Vuelta a España Stage 20: Avilés to Alto de l´Angliru

Yesterday was a day that saw the race for the red jersey heat up once again. With only three seconds separating Vincenzo Nibali from Chris Horner at the start of the day it was always going to serve up that potential. Ahead of today's final competitive stage for the GC contenders it was always going to be a tense affair.

On the final climb of the day the first rider to attack was Jose Joao Mendes (TNE), not someone to be feared. But the pace of the Team SaxoBank Tinkoff riders brought him back and that allowed their leader Nicolas Roche to launch his own attack. However, before they caught him Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) had been dropped by the pack.

Michele Scarponi (LAM) was the first to respond to the Irishman's attack. But then it was Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT) who stepped up the pace in the last km overhauling them both and pulling away for the stage way and the bonus seconds for coming first. Behind him taking the other valuable bonus seconds were Diego Ulissi (LAM) at 11 seconds and Daniel Moreno (KAT) on the same so none of the GC contenders picked up bonus time. Samuel Sanchez (EUS)  had finshed with Ulissi and Moreno.

Then it was:

• Chris Horner (RSL) +14"
• Alejandro Valverde (MOV) +14"
• Michele Scarponi (LAM) +16"
• Leopold Konig (TNE) +20"
• Vincenzo Nibali (AST) +20"
• Nicolas Roche (TST) +23"
• ...
• Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) +33"
•  ...
• Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +1'05"

The net result is that the race is still lead by only three seconds, but this time it is the gap that Horner has over Nibali rather than the other way around at the start.

Today although the stage is 142.2km long it will come down to the last 13 of these, 12.2 of which are the climb of Alto de l'Angliru (pictured).

There is a particularly tough section near the summit between 4 to 2km left to race and this is where time gaps will open up between those guys who think they have a chance can make up time. Rodriguez showed yesterday what he can do on an explosive climb and along with the bonus seconds for coming first he might well be able to make up his 1'57" on Horner. Valverde sitting only 1'06" back will probably have to go before or with Rodriquez and hope that Horner is on a bad day, but that gap could also be reduced on the upper reaches today. Horner may burn himself out trying to match the other two and allow Nibali those vital few seconds even if it is just from a top three finish ahead of him to steal back the red jersey.

The only hope for Roche who is 3'49" back would be for a long attack far down the climb before the others are ready, but unlike in recent days he is going to have to keep going at the pace that they are going at, if not faster to make sure he can the time he needs.

It will be a tough day but the one that will final determine which man will win the 68th edition of La Vuelta a España.

Vuelta a España Stage 19: S. Vicente Barquera to Oviedo Alto Naranco

As I said yesterday they would be gaps appearing amongst the GC contenders and so it proved.

It also proved to be the day that after three second places Sky finally secured a stage win in the shape of Vasil Kiryienka who attacked solo a long way out from the breakaway of 15 and stayed away (as did four others from the inevitable attacks from behind as the GC contenders were making the most of one of the final big mountain finishes.

Further down the mountain it was Nicolas Roche's Team SaxoBank-Tinkoff, or Alejandro Valverde's Movistar or Joaquim Rodriguez's Kathusa team mates who were setting the early pace. Chris Horner did have two of his Radioshack Leopard team mates for company as well. The main group was constantly getting whittled down, and then the three remaining Kathusha riders mounted the first telling attack. It was one that Radioshack's Kiserlovski started to close down for his team leader. And then Horner went for it opening up a gap and starting to pull back more of the breakaway riders. Vincenzo Nibali was not able to match his and then Valverde also pulled away.

On the line the GC contenders finished:

• Horner 6th +1'53"
• Rodriguez 8th +2'13"
• Valverde 9th +2'13"
• Nibali 10th +2'18"
• Roche 11th +2'18"

Therefore the major gainer was the oldest man on La Vuelta who managed to pull to within 3 seconds of the Red Jersey with two days in the mountains remaining.

Today's stage is not a major mountain stage that is left for tomorrow.

But there are still three climbs in the last 35km of today's 181 of racing. the final one is a category two, not necessarily enough to make big gains you would think, but at the end of a three week stage race anyone can be having a bad day and with only 3 seconds between the top two even getting a time bonus on the line may be enough if they can get into the top 3 places.

Today I don't really expect to see too major a shake up, I expect that to be saved for the last climb the Angliru tomorrow. But Chris Horner might just try to get up there to take a few seconds and a time bonus if the opportunity arises, better to be in red going into the last competitive stage than having to make up that last little bit of time.

Vuelta a España Stage 18: Burgos to Peña Cabarga

Yesterday was a 'flat' stage so there shouldn't have been any drama, right? No!

At 30km to go the race went over a narrow bridge and got strung out just as the race was heading into the cross winds. So the 150 or so riders that are left in this Vuelta were split into four echelons. The top four had all made the front group, but then we got to Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) who had missed out and his five second lead over Nicolas Roche (TST) was in danger as he and a number of his team mates were in the front group. Also missing was 7th place Thibaut Pinot.

In that front group were also three of the four remaining Belkin riders and near the end it was one of there number Bauke Mollema who launched an attack. The sprinters who were left in the pack Edvald Boasson Hagen (SKY), Tyler Farrar (GRS) and Maximilano Richeze (LAM) were holding off until a little nearer the line. But they waited to long and Mollema took the stage. Boason Hagen still looking for that illusive win in the third Grand Tour came second once again, ahead of Richeze and Farrar. But for Nicolas Roche it was the fact that the group of Pozzivivo and Pinot that came in 1'31" later that sees he somewhat more secure as a top five finisher.

Today's stage travels 186.5km mostly towards the Bay of Biscay and Santander. However, just before they reach the city outskirts there is a whip back inland to face the Peña Cabarga.

