STAGE 5: Carhaix -> Cap Fréhel - 164.5 km

Stage 5 News

Cavendish takes crash-filled stage Mark Cavendish of Britain won a windy and crash-marred fifth stage of the Tour de France in a mass sprint yesterday, while Thor Hushovd of Norway kept the leader’s yellow jersey. Defending champion Alberto Contador fell in a crash and RadioShack rider Janez Brajkovic broke his collarbone and pulled out of the race during the 102-mile stage from Carhaix to Cap Frehel on the English Channel. Cavendish, a sprint specialist, collected his 16th career Tour stage victory and his first this year by speeding past Philippe Gilbert of Belgium - who finished second - and Jose Joaquin Rojas in third. “I am really happy. It was a difficult finish,’’ said Cavendish, who rides with the HTC-Highroad team. “I put every thing into it . . . If we win, it’s not because we’re lucky, it’s because we’re good.’’ http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/cycling/articles/2011/07/07/cavendish_takes_crash_filled_fifth_stage_in_tour_de_france/ Cadel Evans grateful for missing 'carnage' Very few teams were spared on the narrow winding coastal roads in the 165km fifth stage from Carhaix to Frehel. Evans, who finished the day second overall, still one second behind Thor Hushovd in yellow, and avoided the mishaps said: “It was really windy, with narrow, winding roads,” said Evans, who fractured an elbow early in last year's race. “Hearing the constant crash at the back over (race) radio was unnerving to say the least. “Our goal was just to stay out of trouble and thanks to Burgie (Marcus Burghardt), Mickey (Manuel Quinziato) and Giorgio's (George Hincapie) classics experience, we managed to. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/cadel-evans-grateful-for-missing-carnage/story-fn8sc2wz-1226089834471 Schleck wants to avenge loss to Contador at Tour Two-time runner-up Andy Schleck has extra incentive to stop Alberto Contador winning his third straight Tour de France, having lost last year's race to the Spaniard. Contador dropped Schleck on a steep uphill climb in the Pyrenees last summer after the Luxembourg rider's chain came off as he was preparing to attack Contador, who ignored perceived cycling etiquette by failing to wait for his rival. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18416576?nclick_check=1 Tour de France crash report: Boonen, Contador, Gesink bloodied The Tour de France passed four stages without serious incidents but the peloton's luck ran out on the narrow, windy roads of Brittany from Carhaix to Cap Frehel on stage 5, causing a number of riders, including the top GC contenders to crash. The most serious incident involved Robert Gesink (Rabobank), Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) and Janez Brajkovic (RadioShack), the latter of which sustained a gruesome head injury. His team confirmed that he has a broken left collarbone and concussion. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-crash-report-boonen-contador-gesink-bloodied Alberto Contador plays a game of bike toss at Tour de France The Spaniard and winner of the last two Tours de France (and three of the last four) had a minor crash during Wednesday's Stage 5 of the Tour de France. A teammate stopped to help him and Contador proceeded to make sure his body was still in one piece (it was). Contador then mounted mount his bike but as he started to clip into his pedals, he suddenly stopped after the two-wheeled Specialized machine -- which costs in the range of $10,000 with all the add-ons -- apparently wasn't working as designed. http://www.universalsports.com/news-blogs/blogs/blog=shiftinggears/postid=540622.html Cavendish wins Tour de France's rough fifth stage Crashes, crashes everywhere: Alberto Contador and some other top Tour de France riders tumbled to the asphalt Wednesday in a nervous ride on Brittany's narrow, wind-swept roads. Most of them recovered - and British speedster Mark Cavendish did more, skirting trouble to lead a frenzied mass dash to the finish to win Stage 5 and again show he's one of the world's top sprinters. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/07/07/SPGJ1K754N.DTL Hard ride for Farrar as crashes, winds hit Tyler Farrar didn’t contend for the sprint finish today in Stage 5, the crash-marred second of a potential nine sprinters’ stages in the Tour de France and won by Mark Cavendish. Farrar, who on Monday claimed Stage 3 on the Fourth of July — the first Tour de France individual stage win for the ninth-year pro from Wenatchee — placed 97th in the same time as the winner. Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) of Britain moved past Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) of Norway to the right and won the 164.5 kilometer (102.2 miles) trek in 3 hours, 38 minutes and 32 seconds. http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/jul/06/hard-ride-for-farrar-as-crashes-winds-hit/ Brajkovic abandons but Boonen battles on after Tour's day of crashes Medical staff at the 22 teams competing at the Tour de France are likely to have had a busy evening following a crash-strewn Stage 5 from Carhaix to Cap Frehel. Mark Cavendish of HTC-Highroad won his first stage of this year’s race following a tough sprint finish, but other riders finished the stage battered and bruised, if they managed to complete it at all. RadioShack this evening confirmed that Janez Brajkovic had suffered concussion and a fractured collarbone when he crashed shortly after the intermediate sprint point. The Slovenian rider was taken away in an ambulance, his race over. http://road.cc/content/news/38625-brajkovic-abandons-boonen-battles-after-tours-day-crashes "One of my best Tour wins" says Cavendish Anyone who thought Mark Cavendish wasn't the man or rider he used to be would have quickly revised that opinion after the Manxman's post-race press conference following his Tour de France stage victory in Cap-Fréhel on Wednesday night. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/one-of-my-best-tour-wins-says-cavendish Rojas loses green jersey to Gilbert: Officials Spain's Jose Joaquin Rojas lost possession of the Tour de France green jersey after blocking Mark Cavendish on the midway sprint of the race's fifth stage, officials announced on Wednesday. Isle of Man sprinter Cavendish went on to power his way to victory on the 164.5km ride from Carhaix to Cap Frehel, finishing ahead of Belgian champion Philippe Gilbert and Movistar sprinter Rojas. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/cycling/Rojas-loses-green-jersey-to-Gilbert-Officials/articleshow/9131005.cms Rojas not impressed after being stripped of points lead Jose Joaquin Rojas has been left reeling following the decision by race officials to strip him of the green jersey following the 164.5 kilometre fifth stage between Carhaix and Cap Fréhel. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rojas-not-impressed-after-being-stripped-of-points-lead Contador lucky to escape serious injury at Tour The assertion sure sounds paradoxical after the three-time champion hit the road Wednesday during the fifth stage of the Tour de France. But the Spaniard was fortunate enough to escape with bruises while RadioShack team leader Janez Brajkovic, one of Contador's main rivals, had to withdraw because of fractured collarbone and a concussion. Yes, Contador is struggling. However, luck might be on his side because his early problems could have been worse. Much worse. He started the defense of his title by losing more than an minute after he was slowed down by a massive pileup during the first stage. But he didn't crash. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jUBtu3ZBlT3o8Ml3z_rrE42bVzkQ?docId=5c949fba8f1c40fd9427173e013f6cc9 Tour de France race director blames nervousness for crashes The fifth stage of the Tour de France on the narrow, wind-swept roads of Brittany proved to be the most crash-marred stage thus far with no less than five serious accidents wreaking havoc on the peloton. Janez Brajkovic (RadioShack) abandoned the race after his crash, Nicki Sörensen (Saxo Bank Sungard) was taken out by a motorbike and top riders like Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard), Robert Gesink (Rabobank) and Tom Boonen (Quickstep) are licking their wounds as well. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-race-director-blames-nervousness-for-crashes Delaplace enjoys his first Tour de France breakaway The Tour de France's youngest rider, Anthony Delaplace, drew attention to himself today on stage five through a 115-kilometer breakaway to Cap Fréhel. The Saur-Sojasun Frenchman, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday in September, says he was "happy to be in front but would have preferred to go to the finish." http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/delaplace-enjoys-his-first-tour-de-france-breakaway

