AFTER a very tough opening to this years Vuelta a Espana, the overall contenders can definitely have a quiet day today.
Stage six will follow the usual fare for an opening week grand tour stage.
It's 175km long and takes the riders along the western edge of Spain from Guijuelo to Caceres.
No categorised climbs either to tax the field so expect the usual structure of breakaway followed by chase and catch as the sprinters look to take the honours.
The finish is slightly uphill so if it does come down to a bunch sprint it will be one more suited for the stronger sprinter.
It is also a tight and twisty finish with a number of 90 degree corners and roundabouts to deal with.
The final 90 degree bend comes with about 600m to go so it will be important to be in a good position coming out of it. Again being in the first half dozen places or so will be vital.
Favourites are pretty much the same names as mentioned yesterday.
Omega-Pharma-Quickstep will look to Gianni Meersman while others will be Tyler Farrar, Anthony Roux, Nikias Arndt and Edvald Boassen-Hagen.
Today's winner though probably tops the list. Michael Matthews has looked the fastest in the peloton so far and all things being equal should take another win tomorrow.
However there is the possibility that a break may make it all the way. Astana just have to keep the break in check, it will be up to the sprinters teams to get organised and finish the job off.
OPQS have experience of leading a charging peloton and if they feel Gianni Meersman has a chance they will be able to bring things back together.
But if they think it is a forlorn task then responsibility will fall elsewhere and there doesn't seem to be many who will want to take up the mantle. Garmin-Sharp maybe but that will depend on the legs of Farrar.
Sky have the firepower but will they want to save some legs for the big mountain stages?
If it does come back together though and you want an outsider then look to Maximiliano Richeze of Lampre. The Argentinian took second place today and may be able to do enough to upset the favourites.
Showing posts with label Omega-Pharma-Quickstep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Omega-Pharma-Quickstep. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013: Stage 5 Preview
FINALLY!
After four very difficult opening days the day that all sprinters have wanted has finally arrived.
Usually the start of a grand tour is recognisable from the number of flat, sprinters stages.
This year's Tour of Spain has been different. The uphill finishes have meant the pure sprinters have had to disappear into the safety of the autobus while they waited for their time to shine.
Tomorrow should see them spread their wings and fly.
I say should as although the race book says it is a flat stage, it isn't exactly pan flat.
From the start in the beautifully named town of Sober the route races 174.3km to the Lago de Sanabria. Along the way the route crosses two Cat 3 climbs, topping out 1,030m higher than the start town before finishing 720m above Sober.
The climbs of Alto de Cavela and Alto de Padornello may see one or two drop of the back but with 31km to go from the final summit to the finish line, they shouldn't be enough to destroy the chances of the quick men.
This Vuelta does not have the likes of Mark Cavendish or Marcel Kittel in the peloton. So the victory on this stage should go to one of the lesser lights.
My favourite yesterday was Omega-Pharma-Quickstep's Gianni Meersman. He ended up finishing fourth and despite his quickness he isn't fast enough to pip the real big sprinters. If the big boys don't make it over the climbs however Meersman could be the man. Whatever happens expect a top 10 finish.
The Belgian was beaten across the line by Michael Matthews of Orica-Greenedge today and the Aussie is another who should be guaranteed a top 10 finish tomorrow. He will definitely be able to get over the climbs and his 'victory' over Meersman will give him confident.
The real quick men in this tour are the likes of Garmin-Sharp's Tyler Farrar and FDJ's Geoffrey Soupe. Both have the ability to be there at the finish but neither have shown a lot of form recently.
There are two outsiders for the stage in my eyes.
The first is Vanconsoleil's Barry Markus. All of the Dutch squad are looking for rides next year as the sponsor is pulling out of cycling. Markus is one they could benefit from both the lack of the real quick men and that desire to do well.
The second 'outsider' isn't one that would normally fall into the category.
Sky's Edvald Boassen Hagen crashed out of the this year's Tour and is using this race as a reintroduction to the pro peloton. His form is therefore a subject for debate. Even before the crash he wasn't in the best of shape and results haven't gone his way.
However a sixth place today may indicate a return to better fortune so do not write him off.
One thing that shouldn't happen today is a change in the race leader.
But I said that today and a small split in the front group meant Chris Horner's tenure in red was short-lived. Vincnezo Nibali is now back in the leader's jersey and all things considered, he should not let it go for a little while.
After four very difficult opening days the day that all sprinters have wanted has finally arrived.
Usually the start of a grand tour is recognisable from the number of flat, sprinters stages.
This year's Tour of Spain has been different. The uphill finishes have meant the pure sprinters have had to disappear into the safety of the autobus while they waited for their time to shine.