5.9km long, climbing 545m to a height of 565m and the average gradient is 9.2%. But it is the final km that is a real sting in the tail. It climbs to a maximum of 20% but is largely over 15% for most of that final km.

It is the sort of finish that Joaquim Rodriguez (KAT) loves to attack. It also seems to be one that Chris Horner (RSL) can make ground on Nibali. But what if Nicolas Roche goes earlier, can he hang on. There will be a lot of questions asked today and we will just have to wait to see the answers. One question is can Nibali hang on to the red jersey never mind his time advantage.

Vuelta a España Stage 17: Calahorra to Burgos

So on the last stage before the rest day on Monday we learnt two things.

First that Vincenzo Nibali, despite having one of only two complete squads in this year's Vuelta can still be found vulnerable. Second Warren Barguil after his win earlier in the race doesn't know when he beaten, even if the rider who comes up behind him has been on the podium at the end of Grand Tours.

Monday's stage was the last of the Pyrenées stages and was relatively modest compared to the others. But on the back of two tough days there were a lot of tired legs out there. So it was that 16 men were able to stay away from the main contenders until the end.

A sprinter's finish on a climb!

On the final climb the young French rider Warrer Barguil (ARG) set off on his own, and only in the later stages did Rigoberto Uran (SKY),  Bartosz Huzarski (TNE) and Dominic Nerz (BMC) start to close him down. After one hair pin Barguil appeared to almost come to a stand still and then Uran pounced. But the young man fought to stay on his will. The two of them making their way up towards the line with the Columbian doing all the work. The other two almost got back to them with 200m to go before Uran launched his bid for the line only for Barguil to respond and win by centimetres on the line. He may well with his second more fighting win of this Vuelta have also ridden himself into contention for a spot on the French team for the forthcoming world championships.

Down the road behind them though there was a shake up waiting to happen. The first to attack was Alejando Valverde (MOV) but he was soon pulled back. Then it was the turn of Nicolas Roche (TST) to try and claw back a few of those seconds he had lost the day before. Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT) launched a bid over the top of him Roche responded with Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM). But behind Robert Kiserlovski (RSL) was applying the pressure for his team leader Chris Horner and finally the elastic broke on the race leader and Giro d'Italia champion. Horner ended up moving away with Valverde and Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) in his wheel but the red jersey was doing all he could to just stop losing too much to all his rivals (except Leopold Konig who was left with him).

In the end Rodriguez was the best of the GC contended some 1'41`" behind the photo finish for first. But these are the gaps that mattered:

• Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT)
• Alejandro Valverde (MOV) +3"
• Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +6"
• Chris Horner (RSL) +6"
• Samuel Sanchez (EUS) +15"
• Nicolas Roche (TST) +22"
• Igor Anton (EUS) +23"
• Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) +23"
• Leopold Konig (TNE) +27"
• Vincenzo Nibali (AST) +28"

It means that the men within 5 minutes of Nibali now are:

1. Nibali 64h 06'01"
2. Horner +28"
3. Valverde +1'14"
4. Rodriguez +2'29"
5. Pozzivivo +3'38"
6. Roche +3'43"
7. Pinot +4'37"

Worse for Nibali is that none of those gaps look insurmountable should one of his opponents have a good day and he finds himself on a bad one.

Today's stage is the last flat stage until the race enters Madrid on Sunday. So if there are any sprinters left in the field this is their chance to shine, providing the days in the Pyrenées and the rain and cold having affected them. When we say flat in the Vuelta there are tow 3rd category climbs on the route. But there aren't any surprises for them at the end as the last 5km into Burgos is a flt bit of road.

Vuelta a España Stage 15: Andorra to Peyragudes

Yesterday the weather turned on La Vuelta and a number of high profile riders abandonned. Ivan Basso (CAN) stepped off suffering from hypothermia and Luis Leon Sanchez who had been in the attack had a crash on the wet roads and also abandoned.

However, two members of the breakaway put up a good show and were still away as the race reached the last climb of the day. One was the World Champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC) the other was Daniele Ratto (CAN). As a result of the previous climbs of the day Gilbert was the virtual leader of the king of the mountains classification as they started on the final ascent.

Radioshack took to the front and increased the pace for Chris Horner and slowly the other contenders fell off the back. Alejandro Valverde (MOV) was first, then Nicolas Roche (TST), Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) and Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT) leaving just two up front chasing down the remnants of the breakaway. The red jersey on the shoulders of Vincenzo Nibali and the polka dots then on the back of Horner. Of those that had been dropped however, Valverde was making progress through the others.

The world champion was caught as Horner was forced by Nibali to make all the pace up the climb, but 23 year old Ratto was too far ahead and still riding strong. High up in Andorra he crossed the line first, 3'53" later Nibali powered past Horner to secure second place by two seconds but it was the gaps behind that were important. Rodriquez was 18 seconds behind the red jersey, Samuel Sanchez (EUS) 26", Valverde 50", Pinot and Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) 53", Leopold Konig (NAE) 1'28", Roche 3'29", Michele Scarponi (LAM) 4'31".

The top 10 now looks like this:

1. Vincenzo Nibali (AST) 53hr 56'49"
2. Chris Horner (RSL) + 50"
3. Alejandro Valverde (MOV) + 1'42"
4. Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT) + 2'57"
5. Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) + 3'43"
6. Nicolas Roche (TST) + 4'06"
7. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) + 4'34"
8. Leopold Konig (NEA) + 5'42"
9. Daniel Moreno (KAT) + 6'28"
10. Tanel Kangert (AST) + 6'45"

Today is no let up for the riders as the longest stage of La Vuelta heads into France. There are 225km of racing over 4 first category climbs ending on the Peyragudes, which made its Tour debut in 1910.