[IMG]cyclingforums.com500Open ↗[/IMG] Pumped-up Cavendish ready to silence critics An angry Mark Cavendish will be out to silence his critics when the fifth stage takes the peloton on a 164.5-km trek from Carhaix to Cap Frehel on Wednesday. Briton Cavendish, who will join the top 10 of Tour stage winners if he claims his 16th victory, failed in his first attempt on Monday after being squeezed between two riders in the finale of the third stage. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/cycling/Pumped-up-Cavendish-ready-to-silence-critics/articleshow/9120376.cms Riis admits that losing Schlecks and Cancellara was a hard blow Bjarne Riis has admittited that losing so many riders and personnel to Leopard Trek was one of the most difficult moments of his career. However, the Saxo Bank-SunGard chief concedes that such a separation is part of the sport.” http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/riis-admits-that-losing-schlecks-and-cancellara-was-a-hard-blow Izagirre rides like a true Euskadi in debut Tour Gorka Izagirre (Euskatel-Euskadi), at age 23 and riding in his first Tour de France, distinguished himself in yesterday’s five man breakaway on the roads to the Mûr de Bretagne. Like Amets Txurruka in 2007, and Iban Mayo before him, the Spaniard rode aggressively throughout the day, and was the last of the escape to finally give in to the chasing peloton. Speaking after the race, Izagirre was happy with his efforts, though slightly disappointed to have been caught so close to the finish. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/izagirre-rides-like-a-true-euskadi-in-debut-tour Bradley Wiggins 'feeling strong' as fifth stage sees Mark Cavendish return to the fore The sprinters – including HTC-Highroad's Mark Cavendish – will return to the fore on today's 164.5-kilometres fifth stage from Carhaix to Cap Frehel which is anticipated to end in a sprint finish after the general classification was shaken up in Brittany yesterday. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/8619840/Tour-de-France-2011-Bradley-Wiggins-feeling-strong-as-fifth-stage-sees-Mark-Cavendish-return-to-the-fore.html Feillu willing to challenge Cavendish hard on Tour Romain Feillu considers it a compliment that Mark Cavendish regards him as a "kamikaze" on the Tour de France. Feillu, of France, and Cavendish, of Britain, are vying for the sprinter's green jersey. Cavendish said Feillu nearly made him fall at the end of Monday's stage as Feillu finished second to Tyler Farrar in the first massive sprint this year. Cavendish ended fifth. http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1644328 Schlecks take positive spin on Mur de Bretagne results Leopard Trek's leading duo of Andy and Fränk Schleck had mixed report cards at the end of the Tour de France stage 4 from Lorient to Mûr de Bretagne. Older brother Fränk managed to hang on when Cadel Evans and Alberto Contador ratcheted up the pace on the final climb, and he finished in the same time as Evans, but Andy lost eight vital seconds to his GC rivals. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/schlecks-take-positive-spin-on-mur-de-bretagne-results Wiggins pleased as he moves up to sixth It may not have been the easiest day in the saddle but for Sky Procycling's general classification hope, Bradley Wiggins, stage 4 between Lorient and Mûr-de-Bretagne it was a case of so far, so good. "It's still early days yet and these stages are all about not giving anything away but the real stuff is still to come," said the Brit following the 172 kilometre stage. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wiggins-pleased-as-he-moves-up-to-sixth Hushovd leads off fast, flat 5th stage from Carhaix to Cap Frehel Thor Hushovd is wearing the leader's yellow jersey for a third straight day as Tour de France riders have set off on Stage 5 across Brittany on Wednesday. Sprinters in the 197-rider pack are expected to shine over the flat, 164.5-kilometre trek from Carhaix to Cap Frehel, a town on the tip of a peninsula jutting into the English Channel. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/breakingnews/125067659.html Cavendish looks to make amends on stage five Britain's Mark Cavendish has pledged to make amends for his hit-and-miss Tour de France so far by claiming a 16th win on the race as quickly as he can. "I think it's going to take a very uneducated person to write me off this year," said Cavendish after his fifth place finish on Monday's first bunch sprint stage. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/cycling/Cavendish-looks-to-make-amends-on-stage-five/articleshow/9114001.cms Sastre: There's a lack of respect for Contador 2008 Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre has criticised the way that the rules were applied on stage one of the Tour de France, resulting in defending Tour champion Alberto Contador losing a significant amount of time compared to his main rivals. Writing in his current role during the Tour as a consultant for Spanish national TV, Sastre said he believes that some bodies are taking a stance "against Alberto at all costs". He added that his compatriot is not being shown the respect he deserves. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sastre-theres-a-lack-of-respect-for-contador

