Wittenberg

And we're back again. Nine teams from 6 different provinces will do 3300 kilometers of cycling in the coming three weeks while the team captains sit at home and enjoy the show. The goal is to score the most points by winning stages and doing well in three classifications: the King of the Mountains classification (blue jersey), the points classification (cyclamen jersey) and the general classification (pink jersey) which determines which individual rider wins this leg of TCAT.

The following teams are participating:


@Iason Taiwos, did you make a velogames team? You should still be able to join the league if so.

No...that's where I messed up.

Stage 1 - Venaria Reale -> Torino

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/hsVt7y1alSN5TRPUSxiR_170424-024915.jpg?v=20240417164915)

The first stage was a medium mountain stage with plenty of climbing which could immediately impact GC standings. Louis Barré (PTM) was the first TCAT rider to attack but was caught about halfway through the stage. Tadej Pogacar (CHX/BDC/GHS/CFA) immediately showed why he is by far the most expensive rider this year, being the first TCAT rider across the line and taking a small lead over many of the GC favourites already. Losers of the day were Bardet (VFL/DED/CFA/MCB) and Arensman (BDC/GHS), who already lost significant time in the standings and saw their chances of winning severely reduced. 

Of course Pogacar being the favourite doesn't mean the teams that picked him are going to win. Port Maxhestic shows how to do it by picking several cheaper riders that did well today including Thomas, Caruso, Martinez, Uijtdebroeks and Ganna. As a result they are in the lead after stage 1. Of course, regular participants will know the first result is not necessarily a good indication of how the rest of the edition will go. It's still a very long way to Rome.

Standings after stage 1:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	362	+362
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	314	+314
3rd	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	276	+276
4th	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	266	+266
5th	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	240	+240
6th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	212	+212
7th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	189	+189
8th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	138	+138
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	89	+89

Tomorrow: more medium mountain terrain with an uphill finish so more opportunity for GC contenders:
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/XCFTEbcGarncgjxYrKJM_160224-040402.jpg?v=20240216170401)

Also worth noting: all starters finished the stage today without crashing. We haven't always been so lucky in the past. Let's hope it stays that way!

Stage 2 - San Francesco al Campo -> Santuario di Oropa

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/XCFTEbcGarncgjxYrKJM_160224-040402.jpg?v=20240216170401)

Death, taxes, Pogacar (CHX/GHS/CFA/BDC) grabbing the leader's jersey after Stage 2. We got a first category summit finish already, which could only mean the general classification riders would battle it out. The Slovenian rider recovered from a flat tire and a subsequent light tumble 11km from the finish to absolutely smoke the competition on the steep road to the Sanctuary of Oropa in Biella.

Nobody could really follow him, with O'Connor (MCB/GHS/VFL) trying to hang on but ultimately running out of gas and conceding a whole minute; Thomas (PTM/DED/SOS) was more prudent and salvaged a third place and a 27" delay, being pipped to second by Martinez (MCB/PTM/BDC). Similar time losses for Uijtdebroeks (PTM/DED), Rubio (BDC/CFA) and Lopez (GHS), all three also featuring in today's top 10.

Sadly, if Arensman (GHS/BDC) and Bardet (MCB/DED/SOS/VFL/CFA) were yesterday's losers - and didn't really feature today either - TCAT may well have seen more riders abandon high GC ambitions today, with Caruso (MCB/PTM/DED/SOS/VFL/CFA) and especially Cyclohexane duo Tiberi and Dunbar losing significant time.

Banqeu da Cézembre leads the day largely thanks to Pogacar, Martinez and Rubio in the top 10. Port Maxhestic though continue their overall lead despite not holding Pogacar, as they still have Thomas, Martinez and Uijtdebroeks doing well; Caruso may also prove useful despite not doing terribly well today, as non-GC riders are bound to tumble down the GC order eventually.

Standings after stage 2:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	947	+585
2nd	(+2)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	885	+619
3rd	(+2)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	681	+441
4th	(-1)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	666	+390
5th	(-3)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	618	+304
6th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	556	+344
7th	(+1)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	421	+283
8th	(-1)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	406	+217
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	160	+71

Coming up tomorrow, a stage that should be the first chance for sprinters to stake their claims to stage wins and the points classification. The only snag, a rather nontrivial 1.5km long 5% climb a mere 3km from the finish line, which may be a serious chance for opportunistic riders to get a late attack in and prevent a full peloton sprint.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GMDIcZpqwv7SF6mTffDa_240424-064151.jpg?v=20240424204151)

Quote from: Glüc da Dhi S.H. on May 04, 2024, 02:26:40 PMAlso worth noting: all starters finished the stage today without crashing. We haven't always been so lucky in the past. Let's hope it stays that way!

Trying to jinx us Glüc?

