THREE stages to go and it's all about the GC now.
Today's stage up to Pena Cabarga made a serious impact into the overall standings. Chris Horner is now just 3 seconds down on Vincenzo Nibali with Alejandro Valverde and Joaquin Rodriguez also managing to sneak a few seconds back on the Italian.
Tomorrow the route travels 181km along Spain's Northern coast from San Vincente Barquera to the Alto Naranco, just outside of Oviedo.
For most of the day the profile is fairly flat but it does pick up towards the back end and the days three categorised climbs all appear inside the last 40km.
The first two are both third category. First up is the Alto de San Emiliano, which climbs 6.3km at an average gradient of 4.6. This has it's summit with 32.7km to go.
Second up is the Alto de la Manzaneda. This is just 3.6km long but has a higher average gradient of 6.2%. And it's summit comes just 12.4km from the finish.
The final climb of the day is the second category Alto de Naranco, our finishing climb. It is 5.7km long with an average gradient of 4.2%.
In itself it shouldn't pose too much trouble to the peloton. However if the pace is high (which it undoubtedly will be) it will feel a lot harder and could cause some problems.
The stage could go one of two ways. It could be like I predicted today would happen. The GC boys may want the bonus seconds before the drama that will be Saturday.
However the more likely scenario is a break disappears up the road and gains enough time to fight it out for the stage win while the big names ride their own race.
For the likes of Valverde and Rodriguez to gain significant time they may have to go long. But that is very unlikely considering what awaits on Saturday.
So it looks like the status quo will be maintained and the destiny of the race will be decided on the dreaded slopes of the Angliru. Or will it?
Nibali may feel he cannot wait until Saturday. Horner is clearly the strongest climber and the much more likely to have success on the final climb. So will the leader attack?
It's going to be another stage that probably leaves more questions than answers. But in keeping with this wonderful race there is bound to be some serious action along the way.
Showing posts with label Nicolas Roche. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nicolas Roche. Show all posts
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 18 Preview
STAGE 18 is the first of three major climbing days, which will decide the winner of the Tour of Spain.
Time is running out for people to attack current race leader Vincenzo Nibali although Monday will have given them all a lot more confidence.
The race is now arguably between four men. Nibali, Chris Horner, Alejandro Valverde and Joaquin Rodriguez.
Two minutes 29 seconds separate the quartet with Horner now just 28 seconds adrift.
With time bonuses on the line can these four allow a breakaway to get too far up the road.
The stage is a total of 186.5km long and travels northwards from Burgos to Pena Cabarga.
It takes in four categorised climbs. The first three are 3rd Cat, the Alto de Bocos (3km long & 6.6%), Alto Estacas de Trueba (10.9km & 3.2%) and Puerto de la Braguia (6.1km & 6.3%).
The next up is the second category Alto del Caracol, 10.6km and 5.6%.
They will be perfect places to soften up the field and for the challengers to try and isolate Nibali from his Astana team.
However the decisive moves should all come on the final climb.
At 5.9km long it doesn't sound too bad until you look at the gradients that it will tackle.
An average of 9.2% it only has around 1km where the gradient drops below this. And as the riders head under the red kite it maxes out at 20%.
All four are more than capable of handling that type of gradient but for me Rodriguez looks the strongest right now.
He has a habit of riding himself into a tour and he seems to be doing so again. He also has the most time to claw back so I imagine he will be very active on the climb.
If the four look at each other and ignore everyone else then look to the likes of Nico Roche, Domenico Pozzovivo, Thibault Pinot and Leopold Konig could all be involved.
But the top four will want the time bonuses. And if that is the case look to Purito to steal the day.
Time is running out for people to attack current race leader Vincenzo Nibali although Monday will have given them all a lot more confidence.
The race is now arguably between four men. Nibali, Chris Horner, Alejandro Valverde and Joaquin Rodriguez.
Two minutes 29 seconds separate the quartet with Horner now just 28 seconds adrift.
With time bonuses on the line can these four allow a breakaway to get too far up the road.
The stage is a total of 186.5km long and travels northwards from Burgos to Pena Cabarga.
It takes in four categorised climbs. The first three are 3rd Cat, the Alto de Bocos (3km long & 6.6%), Alto Estacas de Trueba (10.9km & 3.2%) and Puerto de la Braguia (6.1km & 6.3%).
The next up is the second category Alto del Caracol, 10.6km and 5.6%.
They will be perfect places to soften up the field and for the challengers to try and isolate Nibali from his Astana team.
However the decisive moves should all come on the final climb.
At 5.9km long it doesn't sound too bad until you look at the gradients that it will tackle.
An average of 9.2% it only has around 1km where the gradient drops below this. And as the riders head under the red kite it maxes out at 20%.
