Mark Cavendish Top Sprinter

Mark did it again at Florence. This time Petacchi even admitted that he could not keep up with Cavendish. The Italian press however were not as gracious. They claimed that Petacchi had caught some wind as he tried to sprint for the line. obviously Cavendish had found the only non windy bit on the whole track?
Mark's career has really only just begun and he has many more years of development ahead of him. My prediction is that Cippolini's record of sprint victories will be beaten by the "Manx Thunderbolt". I think this year will be sen in Yellow during the Tour and he will certainly be winning a few more stages this year in both main tours.
British cycling is at it's best ever. Lets not loose this by being complacent. I hope that Cavendish is inspiring the younger generation as much as he is inspiring mine.

Giro comes to Fenestrelle

Giro d'Italia 09 Cuneo Pinerolo at Fenestrelle
Originally uploaded by Hannibal Cycle tours / Belvedere B&B

I am fortunate that I live in an area where the Giro and Tour visit regularly. Maybe that is why I run a cycle holiday company. It may have something to do with the fact that I love cycling as well?

This Tuesday saw the longest stage of the Giro d'Italia pass right through our town of Fenestrelle and we wrer in the right place to get some fantastic photos. The stage saw an epic battle between the top riders with Di Luca coming out on top. Lance was doing OK but should have been up at the front on this stage. The course also hosted the Cima Coppi of this years Giro at Sestriere. Only a paltry 2035m above sea level. However, the 260km stage certainly took its toll with the last riders passing through Fenestrelle a good twenty five minutes after the leaders.

I think that baring anything serious then the trophy for the Giro will have Danilo Di Luca's name on it in Rome.
Pinerolo saw the finish and the coverage on the TV certainly seemed to be a good advert for Val Chisone. It looked so good I want to go and visit!

Cavendish wins amidst controversy

Mark has won again! Well done Cav! This time he caught Petacchi napping in the sprint. However this stage of the Giro will probably be remembered more for the fact that all the riders came to a halt over the fact that this years stages are dangerous. This is the day after Horillo had his terrible accident.
Personally I think the riders were right to stop in mid race for this issue. At the end of the day we ask these guys to do incredible things but the one thing I would not ask any of them to do is risk their lives. It was appalling to see a car parked halfway on and off the road in what was a circuit race on closed roads. It should have been removed before they started.
Tomorrow is a rest day and then...... and then ...........the real mountain stage where we hope to see the serious mountan climbers come to the fore. Tuesday sees the Cuneo Pinerolo stage and I wll be there at Fenestrelle to watch them fly past.
Go Cav, Go Lance, Go Basso!