Quote from: Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat on May 06, 2024, 08:38:16 AMTrying to jinx us Glüc?

Already succeeded apparently :(

Stage 3 - Novara -> Fossano

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GMDIcZpqwv7SF6mTffDa_240424-064151.jpg?v=20240424204151)

The first stage for sprinters featured a surprising all-sprinter breakaway -- an attempt at anticipating a possible attack on the small hump before the finish, or simply a tactic to scoop up points in the intermediate sprints? Either way, we got a full peloton back for the finish, until the predicted final attack came -- from non-TCAT Honoré, but immediately followed by eternal ne'er-do-well Tadej Pogacar (CHX/GHS/CFA/BDC), with direct GC rival Geraint Thomas (PTM/DED/SOS) hot on his heels.

They were caught on the final stretch, however, and a traditional sprint finish ensued, won by Tim Merlier (MCB/PTM) who also gets the lead in the points classification. Second place to last year's points classification winner Jonathan Milan (BDC/CHX), while other TCAT sprinters placed lower -- Tobias Andersen (BDC) in fifth sealing in Banqeu de Cézembre's daily win and new lead in the overall table. Also doing well, the Cabana Boys, thanks to Stanislaw Aniolkowski placing eighth. Not much luck today for Olav Kooij (GHS/VFL), arguably Milan's most direct contender for the points classification, who had to settle for sixth.

As Glüc hinted, though, today sees the first TCAT retirements, with a double whammy for Cyclohexane as Eddie Dunbar and Simon Carr (also of BDC) both abandoned Giro.

Standings after stage 3:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(+1)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	1381	+496
2nd	(-1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	1321	+374
3rd	(+2)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	921	+303
4th	(-1)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	915	+234
5th	(+2)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	837	+416
6th	(-2)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	803	+137
7th	(-1)	Dead Last (DED)	698	+142
8th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	508	+102
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	343	+183

Tomorrow, more sprinting opportunities as Giro crosses the Appennines with a pretty easy category 3 summit, following the Ligurian coast for a probable sprint finish -- but much like today, with a hump just before the finish. Will we see a repeat of today, or will a late attack instead succeed?

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cBmJ60z5bBSvoP2Rxg8z_240424-073741.jpg?v=20240424213742)

Yeah! Clawing our way to the top in true MCB fashion!

Stage 4 Acqui Terme -> Andora

I only have time for a quick update tonight, so - second stage for sprinters and second bunch sprint despite late attack attempt by Ganna; Milan won so Milan teams (CHX, BDC) = good. Bauhaus, Kooij, Merlier also top 5. No changes in the standings today.

Standings after stage 4:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	1713	+332
2nd	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	1565	+244
3rd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	1209	+288
4th	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1153	+238
5th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	1037	+200
6th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1033	+230
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	872	+174
8th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	568	+60
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	521	+178

Tomorrow yet more sprinting, unlike the last two stages, no chances for anything but a bunch sprint. We'll see if Milan/Merlier can win another stage or if other TCAT sprinters will finally respond in kind -- it will be their last chance until at least Sunday's stage and perhaps even next Wednesday's if that one goes to a breakaway win.

Stage 5 Genova -> Lucca

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pgLXNSbjs8cW7FP5QXbT_240424-075400.jpg?v=20240424215400)

Not much happened with regards to TCAT today. There were some crashes, most notably involving Laporte(SOS/VFL) and Martinez (MCB/PTM/BDC). Both finished the stage. Hopefully they will be able to continue. The sprinter teams didn't manage to catch the breakaway in time. Like yesterday the first TCAT rider across the line was Milan(CHX/BDC), with Bauhaus (CFA), Merlier (MCB/PTM) and Kooij (GHS/VFL) close behind. As a result not too many points were awarded.

Standings after stage 5:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	1950	+237
2nd	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	1762	+197
3rd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	1400	+191
4th	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1323	+170
5th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	1217	+180
6th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1192	+159
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	971	+99
8th	(+1)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	629	+108
9th	(-1)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	610	+42

Tomorrow should be a much more interesting day, with a parcours that resembles the cycling classic Strade Bianche, which is named after the sections of (white) gravel roads that are included. Normally a great opportunity for a breakaway, but the way Pogacar is racing at the moment, he might just take a second stage himself.

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5Um3J9R0fP9R7dXzkZOL_240424-080258.jpg?v=20240424220259)

Stage 6 Viareggio -> Rapolano Terme

As expected, many riders wanted to be in the break for todays stage. It took more than half the distance before a group finally got away. Once we got to the gravel sections only three riders were still ahead, including Julian Alaphilippe (SOS/CFA). While the group including the GC favourites made up a lot of time on the gravel the break heroically made it to the finish and Alaphilippe ended up getting second place. After him most of the favourites arrived in a larger group. Unfortunately without Caruso (MCB/PTM/DED/SOS/VFL/CFA), who crashed and lost of a lot of time and is therefore out of contention for the top GC spots. It wasn't the only bad news for Dead Last, as Michael Woods did not start as a result of his crash yesterday.