The first climb comes almost straight from the start up the Puerto del Cantó. It is 24.4km rising 1,040m to 1,720m at 4.2% average with a maximum gradient of 10% on the lower slopes.

Then it is on towards the Puerto de la Bonaigua which is only 20km in length but climbs 1,100m to the hih point of the day at 2,090m with an average gradient of 5.5% but after the 12.5% maximum about 8 km into the climb it is harder on the higher slopes than what had been up to that point.

On the descent the race crosses into France and prepares for the Col du Ports de Balés a regular feature in the Tour de France which is celebrating 100 editions this year. At 19.2km with a vertical gain of 1,195m it has the biggest increase on altitude of the four climbs today. The average of 6.2% gradient is also the toughest and once the race reaches the summit it a quick descent and then straight unto the final climb of the day.

Then it is unto the Peyragudes which first appeared in a Grand Tour 103 years ago. When it was ascended for a second time in 2012 Alejandro Valverde it was who reached the top first. There is only 800m of verical gain and the last two km are somewhat flat, but coming straight after the Port de Balés it will still prove a real test of the legs.

The weather again is forecast to be wet with the possibility of thunder and lightning on the Peyragudes. So again the condition of the riders through the day is important as well as keeping the bike upright. Anything could  happen once again and any one of the riders who lost time yesterday may be able to pull it back. Although Nibali defeated the awful conditions of the Giro d'Italia at the start of the year so seems one of those best suited to doing so again today.

Vuelta a España Stage 13: Valls to Castelldefels

Yesterday's stage did turn out to be a bunch finish, after the three man break was brought back in the resort of Salou in the final 20km. Nicolas Roche (TST) sneaked back 2 seconds coming second in the sprint at Port Aventura behind Ivan Basso (CAN). After which Tony Martin (OPQ) went clear of the peleton, but he was pulled back just before they entered the last 10km.

Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) suffered a flat tyre with 4.5km to go, but thanks to the extension of the 3km rule to 5km he ended up not losing precious time.

But then it also ended what was looking to be a year of drought for the man in the rainbow jersey. In his last race before he had to relinquish the jersey Philippe Gilbert (BMC) had been desperate to not end the year without crossing the line first. Only Stephen Roche, the father of Nicolas had completely failed in the rainbow jersey but he suffered an injury affected 1988 the year after his triple crown. But it wasn't easy for him as Edvald Boasson Hagen (SKY) was launched off the last bend with 300m to go and opened up a gap, which only one man, in the rainbow jersey went to chase down and only managed to overhaul the Norwegian, who is looking to win a stage in the third Grand Tour, in the final 10m.

Today however, we return to a day for the climbers athough most of the day is merely bumpy with 50km to go to the finish there is a Alto del Rat Penat, It is basically a wall in the road after 115km of cycling. It is only 4.5km long, but does have an average of 10%, peaking at 16%.

Afterwards there is loop back down to the coast, there are a couple of ramps on that last run in and the last 300m is also a little ramp to the line. But the Alto del Rat Penat will make a selection of those who will ride on for the line honours. As we saw yesterday, Stephen Roche is prepared to tried for bonus seconds and the second intermediate comes after the last climb and along with the seconds on the line there may be more chances for him to nibble away at Nibali's 31 second lead.

Vuelta a España Stage 12: Maella to Tarragona

Yesterday the individual time trial saw the expected change in the General Classification.

The battle for the stage win was of course between Tony Martin (OPQ) and Fabian Cancellara (RSL) in the end the Swiss rider beat Martin by 37 seconds, earning a key psychological blow ahead of the world championships later this month.

However, the key battle was going on some 90 seconds of so further back on time. Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) was the surprise best of the rest 1'24" behind Cancellara, but Vincenzo Nibali (AST) was just a second down on that. Dario Catlado (SKY) was next at 1'41" seven seconds faster that Nicolas Roche (TST) with Alejandro Valverde (MOV) a further four seconds slower.

However, the last man home in the red jersey Chris Horner (RSL) finished 2'54" behind his team mate in 20th position, but more importantly giving up 1'29" to Nibali, 1'06" to Roche and 1'02" to Valverde. It means that the top of the GC now looks like this:

1. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) 41h 22'22"
2. Nicolas Roche (Team Saxo-Tinkoff) +33"
3. Alejando Valverde (Movistar) +46"
4. Chris Horner (Radioshack Leopard) +46"
5. Joaquin Rodriguez (Kathusha)  +2'33"
6. Domenico Pozzivivo (ALM) +2'44"
7. Ivan Basso (CAN) +2'55"
8. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +3'35"
9. Rafal Majka (Team Saxo-Tinkoff) +3'46"
10. Daniel Moreno (Kathuha) +3'56"

Today's stage sees the riders return to the coast but this time with no ascent up a first category climb once they get there. The run from Maella to the historic Mediterranean port of Tarragona is largely downhill with only a solitary 3rd category climb on the road east.

The second of today's intermediate sprints will come at Port Aventura,. 15km from the finish, to give those who holiday there some idea of the location of the race.

It should be a sprinters' stage today after a pretty brisk pace so expect the top 10 to still be as listed above.

Vuelta a España Stage 11: Tarazona to Tarazona ITT

Remember when we said the other day that the oldest man ever has won a stage in any Grand Tour and as a result the oldest man to pull on a Grand Tour leader's jersey. Well the record didn't last long, but the holder won't be too upset about that.

There were a couple of Euskaltel Euskadi riders in the main group, probably relieved with the news earlier in the day that F1 driver Fernando Alonso was going to buy the racing licence for the team to ensure they would continue to operate next year.

