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La Vuelta 2013 - Week One (24th-30th August)
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| ste_18 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 19:55
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Here the results:
| 1 Astana 29:59 | | 2 RadioShack +0:10 | | 3 Omega +0:16 | | 4 Sky +0:22 | | 5 Movistar +0:29 | | 6 Saxo-Tinkoff +0:32 | | 7 NetApp +0:35 | | 8 BMC +0:36 | | 9 Orica +0:45 | | 10 Belkin +0:49 | | 11 Lampre +0:56 | | 12 Katusha +0:59 | | 13 Lotto Belisol +1:14 | | 14 Euskaltel +1:14 | | 15 Vacansoleil +1:18 | | 16 FDJ +1:25 | | 17 Cannondale +1:26 | | 18 Caja Rural +1:38 | | 19 Garmin +1:41 | | 20 AG2R +1:41 | | 21 Argos +1:53 | | 22 Cofidis +1:55 |
Edited by ste_18 on 24-08-2013 19:56
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| Malkael |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:03
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Stage 2 - Pontevedra to Alto Do Monte Da Groba(177.7 KM)
With the Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey) of the General Classification firmly upon the shoulders of Janez Brajkovic. La Vuelta a Espana instantaneously seeks to test the mettle of the peloton, as the stage concludes with the ascent of the Category 1 Alto do Monte da Groba. The 177.7km stage from the city of Pontevedra to the summit of the Alto Do Monte Da Groba, via the seaside town of Baiona, includes two categorised climbs in a stage profile which would otherwise suit the sprinters.
It is important to remember that the Points Classification in the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana rewards the most consistent finisher, and not specifically the sprinters. Due to the plethora of mountain stages littered throughout the three weeks. The Maillot Verde (Green Jersey) will probably rest upon the shoulders of the most consistent climber come Madrid. With no points bias towards the flatter stages, today is just a profitable as any other to begin targeting the Maillot Verde.
The first wearer of the 'King of the Mountains' jersey shall also be decided today. Similar to the Tour de France the points are biased to reward those plucky riders who dare tackle the massive mountain climbs and passes. Whomever claims the stage two victory shall also claim the honour of 'King of the Mountains', for at least a day.
It is difficult to see the stage not following the usual script of a breakaway going free only to be brought back before the finish. Much like a sprint stage you could say that the the majority of the action will be condensed in to final 10km of the stage. However, the presence of the Alto Do Monte Da Groba will mean that the action should be over in roughly ten seconds. Measuring 11km in length and at an average gradient of 5.2%, it is not until you examine the gradient in depth that you understand why the finish will be difficult.
Unlike several of the climbs in the Tour de France, the climbs in Spain are often rough and inconsistent. Whereas the climbs used in France often have a consistent gradient, in the Vuelta a Espana it is not uncommon to see climbs where the gradient suddenly jumps from 10% down to 3% and back up to 8%. So similar to the Giro d'Italia, the climbs in Spain are less welcoming of the tempo riding often seen employed by Team Sky, as it requires the riders to constantly change their gears to suit the ever-changing terrain.
With the final kilometre of the stage featuring gradients between 7.5% and 8.33%, the stage seems perfectly suited to Joaquim Rodriguez of Team Katusha. With 10”, 6”, and 4” time bonuses on the finishing line for the first three riders, we should see the General Classification contenders competing for the podium positions. The other foreseeable possibility is someone attacking within the initial three kilometres of the climb when the gradient has sections of 8 and 10% and attempting to stay away to the finish.
Stage Contenders (With Outsider Pick)
As mentioned earlier, the stage seems suited to Joaquim Rodriguez with the time bonuses on offer at the finish line and the steep gradient within the final kilometres of the stage. Whilst the individual time trial scheduled for Stage 11 will better suit the rider affectionately known as 'Purito', he will arguably need time on rivals like Vincenzo Nibali. There shall also be questions regarding how well 'Purito' will respond in the third week of the Vuelta a Espana after a tough Tour de France.
Similar to his Spanish compatriot, Alejandro Valverde of Team Movistar is another climber with a decent explosive kick. The same questions linger over Valverde's head about his ability to withstand a second dificult Grand Tour within a relatively short period of time. Interesting, during the second individual time trial of the Tour de France 'Purito' registered a better time than Valverde. Though the Spaniard has said he would prefer to win the World Championships ahead of la Vuelta a Espana.
The unknown quantity for the day will be Carlos Betancur, as we wait with baited breath to see just how severely his illness has affected his preparations. On paper however, the Colombian would be a favourite to contest the stage victory. His prowess and explosiveness in the steeper gradient would have stood him in great stead. Should Betancur be feeling good during the day he may attempt something, but it may be for the best to undervalue his chances of victory.