The strong performance by Alaphilippe means Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici score the most points today and are no longer in last place and Cézembre Fieschā move up two spots as well.

Standings after stage 6:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	2174	+224
2nd	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	1977	+215
3rd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	1511	+111
4th	(+2)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1503	+311
5th	(-1)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1469	+146
6th	(-1)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	1348	+131
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	1083	+112
8th	(+1)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	936	+326
9th	(-1)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	684	+55

Tomorrow is an important day for the GC as we get the first time trial. And it's a long one, which includes a bit of climbing as well so it could lead to some significant time differences. TT specialist Filippo Ganna (PTM) is one of the obvious contenders for the stage win tomorrow, but we should also be looking at GC favourites like Pogacar (CHX/GHS/CFA/BDC) and Thomas (PTM/DED/SOS), who are both very good at TTs as well.

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/baBQpH9w9p7a9lT94kJD_240424-081521.jpg?v=20240424221521)

Working my way down to last place!

Apologies for lack of updates for stages 7 and 8, I've been very busy.

Stage 7: the first of two time trials, shorter but with a steep final climb. Pogacar won pipping Ganna by 16", making back a whole minute on the final climb. More significantly for the general classification, Martinez (MCB/PTM/BDC) overtook an underperforming Thomas (PTM/DED/SOS) for second place.

Stage 8: summit finish in Prati di Tivo for a second proper mountain stage. Another Pogacar win, except no attack - instead we had several mini attacks by opponents, none of which were successful, ending in an uphill final sprint among the nine survivors.

BDC takes both stages, and GHST takes both second places. Rounding out top four in both instances, though in swapped positions, Cyclohexane and Port Maxhestic.

Bad news for Caruso teams (MCB/PTM/DED/SOS/VFL/CFA) and for GHST's Lopez - both riders lost significant time. Sadly for SOS and VFL, we have another TCAT retirement as Christophe Laporte did not start. Positive notes for TCAT teams are Arensman and Tiberi making up some lost time relative to other GC contenders thanks to a pair of good results.

Ranking to come later today, so it includes the soon-to-finish stage 9!

Stage 9 Avezzano -> Napoli

It should have been a day for a possible early breakaway win, but this one went to the sprinters as Olav Kooij (GHS/VFL) gets a maiden grand tour win pipping Jonathan Milan (BDC/CHX) right on the line. The only other TCAT rider to score points is SOS's Luke Lamperti (15th), as such today is a low scoring affair; lots of prominent sprinters, including Tim Merlier (MCB/PTM), Phil Bauhaus (CFA) and Fernando Gaviria (DED), were dropped from the peloton in the hilly approach to the finish and did not feature in the sprint for the win.

Gordon Hiatus Support Team leads the day for the first time this edition, with little changing in the overall standings.

Standings after stage 9:
                                                           

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	3830	+318
2nd	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3071	+111
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	2903	+341
4th	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	2769	+278
5th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2324	+65
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	2115	+76
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	1635	+77
8th	(+1)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	1369	+273
9th	(-1)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	1361	+72

Rest day tomorrow, stay tuned for some thoughts on the current situation!

Right, we're one third of the way through already! Let's see how teams stack up. The current podium:

1. BANQEU DA CÉZEMBRE TAVULAIRS - @Glüc da Dhi S.H. - 3830pts
POGAČAR | ARENSMAN | MARTINEZ | RUBIO | MILAN | CARR | A. PARET-PEINTRE | V. PARET-PEINTRE | ANDRESEN

Holding four riders in the current top 10 of the general classification (GC) plus the leader of the points classification, BdC is once again the almost inevitable favourite for the final win. No big luck with the other four picks so far, but no disaster pick among the ones that actually matter either, with Thymen Arensman's false start in the first two stages amply compensated with his performance on Friday's TT and Saturday's summit finish.
Dani Martinez is for sure the rider making the difference at the moment, vastly overperforming the expectations for now. Jonathan Milan has also always featured at the top when it mattered as well, with much more consistent placements in sprint stages than Olav Kooij and Tim Merlier.
Again, no particular luck with any of the three unclasseds or second sprinter Tobias Lund Andresen (only team to choose a wildcard sprinter though there are sprinting unclasseds elsewhere), but this is unlikely to make the difference and there's still plenty of chances for the Paret-Peintre brothers to get a stage win.

