B. McPherson
Riders braved another day battling each other and the elements to cross into the French Alps. The route was shortened a little, but still ended in the snow. Giovanni Visconti(Movistar) crossed the finish first to grab victory for the day. Visconti rode away from the peloton on the descent of the Col du Mont Cenis and never looked back. At times he had challengers but maintained his distance from the pink jersey group until the end.

The overall standings for the top five riders remains unchanged from Stage 14. Cadel Evans(BMC) couldn’t shake Nibali to gain back that minute 26 seconds.

Today’s stage started out fairly slowly. There was a half hour delay in the start and the athletes rode non-competitively until they reach the summit of Col du Mont Cenis. The weather was a big factor again today. It started out sunny but changed to snow and pelting rain as the route climbed. The descent of Mont Cenis saw snow on the roadway itself. The final climb finished just short of the Col du Galibier.

Another contender for the podium was thwarted by the cold weather, Robert Gesink(Blanco), has dropped from fourth to eleventh spot. Mark Cavendish, Omega Pharma slogged through the mountains to finish within the time allowed.

Monday is a rest day. The exhausted and sick cyclists will get a chance to see to their injuries.

Stage 15 Finish

1.       Giovanni Visconti, Movistar

2.       Carlos Betancur, AG2R

3.       Przemyslaw Niemiec, Lampre

4.       Rafal Majka, Saxo-Tinoff

5.       Fabio Arevalo, Columbia

Race Standings

1.       Vincenzo Nibali, Astana

2.       Cadel Evans, BMC

3.       Rigoberto Uran Uran, Sky

4.       Mauro Santambrogio, Vini Fantini

5.       Michele Scarponi, Lampre

For race details and on the spot photos, check out Cycling News, Steep Hill or Velo News.

 B. McPherson
Vincenzo Nibali(Astana) continued his lock on the pink jersey, extending his lead in the race to 1:26 over second place Cadel Evans(BMC). Fellow Italian, Mauro Santambrogio(Vini Fautini) took the stage as he and Nibali outpaced the rest of the field.

Weather had a huge impact on today’s stage. Snow and the threat of avalanche forced race organizers to shorten the course, but riders still had to contend with torrential rains which washed away race markings, snow and cold. Heavy fog draped the mountainside forcing the helicopter and plane coverage to the ground. As a result, live coverage from the motorcycle cameras could not be relayed. The commentators had to make do with offering highlights from the previous 13 stages. They referred to the conditions for the athletes as “grisly”

This first foray into the Alps was made harder for many of the cyclists who are riding sick. Earlier top contenders, Higgins and Hesjedal had to withdraw because of sickness and today a second Garmin team mate, David Millar, was forced to retire as well. In all seven more riders have left the Giro, some with broken bones, some with sickness.

Tomorrow’s stage may well be shortened to about 50 km due to the horrible conditions. It was originally expected that the peloton would climb to the top of the Col du Galibier in France and then descend, but that is unlikely as the road has snow on it and there are threats of avalanche. The organizers were more concerned about the riders’ safety on the descent than the ascent.

Monday will be a rest day, something that will be more than welcome.

Stage 14 Finishers

1.       Mauro Santambrogio, Vini Fantini

2.       Vincenzo Nibali, Astana

3.       Carlos Betancur, AG2R

4.       Sammy Sanchez, Euskaltel Euskadi

5.       Rigoberto Uran Uran, Sky

Race Standings

1.       Vincenzo Nibali, Astana

2.       Cadel Evans, BMC

3.       Rigoberto Uran Uran, Sky

4.       Mauro Santambrogio, Vini Fantini

5.       Michele Scarponi, Lampre

For greater details and highlights Steephilltv is a good choice.

The Giro continues to claim its victims. Today Bradley Wiggins, Sky, was forced to withdraw due to illness. Wiggins has been suffering from a chest infection and yesterday saw him slip further in the standings. The team doctor advised that he need to return to Britain to get treatment and recuperate. It is a blow to the top cyclist who was in contention to win the Giro and pair it with a win at the Tour de France in July.

