March 10/13 18:55 pm - Tirreno - Adriatico: Stage 5

Posted by Editoress on 03/10/13
 

On the final, grueling climb 1.5 km from the stage finish in the charming medieval town centre of Chieti, Joaquín “Purito” Rodríguez (Katusha) darted away from a tiny group of rivals to win Stage 5 of Tirreno – Adriatico. In the closing kilometres, the main contenders fought doggedly, with Alberto Contador (Saxo - Tinkoff) taking a 3 second bonus at the final intermediate sprint.

Joaquin Rodriguez celebrates a fabulous win in Chieti. Photo LaPresse

Rodríguez finished 8 seconds ahead of a group of five riders, all of whom were attributed the same time: Bauke Mollema (2nd, Blanco Pro Cycling ), Contador (3rd), Mauro Santambrogio (4th, Vini Fantini – Selle Italia), Christopher Horner (5th, RadioShack Leopard) and Christopher Froome (6th. Sky Procycling).

Aggressive riding from Sky Procycling in the final part of the race helped Froome took the Banca Mediolanum Blue Jersey of the overall race leader.

After the stage, the stage winner and the race leader overall spoke to the press:

Stage winner Joaquín Rodríguez (Katusha):

The winning move: “I attacked this year at the point they dropped me last year! Winning today is very important to me. I’ve won her before, and I feel the Tirreno-Adriatico very deeply. This year, the strongest riders in the world are here, so winning is good for the team and for my head.”

Tomorrow: “It may look like Froome has won this race but tomorrow will be a very difficult stage. Riders like me who can’t win the General Classification will certainly attack from a long way out. In any case, going into the final time trial, a lead of 20 seconds on Contador may be enough, but I don’t think it will be enough on Nibali.”

Overall race leader Christopher Froome (Sky Procycling):

Today’s stage: “We started riding with about 50km to go on the Lanciano, to put pressure on the leader’s jersey. For the final 2 climbs the plan was to put some distance between myself and Kwiatkowski. On the final climb, it was every man for himself. The team really exploded the race and I owe them this jersey.”
Contador: “One thing I’ve learnt from racing the likes of Contador is that it’s not over until it’s over. Some days he’ll probably take time from me and other days I’ll probably take time from him. His style of racing is also to pick up the bonuses and he’s doing a good job.”
Racing in Italy: “Leading race in Italy is a novelty for me. I haven’t been in this position before. But at Tirreno-Adriatico, the history and passion give me extra motivation. I’m expecting tomorrow they’ll throw everything at us and then in the time trial I’ll have to give it absolutely everything.”

Tomorrow - Stage 6 (of 7): Porto Sant’Elpidio to Porto Sant’Elpidio, 209 km.
Another long, demanding stage over a relentlessly lumpy course, with only three categorised climbs but more than 20 distinct hills, at least 6 of which include gradients of 15% or more. The worst of them? The 365-metre climb at Sant’Elpidio al Mare, which averages 19.8% and touches, at the top,  no less than 27% - a shade off 1-in-3. As if that was not enough, the peloton faces the climb three times. So, a long, technical and grueling stage that will make even the best climbers suffer. Stage start formalities: 9.15. Signing-in: 9.15-10.35. Ceremonial roll-out: 10.40. Racing start (km 0): 10.45 (all times local).

The Jerseys:
Banca Medioanum Blue Jersey (Overall): Christopher Froome
Skoda White Jersey (Young Rider): Michal Kwiatkowski
Italo Red Jersey (Points): Alberto Contador
Suissegas Green Jersey (Climber): Cesare Benedetti

Courtesy RCS Sport