Bad wreck for Boonen, he was going what, like 45mph?

I wasn't expecting this stage to be of interest and I couldn't be more wrong!

The amount of crashes from Brajkovic to Boonen to Contador and Steegmans all hitting the floor.
The roads in Brittany are slightly narrow for a big field.

The finish to the stage was interesting. I thought that Boosen Hagen mistimed his sprint for the line only to be picked off by Cavendish. Another great ride from Gilbert and Hushovd.

Take coastal, narrow roads with wind, add somewhat inclement weather and put it in the first week of the Tour and it'll always rise to being an interesting day of racing.

You could have them race on the Nardo Ring test track during the first week of the Tour and something interesting would still happen.

I'm hugely disappointed with the limp wristed approach from the organizers for disqualifications in intermediate points the past couple of days for minor bits of argy-bargy. Today's faux-pas really wasn't a faux-pas. The precedent set yesterday between Thor and cav could lead to an interesting way of getting green jersey contenders purposely docked of points... They should either hand out pacifiers and blankies or just go back to the simple rules of having to keep your hands on the bars and no forcing other riders to deviate significantly from their line.

Ugh! Cavendish! I hated how he stayed in the peloton the whole race, letting other riders drag him along, not doing any of the pulling himself only to jump out at the last 200 meters and sprint for the win. Booooo!! I really wish Voekler wouldn't have run out of steam in the last minute. He certainly deserved the stage win more than Cavendish. But hey, that's just my opinion. I'm sure someone will get butt hurt over it and attack me. Bring it! LOL

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by stevegreer [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Ugh! Cavendish! I hated how he stayed in the peloton the whole race, letting other riders drag him along, not doing any of the pulling himself only to jump out at the last 200 meters and sprint for the win. Booooo!! I really wish Voekler wouldn't have run out of steam in the last minute. He certainly deserved the stage win more than Cavendish. But hey, that's just my opinion. I'm sure someone will get butt hurt over it and attack me. Bring it! LOL

LOL! I take it very distinctly that sprinting is not one of your strong suits. It's ALWAYS the folks that can't perform the action (take for instance dunking a basketball) that will criticize the individual that can for doing it. From what I gleaned while I was awake in Psychology 101 class, I believe it's simply called 'personal expression envy', or something along those lines...

I'm not a fan of the person, but I'm true fan of sprinters. It's a rare breed to have to race-winning acceleration and speed after hours and hours in the saddle...don't hate - appreciate...[IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/wink.gif[/IMG]

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by stevegreer [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Ugh! Cavendish! I hated how he stayed in the peloton the whole race, letting other riders drag him along, not doing any of the pulling himself only to jump out at the last 200 meters and sprint for the win. Booooo!! I really wish Voekler wouldn't have run out of steam in the last minute. He certainly deserved the stage win more than Cavendish. But hey, that's just my opinion. I'm sure someone will get butt hurt over it and attack me. Bring it! LOL

Looks to me like Cavendish rode the perfect race.

stevegreer said:

Ugh! Cavendish! I hated how he stayed in the peloton the whole race, letting other riders drag him along, not doing any of the pulling himself only to jump out at the last 200 meters and sprint for the win. Booooo!! I really wish Voekler wouldn't have run out of steam in the last minute. He certainly deserved the stage win more than Cavendish. But hey, that's just my opinion. I'm sure someone will get butt hurt over it and attack me. Bring it! LOL

That certainly wasn't a 'typical' run in for the sprinters but Cav had to dig really deep to get over being boxed in when Martin went for it and someone shut the door and left him about 20 places back. The lad has done some really amazing sprints the last 4 Tours but that one was nothing short of amazing. To take that amount of ground out of Gilbert on a uphill finish is something that I'd never thought he could do. Fantastic. That was painful to watch I'd hate to feel what it actually felt like... I don't think there's any question that I really like Cav. It's not just that he's a fellow Brit but it's his style - the "I gotta win because of all the work the guys did and it's what I need to do" singular focus rather than an unambiguous need to beat others. Voeckler is ace though. I dig the guys courage and determination that's a hallmark of his style and has been since his stint in yellow that made Lance sweat for a week. It's a shame that he doesn't have the "super champions" legs that matches his spirit. Sounds like Boonen rode to the finish with a concussion. His teammate was brought back because he needed a wheel to follow as he was confused as to where he was. Doesn't sound good for tomorrow but once again shows how much of a hard [censored] to guy is... A legend sidestepped by booze and blow but still an ace rider.

Stage 5 Results (top 10) 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad 3:38:32   2 Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto     3 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Movistar Team     4 Tony Gallopin (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne     5 Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Procycling     6 André Greipel (Ger) Omega Pharma-Lotto     7 Sébastien Hinault (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale     8 William Bonnet (Fra) FDJ     9 Daniel Oss (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale     10 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo Top 10 General classification after stage 5 1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo 17:36:57   2 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 0:00:01   3 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek 0:00:04   4 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Cervelo 0:00:08   5 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Team RadioShack 0:00:10   6 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Procycling     7 Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Procycling 0:00:12   8 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling     9 Jakob Fuglsang (Den) Leopard Trek     10 Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek

Damn Swampy, you made some good points! I guess I can't hate on Cav too much. Afterall, he is winning stages at the TDF while I'm riding on the crappy roads and dealing with the crappy drivers in Virginia Beach!