Yesterday morning, I woke up feeling shitty. It was the morning of Milano - Torino, my next race on the program. I was in Italy.
After a long break, I'd finally see Sofia again. We would eat breakfast together. I've made the selection for Il Lombardia so Sofia offered to stay at her place for the next few days. After Il Lombardia, she'd come home with me.
I had made my choice.
Milano - Torino
This kind of race doesn't draw a big crowd, but it was an important day for us nonetheless. Races this late in the season are traditionally slower as fatigue sets in the peloton. "Thanks to" my long injury, I'm on top of my form and fitness. A big plus this late in the season.
The Race
The peloton is breaking up under an impulse of Vergnaud.
The front group is now only counting four men. We have Henry Vergnaud, Peter Sagan, Vincenzo Nibali and Sergio Henao. We have less than a kilometer to go. Oh, and Henry Vergnaud moves on to the attack!
Can he keep this up? Yes - he does! Henry Vergnaud wins Milano - Torino, what a final kilometer of that boy! It's another great victory!
Yes, it's a great victory indeed. And a nice bonus for the new sponsor, as well.
- It sure is.
Result
1
Henry Vergnaud
Team Celesio - Macquarie
4h10'09
2
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
+ 24
3
Peter Sagan
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 33
4
Sergio Henao
Sky Procycling
s.t.
5
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
+ 53
6
Andy Schleck
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 1'05
7
Roman Kreuziger
RadioShack - Leopard
+ 1'17
8
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 1'25
9
Eduard Vorganov
Katusha Team
s.t.
10
Chris Froome
Sky Procycling
s.t.
I pulled up to the team bus and there she was waiting for me. We hugged closely and started to kiss. It was the best kiss in the world and I was hoping it would last forever.
"I love you, Henry."
"I love you, too, Becca."
What the hell is this? Let's rewind for a minute...
Team Celesio - Macquarie
UCI World Championships - Road Race 2014: Day 0 During the Road Race of the World Championships, Citigroup pulls the plug on the Citigroup Pro Cycling Team. Lucien Van Impe had anticipated this, but he never thought it'd be so soon. However, they agree to pay the bills until December 2014.
Day 1: The day after the Championships. Lucien Van Impe, who was growing in status and control in Citigroup Pro Cycling, doesn't want to give up on the team. He declares to the press: "This team is filled with such talented guys and it's such a great group. I will keep them together."
Day 2 - 4: Van Impe (and associates) sit down with more than 12 possible sponsors. Deals are made with Celesio, Macquarie, Canyon, Sidi, Giro and others.
Day 5: Van Impe officially presents Team Celesio - Macquarie. The team officially exist starting January 2015, but Citigroup has withdrawn their sponsorship and equipment so the team is allowed to pick up on Celesio's offer with immediate action.
Day 6: Celesio declares to make its goals clear in January and won't interfere in the team for the final races of the season. Besides the name on the jersey, they are not connected to the team for the rest of 2014.
Day 7: Eight riders present the new jersey in the Italian race Milano - Torino. Vergnaud wins the first race in the new shirt.
So, there you have it. Things went so fast. I think we would've been lost if it hadn't been for Van Impe. He secured a future for the team and for all of us. We owe him, and we owe Celesio (and other sponsors)
For me, there's no big change. I'll have a revised contract at the end of the year, but I expect to stay on board. The only thing that takes some getting used to is the new equipment and the new bikes. (Canyon instead of Cannondale).
Citigroup Pro Cycling has been good to me. Let's hope Team Celesio - Macquarie brings more successes and happiness.
I love you, too, Becca
Bet you didn't see this coming, right?
Allow me to explain, you still have Part II to read:
Italian Love - Part II
... "It's always been about, you Becca. Ever since we were little kids running around with each other. Ever since we built our camp together in the living room of your dad's place. Ever since you pushed me around with the wheelchair when I broke my leg when I was 14. Ever since we were a couple for so many years before you left for Paris. It's always been about you."
Becca was in Italy. She was waiting for me. I told her I would be breaking up with Sofia, which I did right before the race.
Everything made sense now. I saw her in the mass of people when I was standing on the podium.
The announcer looked extremely confused as I snatched the microphone out of his hands.
"Becca," I started...
It felt so right.
It was one of these moments you could never plan.
It was a proposal in style.
The world is changing. I'm just adapting.
Henry
Edited by Ian Butler on 11-01-2014 13:53
I did see that coming....
But it didn't make it any worse.
I also totally saw you switching to Celesio...
But now, what I see coming, is a knife, in the face, from Sofia, and Michelle, forming an evil super ex-alliance... See it coming, I do..