2. PORT MAXHESTIC AC - @Ian Plätschisch - 3071pts
THOMAS | CARUSO | MARTINEZ | UIJTDEBROEKS | MERLIER | GANNA | BARTA | BJERG | BARRÉ

Perhaps the surprise of this leg of TCAT given the absence of Tadej Pogačar, Port Maxhestic is nevertheless flying high thanks to a selection of so far well-scoring picks: Thomas, Martinez and Uijtdebroeks are all in the current GC top 5, and Tim Merlier got off to a strong start by winning the first sprint stage. Filippo Ganna, ever the risky expensive unclassed pick, predictably placed on the podium in Friday's time trial and should be the favourite in the second, flatter time trial.
Where Port Maxhestic might struggle is by picking four expensive unclassed riders, who might not bring home many points compared to picking cheaper riders and a non-unclassed wildcard; and Damiano Caruso also dealt the team a blow by floundering in stage 6, bringing himself out of contention for a high GC finish. He might be free to chase a stage win now, but he may very well be busy helping teammate Antonio Tiberi's GC chances instead.

3. GORDON HIATUS SUPPORT TEAM - @Sir Lüc - 2903pts
POGAČAR | ARENSMAN | O'CONNOR | LOPEZ | KOOIJ | A. PARET-PEINTRE | FRIGO | NOVAK | PELLIZZARI

The second of the Pogačar-holding teams, GHST also holds resurgent duo Thymen Arensman and Ben O'Connor - we've already spoken of the former, and the latter's overreaction against Pogačar himself in stage 1 made him tire out and lose time very early on in the competition. Also on the up, sprinter Olav Kooij, who started relatively slow but got a maiden grand tour stage win in Naples yesterday.
Unfortunately, just as Arensman bounced back, Juanpe Lopez floundered both in the time trial and in Prati di Tivo, which probably sank any hopes of GHST ever making back the deficit to the top. None of the other four riders is coming to the rescue either, with young gun Giulio Pellizzari yet to make his mark, and Marco Frigo so far never featuring and unable to replicating his Giro 2023 exploits. Unless either of the two gets a big prize, lots of things will have to go wrong to other teams in order for GHST to aim for higher than best of the rest.

The middle of the pack:

4. CYCLOHEXANE - @Erschéveþ da Schir - 2769pts
POGAČAR | TIBERI | MAJKA | ZANA | MILAN | A. PARET-PEINTRE | CARR | FRIGO | DUNBAR

If we've already seen teams with a poorly performing latter four riders, defending TCAT Italy champions Cyclohexane have certainly had their share of rotten luck there as well, with Carr and Dunbar dropping out - a possible stage winner and a GC top 10 candidate respectively - and Aurélien Paret-Peintre and Marco Frigo still rather muted compared to their 2023 point haul.
On the other hand, Antonio Tiberi is another rider on the rise after a terrible start to his maiden Giro as a team leader, and we've already mentioned Pogi and Milan as essentially the best picks in their respective positions. Where Cyclohexane might wish their points haul was higher is in climbing duo Rafał Majka and Filippo Zana: Majka - Tadej Pogačar's key lieutenant - only makes sense if he sticks around to the end after helping his team leader, which he only did on one of two summit finishes (otherwise he'll lose GC time and not get any stage points); and Zana so far hasn't really kept pace in GC with higher placed equally priced climbers such as Einer Rubio - but he may of course fare better as the Alps get closer.

5. CÉZEMBRE FIESCHĂ - @þerxh Sant-Enogat - 2324pts
POGAČAR | BARDET | ALAPHILIPPE | RUBIO | BAUHAUS | VAN SINTMAARTENSDIJK | VAN DEN BERG | VAN DEN BOSSCHE | CARUSO

Dead in the middle of the table, Fieschă has certainly suffered from Romain Bardet underdelivering, as the Frenchman was supposed to be in good shape but immediately showed weak points and doesn't seem like he's managing to recover either. A positive note is certainly coming from the climbers: Julian Alaphilippe - the former world champion showing he's in good spirits and hungry for a stage win - and Einer Rubio, ever dangerous in summit finish stages and clinging on to the GC top 10. Fieschă is also the only team with Phil Bauhaus as sprinter - decent choice so far with a podium finish but, much like Merlier, being dropped on Sunday hinting at some difficulties contesting for the win when the stage profile gets too steep too close to the line.

6. MARICOPA CABANA BOYS - @Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat - 2115pts
CARUSO | BARDET | O'CONNOR | MARTINEZ | MERLIER | VAN DEN BOSSCHE | WOOD | ANIOŁKOWSKI | QUINTANA

The second of the Pogi-less teams, the Cabana Boys are arguably the other two-sprinter team, with unclassed pick Stanisław Aniołkowski bringing much welcome stage points thrice already - only Bjerg and Ganna brought home more points among TCAT unclassed picks. Caruso and Bardet are somewhat unfortunate picks given what transpired in the first week, but climbing picks O'Connor and Martinez could prove decisive in keeping MCB away from the bottom of the table. Wildcard climbing pick Nairo Quintana might also show he's still capable of a stage win later in the competition. A quick shoutout to Harrison Wood; the Briton might not have scored many Velogames points, but he's been pretty active and he's bound to be in a breakaway sooner or later.