All four are more than capable of handling that type of gradient but for me Rodriguez looks the strongest right now.
He has a habit of riding himself into a tour and he seems to be doing so again. He also has the most time to claw back so I imagine he will be very active on the climb.
If the four look at each other and ignore everyone else then look to the likes of Nico Roche, Domenico Pozzovivo, Thibault Pinot and Leopold Konig could all be involved.
But the top four will want the time bonuses. And if that is the case look to Purito to steal the day.
Friday, 6 September 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 14 Preview
THOSE people who watched the Tour de France this year will remember stage 8 and the first entry into the Pyrenees.
It saw Chris Froome and Team Sky destroy their opposition and ultimately set up his overall victory in Paris two weeks later.
Tomorrow sees the Vuelta a Espana enter the big mountain chain. And all expectations are it could be equally as explosive.
Stage 14 takes the riders from Baga and into Andorra, finishing 155.7km later on top of the Collada de la Gallina.
Along the route there are three climbs to overcome before the final dash up the category 1 Gallina.
First up is the familiar Port de Envalira. The hors categorie (HC) climb has figured many times in both Le Tour and the Vuelta. It was last used in 2009 at the beginning of a stage and fittingly it was Sandy Casar who crested it first, the Frenchman having just announced his retirement from the sport yesterday.
The last time it was used in the Vuelta was in 2003 as a stage finish and it was Alejandro Valverde had his hands raised in triumph that time, as he headed towards an overall third position.
The climb is a whopping 26.7km long with an average gradient of 5.2%. Now that might not seem a lot but if hits ramps of 9-10% in the opening 3km and maxes out at 15% towards the top.
It's summit here is 68.4km from the finish and so won't decide the stage outcome but it will begin the big thinning out of the peloton.
The descent off the Envalira takes us to within 47km off the line but there are still two category 2 climbs to come.
The first is the Coll de Ordino which is 8.8km and has an average gradient of 4.9%. The second is the Alto de la Comella, shorter at 4km but slightly more difficult at 5%.
Neither will split the field asunder but if the pace is kept high it will not only discourage attacks but also shell a few more out the back.
Once off the Comella there is only a short run through the valley before starting the final ascent.
The Gallina is 7.2km long but has an average gradient of 8%. It has a section in the middle which hits 15% while the final two kilometres hit 9% rising to 10%.
It will mean a tough run to the line and throws up many alternative winners.
Chris Horner has looked very strong on the climbs so far and I'm sure he will want to win the jersey back. Expect an attack at some point.
Vincenzo Nibali currently has that jersey and will want to defend it. He left his run a little too late to close down Horner on stage 10 and won't want to make that mistake again.
The two other big Spaniards may fancy their chances also. Valverde will like this finish although he may also have an eye on Sunday's stage.
Joaquin Rodriguez has the comfort of a 2.33 deficit to Nibali and this mean the top four riders may not respond as quickly if he attacked. If can get a gap he could be gone for the win. However he hasn't looked in the best of form recently but on his day, he would be the favourite.
Nico Roche has been exceptional so far and is definitely having his best ever grand tour. He should be able to hold the others to a fairly reasonable gap but I can't see him challenging for the stage win.
Of the others, well look no further than Euskatel. This is their territory but following the takeover by F1 world champion Fernando Alonso they will be losing their Basque persona.
I'm sure the Basque fans will continue to support them as vociferously as before but I'm also sure the team will want to put on a show. Expect at least one in the break and if one of (if not all) of Igor Anton, Mikel Nieve and Sammy Sanchez don't appear at the head of affairs I will be most surprised!
Before the tour started I would have said David Arroyo would have been on the offensive in the mountains but he hasn't looked at his best so far. Don't count him out though.
Domenico Pozzovivo was amazing in the time trial and is more than suited to these type of steep climbs. Has a chance.
Ivan Basso has looked really good as well in recent mountainous days. Can this be the day he makes an attack stick? He certainly will attack so why not.
Finally Carlos Alberto Betancur would have been a favourite for the Tour and this stage. But illness and a lack of competition put paid to that before it started. He will be getting better so expect at least one showing in the last week. The question is when. And why not today?
Lots of opportunities for a lot of riders. Whatever happens it will be exciting. You want me to pick one? I was afraid of that!
Joaquin Rodriguez then.
That's the mockers put on him!
It saw Chris Froome and Team Sky destroy their opposition and ultimately set up his overall victory in Paris two weeks later.
Tomorrow sees the Vuelta a Espana enter the big mountain chain. And all expectations are it could be equally as explosive.
Stage 14 takes the riders from Baga and into Andorra, finishing 155.7km later on top of the Collada de la Gallina.