I reckon the jersey look nice.
And the win, though expected is always welcome.
I almost gave up your blog on the Part I. You shouldn't joke with your readers, that might have big impact on their health!
Atlantius - Yeah Not sure if he was on top, maybe she was on top. Either way, he was fine with it
Shonak - Glad you like it! 2015 will be awesome! A new team, a woman behind him, new chances!
The Hobbit - "It didn't make it any worse" Might I ask what's so bad?
duxili - Oops, thanks for reminding me, I have to add the note: the story writer is not responsible for any medical damage done during the story. thanks for following!
Dippofix - All pieces seem to fall in place
anderspcm - New team couldn't have been there without you! Keep up the great graphic work!
After Il Lombardia, which you'll read in a while, I decided to stop my season. The Tour of Beijing wasn't suited to my abilities, with the long time trials.
I thought it was time to say goodbye to the 2014 season, a very memorable season. It was a balance between love and hate, full of ups and downs. I've had some of the best and some of the worst moments of my career, even of my life.
I'm happy to finish 2014 with the support and the love of Becca. It drives me to make 2015 a better year.
Il Lombardia
If there is one Monument a climber can win, it's this one. Very different from other, more hilly, classics, Il Lombardia is one of the toughest one day races of the whole year. Deep down inside I felt I had a shot at winning today, even though I never performed well in a WT Classic before.
The Race
Talking about love/hate. In the course of the Vuelta, I have developed a rather special relation with Vincenzo Nibali. I admire the man and he was always one of my favorite cyclists, but during the Vuelta I battled him so hard, I wanted to beat him so much...
We talked a little today. Quietly I was hoping to beat him today. I was hoping to beat everyone today!
The weather was quite cloudy and rainy. Not the ideal circumstances for me, I don't have a lot of fat to keep me warm, but it wasn't dramatic.
When the breakaway was on the verge of being caught, Stybar decided to give the new sponsor ten more minutes of tv time. When he was caught, my race could begin!
Team Sky and Cannondale, for Henao and Sagan respectively, set the pace. Everyone was hurting. Anyone telling you any differently is lying.
With a thinned out group, we headed into the final climb. It was now the difference had to be made. Like a bull with bloodshot eyes I attacked, pure on instinct.
Henao caught up fairly soon. A three-man group was closing the gap.
However, me and Henao found each other and we worked together perfectly, keeping off Sagan, Betancur and Anton.
He's a sly fox, that Colombian. He forced me to the front right before the final corner. Damn!
There was no time to gamble, since the Tourminator was coming. Right after the corner, I launched the sprint! I was fast enough to beat Henao!
I held him off. 200 meters to go.
He was still behind me. 100 meters to go.
50 meters to go. He's coming up next to me!
When he passed me, my legs gave like pudding. My heart sank in my chest. How could I have let this slip through my fingers?
Result
1
Sergio Henao
Sky Procycling
6h24'11
2
Henry Vergnaud
Team Celesio - Macquarie
s.t.
3
Peter Sagan
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 32
4
Carlos Betancur
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
5
Igor Antón
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
6
Rui Costa
Movistar Team
+ 1'08
7
Giovanni Visconti
Lampre - Merida
+ 1'33
8
Enrico Gasparotto
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
9
Fabio Aru
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
10
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Thomas De Gendt
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
12
Nicolas Roche
Team Celesio - Macquarie
s.t.
13
Alexander Kristoff
Team Celesio - Macquarie
s.t.
14
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
15
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
s.t.
16
Vincenzo Nibali
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
17
Dario Cataldo
Sky Procycling
s.t.
18
Matteo Rabottini
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
19
Rigoberto Urán
Sky Procycling
s.t.
20
Richie Porte
Katusha Team
s.t.
21
Tanel Kangert
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
22
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
23
Beñat Intxausti
Movistar Team
s.t.
24
Chris Anker Sørensen
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
25
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
26
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky Procycling
s.t.
27
Andy Schleck
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
28
Romain Bardet
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
29
Bradley Wiggins
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
30
Mikel Nieve
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
31
Rafal Majka
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
32
Joaquím Rodríguez
Katusha Team
s.t.
33
Alejandro Valverde
Movistar Team
+ 3'39
34
Luis León Sánchez
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
35
Damiano Caruso
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
36
Simon Gerrans
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
37
Tony Martin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
38
Jurgen Van den Broeck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
39
Javier Moreno
Movistar Team
s.t.
