Today was the big moment in Salzburg, with the pros road championship.
The distance was 265 km over 12 laps of about 22 km each. Contrasting with most past World championships, the race was never quit or dull.
The first half of the distance was animated by 11 men, who left the peloton far behind. The peloton did not react immediately, but when the gap reached some fifteen minutes, a strong reaction started. The speed was then such hat several racers were lost in the two steep ascents, only a few being able to come back in the descents.
During the 7th lap, 14 more racers rejoined the had of the race, thus building a 25-man group.
The peloton reacted even more, and after two more circuits, the regrouping was over. Paolo Bettini and Davide Rebellin tried to attack, but the last circuit saw a 120-man peloton in the lead.
And then, Paolo Bettini attacked again, with six other racers. But the reaction was set, and a 40-wheel pack came to the final kilometre.
A bunch sprint seemed unavoidable, and Robbie was in a very good position. However, with 500 metres to go, a quartet made a very small break, and Bettini, once again in excellent position, took the title, followed by Erik Zabel and Alejandro Valverde.
The pursuers came in two seconds later, and Robbie won this sprint to finish 5th. |