102nd Giro di Lombardia - HC
Italy, October 18, 2008
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Live commentary by Bjorn Haake
14:59 CEST
Ciao and welcome back to Cyclingnews' Live coverage of this year's racing. We are at the final Classic of the season, the 242-kilometre Giro di Lombardia. Its nickname, race of the falling leaves, already hints the end of the season is nigh. But don't despair,cycling has grown into a 12-month calendar. Australia is just warming up, both in weather and season. The Herald Sun tour just concluded and there should be no fall depression about lack of racing in the upcoming months. For now, though, let's see who gets the final monument of the year.
15:06 CEST
There is a group of 11 riders ahead with three and a half minutes right now. Among them is Australian Michael Rogers.
15:10 CEST
Lampre and Quick Step are currently doing the work on the front of the peloton. Euskaltel is also at the front.
The riders are heading down some narrow, winding roads. The lake is directly to the riders' right. One false move and they are wet, but a small stone fence will make sure they first hit their head.
15:11 CEST
On top of the climb of the Madonna del Ghisallo there will be no time to stop at the chapel, although some will probably have a relief prayer that the climb is over. If you ever should ride up there, do take time to stop there. Cyclingnews Ben Atkins took a look around for you. Seeing the newspaper that announced the first-ever Tour de France and other interesting items is quite fun.
15:12 CEST 152km/90km to go
There are still 90km left in the race. Almost the entire Lampre team is at the front, so Damiano Cunego has a shot of winning a third time.
15:15 CEST
Garmin Chipotle's Tom Danielson does not feel the burden of team leader despite having the whole team at his disposal.
"There is a little bit of pressure, but at the same time it is just for myself because I have been injured for a long time and my form is just recently coming on -- I am really motivated to show something. This is really the only race at the end of the season that gives me an opportunity. It has some climbs and it is a long race," said Danielson to Cyclingnews' Gregor Brown.
Daniel's season typically ends before Lombardia. "I never have done this race before; I have never raced in October. I have always done the Vuelta a Espaņa and then finished my season after that. I have worked hard to be here and to have the condition. It is a one-day race and it is really unpredictable, but that is what makes it so beautiful."
No one is talking of Tom Danielson and this could work in his favour.
"I have put pressure on myself but I need to keep thinking 'there is no pressure.' I will stay low and see what happens and in the end, I hope to do something."
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