Last but not least:

7. DEAD LAST - @Tric'hard Lenxheir - 1635pts
BARDET | CARUSO | UIJTDEBROEKS | WOODS | GAVIRIA | ALEOTTI | AFFINI | BAGIOLI | THOMAS

Dead Last is not dead last, which I'm still not sure to be glad or unhappy for Tric'hard about. We've already spoken about Bardet and Caruso, but Cian Uijtdebroeks is certainly holding his own in his first grand tour as a team leader, mostly sticking with the other GC podium contenders so far including in Friday's time trial, where he was widely expected to struggle. Dead Last was unlucky to lose Michael Woods basically from the get go as the Canadian is an usual suspect when it comes to medium mountain stages.
Giovanni Aleotti is an interesting pick, as Florian Lipowitz's retirement means he's now the main lieutenant of Dani Martinez and similar considerations as those we made for Majka should apply (indeed he arrived together with Majka on Saturday and was among those who stuck with the favourites until the end). As for the other two unclasseds, Edoardo Affini may still rack up assist points from Kooij and Uijtdebroeks and should hopefully be aiming relatively high in the other time trial; and sadly Andrea Bagioli is an excellent classics rider but he may struggle to find space to do anything but help teammates Lopez and Milan.

8. VELOCIPOSSE FLORENCIA - @Breneir Tzaracomprada - 1369pts
BARDET | CARUSO | QUINTANA | MAJKA | KOOIJ | CLARKE | LAPORTE | BAGIOLI | O'CONNOR
and
9. ELS CANTZELERÏĂ AÞLETICI - @Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB - 1361pts
THOMAS | CARUSO | ALAPHILIPPE | QUINTANA | LAMPERTI | AFFINI | LAPORTE | BAGIOLI | BARDET

Lumping these two together as they are just eight points apart and share a quintet of so far disappointing riders - Bardet, Caruso, Quintana, Bagioli and Christophe Laporte, the European champion bringing some oomph to Olav Kooij's leadout train, but forced to abandon Giro due to the aftermath of a crash in stage 5.
All is not lost for the rapid bunch from the nacho-shaped province, though - Kooij can keep placing high in sprint stages, and O'Connor has bounced back and has a team in good form to support his GC ambitions. Of the as yet unmentioned riders, Simon Clarke is a breakaway threat and has been fairly active so far, so it could be a matter of time before he brings home the goods.
Cantzelerïă definitely could have used Laporte as a potential second sprinter as Luke Lamperti's sprints have mostly been in service of team leader Tim Merlier, leading to lean point intakes in sprint stages; nevertheless, despite currently being bottom of the table they already led the day once, in Thursday's Strade Bianche lookalike. No reason to assume this won't happen again!

So very close. I am determined to finish dead last to spite Dead Last. And I will change our team's name to Dead²Last.

More Deader Last

Stage 10 Pompei -> Bocca della Selva

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4vh8qXUoeA2lrl9ci4yk_240424-083906.jpg?v=20240424223906)

Today we started in Pompei for an explosive stage of only 142 km with an uphill finish. A good day for a breakaway. Clarke (VFL) and some others tried on the flat part but never quite succeeded in getting away. It was only when the first hills started that a group managed to get away including a lot of climbers with a shot of staying ahead of the gc favourites. This included Romain Bardet (MCB/DED/SOS/VFL/CFA), the brothers Aurelien (CHX/GHS/BDC) and Valentin (BDC) Paret-Peintre, Andrea Bagioli (DED/SOS/VFL), Filippo Zana (CHX), Juan Pedro Lopez (GHS), Damiano Caruso (MCB/PTM/DED/SOS/VFL/CFA), Marco Frigo (CHX/GHS), Will Barta (PTM), and Julian Alaphilippe (SOS/CFA)

Of course not all of them managed to stay ahead of the peloton on the final climb. In the end there were five riders including V. Paret-Peintre, Bardet, Bagioli and Frigo contesting the stage win. Paret-Peintre turned out to be the strongest, catching up to and then overtaking the rider in front in the final 3 kilometers to take the stagewin, followed by Bardet and Bagioli.

His brother Aurélien won the sprint in the chasing group that remained of the main breakaway, which also included Zana, who as a result enters the GC top 10. Bardet also did very well GC wise, jumping to 7th place in the standings. In the group of GC favourites it only Arensman (GHS/BDC) and Uijtdebroeks (PTM/DED) could not keep up with the others and lost a small amount of time.

In the TCAT standings this mostly meant another good day for BDC, who further expand their lead, while Port Maxhestic did not have anyone in front at the end which causes them to lose second place to GHST.