Last year’s Giro winner, Ryder Hesjedal, Garmin, was also forced out of the race due to illness. He had been struggling since Stage 8 time trials, at one point being evacuated out to a hospital. A quote from Hesjedal follows:

"I have tried my best to honor the number one bib number, the race, my team and fans and its devastating to leave this way.  Going home now is heartbreaking.  Cycling Central


It has been reported that a virus is circulating among the competitors, a situation made worse by the horrible weather conditions. Today’s run threatened rain, but yesterday’s was cold and rainy over the whole course. Race organizers are considering whether to modify the race route as the peloton moves into the Alps. Col du Galibier currently has snow on the road and winter like temperatures. Snow clearing is taking place, but more is expected. Stage 14 sees a planned Bardonecchi summit finish. Organizers are hoping for safe conditions on the mountain, but will end the race 7km early in the valley if necessary.

Mark Cavendish pulled off another stage win. This is his fourth win this year in the Giro.

At the end of over 52 hours of competitive cycling, first and second place are separated by only 41 seconds.

Stage 13 Finish

1.       Mark Cavendish, Omega Pharma

2.       Giancomo Nizzolo, RadioShack

3.       Luka Mezgec, Argos Shimano

4.       Brett Lancaster, Orica

5.       Elia Viviani, Cannondale

Race Standings

1.       Vicenzo Nibali, Astana

2.       Cadel Evans, BMC

3.       Rigoberto Uran Uran, Sky

4.       Robert Gesink, Blanco

5.       Michele Scarponi, Lampre

Stage 14 168 km from Cervere to Bardonecchia. Plans are for a mountain top finish, depending on the weather.

For excellent information on this and other cycling races, check out the following: Velo News and/or Steephill TV.

 B. McPherson
Mark Cavendish(Omega Pharma), aka The Manx Missile chalked up his 100th career win with a soggy sprint into Treviso at the end of stage 12 of the Giro d’italia. Cavendish has dominated the sprint scene in professional bike riding for the past few years. He has had great lead out men, but showed today why he is the man to beat in the high level racing circles.

Vincenzo Nibali(Astana) continues to hold the top place in the Giro d’italia with a 41 seconds lead over Cadel Evans(BMC).

Today’s stage was a wet, dangerous one. Race officials had to shorten the official length from 134 km to 129 when a vehicle incident blocked the starting section. They also deemed that those riders who had already crossed the line marking the final 3km would be given the same finishing time as the first across it. This was decided to avoid a melee at the finish line with competitors jockeying for fractions of seconds advantage.  Riders who had not made it to that final 3 would be assessed time penalties. You can bet that there would be a run on hot showers at the end of today’s grueling trek. Most of the athletes rode with rain capes, leg warmers and arm warmers. BMC riders also had on what looked like thick waterproof gloves.

Five riders went off the front of the peloton early and maintained their distance for most of the race. They were swept up by the train within the final kilometre by the sprinters.

Fortunes can change quickly in these Grand Tour races. Today Bradley Wiggins(Sky) was a casualty. He has a chest infection which has knocked him back. His Sky team rallied around him helping him through this nightmare day, but his hopes of grasping the top prize are now distant. He places 13th with a 5’22” time deficit. Last year’s Giro winner Ryder Hesjedal(Garmin) has also been knocked out of top contention with medical problems.

Tomorrow the stage is a long one, 254 km from Busseto to Cherasco.

Stage 12 Finish

1.       Mark Cavendish, Omega Pharma Quickstep

2.       Nacer Bouhanni, FDJ

3.       Luka Mezgec, Argos Shimano

4.       Giacomo Nizzolo, Radioshack

5.       Brett Lancaster, Orica

Race Standings

1.       Vincenzo Nibali, Astana

2.       Cadel Evans, BMC Racing

3.       Rigoberto Uran Uran, Sky

4.       Robert Gesink, Blanco

5.       Michele Scarponi, Lampre

For racing details on this and previous stages, a good English language site is Steephill TV.

Giro d’Italia Stage 10: Sky Continues to Dominate

Stage 10 of the Giro sees Sky cycling continue to dominate the field with two competitors in the top five placements. Race organizers had no pity on the cyclists, setting a tough course after the first rest day. Two Category 1 climbs saw the field strung out. The second mountain climb was the decider among the top riders today with a long 7 to 14% gradient that thrust up to 20% just as the athletes legs turned to jelly.