Along the route there are three climbs to overcome before the final dash up the category 1 Gallina.
First up is the familiar Port de Envalira. The hors categorie (HC) climb has figured many times in both Le Tour and the Vuelta. It was last used in 2009 at the beginning of a stage and fittingly it was Sandy Casar who crested it first, the Frenchman having just announced his retirement from the sport yesterday.
The last time it was used in the Vuelta was in 2003 as a stage finish and it was Alejandro Valverde had his hands raised in triumph that time, as he headed towards an overall third position.
The climb is a whopping 26.7km long with an average gradient of 5.2%. Now that might not seem a lot but if hits ramps of 9-10% in the opening 3km and maxes out at 15% towards the top.
It's summit here is 68.4km from the finish and so won't decide the stage outcome but it will begin the big thinning out of the peloton.
The descent off the Envalira takes us to within 47km off the line but there are still two category 2 climbs to come.
The first is the Coll de Ordino which is 8.8km and has an average gradient of 4.9%. The second is the Alto de la Comella, shorter at 4km but slightly more difficult at 5%.
Neither will split the field asunder but if the pace is kept high it will not only discourage attacks but also shell a few more out the back.
Once off the Comella there is only a short run through the valley before starting the final ascent.
The Gallina is 7.2km long but has an average gradient of 8%. It has a section in the middle which hits 15% while the final two kilometres hit 9% rising to 10%.
It will mean a tough run to the line and throws up many alternative winners.
Chris Horner has looked very strong on the climbs so far and I'm sure he will want to win the jersey back. Expect an attack at some point.
Vincenzo Nibali currently has that jersey and will want to defend it. He left his run a little too late to close down Horner on stage 10 and won't want to make that mistake again.
The two other big Spaniards may fancy their chances also. Valverde will like this finish although he may also have an eye on Sunday's stage.
Joaquin Rodriguez has the comfort of a 2.33 deficit to Nibali and this mean the top four riders may not respond as quickly if he attacked. If can get a gap he could be gone for the win. However he hasn't looked in the best of form recently but on his day, he would be the favourite.
Nico Roche has been exceptional so far and is definitely having his best ever grand tour. He should be able to hold the others to a fairly reasonable gap but I can't see him challenging for the stage win.
Of the others, well look no further than Euskatel. This is their territory but following the takeover by F1 world champion Fernando Alonso they will be losing their Basque persona.
I'm sure the Basque fans will continue to support them as vociferously as before but I'm also sure the team will want to put on a show. Expect at least one in the break and if one of (if not all) of Igor Anton, Mikel Nieve and Sammy Sanchez don't appear at the head of affairs I will be most surprised!
Before the tour started I would have said David Arroyo would have been on the offensive in the mountains but he hasn't looked at his best so far. Don't count him out though.
Domenico Pozzovivo was amazing in the time trial and is more than suited to these type of steep climbs. Has a chance.
Ivan Basso has looked really good as well in recent mountainous days. Can this be the day he makes an attack stick? He certainly will attack so why not.
Finally Carlos Alberto Betancur would have been a favourite for the Tour and this stage. But illness and a lack of competition put paid to that before it started. He will be getting better so expect at least one showing in the last week. The question is when. And why not today?
Lots of opportunities for a lot of riders. Whatever happens it will be exciting. You want me to pick one? I was afraid of that!
Joaquin Rodriguez then.
That's the mockers put on him!
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 13 Preview
TODAY was meant to be a day for the big bunch sprint and so it proved with Philippe Gilbert denying my pick, Edvald Boassen-Hagen.
Tomorrow however shouldn't see many of the quick men at the finish.
Starting at the town of Valls the riders will travel 169km in total to Castelldefels, just south of Barcelona.
The parcours will actually see the peloton roll through the finishing town after 108.7km. But it is the remaining 60km which will seal the fate of the sprinters.
There are two climbs en route, the first is the Coll de la Torreta, a 3rd category climb which starts just 13km into the stage.
At 10km long and with an average gradient of 5.8% it will be bit of a wake up call to the peloton but won't be hard enough, and comes way too early in the stage, to decide the destiny of the stage win.
It could well decide the make-up of the days break however.
The second climb will play a huge part in the outcome of the day.
The wonderfully named Alto del Rat Penat appears in front of the field with 54km to go. It is a mere 4.5km long and because of this it is only classed as a first category climb.
It's gradient however will strike fear into some. It has an average of 10.6% and hits ramps of between 14% and 16% in the middle two kilometres.
That will be more than enough to send the sprinters scurrying into the safety of the 'bus' and will see a very reduced field cross it's summit.