Standings after stage 10:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	4388	+558
2nd	(+1)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3248	+345
3rd	(-1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3212	+141
4th	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3121	+352
5th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2630	+306
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	2462	+347
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	2072	+437
8th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	1835	+466
9th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	1773	+412

The final half of tomorrow's stage is mostly flat, so expect another day for the sprinters.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/W6RHMyLKdekASLlTmSz1_260424-053924.jpg?v=20240426193925)

And of course Olav Kooij contracted a case of rest day fever and pulled out of Giro before today's stage, which is a huge blow to Gordon Hiatus Support Team and Velociposse. Breneir's wish may have become true sooner than he expected :/

Quote from: Sir Lüc on May 14, 2024, 04:41:03 PMAnd of course Olav Kooij contracted a case of rest day fever and pulled out of Giro before today's stage, which is a huge blow to Gordon Hiatus Support Team and Velociposse. Breneir's wish may have become true sooner than he expected :/

Yessss!

Stage 11 Foiano di Val Fortore -> Francavilla al Mare

Not much to say, a second Jonathan Milan (BDC/CHX) sprint victory, and accordingly Banqeu da Cézembre and Cyclohexane are a close first and second. Tim Merlier (MCB/PTM) initially took second, but was relegated for deviating during the final sprint. Dead Last is third today thanks to Fernando Gaviria (7th) and to Edoardo Affini's solid breakaway effort; fourth and fifth just one point apart, Fieschă (Phil Bauhaus, 8th) and the Cabana Boys (Stanisław Aniołkowski, 9th).

Overall, Kooij's retirement for GHST and Merlier's relegation for PTM mean Cyclohexane moves up to second. Sadly for Port Maxhestic, the bad news don't stop there -- there's also a double retirement for Louis Barré and, much more importantly, for until-then best young rider Cian Uijtdebroeks (also of DED).

Standings after stage 11:                      

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	4747	+359
2nd	(+2)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3442	+321
3rd	(-1)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3364	+116
4th	(-1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3305	+93
5th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2785	+155
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	2616	+154
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	2275	+203
8th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	1893	+58
9th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	1873	+100

Very interesting stage to come today as it *looks* reasonably flat, but it actually includes multiple gradients of upwards of 10%, including a max 20% gradient just 10km from the finish. Hopefully a good day for an exciting breakaway!

Stage 12 Martinsicuro -> Fano

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/JuZNbZdOsFqo2o3GyT3H_180424-080454.jpg?v=20240418100454)

Yesterday's terrain was very promising for a succesful break. As a result many riders were on the attack with various groups being formed in front of the peloton involving several TCAT riders including Simon Clarke (VFL), Nairo Quintana (MCB/SOS/VFL), Aurélien Paret-Peintre (CHX/GHS/BDC), Filippo Ganna (PTM), and Juan Pedro López (GHS). However, man of the day was Julian Alaphilippe (SOS/CFA), who spend most of the day attacking, eventually winning the stage after an 11 km solo.

A good result for Cézembre Fieschā, who scored the most points due to Alaphilippe's win and Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici who are no longer in last place.

Standings after stage 12:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	4966	+219
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3621	+179
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3519	+155
4th	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3453	+148
5th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3177	+392
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	2749	+133
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	2379	+104
8th	(+1)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	2233	+360
9th	(-1)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	2091	+198

(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/aMOlIUtGuDn2OwsA6Chg_260424-060520.jpg?v=20240426200521)
Today's stage is very flat. It would be a surprise if we don't see a bunch sprint

Stage 13 Riccione -> Cento

There was indeed a sprint. Milan (CHX/BDC) won. Aniołkowski (MCB) and Bauhaus (CFA) completed the podium, with Gaviria (DED) also doing well and Lund Andresen (BDC) and Merlier (MCB/PTM) further behind. BdC further extend their lead.

Standings after stage 13:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	5378	+412
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3947	+326
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3635	+116
4th	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3558	+105
5th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3414	+237
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	3040	+291
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	2550	+171
8th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	2286	+53
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	2151	+60

Tomorrow another time trial, but shorter and flatter than the previous one. Will PTM's Filippo Ganna win the stage this time or will Pogacar (CHX/GHS/CFA/BDC) add another one to his list? Based on the previous ITT we should also consider Arensman (GHS/BDC) as a contender.

Stage 14 Castiglione delle Stiviere -> Desenzano del Garda (ITT)

Quick update on yesterday's time trial: home favourite Filippo Ganna (PTM) easily took the win by 30" ahead of Tadej Pogacar (CHX/GHS/CFA/BDC), with the rest of the non aliens a further 30" back, Arensman and Thomas headlining. Both are the actual winners of today GC wise, clawing back time and positions. Good ITT for Tiberi and O'Connor as well. Biggest losers among the front GC folks, Rubio and Martinez.