Horner launching the attack

However, the field thinning out at 5 km to go the red jersey on Daniel Moreno's shoulders was dropped from a select group of 12. Shortly after Vincenzo Nibali tried to attack but and only Ivan Basso, Joaquim Rodriguez, Alejandro Valverde and Chris Horner went with him. Then at 4.5km from the end Chris Horner (RSL) went on the attack, with Nicolas Roche and Thibaut Pinot bridging the gap to the others, Roche kept losing contact when one of them attacked and getting back on.

Eventually at 2km to go Nibali launched an attack of his own just after Basso has put in an effort, there was nothing left from anyone else in that group and he was off in pursuit of Horner. However, the gap seemed to remain constant around 47 seconds for most of that pursuit. Thus is was that Horner crossed the line some 48 seconds ahead of Nibali. Some 14 seconds later Basso, Rodriguez, Valverde and Pinot crossed together with another 8 seconds before Roche crossed the line.

Therefore Horner has added 7 days to the record oldest man to win a Grand Tour stage and to pull on a Grand Tour leader's jersey one week after he had set the records. Nibali also goes ahead of Roche in the GC who held on well not losing too much time just like in his famous father's emergence from the mist behind Pedro Delgado on La Plagne in his famous 1987 Tour leg of the triple crown.

After the rest day yesterday La Vuelta returns with a individual time trial of 38.8km around the Aragon town of Tarazona. It is the only individual time trial of the 2013 Vuelta. It climbs about 600m over the first 18km to the high point at 1090m at the top of a 3rd category climb before descending all the way back to Tarazona. There do however, appear to be a number of technical turns on the descent and although it isn't all that steep. But there shouldn't be any threat with rain so it should just come down to pure power and how it is managed in the early stages as the riders are climbing.

Horner is not the best time trialist and in the last Grand Tour he faced second place Vincenzo Nibali, the 2012 Tour he lost 3'17" and 1'55" over a longer ITT. To Nicolas Roche it was 2'17 on the first one but gained 1'06" on the second but Roche was just riding around at that point in a sub par performance for him. Valverde and and Basso were much on a power with Horner in that same Tour de France so they shouldn't pose a threat unlike Nibali and Roche. We may well have another change in the race lead to one of the two men who have worn the jersey already with Horner possibly slipping down to 3rd.

Vuelta a España 2013 Stage 3: Vigo to Mirador de Lobeira

Yesterday La Vuelta got off to a rather violent start with the climb of taking the last 11 km and proving a real test that found some of the GC contenders lacking. But there was a breakaway that went from the off which started with Greg Henderson (OGE) going about 10m before 0km. He was joined by Alex Rasmussen (GAR) and Francisco Aramendia of Caja Royal (CJR) and the three were to stay away until the final climb.

Movistar took up the pace for the peleton at the start of the climb and set a tempo that nobody looked capable of challenging. That was until Amets Txurruka (CJR) formerly of Euskaltel-Euskadi put in a little bit of a dig, but José Herada (MOV) just kept his pace at the front of the group and brought it all back together.

Sammy Sanchez (EUS) was the first of the big GC contenders to be dropped out of the back. Sky's Sergio Henao was another who suffered with more than 4km to go.

With 1.5km to go Leopold Konig of NetApp-Endura (TNE) went on the attack. With this attack, Janez Brajkovič (AST) who had been holding on to the tail of the peleton finally popped out the back. He eventually ended 51 seconds behind the stage winner, dropping to 16th overall.

Daniel Moreno (KAT) and Nico Roche (TST) launched the counter attack followed by Dominco Pozzavivo (AGM) and caught Konig at the Flame Rouge. Then in the climb towards the finish Roche made a bid for the line and nobody was able to keep up with him. It completes the father-son set of Grand Tour stage wins as his father Stephen never managed to three in the Tour de France and two in the Giro d'Italia, but had only taken part in one Vuelta towards the end of his career. Moreno was second and Pozzavivo third.

Stephen Roche in combination jersey

Alejandro Valverde (MOV) it was who lead the peleton across the line, though there were gaps and only Diego Ulisso (LAM) and Jaoquin Rodriguez (KAT) finished on the same time, 2 seconds ahead of a group of 16 lead by Ivan Basso (CAN), Bauke Mollema (BEL) and Rigoberto Uran (SKY), Giro Champion Vincenzo Nibali (AST) and the stage winner's cousin Dan Martin (GRS) were also in that group. Laurens Ten Dam (BEL) was in a quartet at 21 seconds and Michele Scarponi (LAM) at 27 seconds.

Nibali's performance was good enough to lift him into the red jersey after his team mate Brajkovič, 8 seconds ahead of Roche. Roche possesses the Green Point Jersey, Blue Mountain Jersey (being worn by Daniel Moreno) and like his father had worn in Tour the all around White Jersey (worn today by Alejandro Valverde).

Henao finished 2'41" back, so it looks like Uran sitting 5th overall is now the de facto team leader of Sky. Samuel Sanchez finished in the same time paced by three team mates leaving just Mikel Nieve up with the leaders in the Basque team's farewell to Grand Tours.

Today's stage starts in Vigo which La Vuelta passed through yesterday, but instead of heading straight to Pontevedra (yesterday's start town) after crossing the bridge over the Estreito de Rande takes a detour round most of the headland before returning to yesterday's start town. From where it continues to hug the coast the whole way around the next headland before heading inland, though not going up anything steep this time.

The loop inland comes across the first intermediate sprint at A Escusa (Ribadumia) before circling around the finish town before returning to the coast at the town of Vilagarcia de Arousa, where once again the riders will hug the coast until they take a turn out to sea, and visit the island of Ria de Arosa, where the second intermediate sprint takes place. They take another shorter loop before heading for home and the only real ramp of the day comes at the line.