Rigoberto Uran Uran(Sky) took the stage with a late breakaway, finishing first with a 20 second gap which was enough to move him into third overall, ahead of his teammate Bradley Wiggins. For a few minutes it looked as if Vincenzo Nibali(Astana) wearing the pink jersey of the race leader, was fading, but a late burst of energy saw him finish third to hold the jersey for at least another day. Cadel Evans(BMC) was right there at the finish as well with a fifth place in the stage. AG2R saw Carlos Betancur take second place on today’s podium for the second straight day.

What has happened to last year’s Giro champion Ryder Hesjedal(Garmin)? He has given up 20’ 53” to the field. When hundredths of seconds can mean the difference between victory and defeat, this looks like an insurmountable deficit to overcome. He has now slipped to 71st place. Yet, with nearly two more weeks to come and the spikey Alps ahead the unexpected can be expected.

One of the Astana team members, Vicioso, was carted off to hospital at the end of stage 9. The day was horrible with pelting rain and tricky descents. He had a crash but insisted on finishing the stage. The doctors added up the injuries – three broken ribs, broken wrist, left shoulder trauma, cracked right scapula. There is no doubt that this is a tough, dangerous sport at this level.  

Tomorrow’s route takes the peloton from Tarvisio to Vajont, a distance of 182 km. It is not classified as a mountain stage as it has only two category 2 climbs.

Stage 10 Top Five

1.       Rigoberto Uran Uran, Sky

2.       Carlos Betancur, AG2R

3.       Vincenzo Nibali, Astana

4.       Mauro Santabrogio, Vini Fantini

5.       Cadel Evans, BMC

Race Standings

1.       Vincenzo Nibali

2.       Cadel Evans

3.       Rigoberto Uran Uran

4.       Bradley Wiggins

5.       Robert Gesink, Blanco

Steephill TV is a good source of details about the Giro. It is in English.

B. McPherson
The Giro d’Italia Stage 9 was a sodden affair with heavy rain and puddles on the tarmac. A daring descent by Maxim Belkov(Katusha) made him untouchable. He led the race for the last 60 km. He was challenged but no one could touch him. The peloton was strung out over the course as the mountain stages and wet took their toll.

Some of the race favourites struggled to stay in contention. Last year’s winner of the Giro, Ryder Hesjedal(Garmin) fell further in the standings to eleventh place with a deficit of three minutes 11 seconds.

Monday will be a rest day for the cyclists, giving them a chance for rest and recuperation before the next two weeks of racing. They will be challenged by the terrain in Stage 10. There are two category 1 peaks on the 167 km route from Cordenons to Altopiano del Monasio with an uphill finish.

Stage 9 Finishers

1.       Maxim Belkov, Katusha

2.       Carlos Betancur, AG2R

3.       Jarlison Pantano, Columbia

4.       Tobias Ludvigsson, Argos-Shimano

5.       Cadel Evans, BMC

Overall Standings

1.       Vincenzo Nibali, Astana

2.       Cadel Evans

3.       Robert Gesink, Blanco

4.       Bradley Wiggins, Sky

5.       Michele Scarponi, Lampre

Some TV channels carry the Giro live. For us on the west coast of N.America, the coverage starts early but is excellent live and close up. For further references and background  info, try Steephill TV.

 Vancouver Island University is the current custodian of Milner Gardens, a large woodland estate on the shores of Georgia Strait. The 70 acre site was once the summer home of Veronica and Horatio “Ray” Milner. Mr. Milner has been a very successful business man and philanthropist. The second Mrs. Milner put today’s stamp on the approximately 10 acres of cultivated plants.

While many plants are imports, like the rhododendrons, they give the impression of being naturalized. The spring display of the rhodies is a compelling reason to visit the site. A gentle walkway through forest leans visitors from the welcoming site(and admission paid) to the gardens themselves. Evidence of educational activities is obvious while strolling through the forest with children’s small posters marking spots of special interest. There is also a children’s food garden.