Port Maxhestic gets a second daily win after Stage 1 thanks to Ganna, Thomas and Bjerg (9th), by just four points over GHST. No position changes in the TCAT standings.

Standings after stage 14:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	5862	+484
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	4324	+377
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	4149	+514
4th	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4076	+518
5th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3661	+247
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	3229	+189
7th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	2792	+242
8th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	2527	+241
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	2278	+127

Report on today's "queen stage" coming later.

Sorry for no updates past couple of days. Weve both been busy.

However, it is worth noting Lüc is actually present at the finish of todays stage, so I'm expecting some pictures maybe.

Again many apologies for no updates. Quick one liners for the stages we missed, then standings update for Stage 18 (yesterday).

Stage 15 Manerba del Garda -> Livigno (Mottolino): The queen stage. Another Pogacar win, regathering a breakaway headed by Nairo Quintana.

Stage 16 Laas -> Santa Cristina Valgardena (Monte Pana): The mighty Stelvio Pass was initially swapped out for Umbrail due to snow, but freezing temperatures forced an outright shortening of the stage, with the start moved to Laas at the end of the descent. Another breakaway foiled by Pogacar, who won ahead of Giro's youngest rider Giulio Pellizzari.

Stage 17 Selva di Val Gardena -> Passo Brocon: Finally an early breakaway win, but it's non-TCAT Georg Steinhauser. Pogacar, 2nd, easily dropped all GC contenders as usual, whose sprint was won by Tiberi.

Stage 18 Fiera di Primiero -> Padova

The only stage for sprinters in week 3 except for the Rome finale ended at GHST HQ. Not much to say except that I was at the finish and Tim Merlier (MCB/PTM) won ahead of Jonathan Milan (CHX/BDC). The Cabana Boys also placed Stanislaw Aniolkowski in fifth place and thus take the daily win. The only other TCAT riders with stage points are Dead Last's Fernando Gaviria, sixth, and BDC's Tobias Lund Andresen, 16th.

Standings after stage 18:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	8346	+337
2nd	(+1)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	6187	+288
3rd	(-1)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	6071	+122
4th	(+1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	5448	+296
5th	(-1)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	5418	+87
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	5122	+423
7th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	3838	+72
8th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	3769	+160
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3458	+68

Coming up, the final two stages: two mountain stages and the sprint finale in Rome.

Small token of my attendance at the finish: this picture of Julian Alaphilippe (SOS/CFA)

(https://i.imgur.com/jrjKCXp.jpeg)

Stage 19 Mortegliano -> Sappada

Yesterday's stage had a perfect profile for attacking with three cat 2/cat 3 summits. Indeed we did get a big break. However the only TCAT rider involved was Julian Alaphilippe (SOS/CFA). The result was a fairly low scoring stage with no implications for the GC. Fieschā scored the most points due to Alaphilippe's performance. They also gain a spot as a result which does mean the four teams that picked Pogacar are now the top 4.

Standings after stage 19:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	8503	+157
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	6307	+120
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	6203	+132
4th	(+1)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	5622	+204
5th	(-1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	5528	+80
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	5215	+93
7th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	4017	+179
8th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	3819	+50
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3538	+80

Today we got another GC stage with two climbs of Monte Grappa (not too far from Lüc) but no uphill finish. Don't want to spoil the update yet, but let's just say it would be a major surprise if Pogacar didn't win again.

Quote from: Glüc da Dhi S.H. on May 25, 2024, 10:34:05 AM Stage 19 Mortegliano -> Sappada

Yesterday's stage had a perfect profile for attacking with three cat 2/cat 3 summits. Indeed we did get a big break. However the only TCAT rider involved was Julian Alaphilippe (SOS/CFA). The result was a fairly low scoring stage with no implications for the GC. Fieschā scored the most points due to Alaphilippe's performance. They also gain a spot as a result which does mean the four teams that picked Pogacar are now the top 4.

Standings after stage 19:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	8503	+157
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	6307	+120
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	6203	+132
4th	(+1)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	5622	+204
5th	(-1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	5528	+80
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	5215	+93
7th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	4017	+179
8th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	3819	+50
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3538	+80

Today we got another GC stage with two climbs of Monte Grappa (not too far from Lüc) but no uphill finish. Don't want to spoil the update yet, but let's just say it would be a major surprise if Pogacar didn't win again.

Quote from: Glüc da Dhi S.H. on May 25, 2024, 10:34:05 AM Stage 19 Mortegliano -> Sappada

Yesterday's stage had a perfect profile for attacking with three cat 2/cat 3 summits. Indeed we did get a big break. However the only TCAT rider involved was Julian Alaphilippe (SOS/CFA). The result was a fairly low scoring stage with no implications for the GC. Fieschā scored the most points due to Alaphilippe's performance. They also gain a spot as a result which does mean the four teams that picked Pogacar are now the top 4.

