUR DE FRANCE: Il Imbatido
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Between ages 11-12, Alejandro Valverde took 50 consecutive races, that’s why he got the nickname as the, “the Unbeaten” or “Il Imbatido”. Yesterday, Valverde didn’t disappoint. The last K entering Plumelec was steep and everybody was at their limit but when Valverde stomped on his pedals, you’d think that everybody else was out for their Sunday spin. The win was like designed course for Valverde as he also won Liege-Bastogne-Liege (2006, 2008) and Fleche Wallone (2006) on similar finishing climbs.
With still 3 weeks of racing to go, Valverde wisely kept his emotions in check to avoid riling the competition up and said the right things after the race. “I found a finale that suited me perfectly, so no, this shouldn’t be considered as a message towards my rivals,” the man from
No Time Bonuses
It used to be that the top 3 finishers for every stage gets a 20, 12 and 8 second bonuses respectively. But for this years TdF, there are none so everybody gets the same time. Time bonuses have made a difference in the overall standings as recently as in the 2003 TdF but this year, riders have to really distance your rival to get the cushion they need.
Next Up, Stage 2
Stage 2 is from Auray to Saint Brieuc, a 164.5km route of rolling hills with a relatively flat run in to the finish. This stage will be for the sprinters so expect Mark Cavendish’s team,
It would be interesting to see if Valverde’s team, CAISSE D’EPARGNE, will defend the maillot jaune but I think that it would be foolish of them to use a lot of bullets so early in the race that they will find their armory depleted when things really matter.
My prediction tomorrow- Brit Cavendish will take his first TdF stage.
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