Expect attacks here. The likes of David Arroyo of Caja Rural and any of the Euskatel riders although Igor Anton seems the one with the most attacking intent so far in this race.
The big favourites will know there is a long run to the finish and with the race heading into the Pyrenees on Saturday they may not want to expend too much energy.
If one of them starts to suffer though, that could change.
The road then heads steadily downwards as we head back to the coast and Castellfedels. It may allow some to get back on and anyone with a half decent sprint may find themselves favourite for the win.
Into this bracket would be the likes of Gianni Meersman, Dominik Nerz and Reinhardt Janse van Renesburg.
The final few kilometres are along the sea front and so wind may be a factor, although current forecasts suggest only a slight breeze.
With 3km to go the road swings inland, past the 1992 Olympic Rowing strip and towards the final 300m.
I mention the final 300m for two reasons. One there is another roundabout to cross and once you have the road kicks up, not massively but enough to dull the legs.
It's going to be a fascinating stage and is really difficult to pick a winner.
I think there might be bid by someone like Alejandro Valverde. With bonus seconds on the line he may see this as an opportunity to win back some time on Vincenzo Nibali and the likes. Same applies for Nico Roche.
Don't be surprised to see the likes of Tony Martin or Fabian Cancellara contesting the finish. Martin had a little go today and they may see this stage as a chance to test their legs one more time prior to the world championships. Both will be dropped on the climb but both will be more than able to get back on.
Even prior to his win today my pick for the day would have been, and still is, the current world champion Gilbert. He hasn't had the best of years in the rainbow bands but there were signs he was improving before he unleashed that wonderful sprint today.
He was pipped to the line on stage 7 and this finish will suit him as today's did. If he can get over the climb in a fairly good position and then get himself into a good group, he could easily make it back on and spring a double celebration.
In fact don't be surprised if his major challenger may be the man he defeated today, EBH. It's definitely coming for Eddie and if he can use today's disappointment as motivation, then he will be close again.
Tomorrow however shouldn't see many of the quick men at the finish.
Starting at the town of Valls the riders will travel 169km in total to Castelldefels, just south of Barcelona.
The parcours will actually see the peloton roll through the finishing town after 108.7km. But it is the remaining 60km which will seal the fate of the sprinters.
There are two climbs en route, the first is the Coll de la Torreta, a 3rd category climb which starts just 13km into the stage.
At 10km long and with an average gradient of 5.8% it will be bit of a wake up call to the peloton but won't be hard enough, and comes way too early in the stage, to decide the destiny of the stage win.
It could well decide the make-up of the days break however.
The second climb will play a huge part in the outcome of the day.
The wonderfully named Alto del Rat Penat appears in front of the field with 54km to go. It is a mere 4.5km long and because of this it is only classed as a first category climb.
It's gradient however will strike fear into some. It has an average of 10.6% and hits ramps of between 14% and 16% in the middle two kilometres.
That will be more than enough to send the sprinters scurrying into the safety of the 'bus' and will see a very reduced field cross it's summit.
Expect attacks here. The likes of David Arroyo of Caja Rural and any of the Euskatel riders although Igor Anton seems the one with the most attacking intent so far in this race.
The big favourites will know there is a long run to the finish and with the race heading into the Pyrenees on Saturday they may not want to expend too much energy.
If one of them starts to suffer though, that could change.
The road then heads steadily downwards as we head back to the coast and Castellfedels. It may allow some to get back on and anyone with a half decent sprint may find themselves favourite for the win.
Into this bracket would be the likes of Gianni Meersman, Dominik Nerz and Reinhardt Janse van Renesburg.
The final few kilometres are along the sea front and so wind may be a factor, although current forecasts suggest only a slight breeze.
With 3km to go the road swings inland, past the 1992 Olympic Rowing strip and towards the final 300m.
I mention the final 300m for two reasons. One there is another roundabout to cross and once you have the road kicks up, not massively but enough to dull the legs.
It's going to be a fascinating stage and is really difficult to pick a winner.
I think there might be bid by someone like Alejandro Valverde. With bonus seconds on the line he may see this as an opportunity to win back some time on Vincenzo Nibali and the likes. Same applies for Nico Roche.
Don't be surprised to see the likes of Tony Martin or Fabian Cancellara contesting the finish. Martin had a little go today and they may see this stage as a chance to test their legs one more time prior to the world championships. Both will be dropped on the climb but both will be more than able to get back on.
Even prior to his win today my pick for the day would have been, and still is, the current world champion Gilbert. He hasn't had the best of years in the rainbow bands but there were signs he was improving before he unleashed that wonderful sprint today.
He was pipped to the line on stage 7 and this finish will suit him as today's did. If he can get over the climb in a fairly good position and then get himself into a good group, he could easily make it back on and spring a double celebration.