Standings after stage 19:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	8503	+157
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	6307	+120
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	6203	+132
4th	(+1)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	5622	+204
5th	(-1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	5528	+80
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	5215	+93
7th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	4017	+179
8th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	3819	+50
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3538	+80

Today we got another GC stage with two climbs of Monte Grappa (not too far from Lüc) but no uphill finish. Don't want to spoil the update yet, but let's just say it would be a major surprise if Pogacar didn't win again.

Delighted to see Velociposse is still on track to win the Pyrite Goose.

Stage 20 Alpago -> Bassano del Grappa

Pellizzari (GHS) coloured the final GC stage of this leg by bravely attacking on the first climb of Monte Grappa. He managed to stay ahead of the favourites for most of the second climb. Unfortunately for him when Pogacar decided it was time to attack the gap was closed relatively quickly. Pellizzari still managed to get an impressive 6th place. Pogacar won the stage and wins the General Classification overall with a massive lead. Behind him V. Paret-Peintre (BDC) also had a strong performance. Most of the rest of the top 10 was filled with GC contenders.

As a result we know the final GC now:
1. Pogacar (CHX/GHS/CFA/BDC)
2. Martinez (MCB/PTM/BDC)
3. Thomas (PTM/DED/SOS)
4. O'Connor (MCB/GHS/VFL)
5. Tiberi (CHX)
6. Arensman (GHS/BDC)
7. Rubio (CFA/BDC)
9. Bardet (MCB/DED/SOS/VFL/CFA)
11. Zana (CHX)

Of course this will have a big impact on the final tcat points awarded.

Today did not result in any changes in the TCAT standing. The race for second place is still close between GHST and Cyclohexane. GHST is likely to get a few more final points, although if Milan sprints today that will likely be enough for Cyclohexane to secure second place.

Standings after stage 20:

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	9419	+916
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	6883	+576
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	6853	+650
4th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	6156	+534
5th	(=)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	5934	+406
6th	(=)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	5645	+430
7th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	4257	+240
8th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	4037	+218
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3845	+307

Before we get to final points however, we still need to get to Rome. Today's stage is the traditional arrival in Rome and will be the last chance for the sprinters to win a stage.

No doubt Glüc will want to make a fuller results post (or series of posts) at some point, but in the meantime, here's the final standings after Sunday's Rome -> Rome final sprint showdown!

(Final) standings after stage 21 (also showing End of Tour Points):

Pos	±	Team	Pts Ove	Pts S21	EoT Pts
1st	(=)	Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs (BDC)	11925	+321	+2185
2nd	(=)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	8746	+288	+1575
3rd	(=)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	8671	+123	+1695
4th	(=)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	7648	+92	+1400
5th	(+1)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	7478	+413	+1420
6th	(-1)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	7463	+299	+1230
7th	(=)	Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici (SOS)	5281	+74	+950
8th	(=)	Dead Last (DED)	4992	+190	+765
9th	(=)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	4865	+80	+940

Congrats to @Glüc da Dhi S.H. for a third consecutive TCAT leg win!

I've never had time to mention the side classifications, but here they are in all their glory. Congrats in particular to @Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB 's Cantzelerïă Aþletici for an impressive lead in the combativity classification! Out of their riders, only Geraint Thomas didn't bring home any breakaway points at all, with Julian Alaphilippe taking an impressive 120 on his own.

SPRINTERS'S CLASSIFICATION
Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs 507
Cyclohexane 492
Cézembre Fieschā 386
Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici 333
Maricopa Cabana Boys 272
Port Maxhestic AC 272
Gordon Hiatus Support Team 159
Velociposse Florencia 106
Dead Last 95


CLIMBERS'S CLASSIFICATION
Gordon Hiatus Support Team 688
Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs 653
Cézembre Fieschā 565
Cyclohexane 464
Maricopa Cabana Boys 330
Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici 296
Velociposse Florencia 192
Port Maxhestic AC 176
Dead Last 69


COMBATIVITY CLASSIFICATION
Els Cantzelerïă Aþletici 280
Cézembre Fieschā 180
Velociposse Florencia 160
Maricopa Cabana Boys 140
Gordon Hiatus Support Team 120
Banqeu da Cézembre Tavulairs 80
Dead Last 80
Cyclohexane 60
Port Maxhestic AC 60

Congratulations, @Glüc da Dhi S.H.!

I am delighted that Velociposse has achieved its goal. We will be changing our team name in future contests to Dead2Last in celebration of burrowing to the bottom of the standings.

Congrats @Glüc da Dhi S.H. And thanks for the organisation. I'm back to my usual fourth place, the most frustrating position..