STAGE 15 keeps us in the Pyrenees as we head out of Andorra, back into Spain before entering France for the day's finish.
It follows an absolutely brutal day today which saw no less than 16 men abandon the race and Vincenzo Nibali increase his advantage to 50 seconds over Chris Horner.
One of the pre-stage favourites Ivan Basso cited hypothermia as his reason for withdrawing and you would be very hard faced to disbelieve him.
And the bad news for those remaining is the weather doesn't look like getting any better.
Tomorrow's finish should cause outbreaks of deja-vu for most cycling fans, especially British ones.
Stage 17 of the 2012 edition of the Tour de France saw Sir Bradley Wiggins cement his position on top of the standings and almost guaranteed him the title, a fact he was well aware of as he crossed the line with a knowing grin.
It is possible just as famous as being the stage that Chris Froome tried to drag his team leader across to the one man who had escaped the Sky duo. For a lot of the climb it seemed as if Froome could catch the escapee and take the day's honours.
However he played the part of loyal domestique and stayed with his team leader, gifting the win to the lone rider.
The winner of that stage is in this years Tour of Spain and will definitely fancy his chances of a repeat. But we'll get to him in a minute.
First up let's get the numbers and details out of the way. At 224.9km (139.7miles) long this is the longest stage in this year's Vuelta.
It takes the field from Andorra to Peyragudes. Four first category climbs, including the summit finish, stand in the way.
The first is the Puerto del Canto. This is the longest climb of the day at 24.4km but has the lowest average gradient at 4.2% and it's maximum is 'just' 10%, again the lowest of the four climbs.
That said it will still be a tough introduction to the days stage, starting as it does just 7km after the start. It won't affect the overall contenders who will want to keep their powder dry until later but it will probably see a sizeable breakaway disappear over the horizon.
The next climb is the Puerto de la Bonaigua, a 20km long slog with an average gradient of 5.5% and a maximum of 12.5%, appearing around halfway up.
From it's summit there are still 124km to race so don't expect too much action up here from the GC boys.
However once we hit the town of Mauleon Bauresse with 51km to go that could all change.
It is from this point the route mirrors that of the 2012 Tour and it also signifies the start of the Port de Bales.
The Bales climbs for 19.2km and has an average gradient of 6.2%. It actually starts off fairly serenely and the first 8km only average around 3%. From that point though it rarely drops below 8%, with it's maximum of 10.5% coming with around 3km to go to the summit.
The last climb is more or less just the Col de Peyresourde with a small descent followed by the last slog up to Peyragudes.
It is a total of 16.7km in length but only has an average gradient of 4.7%. However this is due entirely to the 2km of descending.
The Col de Peyresourde is 10km long and has an average gradient of around 7.5%. It's maximum gradient is 13.3% and is sure to be a test.
The last ramp up to Peyragudes is only around 3km long but it's average is 6.7% and has a maximum ramp of 11.7%.
The descent in the middle will play into the hands of Nibali. He is excellent when the road points down over and depending on how the stage is going could well use this, or the kilometre before it, as his springboard to get away.
The likes of Nico Roche and Joaquin Rodriguez should be able to keep him in view here so it will be up to the lighter climbers, the Chris Horner's and Domenico Pozzovivo's of this world, to attack on the steeper uphill sections.
And as I mentioned yesterday Euskatel will do something with any of their big hitters to the fore.
Four outsiders look towards the Colombian trio of Carlos Alberto Betancur of AG2R and Sergio Henao or Rigoberto Uran of Team Sky. All haven't been in the best of form recently but may see this as a chance to steal the glory.
However my favourite is the man who escaped the clutches of Wiggins and Froome in 2012.
Alejandro Valverde.
He will be able to match both the climbers and Nibali on both the ascents and descents. That victory in 2012 gave him so much self belief and was the catalyst for an upturn in fortunes and I believe it will act as a spur here again.
Movistar will also be keen to record a victory as they have yet to taste success so far in this Vuelta. And with the likes of Eros Capecchi, Benat Intauxsti and Sylvester Szmyd in their ranks, expect them to try and set something up.
If the weather doesn't beat them all.
Showing posts with label Pyrenees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pyrenees. Show all posts
Saturday, 7 September 2013
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!
Saturday, 6 July 2013
Tour de France 2013 : Stage 9 Preview
STAGE eight was the first of a two part Pyrenees adventure and boy did it deliver the fireworks we expected. Stage nine will have to really go some to match it but the profile certainly gives it a fighting chance!