In fact don't be surprised if his major challenger may be the man he defeated today, EBH. It's definitely coming for Eddie and if he can use today's disappointment as motivation, then he will be close again.
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 12 Preview
" I DON'T expect him to lose the leaders jersey however".
So spoke this 'oracle' about today's stage. Chris Horner actually produced a decent ride yet Vincenzo Nibali produced a even better one.
Nico Roche was also impressive but probably the star of the stage was the diminutive Domenico Pozzovivo who produced an absolutely sensational and still somewhat unbelievable ride to finish third on the stage.
It means the time gaps covering the top 10 is now 3.56. However the top four are separated by just 46 seconds.
But this time I'm going to say it. The leaders jersey should not change hands tomorrow. And that's because of one thing. One big, imposing, colossal thing.
The Pyrenees.
Saturday sees the first foray into the famous mountain chain and with that in mind the organisers, for once, have been relatively kind to the peloton.
Stage 12 is a straight run to the Mediterranean. We start in inland at Maella before travelling 164.2km to Tarragona, just 100km south of Barcelona, where we head tomorrow.
There is just one climb along the route, the 3rd Cat Alto del Collet, a 7.5km climb which rises 275m at an average gradient of 3.6%.
It's summit is still 73.7km from the finish and with nothing between it and there, other than two sprint points, it should mean another bunch sprint and a day off for the GC riders, if such things actually exist in this Vuelta.
Because the route drops towards the sea it should mean a quick stage and the opening hour could be interesting as the 'right' break tries to get away.
I've predicted bunch sprints before only to see someone jump clear and deny them their day.
The run in does have a couple of tricky corners. With 1.5km to go there is a sweeping left hand hairpin followed by a tight left 90 degree corner just under the flamme rouge.
And with around 300m to go there is a roundabout which while not a tight bend will still cause some problems.
It's going to be require someone to be a little bit brave as they are going to have to be towards the front from the last 2km at least.
Michael Matthews has been the quickest around and with some sprinters having already gone home, he will go into this stage as favourite.
Again the likes of Lampre's Maximiliano Richeze and Omega-Pharma-Quicksteps Gianni Meersman should make top 10 without too much problems.
Also look out for the likes of Geoffrey Soupe, Tyler Farrar and Ramon Sinkledam from Argos-Shimano.
However I'm going to go for Edvald Boassen-Hagen.
Now I know that may seem like a strange choice. He hasn't been having an impressive tour so far considering he left the Tour de France early due to an injury.
He hasn't achieved a top 5 in a sprint yet either and today's TT wasn't up to his usual high standard. But I do think that on a day like tomorrow he could produce a strong enough effort to snatch a good result.
But then I was wrong today!
So spoke this 'oracle' about today's stage. Chris Horner actually produced a decent ride yet Vincenzo Nibali produced a even better one.
Nico Roche was also impressive but probably the star of the stage was the diminutive Domenico Pozzovivo who produced an absolutely sensational and still somewhat unbelievable ride to finish third on the stage.
It means the time gaps covering the top 10 is now 3.56. However the top four are separated by just 46 seconds.
But this time I'm going to say it. The leaders jersey should not change hands tomorrow. And that's because of one thing. One big, imposing, colossal thing.
The Pyrenees.
Saturday sees the first foray into the famous mountain chain and with that in mind the organisers, for once, have been relatively kind to the peloton.
Stage 12 is a straight run to the Mediterranean. We start in inland at Maella before travelling 164.2km to Tarragona, just 100km south of Barcelona, where we head tomorrow.
There is just one climb along the route, the 3rd Cat Alto del Collet, a 7.5km climb which rises 275m at an average gradient of 3.6%.
It's summit is still 73.7km from the finish and with nothing between it and there, other than two sprint points, it should mean another bunch sprint and a day off for the GC riders, if such things actually exist in this Vuelta.
Because the route drops towards the sea it should mean a quick stage and the opening hour could be interesting as the 'right' break tries to get away.
I've predicted bunch sprints before only to see someone jump clear and deny them their day.
The run in does have a couple of tricky corners. With 1.5km to go there is a sweeping left hand hairpin followed by a tight left 90 degree corner just under the flamme rouge.
And with around 300m to go there is a roundabout which while not a tight bend will still cause some problems.
It's going to be require someone to be a little bit brave as they are going to have to be towards the front from the last 2km at least.
Michael Matthews has been the quickest around and with some sprinters having already gone home, he will go into this stage as favourite.
Again the likes of Lampre's Maximiliano Richeze and Omega-Pharma-Quicksteps Gianni Meersman should make top 10 without too much problems.
