Today’s stage was 181 kilometers long with several steep climbs thrown in. Beginning in Sansepolcro, the stage featured several rated climbs and finished with one last climb up to Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo.
I found a great spot just a couple of meters shy of the finish line where I watched the crew finish setting up.
And then it started to rain. And then it started to pour. For hours. It wasn’t much fun for the fans so I can only guess how miserable it must have been for the peloton. At least I was directly across from a VIP tent that was broadcasting the race so I got to follow it as the race approached Florence, even if I did have puddles in my shoes.
I was starting to think I wouldn’t get any photos of the finish and then someone flipped a switch and turned the rain off about 30 minutes before the riders were due to arrive.
Katusha’s Maxim Belkov (Russia) had escaped with a breakaway at kilometer 21 and even though he was dropped by the leading pair on two climbs, he caught them on both descents before riding away on his own for the remaining 70-odd kilometers. The audience was predominately Italian and were gunning for Vincenzo Nibali but they loudly applauded Belkov’s impressive ride as he approached the finish line.
Argos-Shimano’s Tobias Ludvigsson of Sweden lunges for 4th place.
Cadel Evans (Australia, BMC) edges out Beñat Intxausti (Spain, Movistar) and pink jersey Vincenzo Nibali (Italy, Astana) for 5th place.
There was some serious schadenfreude going on as the crowd rejoiced whenever the announcer remarked that Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain, Sky) was barely maintaining contact with his group and that Ryder Hesjedal (Canada, Garmin) was suffering badly. Here, Hesjedal finished with teammate Tom Danielson (USA) just in front of Spanish road champion Francisco Ventoso (Movistar).
I headed over to the winners’ podium in time to see the presentation of the white jersey to Blanco’s Wilco Kelderman (Netherlands). It was starting to rain again as you’ll see from the many umbrellas.
Blanco won for the best team.
Maxim Belkov (Russia, Katusha) received a tray for his stage victory.
Leaving the interview area was blue jersey winner Stefano Pirazzi (Italy, Bardiani Valvole).
Nibali ducked out through a different exit.
Matt Goss (Australia) of Orica-GreenEDGE.
A little while later, Cadel Evans came out where I was standing. He saw me with my camera and, still on his bike, smiled and said, “I’ve got to run! Sorry!” and rode off. I didn’t mind though–this was now my third exchange with Cadel over the years. Maybe next time I’ll finally get a photo with him!
I did manage to get one photo I’m pretty excited about. No one seemed to be paying attention when Belkov was leaving and since I happened to be right at the gate, I asked for a picture and he was happy to comply.
Stage results
1. Maxim Belkov (Russia, Katusha) 4:31:31
2. Carlos Betancourt (Colombia, AG2R) + :44
3. Jarlinson Pantano (Colombia, Colombia) + :46
4. Tobias Ludvigsson (Sweden, Argos-Shimano) + :54
5. Cadel Evans (Australia, BMC) + 1:03
General classification
1. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy, Astana) 34:19:31
2. Cadel Evans (Australia, BMC) + :29
3. Robert Gesink (Netherlands, Blanco) + 1:15
4. Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain, Sky) + 1:16
5. Michele Scarponi (Italy, Lampre) + 1:24
So happy Mother’s Day, mum. Know that you’ve got a very soggy but delighted kid in Italy right now.