There is a 3rd category climb over the last 4km kicking up at the end of 184.8km of racing. It should not be enough of a kick to dislodge all the sprinters but some might suffer because of the efforts of today. But it should produce a bunch sprint even if not quite a straight forward as they may expect.

Giro d'Italia Stage 21 Riese Pio X - Brescia (all about five)

Yesterday in the snow it was Nibali who attacked on the last climb, only the trio of Columbians Rigoberto Uran (SKY), Carlos Betancur (ALM) and Fabio Duarte (COL) who were even able to raise their game to try and keep close to the Italian. As it was they finished about 20 seconds down, Duarte second 17 seconds behind but with a 2 second gap over Uran who in turn had 2 over Betancur.

However, for the riders in third and fourth the gaps that really concerned them had still to be decided. For Uran it was when Cadel Evans some 1 minute 11 seconds behind him that meant that even without his time bonus he had overhauled the Australian to take second place. For Betacur who had failed to get a time bonus is was a wait for the white jersey on the back of Saxo Bank-Tinkoff rider Rafal Majka who cross the line some 43 seconds after the Columbian, meaning a change in the young rider classification once again.

Another jersey changed hands yesterday. As on stage stage 17 Mark Cavendish was largely unchallenged for the 2 points remaining at the 2 intermediate sprints. I say largely as a Movistar rider did challenge him for the the first one, but he was soon getting a talking to from the whole of the Omega Pharma Quickstep team. The second was at the start of the final climb but Cav was allowed to take the peleton through the last km before the sprint point. But with Nibali winning the 25 points on the line he overtook both Evans and Cavendish moving to 128 points over 117 for Cavendish.

Today's stage is a flat stage finishing with 8 laps of a 4.2km (see profile and hazards). It is set up for the sprinters for one last showdown. Of course so far none of them have outdone Cavendish and he has cleaned up. He will be looking for his fifth stage in this year's Giro today but all he needs is a finish in the top 5 to wrest the Maglia Rosso, which he will be wearing today anyway, off the shoulders of the Maglia Rosa.

If Cavendish can finish in the top five he will become one of five to have won all three Grand Tour points jerseys. He will join:

• Eddy Merckx (BEL) who with his 1973 Vuelta points win was the first to complete the set. He took the Giro's in 1968 and 73 and the Tour's in 1969, 71 and 72.
• Djamolidine Abdoujaparov (UZB) who completed his set in Milan in the 1994 Giro. He added that to his Tour wins of 1991, 93 and 94 and Vuelta win in 1992.
• Laurent Jalabet (FRA) who also completed his set in Milan in 1999. Added to his Tour Jerseys in 1992 and 95 and four consecutive Vuelta wins from 1994-7.
• Alessandro Pettachi (ITA) who only took one of each beating Cavendish to the 2010 Tour Maillot Vert to add to his earlier 2004 Giro and 2005 Vuelta wins.

It was of course that lose to Pettachi who won with his points on the medium and high mountains that lead to more points being awarded on the flat stages leading to Mark Cavendish winning the following year's jersey to add to his points win in the 2010 Vuelta.

The other jersey the Mountains was definitely won by Stefano Pirazzi (BAR) he took 82 points over the 45 of both Giovanni Visconti (MOV) and Nibali.

Giro d'Italia Stage 17 Carvaggio - Vicenza

Yesterday it was all go on the Andrate. For a start there were 22 riders ahead of the peleton in the valley leading to it, it included the man in 18th in the GC Damiano Caruso (CAN) who was a real danger if he got too far ahead. Also the breakaway knew that while he remained with them that they would be chased down. So there were two races within the race, one to pull him back and one to get rid of him.

In the end a trio of Danny Pate (SKY), Emanuele Sella (AND) and Wilco Kilderman (BLA) did break the elastic with about 36 km to go, and 10 km until the start of the Andrate. Behind them another group of five formed King of the Mountains Stefano Pirazzi (BAR), Gorka Verdugo (EUS), Ramunas Navardauskas (GRS), Grega Bole (VCD) and Jose Herrada (MOV).

On the climb Caruso was hauled back into the peleton and these eight formed the head of the race together. But nearer the summit the Maglia Rosa group hauled all of them back in as well. Though missing was Mauro Santambrogio (VIN), who was only one second behind third placed Rigoberto Uran (SKY) at the start of the day.

But it wasn't all over yet. People kept attacking on the descent. In the end, with about 3km to go, a group of four managed to stay away Robert Gesink (BLA),Przemysław Niemiec(LAM), Beñat Intxausti (MOV) and Nibali's Astana team mate Tanel Kangert. Only for Gesink's run of bad luck to continue and for him to puncture on the cobbles with 1.7km to the finish.

Niemiec started to go for the line, but his inexperience meant he went too early and in the end Intxansti won his first individual stage in a Grand Tour. The main contenders coming in 14 seconds behind. Santambrogio lost 2'10" on his rivals in the GC dropping him from 4th to 6th.

Today's stage is flat, though there is a little kick up towards the end. But the last 3km is twisting. There are four turns and two other roundabouts to be negotiated. The last turn is a right hander only 500m from the finish. It could lead to a lot of bumping and barging. It is the sort of finish that needs a well drilled lead out and that is what Cavendish has, but there is, as always with such a fraught finish, the change that less experienced sprinters will panic and get into the wrong places and cause mayhem. But it should be dry with no rain forecast which is a relief.

If everyone stays on two wheels it is hard to look past Mark Cavendish picking up his 5th stage win of this Giro. If he doesn't I suspect he won't be more than a bike length away from doing so.

Giro d'Italia Stage 16 Valloiure - Ivrea

Stage 15 did eventually get unto the Galibier and all but the last 4.25km were ridden, though the ascent and descent of Mont Cenis were neutralised over safety fears as there was no way to avoid having to use that road.