For the gardening enthusiast there are plants to buy. The nursery is located in the old tennis court. The gift shop is located in the old pool building which overlooks the converted swimming pool, now a lily pond. You can also stop for a tea break in the main house which has been converted to a tea room. Or, best of all, you can sit on a garden bench and gaze at the ever changing water.

 

B. McPherson
In a scenario that might cause children to run and ladies to scream, a giant crab landed on the seaside park in Nanaimo harbour. In this case, the ladies admired it and the children flocked to it, ignoring its pincers and climbing atop it. The massive crustacean is made out of wood, carved by artist, Dan Ritchie.

May 8th was the day for installing new public art in the park. The Maffeo-Sutton Park on the waterfront hosts public art that is changed annually. The city hosts an open competition each year to invite artists to display their works in this setting. Public Art Week is recognized each May and these installations will stay in place until May 2014 when it is expected the public will be treated to a new group of art works.

The works ranged widely in scope, from a new interpretation of a traditional Snuneymeux spinning tool to a rusted backhoe bucket filled with drought resistant plants. One of my favourites from 2012 is the Orca built out of stainless steel, recycled metal parts.

Works installed in the park this year were:

·         Dungeness Crab artist Dan Ritchie

·         Spindle Whorle artist Joel Good

·         Borrowed Light artist Samuel Houston

·         (Un)tamed artist David Jacob Harder

B. McPherson
Canadian Chris Hadfield is coming to the end of his role as commander of the International Space Station. Since taking over the role in March, Hadfield has brought the doings of the ISS to the Canadian public and especially the school children. His duets from space with BareNakedLadies lead singer Ed Robertson have registered new firsts. Today they are topping even that with the anticipated Music Monday.

Music Monday’s theme is Let’s Fill the Skies With Music. It involves a live coordinated sing along. While it started as a Canadian activity, it has caught the imagination of educators in provinces across Canada and several other countries as well. It was estimated by the CBC that about 600 000 children around the world would be participating together in the singing.

The song, Is Someone Singing debuted in February. For a video of the Earth and Space performance follow the link. Have a tissue ready, it just might bring tears to your eyes.

Commander Hadfield will return to terra firma on May 13th after a very successful stint in the ISS. The Canadian Space Agency has a great site to view Canadian activities relating to space exploration.

 

 B. McPherson
This latest food scandal is a doozy. 900 plus people have been arrested in a months long investigation. Rat, mink and fox carcasses have been doctored and sold in farmers’ markets as mutton or lamb. Normally none of those animals are considered suitable for human consumption. None of the meat will have  been tested for disease or cleanliness.

To date, CCTV News is reporting that the authorities have uncovered 322 cases of the criminal deception, amounting to 20 000 tonnes of mystery meat. The take by the fraudsters is edging up into the millions of dollars.

In Wuxi, in east China's Jiangsu Province, suspects made fake mutton from fox, mink and rat by adding chemicals. The products were sold to markets and the suspects made more than 10 million yuan (1.62 million U.S. dollars) from the illegal activities. CCTV News

The rat meat was sold in Shanghai, Wuxi and Jiangsu Province.

China is struggling to provide its people with clean, unadulterated food while also stretching its limits to become a major exporter of food stuffs. Numerous scandals over the past few years have included melamine in baby formula, baby food so adulterated that it contained little nutritional value, diseased meat in the food supply, “gutter” cooking oil.

China has become an industrial powerhouse over the past two decades but at a huge cost to its water supplies. Many rivers are unsafe to use at all. Much ground water is also suspect. This has had those with enough money turning to bottled mineral water for drinking. The consumption of bottled water accelerated this spring when thousands of dead, rotting pigs were found floating in the main water supply for Shanghai.

While the tap water in China’s towns and cities has long been considered polluted and boiled water in thermoses used to be the norm for drinking, the new norm is spring water or mineral water.

Radio Free Asia has released information about the standards to which bottled water is held. It turns out that standards have not been reviewed since the 50s and that standard is lower than for tap water. Tap water is subject to 106 tests. Bottled only 20.

A short You Tube film on this subject can be found at this link.