Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Vinokourov takes it!

The Vuelta has been run and won with Vinokourov taking his first Grand Tour. Thankfully it was a race, not a drug fiasco...
Most links to Cyclingnews unless stated (usually Pez).

Stage 1. The TTT. CSC win, Sastre takes the jersey.
Stage 2. First road stage and McEwen launches too early. Bettini takes it, Hushovd leads overall.
Stage 3. Ventoso suprises in the sprint. No change to the lead.
Stage 4. More amazement as Zabel takes his first big win in 3 years.
Stage 5. We hit the mountains and Di Luca takes it and leads on GC! Pez report here. McEwen, tired after a long season, went outside the time limit on stage 5.
Stage 6. A win for Hushovd.
Stage 7. Valverde wins the stage but Discovery take the lead. Valverde and Sastre within 10 secs of the lead. For how long will Brajkovic last?
Stage 8. Vinokourov (Astana) gets it right this time. Brajkovic leads - tough stage in the mountains to come.
Stage 9. Vino again! Valverde close and nabs the maillot oro. Pez report here.
Stage 10. Paulinho for Astana, again! Valverde leads.
Stage 11. Valverde leads, Martinez gets a win for Disco.
Stage 12. Valverde has it under control. Paolini gets a win for Liquigas.
Stage 13. Sanchez for Euskaltel wins, Valverde on top.
Stage 14. Millar wins a comeback TT, Valverde defends the lead.
Stage 15. Forster wins, O'Grady 2nd. Valverde leads.
Stage 16. Igor Anton wins, Valverde strengthens lead.
Stage 17. Boilover. Danielson discovers some climbing form and Vinokourov takes the GC lead.
Stage 18. Astana Day. Kashechkin wins, Vino consolidates.
Stage 19. Arietta from Ag2r takes the win. Vino in control.
Stage 20. Vino takes the TT and takes control. Valverde close but no cigar.
Stage 21. Zabel takes his 2nd win, Vino wins his first Grand Tour. Valverde 2nd overall. Sastre impressive having ridden all 3 grand tours this year. He must be tired...

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