johnguinness's Diaryland Diary
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WooHoo Contador!
I totally understand Eurovision now. I found a BBC feed with their commentator making snarky comments, and there was a TV chat so I could read what people were thinking as they watched. My video wasn't great for the actual performances, but the voting is a good time. I can't believe some country would give Jedward a 12, but que sera.
My morning started out slowly again. I didn't get out of bed until past six, and I promised Contador on his website that I'd pray the rosary for him before every stage, so I settled in for that fifteen minutes. I didn't realize the Italian video coverage would start early, or that the Eurosport UK would barely cover any of it.
It was kind of dull for the longest time, with nine guys up front and the rest settled in behind them. As they got well up the volcano on the final time up, the nine guys started separating on the steepest bits. Nobody was expecting much, but with 6.8 kilometers to go, Contador attacked as only he can. He had been in a bunch with the favorites to win the whole race, but only one of them was able to accelerate with him. Alberto kept charging up the mountain, reeling in the guys up front one at a time and blowing by them. One tiny climber was able to stick with Contador and Scarponi, but then Scarponi dropped, and it was Contador and Rujano chasing down the rest of the nine. At one point, Alberto motioned for Rujano to move to the front to help with the work, but he refused. Other favorites tried pushing out of the pack to chase.
There's a fou minute video of the highlights. The live camera had been on guys ahead of or behind Contador much of the time, so this one will skip to the bits that were him. We fans weren't sure he could keep it up for seven kilometers, but he got better at the end. It's really worth the four minutes of your life.
It's been really hot in Italy. Today was supposed to be the start of the Tour Of California, but the stage was canceled due to snow and wind chill. Go figure.
Novak Djokovic is a phenomenon.
3:59 p.m. - Sunday, May. 15, 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|