Rodriguez versus Hesjedal in Giro d'Italia title fight
Ryder Hesjedal or Joaquin Rodriguez, the leader's jersey at the Giro d'Italia keeps switching back and forth between the two. One day after team Garmin's Hesjedal re-gained the lead, Katusha's Rodriguez got it back for himself in Pian dei Resinelli.
"It's clear that he's in good shape," Hesjedal said. "We got quite the little battle shaping up here."
The 31-year-old Canadian spoke with Cycling Weekly and a handful of journalists surrounded by the rocky cliffs that tower above the small ski resort and, more than 1,000 metres below, Lecco and Lake Como. He just finished the 171-kilometre stage wet, tired and 39 seconds after Spain's Rodriguez.
Rodriguez launched an attack 1,200 metres out, distanced himself from Hesjedal and favourites Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale), Roman Kreuziger (Astana) and Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD). He now leads Hesjedal by 30 seconds and the others by around a minute and a half.
"Ryder is right there. In the Tour of 2010, he passed me in the final time trial, I was eighth and he was fifth. He's a very dangerous rider," Rodriguez told the press, minutes later, after accepting his pink jersey.
"We'll see who is the strongest in the final week. Right now, the strongest is me."
Hesjedal speaks as he rides, slowly, but with precise measure. After a rest day tomorrow, he hopes to ride back into the pink jersey for the third and final time. The race restarts on Tuesday, climbs into Alto Adige and offers more chances for him.
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"I can't get sucked in to trying to accelerate with those guys like that," Hesjedal continued. "I didn't feel that good. If I can get through today like I did, not feeling good... If today was my bad day, then ah, I'm happy with that."
Giro d'Italia 2012: Latest news
Cavendish's Sky lead-out still on learning curve
Orica-GreenEdge to strengthen sprint train in Tour de France
Schleck struggles on with dislocated shoulder
Rodriguez up against more experienced rivals in Giro
Bak from worker to winner at the Giro
Cavendish disappointed to lose Giro stage in Montecatini Terme
Goss shaping up as Orica-GreenEdge leader
Hesjedal happy with Giro performance despite losing lead
Pinotti alters Giro plans after losing time in mountains
Pozzato apologises for role in causing crash
Hesjedal has tough day as Giro leader
Schleck building form in Giro for final week in Alps
English speakers on top
Giro favourites to make move in first mountain finish
Malori will relish time in Giro lead
Giro d'Italia 2012: Live coverage
Giro d'Italia 2012 live text coverage schedule
Giro d'Italia 2012: Stage reports
Stage 15: Rabottini takes tough win in Giro
Stage 14: Amador wins Giro's first high mountain stage as Hesjedal reclaims lead
Stage 13: Cavendish makes it three
Stage 12: Bak attacks to win
Stage 11: Ferrari wins Giro stage on ride to redemption
Stage 10: Rodriguez wins thrilling finale to take leadStage nine: Ventoso wins in Frosinone as Goss and Cavendish fall
Stage eight: Pozzovivo takes another Giro win
Stage seven: Hesjedal moves into Giro lead
Stage six: Rubiano solos to epic Giro stage win
Stage five: Cavendish bounces back for another stage win
Stage four: Garmin-Barracuda win TTT to take lead
Stage three: Goss wins in Horsens as Cavendish and Phinney crash
Stage two: Cavendish wins in Herning
Stage one: Phinney wins time trial
Giro d'Italia 2012: Photo galleries
Stage 15 photo gallery
Stage 14 photo gallery
Stage 13 photo gallery
Stage 12 photo gallery
Stage 11 photo gallery
Stage 10 photo gallery
Stage nine photo gallery
Stage eight photo gallery
Stage seven photo gallery
Stage six photo gallery
Stage five photo gallery
Stage four photo gallery
Stage three photo gallery
Stage two photo gallery
Stage one photo gallery
Giro d'Italia 2012: Teams and riders
Giro d'Italia 2012 start list
Giro d'Italia 2012: TV guide
Giro d'Italia 2012: British Eurosport TV schedule
Related links
Giro d'Italia 2012: The Big Preview
Cycling Weekly's Giro d'Italia section
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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.
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