Saturday, May 21, 2011

Stage 14 Lienz to Zoncolan

And we have another route change. As originally scheduled, the racs would leave Austria and return to Italy with a stage featuring Monte Crostis and Monte Zoncolan, separated by the most treacherous descent in the race. However, the race jury removed Monte Crostis because of team and rider protests over the safety of the descent. Story available at Cycling News.
This news disappointed many fans, including some on course with a homemade protest sign.
http://www.podiumcafe.com/2011/5/21/2182627/giro-ditalia-stage-14-live
As for the race itself, the route was changed again mid-stream due to a fans' protest, something that makes me think of labor strikes during the Tour de France. It was a noble effort by both Michele Scarponi and Vincenzo Nibali, but in the end Alberto Contador added to his stage as Anton held on for the stage win. My highlight of the day performance was Nibali, who initially suffered from Igor Anton's acceleration and Contador's response. But Nibali clawed his way back to Contador and Scarponi, eventually surging forward with Contador, leaving Scarponi behind. Towards the end of the stage, Contador jumped away again and finished second, but only a handful of seconds ahead of Nibali. Scarponi also limited his losses coming in fourth, while the now you see him, now you don't, Denis Menchov finished fifth.

Stage: Igor Anton
Maglia Rosa: Contador


Region: Friuli  Venezia 
Wine: Edi Kante Vitovska 06  $42.00 12.5% abv
They say: 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Vitovska is incredibly dense and rich in this vintage. This textured white reveals generous fruit in an expansive yet intensely mineral style, with excellent depth and persistence on the palate. There is a lovely baritone register to the fruit, but the wine needs considerable air to be fully appreciated. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014." (10/09)

I say:  Deep golden color, almost a hint of honey, perhaps the baritone register mentioned above? But more acid than sweetness. Guest pleased.

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