Tomorrow should see them spread their wings and fly.
I say should as although the race book says it is a flat stage, it isn't exactly pan flat.
From the start in the beautifully named town of Sober the route races 174.3km to the Lago de Sanabria. Along the way the route crosses two Cat 3 climbs, topping out 1,030m higher than the start town before finishing 720m above Sober.
The climbs of Alto de Cavela and Alto de Padornello may see one or two drop of the back but with 31km to go from the final summit to the finish line, they shouldn't be enough to destroy the chances of the quick men.
This Vuelta does not have the likes of Mark Cavendish or Marcel Kittel in the peloton. So the victory on this stage should go to one of the lesser lights.
My favourite yesterday was Omega-Pharma-Quickstep's Gianni Meersman. He ended up finishing fourth and despite his quickness he isn't fast enough to pip the real big sprinters. If the big boys don't make it over the climbs however Meersman could be the man. Whatever happens expect a top 10 finish.
The Belgian was beaten across the line by Michael Matthews of Orica-Greenedge today and the Aussie is another who should be guaranteed a top 10 finish tomorrow. He will definitely be able to get over the climbs and his 'victory' over Meersman will give him confident.
The real quick men in this tour are the likes of Garmin-Sharp's Tyler Farrar and FDJ's Geoffrey Soupe. Both have the ability to be there at the finish but neither have shown a lot of form recently.
There are two outsiders for the stage in my eyes.
The first is Vanconsoleil's Barry Markus. All of the Dutch squad are looking for rides next year as the sponsor is pulling out of cycling. Markus is one they could benefit from both the lack of the real quick men and that desire to do well.
The second 'outsider' isn't one that would normally fall into the category.
Sky's Edvald Boassen Hagen crashed out of the this year's Tour and is using this race as a reintroduction to the pro peloton. His form is therefore a subject for debate. Even before the crash he wasn't in the best of shape and results haven't gone his way.
However a sixth place today may indicate a return to better fortune so do not write him off.
One thing that shouldn't happen today is a change in the race leader.
But I said that today and a small split in the front group meant Chris Horner's tenure in red was short-lived. Vincnezo Nibali is now back in the leader's jersey and all things considered, he should not let it go for a little while.
Monday, 26 August 2013
Vuelta a Espana 2013 : Stage 4 Preview
AFTER three tough days the organisers of this years Vuelta seem to have gone easy with stage four. In the roadbook it has this stage classified as flat.
But as we know from experience 'on paper' doesn't always match reality.
The stage marks the last day in Galicia and starting from the town of Lalin it will travel 189km to Finisterra. It's name comes from the Latin 'finis terrae' meaning end of the world. And that gives you a clue as to the locale of the finish line.
Sitting on top a rocky outcrop sticking out into the Atlantic, the final 2.5km will see the riders climb almost 100m up another narrow road.
There should be a fairly reduced peloton even by the bottom of the climb as a third category climb just 36km from the end should send a few riders out the back door.
As far as the stage win goes though it will be those last few kilometres which will de the key.
Speeds will be high on the run in and as the course hugs the coast, any crosswind could split the field.
For me this has Gianni Meersman written all over it. He can get over the lumpy stuff and has the speed to vanquish most of the others. The big question is whether OPQS can deliver him into a good position.
The stage itself is also not enough to challenge the main contenders and won't result in big time gaps.
However with the time bonuses that are available in this years tour it is possible the red jersey may change hands again.
Chris Horner took the jersey from Vincenzo Nibali following a well timed attack today and those extra seconds on offer over the line.
Bonus seconds are available for those crossing in the top three places. With 10 seconds on offer to the winner the likes of Alejandro Valverde and Joaquin Rodriguez could see this as the last chance until the weekend to reduce the deficit to Nibali, who despite losing the jersey today remains the de facto leader of this Tour.
Movistar have been the biggest aggressors in keeping the pace high in the peloton but RadioShack should help in that respect tomorrow.
For the outsiders look towards Argos-Shimano's Micheal Matthews or Simon Gerrans. Neither have been in great form but this finish may be ideal for them.
And if RadioShack don't have to put too much into any chase of the breakaway there is a chance Ben Hermans may be up there,
Final outsider is Belkin's Luis Leon Sanchez. After a difficult season he finished 17th yesterday and he will like the look of this finish.
It's warming up in Spain and I don't just mean the temperatures!
But as we know from experience 'on paper' doesn't always match reality.
The stage marks the last day in Galicia and starting from the town of Lalin it will travel 189km to Finisterra. It's name comes from the Latin 'finis terrae' meaning end of the world. And that gives you a clue as to the locale of the finish line.