40
Maxime Monfort
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
41
Chris Horner
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
42
Alberto Contador
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
43
Roman Kreuziger
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
44
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEdge
+ 4'34
45
Alexandr Kolobnev
Katusha Team
s.t.
46
Peter Velits
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
47
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
48
Warren Barguil
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
49
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
50
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
51
Janez Brajkovič
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
52
Lou Smeets
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
53
Robert Kiserlovski
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
54
Pieter Weening
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
55
Daniel Moreno
Katusha Team
+ 5'19
56
Simon Spilak
Katusha Team
s.t.
57
Fränk Schleck
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
58
Leopold König
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
59
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
60
David López
Sky Procycling
s.t.
61
Ivan Basso
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
62
Robert Gesink
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 7'11
63
Michele Scarponi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
64
Thibaut Pinot
FDJ.fr
s.t.
65
Lasse Bøchman
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
66
Dominik Nerz
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
67
Ion Izagirre
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
68
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
69
Blel Kadri
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 7'47
70
Philippe Gilbert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
71
Kevin De Weert
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
72
Maxime Bouet
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
73
Samuel Sánchez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
74
Joshua Edmonson
Sky Procycling
s.t.
75
Mikel Landa
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
76
Robert Vrecer
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
77
Stephen Cummings
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
78
John Gadret
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
79
Bob Jungels
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
80
Serge Pauwels
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
81
Mattia Cattaneo
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
82
Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
83
Tim Wellens
Lotto Belisol
+ 9'09
84
Rubén Plaza
Movistar Team
s.t.
85
Stefano Pirazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
86
Stefano Locatelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
87
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
s.t.
88
Giampaolo Caruso
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
89
Jean-Christophe Peraud
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
90
Rohan Dennis
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
91
Marco Marcato
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 9'53
92
Andrea Palini
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
93
Thomas Dekker
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
94
Simone Stortoni
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
95
Rafael Valls
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
96
Levi Leipheimer
RadioShack - Leopard
s.t.
97
Manuel Quinziato
Cannondale Pro Cycling
+ 10'29
98
Oliver Zaugg
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
99
Alfredo Balloni
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
100
Rubén Pérez
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
101
Pello Bilbao
Euskaltel - Euskadi
s.t.
102
Julien El Fares
Team Europcar
+ 11'09
103
Henry Trichet
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
104
Peter Stetina
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
105
Diego Rosa
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
106
Cameron Meyer
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
107
Andrew Talansky
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
108
Miguel Rubiano
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 11'40
109
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 12'16
110
Mirko Selvaggi
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
111
Yannick Eijssen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
112
José Rujano
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
113
Ivan Santaromita
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
114
Gianluca Brambilla
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
115
Kristof Vandewalle
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
116
Stef Clement
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
117
Pavel Brutt
Katusha Team
+ 12'53
118
Jesús Hernández
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
+ 13'22
119
Francesco Bongiorno
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 14'36
120
Adam Hansen
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
121
Rémy Di Gregorio
Team Europcar
s.t.
122
George Preidler
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 15'58
123
Francesco Gavazzi
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
124
Alexandre Geniez
FDJ.fr
s.t.
125
Francesco Failli
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
126
Imanol Erviti
Movistar Team
+ 16'23
127
Aurélien Passeron
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
128
Jetse Bol
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
129
Salvatore Puccio
Sky Procycling
s.t.
130
Cameron Wurf
Cannondale Pro Cycling
s.t.
131
Jack Bauer
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
132
Matteo Tosatto
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
133
Karsten Kroon
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
134
Frantisek Rabon
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
135
Adriano Malori
Team Celesio - Macquarie
s.t.
136
Albano Sagué
Movistar Team
s.t.
137
Fabio Felline
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 17'29
138
Serse De Marco
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
139
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto Belisol
+ 18'03
140
Anthony Geslin
FDJ.fr
s.t.
141
Nicolas Edet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
142
Laurent Mangel
FDJ.fr
s.t.
143
Tobias Ludvigsson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
144
Jack Bobridge
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 18'45
145
Simone Ponzi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
146
Manuele Boaro
Team Saxo - Tinkoff
s.t.
147
Carlos Verona
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
148
Christian Meier
Team Celesio - Macquarie
+ 19'40
149
Kevyn Ista
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
+ 20'55
150
Marco Canola
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
151
Mathieu Perget
Team Europcar
s.t.
152
Fredrik Kessiakoff
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
153
Marco Pinotti
Team Celesio - Macquarie
s.t.
154
Bert Grabsch
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 22'57
155
David Millar
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
156
Davide Malacarne
Team Europcar
s.t.