It sees the field head from Saint-Girons to Bagneres-de-Bigorre but whereas the sat-nav will take you on a nice 110km ride through the valleys, the peloton face a 168.5km route which crosses one category 2 climb and four cat 1's.
It means a total of 42.9km of climbing although the final mountain comes 30km from the finish, leaving a long a fast run into the finish.
Team Sky absolutely blow their opposition apart on stage eight which means the responsibility of controlling the race falls to them. It is a difficult day to do so but it is not something that will phase or bother them.
Such was their domination that Chris Froome, and second placed Richie Porte, now have huge gaps over the other main rivals meaning they have to come out fighting if they want to get anything out of this race.
Just look at some of the gaps:
3 Alejandro Valverde - 1.25
7 Alberto Contador - 1.51
9 Joaquin Rodriguez - 2.31
23 Cadel Evans - 4.36
35 Ryder Hesjedal - 8.29
44 Tejay Van Garderen - 12.38!
For some, like Hesjedal and Van Garderen, barring a miracle the tour is already lost. It does mean that we must start talking about names that weren't considered challengers prior to the grand depart.
Movistar seem the most likely to challenge the British outfit. Valverde is now third after grimly hanging on to the coat-tails of Froome and Porte. He is 1.25 down.
Team mate Nairo Quinatna shrugged off 3 falls in 3 days to produce a great climbers display, reminiscent of the great Colombian climbers of the past like Luis Herrara and Fabio Parra. He couldn't fend off the charging Sky express though and finds himself 8th at 2.02 behind.
Rui Costa is the third challenger. He dropped away late on in the stage but is just 2.45 down in 11th. It allows Movistar to 'gang up' on Sky if they want by sending different attackers up the road and force them to chase.
Some of the strongest men of the day were the Belkin duo of Laurens Ten Dam and Bauke Mollema. They finished fourth and fifth respectively on the stage and are now fourth and fifth overall as well, 1.44 and 1.50 behind.
Roman Kreuziger also looked strong but had to wait for his team leader Contador. If the Spaniard continues to suffer expect the Czech to be given leadership of Saxo Tinkoff.
I can see one of three things happening today.
Firstly we could see the likes of Evans, Valverde and Contador attack in an attempt not only to gain time back but also isolate Froome.
Secondly the main favourites will all just watch each other and roll into town together in a reduced peloton.
The third option seems the more likely. If Sky can engineer it properly a breakaway should head off up the road and not be seen again.
There is a total of 45 mountains points up for grab and those who have designs on that jersey will want to be involved.
Pierre Rolland is one of these riders and at almost five minutes down Sky may well be happy to let him go.
Others who may possibly want to get into the break to enhance their chances in that competition are AG2R's John Gadret, FDJ's Arnold Jeanesson and Lampre's Przemyslaw Niemic.
Movistar may want to put someone in there like Andrey Amador. The Costa Rican would be a perfect man to put into the break for Valverde and co. He is a good climber, can time-trial well and could still be a danger overall. Sky would be nervous about the likes of him but may be content to let him get a small gap.
Thomas Voeckler won this competition last year and this stage looks perfect for him. He is far enough down as well to be allowed to leave so it would be a shock not to see him in the break.
Compatriot Sylvain Chavanel is another who will like the look of this profile.
For me it's between these two for the stage. If it came to a sprint Chava would be the favourite but this just stage just has Tommy written over it. Expect him to be in the break and then make a crazy attack....and make it stick!
Friday, 5 July 2013
Tour de France 2013 : Stage 8 Preview
STAGE eight will really throw the cat amongst the pigeons as the race moves into the Pyrenees and the high mountains.
For a week now I have been talking of the likes of Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan and Andre Greipel. However don't expect to hear or read anything about them for a good few days.
Instead It will be the big favourites who the focus will switch to, the riders who have designs of standing on top of the podium in Paris. This is their first chance to really show what they are about.
The stage is 195km long and goes from Castres to 3-Ax Domaines. A small cat 4 climb 26km into the stage is a mere footnote of what is to come.
First up is the Col de Paiheres which is an HC mountain, i.e. beyond categorisation, and tops out at 2001m above sea level. It is 15.3km long (that's 9.5 miles) and has an average gradient of 8%. It's maximum gradient is 10.5% which it reaches for 2km of it's total length. It's summit is just 29km from the finish.
This will be where the first shots fired in anger will take place. Those that want the stage win and those targeting the King of the Mountains jersey will definitely attack here. The main GC contenders may wait until the final climb.
