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Enlarge textSome call him "The Grinder", others prefer to label him "The Silent Assassin". Either way, there's no denying the power and talent of Denis Menchov.
Denis Menchov is a perennial podium threat at the Grand Tours (Getty)
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Some call him "The Grinder", others prefer to label him "The Silent Assassin". Either way, there's no denying the power and talent of Denis Menchov.
Always within striking distance of his main rivals for the duration of stage 5, Rabobank's Russian leader always seems to go about his work with little or no fuss.
In fact it was a very clever race tactically by Menchov in stage 5.
As Ivan Basso's Liquigas team spent most of the day at the front of the peloton for little reward, Menchov claimed stage honours with very little support from his own riders .
Today's
victory may have come as somewhat of a surprise to many for a man who
traditionally saves his peak form until the end of the year - more
specifically theVuelta.
But a change of program in 2009 and Menchov's priorities have changed as they are skewed towards finally cracking a win at the Tour de France.
Rabobank's management has publicly stated that standing on the top podium in Pars in July is the team's sole objective.
That said, the riders around Menchov at the Tour is expected to be much stronger than those currently supporting him in Italy.
Rising Dutch star Robert Gesink should be the first rider selected to support Menchov in France while Australia's Matty Hayman also looms as a shoe-in alongside former world champion Oscar Freire and Spanish mountain specialist Juan Manuel Garate.
Put them all together and what have you got? A winning combination - on paper at least.
Menchov says he's using the Giro as a "training run".
Well, he certainly tested himself today with an explosive surge to keep even Danilo di Luca at bay in the sprint to the finish line.
For years, the two-time winner of the Vuelta has showed so much potential without really delivering in the other two Grand Tours.
Will he finally crack it for a win this year? After today's stunning showing, here's hoping he doesn't peak too soon.
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Comments (24)
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21 May 2009 12:07 AEST
From: Townsville
--
I second all the comments made re thank goodness Mike Tomalaris & Trent Wilson are now doing the commentating for the Giro. Keep up the great work fellas. Nothing personal re the Irish bloke but fair dinkum!
18 May 2009 19:24 AEST
From: Perth
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Thank GOD common sense prevailed with Mike Tomalaris doing the commentary! Blessed be SBS for taking action.
18 May 2009 9:53 AEST
From: Sydney
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Thank God Mike took over the commentary from Paddy!! I couldn't watch anymore and took to watching the Giro via European TV on the internet. Mike is 1000 times better but now we need proper coverage late at night. I am sure SBS could replace those ridiculous movies with Giro coverage and rate much better.
15 May 2009 13:22 AEST
From: Sydney
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Great article Mike...finally something about someone other than Armstrong, I have to say the worst thing about the coverage is the continuous camera shots of Armstrong, there are other riders who have much more chance of winning than him!!! Where is the coverage of OUR main man Mick Rogers???
15 May 2009 9:14 AEST
From: Sydney
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I agree with David I am over the Paddy bashing and yes his commentary but it is not going to change unless you write to the editor as Tim also from Maroubra had stated I think on Tuesday. Let's enjoy the cycling because any coverage is good coverage. Mike Rogers still looks good however and sitting in a good spot, hopefully just biding his time. comments@sbs.com.au for any complaints about the commentary and while your there ask for an extra half hour of coverage at night. (Just turn down the volume)!!!
14 May 2009 23:32 AEST
From: Hobart
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I am sure Paddy is doing his best, but like someone else wrote it is difficult to watch with him commentating, Mike's introduction and comments on the cycling central website are much better than Paddy. Why not get him to do the voice over, he is one of the voices of cycling in Australia.
14 May 2009 20:10 AEST
From: Meerschaum Vale Via Ballina
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I love having coverage of the Giro; but why can we not have a little more? SBS editting of short programs can sometimes be appalling. Two nights ago the leaders were 7klms from the finish and the next shot they were standing on the podium. I am sure there would not be too much competition for the 12.30 to 1.00 AM time slot.
14 May 2009 18:53 AEST
From: Hahndorf
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Phew! I thought it was just me who had a ... problem ... with Paddy's "commentary". How about Mat Keenan does the voice overs for the TV coverage package for the remainder of the Giro? Nice and comfy from the studio in Melbourne.
14 May 2009 18:00 AEST
From: Sydney
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Ah, I just watched today's highlights with Mike T's voice over, it was a punishing day in the mountains but easy on the ears. Thanks SBS, sorry Paddy.
14 May 2009 16:38 AEST
From: Mount Martha
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Alan from Sydney....appears that the additional comments today from one and all on Paddy support my earlier feedback.....maybe the other comments need to be sent to the moderator bin..We remove Paddy and I think you will find we will all move "back on topic"
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