As it was on the ascent to the Pantani monument Giovani Visconti (MOV) was the lone man to stay away from the field by any considerable length of time he finished some 54 seconds ahead of the Maglia Rosa group which included all of Vincenzo Nibali's main rivals. But the race for the best young rider did explode near the summit. Carlos Betancur (ALM) ended up taking second 42 seconds down, just ahead of Przemysław Niemiec(LAM) but significantly also ahead of Rafal Majka (TST) who is his main rival in that competition, gaining vital bonus seconds to climb into the white jersey.

Today's stage sees the riders returning into Italy the way they came. The start on the Col du Telegraph but climb the Mont Cenis to go back over the border and into Italy. But after that the road is fairly flat merely undulating until they are 24 km from home.

Then they hit the category 3 Andrate it is only 5.8km of climbing with the descent then flat to the finish. However, it depends how Mont Cenis is ridden today how the race could pan out. If it is still ridden neurtalised there is a chance that some of the sprinters could get over the Andrate, especially if they are looking to get rid of Cavendish. But as he showed on Friday, along with his Omega Pharma - Quickstep team they can get him over some of the small climbs ready for this sort of finish. 

The only disclaimer I am putting on this is that the sprinters my have to race back after Mont Cenis, but if they do there may well be a sprinter taking line honours. They may also be a member of the breakaway staying away long enough to win as the climb is so near the end. This race has had a few surprises, well apart from when it comes to a sprint on the flat-ish then there has been only one.

Giro d'Italia stage 15 (your guess is as good as mine)

Yesterday the Giro returned to the high mountains, but the weather was so bad with snow falling at the finish, freezing fog and heavy rain that there was very little to see on the peaks. TV coverage was next to non-existent so to try and tell you who attacked when and where is a hard task. Altough the reason we didn't see them climb Sestriere was because that ascent was removed for safety reasons.

However, what is known is that Luca Paolini (KAT), Sonny Colbrelli (BAR) and Daniele Pietropolli (LAM) were up the road before the last climb. But at some point on the climb of the Jafferau Franco Pellizotti (AND) went after them being joined by Segio Henao (SKY) and Diego Rosa (AND). However, by the time the mists cleared and we could see what was going on again Mauro Santambrogio (VIN) was at the front of the race followed by Vincenzo Nibali (AST). The Vini Fantini rider took line honours from Nibali, next through the murk was Carlos Betancur (ALM) 9 seconds later, some 26 seconds after the leader was Sammy Sanchez (EUS) 4 seconds ahead of Rigoberto Uran (SKY) who in turn was three seconds of the group that contained Cadel Evans (BMC), Domenico Pozzovivo (ALM) and Robert Kiserlovski (RLT).

Michele Scarponi (LAM) was 1'28" down but Robert Gesink who had also been in the top five at the start of the day was paced over the line by three of his Blanco team mates some 4'16" down. At the start of the day Britian's Robert Miller has abandoned. Further down the race the red jersey of Mark Cavendish was escorted by six of his Omega Pharma - Quickstep team mates over the line 22'31" down inside the cut off point.

So Nibali extended his lead over his rivals:

1. Nibali 57:20:52"
2. Evans +1:26"
3. Uran +2:46"
4. Santambrogio +2:47"
5. Scarponi

Today's stage was meant to pay tribute to the 100th edition of the Tour de France with the iconic finish on the Col du Galibier. But it was announced last night that the weather has mean that will not be happening. The last 4.25km have been removed from the end of the stage fnishing at the monument to Marco Pantani rather than the summit.

There was also talk yesterday that the Col du Mont Cenis, the pass that some consider to be the way that Hannibal traversed and what would have been the entry into France would be circumnavigated, but at the time of writing after work overnight to clear it of snow it is still on the itinerary.

Giro d'Italia Stage 14 Cervere - Bardonnechia

I may have mentioned that yesterday's stage may not have been ideal for the sprinters. I may have said that Cavendish had a challenge if he was to claim his 4th stage of this Giro. But then after the stage the Manx Missile himself said:

"Today was a bit of a bonus but I'm so tired and I don't know how I'm going to get into the mountains. I had to go 350m out after that hard day and I'm on my knees. I didn't want to go for the sprint for today but the call came from the team so I had to go for it. Once again the team did brilliantly and I had to finish it for them."

So there you have it, Cavendish struggled over the hills and won the stage in the red jersey which he reclaimed yesterday. Considering only 87 finished on the same time and 57 of the 187 left finished 16'32" after Cavendish it really was a day that for Cav his Omega Pharma-Quickstep who sat around him to nurse him over the hills did a sterling job.

It was also the day that saw the departure of two Grand Tour Champions, both Tour de France Champion Bradley Wiggins and defending Giro Champion Ryder Hesjedal didn't take the start. Both have been under the weather (probably literally as it has been poor this Giro) and have withdrawn on medical advice. The French national champion who had finished second to Cavendish yesterday had announced that he was quitting last night, probably so he can give his best to the tour whose colours he has been wearing this year.

All those retirements don't affect the GC much as Wiggins had dropped to 13th yesterday and Hesjedal was a lot worse. But it means that for Sky Rigoberto Uran who is in third 2'04" will look for another chance to attack like he did on Tuesday.

Today might be just such a chance, though of course now he is the marked rider in Sky and there is no alternative.

But there isn't very much flat land in the stage. The first climb is a long haul, but only a category 2 up to Sestriere. It is 16.25km climbing a total of 617 metres of altitude. It has a sharp descent but Nabili and Evans will have a harder time shifting Uran off their wheel thah they had with Wiggins. However there will be a selection by the time they get to Sestriere, one thing I can predict is that Cavendish will not even by then be in with a chance of adding to his stage wins.