Also look out for the likes of Geoffrey Soupe, Tyler Farrar and Ramon Sinkledam from Argos-Shimano.
However I'm going to go for Edvald Boassen-Hagen.
Now I know that may seem like a strange choice. He hasn't been having an impressive tour so far considering he left the Tour de France early due to an injury.
He hasn't achieved a top 5 in a sprint yet either and today's TT wasn't up to his usual high standard. But I do think that on a day like tomorrow he could produce a strong enough effort to snatch a good result.
But then I was wrong today!
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 11 Preview
FIRTSLY, an apology. Totally mixed up when the rest day was and missed Stage 10's preview up a savagely steep final climb.
If it's any consolation I'd have probably gone for a Domenico Pozzovivo type and certainly wouldn't have picked eventual winner and new leader of the Tour Chris Horner.
Horner's ride has stretched the time gaps at the top. Prior to stage 10 the top ten was separated by 1.25. They are now covered by 3.28.
Two former Vincenzo Nibali is second at 43 seconds with Nico Roche third at 53 seconds.
It means that stage 11 will need to be pivotal for some, as it seems every stage so far has been.
Wednesday's stage is an Individual Time Trial, totalling 38.8km in length, and including the 3rd category Alto del Moncayo.
It should alter the overall standings once more as those riders who aren't pure climbers try to steal back some more time.
Nibali and Alejandro Valverde should be able to produce good rides as should ninth place Rafal Majka. All will be towards the top of the day's rankings.
Joaquin Rodriguez and Roche will see this as a chance to cement their
Roche has been particularly impressive during this Vuelta and is perhaps showing the grand tour form that a lot of people have expected from him. His time trialing ability has often been his Achilles heel so the climb should help him out.
Rodriguez though should be the big favourite from those in the top five and at 1.40 behind Horner he needs to put in a good ride.
Horner has been outstanding so far in this race and while he can produce a decent TT, he will need to tap into that top form if he is to limit his losses. I don't expect him to lose the leaders jersey however.
Outside of the top GC boys those looking for the stage win should be the likes of Janez Brajkovic, Roman Kreuziger and Sammy Sanchez.
Other outsiders would include the BMC pair of Marco Pinotti and Dominik Nerz and Lieuwe Westra of Vaconsoleil. All three have had indifferent form recently but are more than capable of doing something here.
It would also be remiss to not mention Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin when taking about an individual time trial.
World Champion Martin put in that sensational effort on stage five as a test for the upcoming defence of his title. On that form alone he looks in tip-top condition. Spartacus is also aiming for a world title although he has his eyes on the road race rather than the test against the clock. This would be a perfect test for him to judge his form.
It has been a fantastic tour for the fans to watch so far and I can't see the twists and turns stopping here.
If it's any consolation I'd have probably gone for a Domenico Pozzovivo type and certainly wouldn't have picked eventual winner and new leader of the Tour Chris Horner.
Horner's ride has stretched the time gaps at the top. Prior to stage 10 the top ten was separated by 1.25. They are now covered by 3.28.
Two former Vincenzo Nibali is second at 43 seconds with Nico Roche third at 53 seconds.
It means that stage 11 will need to be pivotal for some, as it seems every stage so far has been.
Wednesday's stage is an Individual Time Trial, totalling 38.8km in length, and including the 3rd category Alto del Moncayo.
It should alter the overall standings once more as those riders who aren't pure climbers try to steal back some more time.
Nibali and Alejandro Valverde should be able to produce good rides as should ninth place Rafal Majka. All will be towards the top of the day's rankings.
Joaquin Rodriguez and Roche will see this as a chance to cement their
Roche has been particularly impressive during this Vuelta and is perhaps showing the grand tour form that a lot of people have expected from him. His time trialing ability has often been his Achilles heel so the climb should help him out.
Rodriguez though should be the big favourite from those in the top five and at 1.40 behind Horner he needs to put in a good ride.
Horner has been outstanding so far in this race and while he can produce a decent TT, he will need to tap into that top form if he is to limit his losses. I don't expect him to lose the leaders jersey however.
Outside of the top GC boys those looking for the stage win should be the likes of Janez Brajkovic, Roman Kreuziger and Sammy Sanchez.
Other outsiders would include the BMC pair of Marco Pinotti and Dominik Nerz and Lieuwe Westra of Vaconsoleil. All three have had indifferent form recently but are more than capable of doing something here.
It would also be remiss to not mention Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin when taking about an individual time trial.
World Champion Martin put in that sensational effort on stage five as a test for the upcoming defence of his title. On that form alone he looks in tip-top condition. Spartacus is also aiming for a world title although he has his eyes on the road race rather than the test against the clock. This would be a perfect test for him to judge his form.
