Tour of Missouri - 2.1
USA, September 11-16, 2007
Main Page
Results & report
Stage Details
Previous Stage
Stage 6 - September 16: St. Louis, 119 km
Complete live report
Live commentary by Steve Medcroft, Mark Zalewski and Kirsten Robbins
12:59 CDT Good morning and welcome to the final
stage in the inaugural Tour of Missouri. The riders are competing on seven laps
of a 10.6-mile circuit in and around Saint Louis, Missouri. The race will start
in about two minutes.
13:00 CDT And they're off. On time again.
13:05 CDT There is an immediate attack. The
first two riders to jump off the front have an eight-second gap.
13:06 CDT Yaraslav Popyvich (Discovery Channel)
and Sheldon Deeny (USA Development) are the riders away.
13:08 CDT There are sprints on laps two, four
and six laps to go in the race. Which means the race will see it's first sprint
in the first 15 minutes of racing. The leader's gap is down to just
five seconds. Kodakgallery/Sierra Nevada are the team providing chase.
13:09 CDT And the race is all back together.
13:11 CDT Tecos is attacking. The team from
Guadalajara, Mexico has been aggressive all through the Tour of Missouri. They've
been part of breaks and have an attacking style and a competence in climbing
that certainly has made things exciting They deserve to be part of these high-profile
American races so we hope to see more of them in the coming years.
13:12 CDT The Tecos attacker has a ten-second
gap over the main field.
13:13 CDT Yesterday, it was the Columbian member
of the Tecos team on the attack; John Fredy Para. He was voted Most Aggressive
Rider of the day and said this after the race: "This is a very, very good race
for my team Tecos," he said. "For us to be invited here is a dream for us and
we want to have a good race. The stages have been very long but I am a rider
that is used to that kind of distance. I have raced in races that are very long
in the past and I train alone on long training riders of that distance."
13:13 CDT Right now, Tecos rider Gregorio Ladino
is off the front by ten seconds.
13:15 CDT 12km/107km to go The field is almost
through the first lap. They sprint line comes about halfway through the lap
and the first sprint of the day happens on the next lap.
13:15 CDT The gap is dropping; at five seconds
now.
13:16 CDT Kodakgallery/Sierra Nevada is still
leading the chase.
13:18 CDT Kodakgallery/Sierra Nevada team leader
Domonique Rollin is one second behind David Canada Gracia (Saunier Duval - Prodir).
If he can grab some bonus seconds at the finish of today's stage, he'll move
himself onto the podium.
13:20 CDT Ladino has been caught by two riders
who jumped out of the peloton. Sergey Lagutin (Navigators) and Rubens Bertogliati
(Saunier-Duval Prodir) are with Ladino and the trio now have fifteen seconds
on the field.
13:23 CDT The Kodakgallery team is all lined
up on the front of the peloton chasing the breakaway. The leaders have 25 seconds
now. The video feed from the race have stabilized so we have linked
it here: http://video.cyclingnews.com/2007/sep07/missouri/missouri07.php
13:24 CDT 18km/101km to go Two chasers have jumped
into the gap trying to get over to the break. Th break has 20 seconds.
The race has crossed the start/finish line and is on it's second of seven laps.
13:26 CDT Just a reminder to all you race fans
out there - it's International Talk Like a Pirate day. This serves as our one
token mention of it. Arrr.
13:27 CDT 20.2km/98.8km to go The lead is down
to 15 seconds as the race works it's way to the first sprint of the day.
13:30 CDT There are five kilometers to the sprint.
Kodakgallery continues to put an impressive amount of work on the front of the
peloton. With bonus time on the line at the sprints as well (3, 2 and 1 second),
Kodakgallery is stopping at nothing to move Rollin up the standings. It's an
impressive display of determination and serving to make this a fast and exciting
stage. And we've only just started!
13:32 CDT Of course, Saunier-Duval Prodir rider
David Canada will likely be looking to secure his third place by either grabbing
bonuses for himself or having his teammates take them away from Rollin.