The final climb though is where the GC could still be shaken up today. In only 7.25km they climb 646 metres in altitude. There is a severe 14% section near the foot of the climb, but there isn't really much forgiving territory as they head up to the arrivo of today. The last km if nobody has been successful in making a move those far ramps up even more. Uran is going to be going after time, Nibali will probably also want a bigger cushion over Evans. As for the Australian he hasn't really launched an attack on his own yet in the Giro, at some point he may have to, but will it be today.

Outside the top three you can't rule out Robert Gesink or Michele Scarponi who are 8 and 9 seconds further back than Uran. Any of the top five could still win this tour and it all depends on where and when they attack and who, if anyone can match them. With so many tough mountains still to come this race is not over and  today and tomorrow are two tough days back to back. What happens today may well affect somebody in tomorrow's stage.

Giro d'Italia Stage 11 Tarvisio (Cave del Predil) - Vajont (Erto e Casso)

Yesterday the Giro hit the first of its big mountain passes. As I predicted at the end of the first ascent Nibali and his Astana team came to the front after Sky had ridden the tempo up to try and head down in the valley to see see if Bradley Wiggins could keep up. At that point yesterday he could, although one of his super domestiques Sergio Henao was less able to do so. Ryder Hesjedal (GRS) had already been dropped on the climb.

Then we came to the Altopiano and the climb to the line, Sky went on the attack with 8km to go, although it was in the shape of Rigoberto Uran and not his team leader, who seemed to be sitting comfortably in the pack alongside Nibali, Cadel Evans (BMC) and Robert Gesink (BLA). That is until they were within the last 3.5km when first Gesink and then Wiggins lost contact with a very elite group. He then cut a lonely figure as he attempted to time trial his way up the  rest of the slope to limit his losses, for once again that was what he would be facing. The reason that Wiggins had come under pressure was because Carlos Betancur (ALM) had gone off in pursuit of Uran and the others tried to respond to him. While neither effort was successful it did lead to two of the top four falling behind.

As it was Sky's Columbian won the stage, some 20 seconds ahead of Betancur who was a further 11 seconds ahead of the pack that was Nibali, Evans, Mauro Santambrogio (VIN) Rafal Majka (TST) Dominico Possivivo (ALM). Wiggins was a further 37 seconds down although with Nibali picking up time bonuses 49 down on him, which would actually put him one second behind Uran in the GC, with Gesink 8 seconds further back dropping behind both the Sky riders. Hesjedal lost 21 minutes yesterday and is certainly not going to defend his title.

Today is a medium mountain stage in that it only has two category 2 climbs, but once again the race will finish uphill. It may be interesting to see what people have left in the legs for the last climb. It is only 6.4km long but today's stage has the possibility of Sky with their many mountain domestiques being able to ride at tempo for much of the day to put pressure on other teams. They could reach the foot of the last climb with more riders around Uran and Wiggins than the other teams might have around their leaders. Ready to step up the power and the pace on the last climb and possibly try a classic one-two with Wiggins and Uran. They are now the team that can threaten on two barrels and could put lone riders under pressure. It would a different way for Team Sky to ride, but as they aren't dominating they will have to think outside the box. There are no more mountains until the weekend so they may as well make an effort today.

Giro d'Italia Stage 10 Cordenons - Altopiano del Montasio

After Sunday's stage some riders, especially Bradley Wiggins, will be glad that today's stage finishes on the summit of Altopiano del Montasio and doesn't include a descent, just in case it rains again. Indeed the man himself has said he "descended lie a bit of a girl" apologises to all my female readers and to the many female road racers who would have descended better than Bradley, but those are his choice of words. However, the rain on Sunday saw Wiggins with most of his team having to chase back over a minute lost of a wet descent once again. Noticeable in their absence in that pursuit were Uran and Henao who are also in the top 10 overall.

The only member of the top ten who didn't finish in the main group behind Maxim Belkov (KAT) was the man with number 1 on his back, Ryder Hesjedal. He lost over a minute despite his Garmin team mates only a few kms before the climb of the Fiesole, where he became detached riding on the front to control the race for him.

Yesterday was a rest day but today sees the race enter the high mountains for the first time. Today we see two first category climbs one after the other as the climax of 167 km of racing. So today is another day you can expect to see a further GC shake up as first the Passo Cason di Lanza rises to 1555m the highest point of the day before the final climb to 1519m.

Vincenzo Nibali may try once again to distance himself from some of this rivals on the descent of Passo Cason di Lanza but when they all get to the bottom there is still 21.7km of climbing to be done to the finish.

The first climb isn't a continuous climb and actually has a section of  descending part of the way up to give a little rest bite to the riders, that is if the start of the slopes to get them there have been survived. Some will have been shedded on the very steep first slopes. However, after just over 6km of the km there is 2km of relief. Before another 6km of ascent which as one point reaches 16%, but it is pretty much rough going all the way to the top, before the descent into the valley below.

In is that descent that Nibali along with Cadel Evans (BMC) and others will probably want to test Bradley Wiggins. Descending has been the English riders achilles heel thus far on this tour, so with 28km  of pretty steep descending through hairpins to negotiate they will be putting the hammer down no doubt, wet or dry, to see just what the Sky leader can do.

If Bradley can drop well with the rest of them hopefully all of the GC contenders will reach the bottom of the Altopiano. It is not as full-on a climb as Passo Cason as far as gradient goes but it is a long drag, almost 22km of climbing. But with a number of steeper sections followed by less steep sections it is open to a climbers attack. Just above Sella Nevea with about 3km to go is the steepest part of today's route, reaching up to 20% gradient. If one of the GC is feeling strong at that point they may well try and attack to see what is in the legs of his rivals. If someone can get away there they are only likely to stay away until the end, providing they haven't gone too far into the red in the effort.