Sitting on top a rocky outcrop sticking out into the Atlantic, the final 2.5km will see the riders climb almost 100m up another narrow road.
There should be a fairly reduced peloton even by the bottom of the climb as a third category climb just 36km from the end should send a few riders out the back door.
As far as the stage win goes though it will be those last few kilometres which will de the key.
Speeds will be high on the run in and as the course hugs the coast, any crosswind could split the field.
For me this has Gianni Meersman written all over it. He can get over the lumpy stuff and has the speed to vanquish most of the others. The big question is whether OPQS can deliver him into a good position.
The stage itself is also not enough to challenge the main contenders and won't result in big time gaps.
However with the time bonuses that are available in this years tour it is possible the red jersey may change hands again.
Chris Horner took the jersey from Vincenzo Nibali following a well timed attack today and those extra seconds on offer over the line.
Bonus seconds are available for those crossing in the top three places. With 10 seconds on offer to the winner the likes of Alejandro Valverde and Joaquin Rodriguez could see this as the last chance until the weekend to reduce the deficit to Nibali, who despite losing the jersey today remains the de facto leader of this Tour.
Movistar have been the biggest aggressors in keeping the pace high in the peloton but RadioShack should help in that respect tomorrow.
For the outsiders look towards Argos-Shimano's Micheal Matthews or Simon Gerrans. Neither have been in great form but this finish may be ideal for them.
And if RadioShack don't have to put too much into any chase of the breakaway there is a chance Ben Hermans may be up there,
Final outsider is Belkin's Luis Leon Sanchez. After a difficult season he finished 17th yesterday and he will like the look of this finish.
It's warming up in Spain and I don't just mean the temperatures!
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Tour de France 2013 : Stage 21 Preview
AFTER three long and tortuous weeks
around France, the Tour is coming to an end in style, with the now infamous
finish on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
But while the glory of that final stage win is still up for grabs, for those riders who have chasing the general classification, the tour is over. And that means that for the second year running 'God Save the Queen' will be ringing out over the Paris skyline as tour celebrates another British win.
Chris Froome has proven to be the strongest rider, despite some serious challenges over the last couple of days. Victory at Ax-3-Domaines and Mont Ventoux proved he could handle himself in the mountains and his performances in the Individual Time Trials, where he finished 2nd and 1st showed his all round ability.
He still has to finish of course but the final stage is for the majority of the field, and not just for Froome, a celebratory ride through the streets of the capital. Expect the almost obligatory victorious team shot as well as glasses of champagne being quaffed!
The race always finishes along the Champs-Elysees, only the starting point changes. This year for the 100th edition we are staring at the Palace of Versailles. The only changes for the centennial race are that the race is going to be run in the evening to accommodate the planned fireworks display after the finish and instead of turning in front of the Arc de Triomphe, we are actually going around it for the first time.
While it is a celebration for most, there are some for whom this stage means a huge amount. We've not spoken about them for over a week now but they're back. The sprinters!
And one in particular will be chomping at the bit.
For the last four years there has only been one man with his arms in the air at the end of this stage and he will be keen to extend that marvellous winning streak to five.
Mark Cavendish.
The Manx Missile has been unstoppable in recent years as he has won with aplomb. In 2010 his winning margin was so much that his leadout man, Mark Renshaw finished second. Last year it was the yellow jersey himself, Sir Bradley Wiggins, that led him through the Place de la Concorde and onto victory.
However this could be the year where it ends.
He's not been as prolific as normal in this tour. Marcel Kittel, who is arguably the fastest man in the peloton at the moment, and Andre Greipel have both got the better of him and in Stage 12 Kittel actually came around him in the last 250m to win, something that has never happened before in the Tour de France.
Speeds are always high around here, and I mean incredibly high, which means sprinters teams need to be strong and fast to get their man to the front of affairs. Argos-Shimano for Kittel and Lotto-Belisol for Greipel are probably the strongest leadout trains in the bunch. Cav's team, Omega-Pharma-Quickstep, are good, any team with Tony Martin will never be shy of a few Watts and kph! But they have lacked the cohesion at times to mount a strong challenge.
And even when they did get it almost spot on like into Tours, Cavendish hasn't had the speed.
But one thing that won't be missing is the desire. He knows what it takes to win around here and will be gunning for this. Will it be enough to defeat Kittel and Greipel? Time will tell but favourites for the win will definitely be these three.
It would be wrong to mention the King of the sprint stages and not mention the Green Jersey. Peter Sagan has taken this title for the second successive year, quite simply because of his consistency. He would love to take the win here but I think he will have to settle for top 5.
