Danny Pate on his Big Giro Adventure
Danny & Jason. Doesn’t that sound like two characters in a kids book filled with mad-cap adventures? Danny & Jason rocket to Mars, Danny & Jason and the deep-sea monster, Danny & Jason ride the Giro!
Americans Danny Pate (Garmin-Slipstream) and Jason McCartney (Saxo Bank) gave us thrills and chills today. Along with five breakaway buddies, they both left an exhausted peleton behind after 55 kilometers. The escape was on, another exploit, our two irrepressible boys loose in the Italian countryside. Despite the efforts of Rabobank, Milram and Fuji (who both missed the break) nobody could bring them back.
With the finish line drawing near, both Pate and McCartney launched attacks. The final kilometers were a roller coaster of moves and counter moves, as the small group shattered and reformed. Pate was dropped and clawed his way back. With one kilometer to go, Dries Devenyns (Quick Step) jumped on the cobbled section and Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) chased, pulling Pate into his slipstream. Danny accelerated but was just nipped by Michele Scarponi and Cardenas.
What an amazing adventure! Danny took 3rd place and Jason grabbed 7th. Stay tuned for stage 19, Danny & Jason tackle the Vesuvio Volcano!
Leave A Comment