At the line I don't expect to see much more than a maximum of twenty riders in a group (even if a little elongated). This climb isn't a total killer, but someone could turn it into one with an attack at the right point. So it may be considerably less than that.

Giro d'Italia Stage 9 San Sepolcro - Firenze

Yesterday the individual time trial stage was hillier than most and had a monster of a climb to the finish. This may well have been why it was those who are climbers didn't suffer so much and some of the time trial specialists didn't make as big an impression as they may have hoped on a 58.4km stage.

Dowsett during yesterday's stage

That being said there was a British winner, but not the one many were talking about, even though he was wearing the national champion's jersey Alex Dowsett was so far down the GC that he had completed the course before the TV coverage kicked in.but as rider after rider came after him his time was looking more and more secure.

His compatriot Bradley Wiggins was starting 23 from the end and therefore instead of the usual 3 minute intervals he was only 1 minute down on the person in front, so he was capturing people on a regular basis during his run. He even disgarded his new Pinarello Bolide bike for his trusted Graal, on which he won Olympic gold. He was well down at the first intermediate time, but at the end he was only 10 seconds down on Dowsett. However, behind him some of the GC contenders had gone through the split faster than Wiggins, but worryingly Vincenzo Nibali who is not a traditional time trialist.

But as each of the main challengers reached the line time was being clawed back by Wiggins. Franco Pellizotti (AND) who had 30 seconds advantage lost over 4 minutes. Michele Scarponi (LAM) with 35 seconds, lost 43 to still be in touch if behind. Samuel Sanchez (EUS) a further 5 seconds ahead was 3 minutes 7 seconds slower than Wiggins.

Robert Gesink of Blanco had been 1'19" ahead of Wiggins, he lost all but one second of that, to take the virtual Maglia Rosa on the line off Wiggins, with just 8 more men to finish. But next up was Cadel Evans (BMC) who had been ahead of Wiggins at the intermediate and is a decent time trialist and climber. He crossed the line only 29 seconds down on Wiggins on the day but enough to remain 47 seconds in front of the man who succeeded him as Tour de France Champion. Ryder Hesjedal (GRS) was third from the end but he lost 2'13" on Wiggins. Vincenzo Nibali (AST) was next up and rode and very impressive time, for him, losing only 11 seconds to Wiggins, but enough to climb into the Maglia Rosa as Movistar's Beñat Intxausti who was the surprise leader after the carnage on stage 7 was just over 4 minutes slower than his team mate Dowsett who was winning his first Grand Tour stage.

The GC now after the first major shake up looks like this:

1 Nibali 29:46:57
2. Evans +29
3. Gesink +1:15
4. Wiggins +1:16
5. Scarponi +1:24
6. Hesjedal +2:04
7. Sergio Henao (SKY) +2:11
8. Santambrogio (VIN) +2:43
9. Niemiec (LAM) +2:44
10. Uran (SKY) + 2:49

Today's stage is the first in which the riders will not see the sea at any point of their route. It also contains the first first category climb of the tour the Vallombrosa, coming about the middle of the stage immediately at the ascent and descent of the category 2 Passa Dello Consuma. There remains a category 3 and 4 climb on the run into Firenze, but this is the harderst medium mountain stage so far this Giro.

After the shake up yesterday today may be too early for some to try and make time back, tomorrow is a rest day with the first high mountains coming on Tuesday. So expect control of the race not to let anyone who may have slipped a few minutes back to make up too much time, but not too much attacking, especially as there are still 54km from the summit of Vallombrosa to the end of the stage. It is just possible that another break away might prove successful today as the big guys are waiting and planning for Tuesday.

Giro d'Italia Stage 8 Gabicce Mare - Saltara

Today's stage is the individual time trial over 56.4km. Before yesterday it was probably the stage that Olympic Time Trial Champion Sir Bradley Wiggins thought he would be able to do enough to overcome the 17 seconds he lost to his GC contenders the other day into Matera due to the time splits, in the wet. As I said that was before yesterday.

Yesterday I did mention the weather forecast said there might be rain, and rain there was. Coming down the last descent. Adam Hansen and Aussie on the Lotto-Belisol team became the first member of a long break away to stay away and win a stage in this years race. Although that was not for lack of trying from behind. Vincenzo Nibali (AST) tried to make the most of his famous descending ability in the wet, but he overcooked it into a corner and came down. By the time he had recovered his bike he was in a group with more of the GC contenders. But nervously at the back of the group was Wiggins. At one point on the coverage it looked like a Sky rider, suspiciously like Wiggins was back in the cars after someone else was reported to have gone down. The later there was a Wiggins crash captured on camera. He didn't get back into his riding quickly and the gap went up. But his team mate Rigoberto Uran and Sergio Henao canme back to pace him to the finish. But in the end he lost 1'23" to Nibali, Cadel Evans (BMC), Michele Scarponi (LAM) and Ryder Hesjedal (GRM).

Today is a long individual time trial, one that normally would suit Wiggins. But what has the effect of the last few days and especially yesterday had on him.

Yesterday Dave Braislford said that he was not injured yet he didn't look his usual easy self even when the road stopped going downhill in the wet. If he isn't in the right frame of mind today he may end up not eating into the time of those other GC contenders anywhere near enough if he is to be a serious challenger in this Giro later on.

If he is he could take a minute at least out of anyone, there is no Tony Martin or Chris Froome here who in recent TTs have been the only people to really stay within that of him over this sort of distance. If that Wiggins that was dominant last summer turns up today he could very well turnaround yesterday and climb into the Maglia Rosa, or at least get very close to it.