Evans considers Basso rival number 1 after Giro's Zoncolan
World Champion Cadel Evans considers Italian Ivan Basso favourite number one after today's Giro d'Italia stage up Monte Zoncolan. The two rode away from their competition and back into contention for the overall, with Basso gaining the upper hand by the top.
"If Basso continues like this," said Evans, "he'll be the favourite because his Liquigas team is very strong."
Basso drove the pace higher with six kilometres to race and rode clear with the Australian from team BMC Racing. Evans accelerated twice, but Basso was the one who broke free with 3.7 kilometres. He continued and gained 1-19 on Evans at the summit, 1,730 metres.
"I wouldn't say it was an attack, it's just that he was better than everyone else. He rode his rhythm, everyone else rode their own rhythm, it's just that his rhythm was a little bit faster all the way up the climb," continued Evans.
"I just missed one gear change. I just couldn't get back on his wheel. I don't know if it was a psychological thing, you certainly don't get much of a drafting effect at this speed we ride up there. He was a little bit better than me today, but on a climb like today, it makes all the difference."
Though Evans lost time, he jumped from 10th to fifth overall. Evans and Basso dropped Bradley Wiggins (Sky), Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Doimo), Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana), Michele Scarponi (Androni) and Xavier Tondo (Cervélo TestTeam). They also gained time on important rivals Carlos Sastre (Cervélo TestTeam), Richie Porte (Saxo Bank) and race leader, David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne).
"Basso surprised me a bit. We're at a similar level climbing wise, the energy Nibali, Scarponi and myself spent yesterday hurt a little bit today," said Evans.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"Verona is still a long ways off. I've always considered myself 'in the game,' it's the others who discount me."
The final day's time trial in Verona is next Sunday. Arroyo will try to maintain his lead until then, he has 2-35 on Porte, 3-33 on Basso and 4-43 on Evans.
Related links
Giro d'Italia 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
2010 Giro d'Italia coverage in association with Zipvit
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Save over $300 on a Cervélo Áspero GRX 610 gravel bike with these Cyber Monday deals by shopping around and building it yourself
The catch is that you have to build it yourself but it features some of our highest-rated products from brands like Hunt wheels, Ergon, WTB & Lizard Skins
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
-