13:33 CDT Referring back to Dan Schmatz's (BMC)
first-stage crash into an armadillo, the Technical Director of the race has
mounted a sign on the back of his car that says 'Armadillo Crossing.'
13:33 CDT The gap is down to seven seconds.
13:34 CDT Out on the course, someone had mounted
a sign outside a restaurant that said 'Bike racer, quit here and get a Mohito.'
Also 'Special today; Armadillo soup.'
13:34 CDT The field is together with one kilometer
to the sprint.
13:35 CDT Kodakgallery continues to hammer at
the front of the race.
13:35 CDT A Kodakgallery rider took the sprint.
13:36 CDT He had a Saunier-Duval Prodir rider
right on his wheel.
13:37 CDT Rolling did it. He grabbed himself
three seconds.
13:37 CDT Second was David Canada.
13:38 CDT Third was Ivan Doniguez (Toyota-United).
Amazing.
13:39 CDT The sprint puts Dominguez in the lead
in the points competition. based on the two bonus seconds awards, Rolling is
now tied for third with Canada on GC. We have ourselves a bike race
folks!
13:39 CDT The attacks are still coming. A DFL/Cyclingnews
rider is taking a dig but checking over his shoulder to see if he can pull a
group out with him.
13:44 CDT Reader 'The Mostly Reverand Grandpa
Kim' from Capital City, Iowa has a correction to our Pirate Day reference. "Perhaps
you arrrrrgh talking about talking like Australian pirates today. I believe
that the REAL talk like a pirate day is the 19th." Let's not tell him that we
are a U.S.-based reporting team but he may be right about the date.
13:44 CDT The race has just passed through the
start/finish line and are on the third lap. A Three riders are off the front.
13:45 CDT One of the was BMC rider Jacob Rosenbarger
but he has now flatted. The remaining two riders are from Navigators and Colavita.
13:46 CDT 36km/83km to go Ben Raby (Kodakgallery/Sierra
Nevada) has dropped back for medical attention. Raby crashed in Stage 2 and
is still suffering. And after the incredible pacemaking his team has done to
put Rolling in position to move up to the podium, he deserves a break.
13:48 CDT A group of about five riders have
ten seconds on the main field now.
13:49 CDT Navigators, BMC, Kodakgallery, Health
Net, Tecos and Toyota-United are all represented.
13:50 CDT They hooked up with the two riders
off the front to form a new, stronger break.
13:50 CDT And they are quickly brought back.
But a Tecos rider immediately counters.
13:51 CDT Three chasers are trying to come with
him.
13:52 CDT At the front of the main peloton,
the Navigator's, DFL/Cyclingnews and Colavita teams are all active.
13:56 CDT 42km/77km to go This new break has
a gap of fifteen seconds. The riders are Bernard Van Ulden (Navigators), Jeremy
Venell (DFL/Cyclingnews), Fausto Marcelino (Tecos) and Tyler Wren (Colavita).
They are coopertating but by the way they are looking back, they may want a
little more help so they are waiting for Jonathan Garcia (BMC) who is bridging
across.
13:58 CDT The gap is now growing quickly (1:10
now) so it looks like the peloton has decided this one can go for a while.
14:00 CDT Jonathan Garcia has not actually caught
on yet. The break is working smoothly together now so they may have doomed the
BMC rider's chances of getting across.
14:05 CDT 50km/69km to go The Discovery Channel
team is sitting at the front of the main peloton and the gap is sitting at 1:35
currently. All the riders are in the break are more than sixteen minutes back
so they are not concerned about the riders in the break.
14:08 CDT 54km/65km to go The gap is up to 2:15
and the leaders have completed the third lap. There are four to go.
If Rollin and Canada end the stage tied for third on GC, he tiebreaker goes
to the rider who rode a faster stage 3 time trial. David Canada finished the
time trial eleven seconds faster than Rolling and would retain third place in
that scenario so it will be up to Rollin to grab some extra time somewhere in
this race to move himself up. The last opportunity he will have is to place
in the top three in the finish and make sure he is ahead of Canada.
