Il Grillo gives it some stick in 06. Photo: actionplus sports images[/caption]
Lombardia is a beautiful race. Taking in the majestic shoreline of Lake Como and climbing past the shrine to the Madonna del Ghisallo, its stunning Italian-ness bookends the Monuments along with Milan-San Remo which started them way back in March. And it’s a coming out party, a debutantes ball for the newly crowned World Champion.
Not since Paolo Bettini in 2006 has the rainbow jersey won here, but even if the bands don’t always take the win they are usually well represented at the business end of the race. Cuddles tried out his new found attacking style in 2009 by setting up Gilbert for the first of his two wins, and now the Belgian has the perfect opportunity to show off his new kit and add a third. The betting might not be on if Gilbert wins, but how, and whether he chooses to don black shorts or goes for the full Cipo-style whiteout. Let’s hope common sense and good taste prevail, especially after Cav did such a stellar job of Looking Fantastic over the last twelve months.
The VSP overall race is also at a critical point, and could be decided this weekend. San Tonio has a nice little 13 point buffer and probably only needs to pick up minimum points, while the chasing pack may need to think outside the square and hope a roughie can deliver a la Zaugg last year. You could throw a blanket over 2nd, 3rd and 4th, so close are they to each other, with Gianni not far back tasked with upholding the Keepers’ honor and hoping for a late surge into the top 5 or even the podium.
Check out the start list, take some chances or play it safe, keep an eye on the timer and get your picks in for a chance to wear the Lombardia badge for the next year. Good Luck!
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I think those forks step down at that point which would create a natural stress riser on impact - I suspect the bike impacted head-on into the wall and the leverage caused the breaks. I think most forks would snap in similar circumstances, so don't be unduly worried about your BMCs! Better the forks than the frame too...
@Nate you need to right click, choose a size in which to view the photo, right click and select view element, then right click on the .jpg file name and choose show in a new tab. then you should be able to right click to save image as. or something like that.
@San Tonio look here, this is the Il Lombardia 2012 set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedaleforchetta/sets/72157631652394458/
@Oli
In which case seeing the minor cut on his knee, I deduce that he probably went OVER the wall upon impact picking up a the minor scrape in the process and landing on his tin lid with a rather sonorous "doink".....very lucky fella, one of those forks could easily have skewered him!
@Pedale.Forchetta Some really nice photos there...thanks.
@Deakus I am just guessing, but I figured he went sprawling and the bike just smashed into the wall through momentum. It looks like he hit the wall too, but perhaps sliding rather than full-on impact.
@Pedale.Forchetta - as always your skill and enthusiasm are putting me right there, so many thanks! The look on the kids face as Albeefadore autographs his sign - priceless.
@Pedale.Forchetta
Wow these are great thanks for sharing!
@Pedale.Forchetta
Thank you for posting up your pics! Love your work!
I enjoy the pics of the fans, "waiting" & " Giuseppe Saronni fan" my favourtites. Especially the kid with AC's autograph.
You'd make a great "2012 Season" picture book.
@Pedale.Forchetta Wonderful photos! Thanks for showing us, PF.