For an outsider look towards Alexander Kristoff. The big Norwegian has been due a big result since finishing second on the opening stage. He is a powerful sprinter which you need to be here, it's 400m from the corner on the Place de la Concorde to the line, so if you can hold your speed over a long period in time, you stand a chance.
It's been a fabulous tour, it deserves a fabulous finish. And under the twilight of Paris, it will get it!
********************************************************************************
As this is the last preview piece for the Tour I just wanted to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everybody who has read this and for all the very nice comments.
I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Cycling is a wonderful sport, from the colour and scenery, to the drama of the racing and the respect of these supreme athletes. Hopefully these blogs have helped with your enjoyment.
The Tour de France isn't the only race however so I'll be back in August with a daily preview of the last Grand Tour of the year, the Vuelta a'Espana. For those who have never seen it it's another 3 week race but with a lot more mountains! Always exciting and full of surprises.
Hope to see you then!
Cheers
But while the glory of that final stage win is still up for grabs, for those riders who have chasing the general classification, the tour is over. And that means that for the second year running 'God Save the Queen' will be ringing out over the Paris skyline as tour celebrates another British win.
Chris Froome has proven to be the strongest rider, despite some serious challenges over the last couple of days. Victory at Ax-3-Domaines and Mont Ventoux proved he could handle himself in the mountains and his performances in the Individual Time Trials, where he finished 2nd and 1st showed his all round ability.
He still has to finish of course but the final stage is for the majority of the field, and not just for Froome, a celebratory ride through the streets of the capital. Expect the almost obligatory victorious team shot as well as glasses of champagne being quaffed!
The race always finishes along the Champs-Elysees, only the starting point changes. This year for the 100th edition we are staring at the Palace of Versailles. The only changes for the centennial race are that the race is going to be run in the evening to accommodate the planned fireworks display after the finish and instead of turning in front of the Arc de Triomphe, we are actually going around it for the first time.
While it is a celebration for most, there are some for whom this stage means a huge amount. We've not spoken about them for over a week now but they're back. The sprinters!
And one in particular will be chomping at the bit.
For the last four years there has only been one man with his arms in the air at the end of this stage and he will be keen to extend that marvellous winning streak to five.
Mark Cavendish.
The Manx Missile has been unstoppable in recent years as he has won with aplomb. In 2010 his winning margin was so much that his leadout man, Mark Renshaw finished second. Last year it was the yellow jersey himself, Sir Bradley Wiggins, that led him through the Place de la Concorde and onto victory.
However this could be the year where it ends.
He's not been as prolific as normal in this tour. Marcel Kittel, who is arguably the fastest man in the peloton at the moment, and Andre Greipel have both got the better of him and in Stage 12 Kittel actually came around him in the last 250m to win, something that has never happened before in the Tour de France.
Speeds are always high around here, and I mean incredibly high, which means sprinters teams need to be strong and fast to get their man to the front of affairs. Argos-Shimano for Kittel and Lotto-Belisol for Greipel are probably the strongest leadout trains in the bunch. Cav's team, Omega-Pharma-Quickstep, are good, any team with Tony Martin will never be shy of a few Watts and kph! But they have lacked the cohesion at times to mount a strong challenge.
And even when they did get it almost spot on like into Tours, Cavendish hasn't had the speed.
But one thing that won't be missing is the desire. He knows what it takes to win around here and will be gunning for this. Will it be enough to defeat Kittel and Greipel? Time will tell but favourites for the win will definitely be these three.
It would be wrong to mention the King of the sprint stages and not mention the Green Jersey. Peter Sagan has taken this title for the second successive year, quite simply because of his consistency. He would love to take the win here but I think he will have to settle for top 5.
For an outsider look towards Alexander Kristoff. The big Norwegian has been due a big result since finishing second on the opening stage. He is a powerful sprinter which you need to be here, it's 400m from the corner on the Place de la Concorde to the line, so if you can hold your speed over a long period in time, you stand a chance.
It's been a fabulous tour, it deserves a fabulous finish. And under the twilight of Paris, it will get it!
********************************************************************************
As this is the last preview piece for the Tour I just wanted to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everybody who has read this and for all the very nice comments.
I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Cycling is a wonderful sport, from the colour and scenery, to the drama of the racing and the respect of these supreme athletes. Hopefully these blogs have helped with your enjoyment.
The Tour de France isn't the only race however so I'll be back in August with a daily preview of the last Grand Tour of the year, the Vuelta a'Espana. For those who have never seen it it's another 3 week race but with a lot more mountains! Always exciting and full of surprises.
Hope to see you then!
Cheers
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