That climb of 3-Ax Domaines is a Cat 1 and climbs 607m to finish 1350m above sea level. It is shorter in length than the Paiheres at 7.8km although it has a steeper average gradient of 8.2%.
The last time we were here in 2010 the winner was Christophe Riblon of AG2R, which came from a breakaway. It is unlikely that this will be the outcome again.
The one definite we have is that there will be a new yellow jersey come teatime on Saturday. The question is will it be the final change of this years Tour?
If all the favourites were to come in together Team Sky's Chris Froome would take over the lead, level on time with his team mate Richie Porte. Third would be Alberto Contador who would find himself just 6 seconds behind.
Froome is the better time trialer so others, like Contador and Joaquin Rodriguez, must try and put some time into him in the mountains. Sky will know this and will be quite happy to set a fast pace on the final climb in much the same way as they did on La Planche des Belle Filles last year, a stage that saw Froome take the stage and Sir Bradley Wiggins take the race leadership.
That day they blew virtually the full race apart and I would expect them to try something similar here. This mountain is longer than La Planche but not as steep and while some of the personnel has changed, Sky certainly still has the firepower to make it difficult.
They would be completely happy taking over the race lead as well and to defend it all the way to Paris. If the opportunity comes to take the stage as well they will take it so Froome or Porte are definitely in the mix for this one.
The others may be content to let them get on with it and not attack, knowing that tomorrow sees an even harder stage. But if they want to have any chance of winning the tour they can't really wait and need to take every opportunity.
Contador is the type of rider to give it a go, on a number of occasions if necessary. He didn't look on the best of form during the Criterium de Dauphine and admitted that he was only about 80-90%. However he also said that was where he wanted to be and by the tour he would be 100%. He has stayed out of trouble so far and I think he will be able to stay with the Sky train. It would be a big a big surprise if he gets distanced.
BMC have the twin threats of Cadel Evans and Tejay Van Garderen. Evans has come here as the team leader with the young American acting as his main support. Evans managed to stay with Sky last year and while I don't think he'll attack, he should be able to finish with the leaders. Any slip from him though and Van Garderen will be ready to take over his mantle, should the team decree it.
Rodriguez has no choice, he has to attack and gain time in the mountains. He is not good against the clock and after the TTT he finds himself 25 seconds behind Froome. Whether he finishes in front of, with or behind Froome on this stage will depend on the number and severity of his attacks. Shouldn't lose too much time though, if any.
It will be interesting to see how the others go. Movistar have an all star climbing team with Alejandro Valverde, Rui Costa, Amedy Amador and Nairo Quintana, although the Colombian wonderkid seems to have spent more time on the floor recently than the bike. Garmin likewise bring some big climbing talent in Ryder Hesjedal, Dan Martin and Andrew Talansky. Both teams will want to test the waters at some point in the Pyrenees. They should have strength in depth but can they challenge the Sky dominance?
Elsewhere Bauke Mollema had a wonderful Tour de Suisse, winning stage two and finishing second overall, and he has enjoyed a fairly trouble free tour so far. He could give the low countries something to cheer about after their big favourite Jurgen Van de Broeck withdrew on stage 6.
Astana have had an awful tour so far losing Andrey Kashechkin, Janez Brajkovic and Robert Kiserlovski. It will be up to Jakob Fuglsang to try and rescue the situation, although without his best three lieutenants in the mountains it will be difficult. Don't rule him out as an outsider though.
But if you want an outsider for the stage then think Orange!
The Pyrenees are the domain of the Basque's. Their red and green flags will be very visible throughout our stay in the mountains as will their team, Euskatel-Euskadi. Euskatel do not have anyone who can really challenge for the overall win but they do have some very good climbers in their ranks and in Igor Anton and Mikel Nieve they have two men who could well be targeting a top 10 finish in Paris.
Expect them to be on the attack for the full day and look to Nieve as an outsider for the stage.
With this being the first foray into the mountains you can't be certain of anything yet. We will know more by the end of the day however and if you've never watched cycling before, this is the stage for you!
The Tour begins in earnest now!
For a week now I have been talking of the likes of Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan and Andre Greipel. However don't expect to hear or read anything about them for a good few days.
Instead It will be the big favourites who the focus will switch to, the riders who have designs of standing on top of the podium in Paris. This is their first chance to really show what they are about.
The stage is 195km long and goes from Castres to 3-Ax Domaines. A small cat 4 climb 26km into the stage is a mere footnote of what is to come.