14:11 CDT Reader Patrick Swiber reminds us that
this will be the last time that we will see the Discovery Channel team in an
American race. What are your best memories of the 'Blue Train'? Email us at
commentator@cyclingnews.com.
14:13 CDT Cyclingnews' reporter Kirsten Robbins
chatted with Domonique Rollin before today's race. "I am really nervous about
today's stage. It is really important for me to try to move up in the GC. I
want to be in third place. I will go for the first couple of time bonuses today.
After that, if my team is feeling up to it, we are going for the stage win."
I don't know about you but we are just about on the edge of our seats to see
how this finish turns out.
14:15 CDT Jonathan Garcia (BMC) has given up
his chase and been caught by the peloton. The second major race
within the race is for points. Points are available on the sprints and for the
finish of today's stage. The current standings are: 1 Luciano André
Pagliarini Mendonca (Bra) Saunier Duval - Prodir, 25 pts 2 Ivan Dominguez
(Cub) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team, 25 3 Dominique Rollin (Can) Kodakgallery.com
- Sierra Nevada, 21 4 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel, 20
14:17 CDT Dominguez, of course, grabbed third
in the first sprint and added to his points total but there are four riders
in play. Dominguez had this to say before the race today. "I know
one thing, with the fast down hill I have to be almost on the front coming into
the finish - not like that last few stages where I have started my sprint really
far back. I would like to try to go for the sprint jersey but the only thing
I will do is go for the first sprint. If I don't get points there than I am
going to focus on the finish. I don't have too many guys left but I think Ill
be able to find my way in the sprint. I will also be looking at where the Symmetrics
guys are (Zach Bell and Andrew Pinfold) as well as the Saunier-Duval rider (Pagliarini)."
14:18 CDT The gap is up to 2:45.
14:20 CDT The sprinters and Rollin and Canada's
battle for third on GC are not the only attitudes within the peloton animating
today's action. Health Net rider Karl Menzies said this before the race: "I
AM GOING TO WIN THIS RACE TODAY. For one reason or another I haven't been able
to be up there in the sprint due to breaks or funny finishes. But I think I
am the freshes guy here. I have had to do nothing all week because Jeff Louder
and Frank Pipp have done everything. I will win today because Im ready for a
win and it is my last chance here. I want to win for Jeff Corbett because it
is his last race with the team."
14:22 CDT The riders are through the second
sprint. Fausto Marcelino (Tecos) won it. Bernard Van Ulden (Navigators) and
Jeremy Venell (DFL/Cyclingnews) took the next two spots.
14:23 CDT Back to stage ambitions - Colvatia
Director Tom Schuler said "We want to help hold the field together in the end
so that Charles Dionne can have a go at the finish for a stage win. He is pretty
well rested and motivated to do well here today and the guys are going to be
working for him today. "
14:27 CDT Then, of course, there is the Masshole
Cup (and non-sanctioned gentleman's contest between New Englanders Tim Johsnson
of the Health Net team and Jesse Anthony of Kodakgallery). We have
been hearing about the Masshole Cup in Rory
Sutherland's diary on Cyclingnews. Here's the latest: "Today (Stage 5) was
like watching a race within a race - Tim and Jesse avoiding each other, both
trying to get into breaks without the other and just purely putting on a show
for me in 75th wheel. Thanks boys. "So the winner of the day is…Jesse.
After an ever exciting first hour between the two, they both managed to miss
the break...come on boys! The reason for Jesse taking a point back? He was on
the front for the best part of 30 kilometres setting it up for a team-mate and
all this while he is a little sick. Nice! Standings: TJ 2 - Jesse 1. One stage
to go, 129 kilometres of opportunities. We're up for a show people!"
14:29 CDT 66km/53km to go The leaders have just
crossed the start/finish line and have only three laps remaining.
14:33 CDT The gap is holding at 3:15. Discovery
Channel is still on the front of the peloton, protecting Hincapie and biding
their time before taking their third American Grand Tour of the year (Leipheimer
won the Tour of California, Janez Brajkovic won the Tour of Georgia).