It has been a fantastic tour for the fans to watch so far and I can't see the twists and turns stopping here.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 9 Preview
STAGE nine is classed as a medium mountain stage. But the last kilometre will see gradients as high as most climbs across the entire Vuelta.
The stage itself is one of the shorter ones, at just 163.7km long, so could be one of the quicker ones. It takes the riders from Antequera to Valdepenas de Jaen and only crosses one categorised climb, the category 2 Alto de los Frailes.
That climb is around 6km long and averages in the region of 5.5% to 6%.
It is a steady climb and with it's summit just 16.2km from the finish it is the perfect place to soften the peloton up at the very least.
The descent is fairly quick without too many technical sections so anyone who can descend well will be able to put some under a whole lot of pressure.
One man who can descend well is Vincenzo Nibali. I wouldn't imagine he will put too much hurt on the other favourites but he will be at the front of them all come the final slog up Valdepenas.
Having said that he didn't look good up the final part of today's climb, although there were reports of a slipped chain which hindered his progress.
The last 2km sees the road climb at an average of 6% but with the final kilometre hitting parts above 10%.
It is a finish which shares a lot of characteristics to those in Belgium and Holland and that are seen along the route of some of the Northern Classics like Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Tour of Flanders.
Nibali will be a very good bet for this stage as would the Colombian pairing of Carlos Betancur and Sergio Henao.
Joaquin Rodriguez and Roman Kreuziger are another two who have both been victorious in the Spring Monuments and will like the look of this finish. Kreuziger though wasn't comfortable today and unless he was taking it easy he may not be up for this.
For outsiders the two contested the finish a few days ago, World Champion Phillipe Gilbert and Zdenek Stybar are both more than capable of doing something here as is Nicolas Roche.
Roche took the red jersey today after a superb effort to latch on to the Ivan Basso attack. He has looked in the best form of his career and after promising so much in grand tours over the last few years could this be the time he actually delivers?
I get the feeling though that a breakaway may contest the finish today. Always hard to predict who will manage to get in there but riders from Vaconsoleil (maybe Tomasz Marcynski) and Euskatel (Igor Anton or Egoi Martinez?) will want to be part of it and Caja-Rural will always look to put somebody in there.
It is another stage which won't decide the destiny of this Vuelta. But it will put the hurt on a lot of riders. And that could be crucial come the last week.
The stage itself is one of the shorter ones, at just 163.7km long, so could be one of the quicker ones. It takes the riders from Antequera to Valdepenas de Jaen and only crosses one categorised climb, the category 2 Alto de los Frailes.
That climb is around 6km long and averages in the region of 5.5% to 6%.
It is a steady climb and with it's summit just 16.2km from the finish it is the perfect place to soften the peloton up at the very least.
The descent is fairly quick without too many technical sections so anyone who can descend well will be able to put some under a whole lot of pressure.
One man who can descend well is Vincenzo Nibali. I wouldn't imagine he will put too much hurt on the other favourites but he will be at the front of them all come the final slog up Valdepenas.
Having said that he didn't look good up the final part of today's climb, although there were reports of a slipped chain which hindered his progress.
The last 2km sees the road climb at an average of 6% but with the final kilometre hitting parts above 10%.
It is a finish which shares a lot of characteristics to those in Belgium and Holland and that are seen along the route of some of the Northern Classics like Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Tour of Flanders.
Nibali will be a very good bet for this stage as would the Colombian pairing of Carlos Betancur and Sergio Henao.
Joaquin Rodriguez and Roman Kreuziger are another two who have both been victorious in the Spring Monuments and will like the look of this finish. Kreuziger though wasn't comfortable today and unless he was taking it easy he may not be up for this.
For outsiders the two contested the finish a few days ago, World Champion Phillipe Gilbert and Zdenek Stybar are both more than capable of doing something here as is Nicolas Roche.
Roche took the red jersey today after a superb effort to latch on to the Ivan Basso attack. He has looked in the best form of his career and after promising so much in grand tours over the last few years could this be the time he actually delivers?
I get the feeling though that a breakaway may contest the finish today. Always hard to predict who will manage to get in there but riders from Vaconsoleil (maybe Tomasz Marcynski) and Euskatel (Igor Anton or Egoi Martinez?) will want to be part of it and Caja-Rural will always look to put somebody in there.
It is another stage which won't decide the destiny of this Vuelta. But it will put the hurt on a lot of riders. And that could be crucial come the last week.
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 3 Preview
STAGE 2 answered a few of the questions about who is or isn't in form.
And in the case of Sammy Sanchez and Sergio Henao the answer is clearly that they are not in form.
Both were distanced on the final climb and rolled in 2.41 behind stage winner Nicolas Roche.
