Antonio Velozzia

After a lifetime of 2nd places in the grand tours the news that Phillipes luck had taken a distinct turn for the worse meant Italy's favourite 'Nearly man' Antonio Vellozzia suddenly saw hope, and a Maglia Rosa, in front of him.

65 blustery, rainy miles at 17.9 kicked all such pretensions out of his silly faux Italian head.

He knew Phillipe would soon recover to condemn him to a life of 'almost's'....