Speaking of the Blue Train, reader Mark Rieter has this as his favorite memory:
"Since we're talking just about Team Disco (and not Postal) I think the coolest
TEAM moment was when Hincapie broke away in Stage 15 and then found out that
the Peloton would not catch the breakaway. Seeing George win the queen stage
of 2005 was an awesome, awesome Team Disco moment. Having Paulo follow up with
the win the next day was icing on the cake. That 48 hours may have been the
team's finest moment. If I remember right, I don't think any of Lance's Disco
teammates had won a stage in the TdF until George took Pla-d'Adet."
14:33 CDT Saunier-Duval Prodir has moved to
the front of the peloton and is bringing up the speed.
14:38 CDT Tyler Wren's team car has pulled up
to the rider to provide emergency surgery on the race number mounted on the
back of his bike (which is rubbing against his wheel).
14:41 CDT 78km/41km to go The effort Saunier-Duval
Prodir has put into the chase has eaten a minute out of the lead already. The
new gap is only 2:15. With so many ambitions for the finale in this stage, this
peloton seems determined to come to the line as a group.
14:42 CDT Then we are made to immediately eat
our words as we're told the gap has risen to 2:45 once more!
14:44 CDT The leaders are just through the sprint
line on the back side of the course. The final sprint of the stage is contested
on the next lap. Race organizers have been gathering cash from the crowd and
will be awarding a crowd-cash premium for that sprint.
14:48 CDT While we watch Saunier-Duval Prodir
slowly reel in the break, it is important that we thank the Mavis Neutral support
team for letting us ride in the car today. Our in-race reporter is "in Mavic
2 with the lovely Elizabeth driving and the less pretty Pete jumping out to
change wheels and bikes." Thanks Mavic Neutral Support for your help
all year. Not just for helping Cyclingnews but for the vital role you play in
the sport of cycling and the professional way you handle your business. Hats
off.
14:52 CDT Tyler Wren of Colavita, one of the
riders in the break, has somehow managed to resolve his number-plate issue without
his team car's help. We think he simply pulled the mount off his bike and it
is no sticking out of his back pocket. Best wishes are coming Tyler's
way from girlfriend and Cyclingnews reader Jennifer Vandeveer. "I promised Tyler
that if he got in the break today I would email in to you all. I just want to
point out that the Colavita team is having a great tour this week. They have
had a rider in every significant break and this is the second for Tyler (he
was in the Stage 1 break as well). Those boys have been working their tails
off this week and we are all very proud of them."
14:53 CDT Anthony Colby of the Colavita squad
was having mechanical problems with his bike and has DNF'd. As has Phillip Mamos
of Team Sparkasse. As the race winds down (two laps to go now as
the leaders pass through the start/finish line), we may see more than a handful
of riders sit out the last lap.
14:56 CDT 86km/33km to go The gap is down but
still at a reasonable 1:40. which means the leaders may make it to the final
sprint line ahead of the peloton. Which, in turn, means Canada and Rollin will
have to settle for the finish line as their final battle ground.
14:58 CDT Approximately five kilometers to the
sprint, the gap is down to one minute.
14:58 CDT The crowd-cash premium for the final
sprint is up to almost $400 and still growing.
15:02 CDT The gap is back to 1:25 (the peloton
is a little schizophrenic today) There are five kilometers to the sprint.
15:05 CDT The gap is still bouncing around (1:10
now) as Saunier-Duval Prodir drives the peloton and the leaders come up on the
final sprint of the day.
15:06 CDT Marcelino is leading out the sprint.
15:07 CDT The leaders have a one minute gap
as they cross the sprint line. Van Ulden wins the sprint followed
by Marcelino and Wren.
15:10 CDT 99km/20km to go The gap is down to
50 seconds and a catch is very likely. Is there enough time for a suicide counter-attack?
15:10 CDT Gap at 40 seconds.
15:12 CDT Tecos rider John Fredy Para has been
voted the Most Aggressive Rider for the Tour of Missouri; a well-deserved honor.
15:12 CDT The gap is down to 30 seconds.