As it is still so early in the race neither man can be considered out of contention for the overall win but both now find themselves in the 'very unlikely' category.
Another Colombian Carlos Alberto Betancur finished in the 'bus' losing just under 10 minutes, proving that, as expected, the illness and lack of racing means he will not be a contender for the overall victory.
They will hope for a quiet day hidden in the peloton as they lick their wounds and try to regain some form.
And for the most part they should find it. Stage three runs 184.8km from Vigo to Mirador de Lobiera and follows a fairly flattish route around Galicia.
The finish however takes the riders up a cat 3 climb starting around 4km from the finish.
Their are a couple of tricky bends just before the finish which people will want to get into first.
It is very similar finish to what you find in most classic races in Northern Europe, maybe without the extreme steepness.
It will lend itself to the opportunists and classic riders as well as those sprinters who can go up hill fairly well.
This would mean the likes of Gianni Meersman of Omega-Pharma-Quickstep and Janse van Renesburg of Argos-Shimano.
Both finished in the bus today but both will have had one eye on tomorrow.
From the classic riders point of view there are a few potential winners, including the new race leader.
If it was a bad day for Sanchez and Henao then it was a good day for Vincenzo Nibali who has inherited the leaders red jersey from his team mate Janez Brajkovic.
The Italian finished in the front group and now leads Roche by 8 seconds.
Tomorrow's finish would normally be ideal for a rider like him. However he may be more content with just shadowing his rivals, people like Alejandro Valverde who is also suited to this type of finish.
Saxo Tinkoff will look to make it two wins from two as Chris Anker Sorensen is more than capable of jumping away here. If not Chris Anker then look to young Pole Rafal Majka.
But for a bit of outsider I quite like the look of BMC pair Ivan Santoromita and Dominik Nerz. The finish does suit someone outside of the main contenders so Nerz, who is quick and can get up a climb, should be near the front.
If not Nerz then his Italian team mate Santoromita may get the nod. He will like this finish and finished comfortably in the main group today. Not a major challenger of Nibali yet so may be given a small amount of freedom.
It shouldn't see a change in the leaders jersey unless Astana want to give it away. If they do then a break has a chance of making it.
Mind I could be way out as, much like the riders, I am just finding my feet in this Tour!
And in the case of Sammy Sanchez and Sergio Henao the answer is clearly that they are not in form.
Both were distanced on the final climb and rolled in 2.41 behind stage winner Nicolas Roche.
As it is still so early in the race neither man can be considered out of contention for the overall win but both now find themselves in the 'very unlikely' category.
Another Colombian Carlos Alberto Betancur finished in the 'bus' losing just under 10 minutes, proving that, as expected, the illness and lack of racing means he will not be a contender for the overall victory.
They will hope for a quiet day hidden in the peloton as they lick their wounds and try to regain some form.
And for the most part they should find it. Stage three runs 184.8km from Vigo to Mirador de Lobiera and follows a fairly flattish route around Galicia.
The finish however takes the riders up a cat 3 climb starting around 4km from the finish.
Their are a couple of tricky bends just before the finish which people will want to get into first.
It is very similar finish to what you find in most classic races in Northern Europe, maybe without the extreme steepness.
It will lend itself to the opportunists and classic riders as well as those sprinters who can go up hill fairly well.
This would mean the likes of Gianni Meersman of Omega-Pharma-Quickstep and Janse van Renesburg of Argos-Shimano.
Both finished in the bus today but both will have had one eye on tomorrow.
From the classic riders point of view there are a few potential winners, including the new race leader.
If it was a bad day for Sanchez and Henao then it was a good day for Vincenzo Nibali who has inherited the leaders red jersey from his team mate Janez Brajkovic.
The Italian finished in the front group and now leads Roche by 8 seconds.
Tomorrow's finish would normally be ideal for a rider like him. However he may be more content with just shadowing his rivals, people like Alejandro Valverde who is also suited to this type of finish.
Saxo Tinkoff will look to make it two wins from two as Chris Anker Sorensen is more than capable of jumping away here. If not Chris Anker then look to young Pole Rafal Majka.
But for a bit of outsider I quite like the look of BMC pair Ivan Santoromita and Dominik Nerz. The finish does suit someone outside of the main contenders so Nerz, who is quick and can get up a climb, should be near the front.
If not Nerz then his Italian team mate Santoromita may get the nod. He will like this finish and finished comfortably in the main group today. Not a major challenger of Nibali yet so may be given a small amount of freedom.
It shouldn't see a change in the leaders jersey unless Astana want to give it away. If they do then a break has a chance of making it.
Mind I could be way out as, much like the riders, I am just finding my feet in this Tour!
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