First up is the Col de Paiheres which is an HC mountain, i.e. beyond categorisation, and tops out at 2001m above sea level. It is 15.3km long (that's 9.5 miles) and has an average gradient of 8%. It's maximum gradient is 10.5% which it reaches for 2km of it's total length. It's summit is just 29km from the finish.
This will be where the first shots fired in anger will take place. Those that want the stage win and those targeting the King of the Mountains jersey will definitely attack here. The main GC contenders may wait until the final climb.
That climb of 3-Ax Domaines is a Cat 1 and climbs 607m to finish 1350m above sea level. It is shorter in length than the Paiheres at 7.8km although it has a steeper average gradient of 8.2%.
The last time we were here in 2010 the winner was Christophe Riblon of AG2R, which came from a breakaway. It is unlikely that this will be the outcome again.
The one definite we have is that there will be a new yellow jersey come teatime on Saturday. The question is will it be the final change of this years Tour?
If all the favourites were to come in together Team Sky's Chris Froome would take over the lead, level on time with his team mate Richie Porte. Third would be Alberto Contador who would find himself just 6 seconds behind.
Froome is the better time trialer so others, like Contador and Joaquin Rodriguez, must try and put some time into him in the mountains. Sky will know this and will be quite happy to set a fast pace on the final climb in much the same way as they did on La Planche des Belle Filles last year, a stage that saw Froome take the stage and Sir Bradley Wiggins take the race leadership.
That day they blew virtually the full race apart and I would expect them to try something similar here. This mountain is longer than La Planche but not as steep and while some of the personnel has changed, Sky certainly still has the firepower to make it difficult.
They would be completely happy taking over the race lead as well and to defend it all the way to Paris. If the opportunity comes to take the stage as well they will take it so Froome or Porte are definitely in the mix for this one.
The others may be content to let them get on with it and not attack, knowing that tomorrow sees an even harder stage. But if they want to have any chance of winning the tour they can't really wait and need to take every opportunity.
Contador is the type of rider to give it a go, on a number of occasions if necessary. He didn't look on the best of form during the Criterium de Dauphine and admitted that he was only about 80-90%. However he also said that was where he wanted to be and by the tour he would be 100%. He has stayed out of trouble so far and I think he will be able to stay with the Sky train. It would be a big a big surprise if he gets distanced.
BMC have the twin threats of Cadel Evans and Tejay Van Garderen. Evans has come here as the team leader with the young American acting as his main support. Evans managed to stay with Sky last year and while I don't think he'll attack, he should be able to finish with the leaders. Any slip from him though and Van Garderen will be ready to take over his mantle, should the team decree it.
Rodriguez has no choice, he has to attack and gain time in the mountains. He is not good against the clock and after the TTT he finds himself 25 seconds behind Froome. Whether he finishes in front of, with or behind Froome on this stage will depend on the number and severity of his attacks. Shouldn't lose too much time though, if any.
It will be interesting to see how the others go. Movistar have an all star climbing team with Alejandro Valverde, Rui Costa, Amedy Amador and Nairo Quintana, although the Colombian wonderkid seems to have spent more time on the floor recently than the bike. Garmin likewise bring some big climbing talent in Ryder Hesjedal, Dan Martin and Andrew Talansky. Both teams will want to test the waters at some point in the Pyrenees. They should have strength in depth but can they challenge the Sky dominance?
Elsewhere Bauke Mollema had a wonderful Tour de Suisse, winning stage two and finishing second overall, and he has enjoyed a fairly trouble free tour so far. He could give the low countries something to cheer about after their big favourite Jurgen Van de Broeck withdrew on stage 6.
Astana have had an awful tour so far losing Andrey Kashechkin, Janez Brajkovic and Robert Kiserlovski. It will be up to Jakob Fuglsang to try and rescue the situation, although without his best three lieutenants in the mountains it will be difficult. Don't rule him out as an outsider though.
But if you want an outsider for the stage then think Orange!
The Pyrenees are the domain of the Basque's. Their red and green flags will be very visible throughout our stay in the mountains as will their team, Euskatel-Euskadi. Euskatel do not have anyone who can really challenge for the overall win but they do have some very good climbers in their ranks and in Igor Anton and Mikel Nieve they have two men who could well be targeting a top 10 finish in Paris.
Expect them to be on the attack for the full day and look to Nieve as an outsider for the stage.
With this being the first foray into the mountains you can't be certain of anything yet. We will know more by the end of the day however and if you've never watched cycling before, this is the stage for you!
The Tour begins in earnest now!
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