15:15 CDT 101km/18km to go The gap is holding
at 30 seconds as the leaders rider through the feed zone for their last chance
to fuel up for the finish. The peloton seems intent on letting them hang out
there for a little while longer to discourage counter-attacks. There has to
bee some riders getting itchy in the bunch though so don't expect it to stay
this stable for long.
15:16 CDT 102km/17km to go Van Ulden is attacking
the break as they pass through teh start finish line. there is only one lap
to go.
15:17 CDT Van Ulden has 25-meters on his breakmates.
Marcelino is attempting to bridge.
15:19 CDT Van Ulden is holding his lead though
and is alone. He has 40 seconds on the peloton.
15:20 CDT 105km/14km to go Van Ulden has ten
seconds on Marcelino, fifteen seconds on Venell and Wren and 35 seconds on the
field.
15:21 CDT Suanier-Duval Prodir is still controlling
the front of the peloton but it does not look like they have a sense of urgency
about Van Ulden's escape.
15:23 CDT 109km/10km to go The chasers have been
brought back into the peloton. Van Ulden is alone at the front with Marcelino
still chasing.
15:24 CDT The pace in the field has risen now.
Mareclino is caught. Van Ulden has 25 seconds on the field.
15:24 CDT Van Ulden's gap is starting to fall.
The Navigator's riding is grinding and looks like he is suffering.
15:26 CDT It was a brave attempt for Van Ulden
but his lead is dropping and his is sure to be caught.
15:26 CDT 112km/7km to go The race is all together
with half a lap remaining.
15:27 CDT Health Net and Suanier-Duval Prodir
are driving the peloton.
15:28 CDT The lead riders are keeping the pace
super high to limit the chances of any counter attacks.
15:29 CDT 111km/8km to go Health Net may be looking
to set the sprint up for Menzies so he can deliver on his promise to win the
stage.
15:30 CDT There is a slight downhill on the
run-in to the finish and a beautiful, wide boulevard for the sprint; perfect
for bunch sprints.
15:31 CDT The sprinters are positioning themselves
within the peloton for the sprint. Dominiguez is there. Pagliarini is there.
Menzies is there.
15:32 CDT Saunier-Duval Prodir is working at
the front to help their teammate. Even GC rider David Canada is taking a pull.
15:33 CDT Health Net Maxxis takes over and puts
five riders on the front.
15:33 CDT Kodakgallery moves to the front.
15:34 CDT 116km/3km to go Phil Zakicek (Navigators)
attacks up the right-hand side of the road.
15:34 CDT Health Net reels him in.
15:35 CDT Three Health Net Maxxis riders are
on the front now.
15:35 CDT Slipstream moves to the front with
five riders.
15:36 CDT Correction - six riders for Slipstream.
15:36 CDT 118km/1km to go A BMC rider attacks
up the right-hand side of the road.
15:37 CDT Inside one kilometer to go, the BMC
rider is caught.
15:37 CDT It's a full-on field sprint now.
15:37 CDT 119km/0km to go A crash! Sipstream
riders are down.
15:37 CDT Dominguez wins the sprint.
15:38 CDT Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics) and Domonique
Rollin came through second and third.
15:38 CDT The Slipstream rider who went down
was Brad Huff. He crashed hard but is immediately being tended to and is moving.
15:40 CDT It was a dramatic crash but Huff is
up now and appears to be a fully-functional human being. Mike Friedman was also
tied up in the crash.
15:44 CDT Race officials are calling the sprint
clean so the results should stand. And with that, we thank you for
following our coverage of the exciting inaugural Tour of Missouri. George Hincapie
wins the overall; the third American Grand Tour win for Discovery Channel and
a fitting swan song for the team. Will Frishkorn (Slipstream p/b Chipotle) takes
second. And with his third-place finish in the stage, Domonique Rollin (Kodakgallery/Sierra
Nevada) overtakes David Canada (Saunier-Duval Prodir) for third place on General
classification. Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) wraps up the points
jersey. Jeff Louder (Health Net) won the Mountains Classification.
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