157
Thomas Peterson
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
158
Olivier Kaisen
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
159
Enrico Rossi
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
160
Wesley Sulzberger
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
161
Morris Possoni
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
162
Tom Danielson
Garmin - Sharp
+ 23'48
163
Christian Vande Velde
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
164
Paolo Longo Borghini
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 25'02
165
Mathieu Sprick
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
166
Jakob Rathe
Garmin - Sharp
s.t.
167
Junya Sano
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
168
Mitchell Docker
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
169
David Veilleux
Team Europcar
s.t.
170
Tomas Vaitkus
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
171
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
172
Arnold Jeannesson
FDJ.fr
s.t.
173
Cristiano Salerno
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
174
Yann Huguet
Team Argos - Shimano
+ 26'14
175
Luigi Miletta
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
s.t.
176
Sandy Casar
FDJ.fr
s.t.
177
Luka Mezgec
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
178
Yohann Gène
FDJ.fr
s.t.
179
Frederik Willems
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
180
William Clarke
Team Argos - Shimano
s.t.
181
Jens Mouris
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
182
Adam Semple
Orica - GreenEdge
s.t.
183
Emilien Viennet
FDJ.fr
s.t.
184
Vincent Jérôme
Team Celesio - Macquarie
s.t.
185
Stefano Borchi
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia
+ 26'55
186
Luis Ángel Maté
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 27'29
187
Alessandro Malaguti
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
s.t.
188
Edoardo Zardini
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 28'18
189
Arthur Vichot
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
190
Guillaume Levarlet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 29'29
191
Luca Celli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 32'41
192
Romain Hardy
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 33'02
193
Julien Mazet
Team Europcar
+ 33'24
194
Damien Escande
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 33'48
195
Frederic Gauthier
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 35'42
196
Franck Bouyer
Team Europcar
+ 39'02
197
Nicolas Vera
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela
+ 41'38
198
Armando Minnucci
Katusha Team
+ 44'39
Analysis & Daily Thoughts
Oh man, you can't possibly imagine how badly that hurt. I had the chance of a lifetime to win one of the greatest races around. I was fit, I had great legs, all I had to do was win the sprint.
On the podium, something strange happened. I was standing there, to the right of Henao. And, suddenly, it all came back, my entire season. My victory at the Tour Down Under, Paris - Nice, my horrible crash, my months of revalidation, the struggle between Sofia and Becca, the Vuelta... Like a little child, I started crying.
There was nothing to be done. I couldn't stop it, even though I knew I must've looked ridiculous.
I cried like a baby.
And there I decided it was time to put an end to this extraordinary emotional season.
I needed a break from everything, just get away with Becca.
Recharge for 2015.
2015, where I'll chase more dreams.
No no noooooo! You have misinterpreted my comment,
What I meant was, I did see the twist coming, but it was written well, and it didn't particularly detract from my enjoyment of reading, so I knew it was coming, but that didn't make my viewing experience any worse, as it was already very good!!!
Sorry for complicating things.
Yeah, I agree with Atlantius, Henry will have many other shots at Il Lombardia.
And hey, look on the bright side, even great riders like Purito have shown emotion on the podium lately, so Henry is in good company. In any case, a fantastic race by him in Il Lombardia. You can't always be on top, but you have to try. I am sure that was a lesson for Henry this season and next year will be even more greater!
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Atlantius - Maybe not. Though Henry has never really done classics, maybe it's not his thing.
The Hobbit - Oh you meant it like that That's all right, I just thought you meant it the other way thanks!
Shonak - Yeah, One day he'll be on the podium with Rodriguez and they'll both the crying. That'll be the day... I think Henry has learned a lot this season.
Duxili - Yes, at least he beat Vincenzo Actually this was the 2nd pro season, but it was still great
welker3257 - I quite agree!
Jesleyh - Things can change pretty fast around here. I'm an impulsive story writer. Never plan anything further than one post at the time and sometimes I look to turn things upside down
Gianni would only agree
romaniangoat - I think he's 81 HILL and 79 MO. If you want full stats, I'll try to get a screenshot when I'm on my laptop later today!
Matthew21rp - Yes, thanks!
Selwink - Maybe Henry should consider some classics next season.
sutty68 - On the one had, yes, but if Henao hadn't been there, he wouldn't have been able to hold of Sagan. He was just unlucky to fall prey to Henao's experience.
Thanks guys!
I must say I'm really getting into the flow of the story. I'm starting to think this might be my best story ever. It's nice to see so many people following and commenting. Today I'll start up season 2015!
Milano - Torino 
thanks for following!