It will be interesting to see how Caja Rural approach the stage. Whilst David Arroyo would not be considered a world class climber, he displayed some magnificent form in the recent Vuelta a Burgos. The Pro Continental Spanish team will be focusing on achieving stage victories throughout the Vuelta a Espana, with an eye on Arroyo achieving a high standing in the General Classification if possible. Perhaps his form shown during the Vuelta a Burgos will stand him in good stead for a commando raid at the stage victory, though the competition will be fierce.
Due to Nibali's indifferent form leading in to la Vuelta a Espana there are a few questions that need answering by the Italian. In his advantage Team Astana have brought a behemoth of a team to support the Italian through the climbs. However, will he have the form and fitness to respond during the first two weeks should his rivals decide to challenge him? On paper Nibali has the pedigree to compete for the stage victory, but the stage will be a test of just whereabouts the Italian's form and fitness lie. Team Astana also carry the burden of the Maillot Rojo with Janez Brajkovic.
We could discuss the favourites for Stage 2 for the rest of time, so in the interests of brevity let's list the other potential favourites. Sergio Luis Henao and Team Sky will be interested in beginning the Vuelta a Espana on the right footing, so I expect the Colombian to be there or there abouts. Whilst Euskaltel-Euskadi have several options for the stage victory with either Landa, Nieve, or Anton likely not required to protect team leader Sammuel Sanchez.
So Janez Brajkovic shall be the first wearer of the Maillot Rojo for the 2013 la Vuelta a Espana. Will he and Team Astana seek to defend to the jersey or try and gift the "blessing" to a different team? After some mixed results in the team time trial it is now up to several of the General Classification contenders to immediately gain time back on Vincenzo Nibali.
With the nature of tomorrow's finish and the time bonuses on offer will we see Joaquim Rodriguez at the fore in Spain once more?
Edited by Malkael on 24-08-2013 20:10
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:05
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Really, you put Arroyo in there over some of the other guys?
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| 547984 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:07
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Nice preview, whilst was only used three times. 
@bbl: Who...Dan Martin?
Edited by 547984 on 24-08-2013 20:08
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| b3n3v3nt3 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:08
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Huge win for Astana, then again they brought a really strong team to La Vuelta. Let's see if they can keep the Red tomorrow. |
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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:09
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Purito didn't seem good today. I'll bet on an outsider, Samuel Sanchez. |
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| Malkael |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:09
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Yes, as an outside pick. Which probably won't eventuate, but when do most outside picks. Though how many people had Astana winning the TTT? Probably more likely in hindsight. |
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:09
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547984 wrote:
Nice preview, whilst was only used three times.
@bbl: Who...Dan Martin?
Well tbh no but yes he should be way better than Arroyo.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| valverde321 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:17
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baseballlover312 wrote:
547984 wrote:
Nice preview, whilst was only used three times.
@bbl: Who...Dan Martin?
Well tbh no but yes he should be way better than Arroyo.
You'll see tomorrow
https://www.procyc...urgos_2013
Its just a build up race, but still a very good result.
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| Spilak23 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:18
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baseballlover312 wrote:
547984 wrote:
Nice preview, whilst was only used three times.
@bbl: Who...Dan Martin?
Well tbh no but yes he should be way better than Arroyo.
It's not like Arroyo beated Nibali and Basso last week..
edit:zabel
Edited by Spilak23 on 24-08-2013 20:19
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:21
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he was probably peaking that race or something.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| ste_18 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:26
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Malkael wrote:
Yes, as an outside pick. Which probably won't eventuate, but when do most outside picks. Though how many people had Astana winning the TTT? Probably more likely in hindsight.
10 people but honestly they were one of the favourite, imo is not that big surprise (and yes i picked Astana)
Anyway great preview
Edited by ste_18 on 24-08-2013 20:27
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| valverde321 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:27
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baseballlover312 wrote:
he was probably peaking that race or something.
Why would he peak for that race, when he's riding a Grand Tour as a wildcard team only a week and a half later?
Its the same as the Dauphine or Suisse pretty much, which usually gives a good indication oh who is going to do well at the Tour.
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| Spilak23 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:27
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I'm quite sure Arroyo is in a better form for the Vuelta than Martin is
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| 547984 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:28
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baseballlover312 wrote:
he was probably peaking that race or something.
What logic is that?
baseballlover312, 06-03-14 : "Nuke Moscow...Don't worry Russia, we've got plenty of love to go around your cities"
Sarah Palin, 08-03-14 (CPAC, on Russian aggression) : "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a nuke is a good guy with a nuke"
Big thanks to jdog for making this AMAZING userbar! |
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:30
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547984 wrote:
baseballlover312 wrote:
he was probably peaking that race or something.
What logic is that?
The logic that he has no chance when the real GT guys are peaking.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Spilak23 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:33
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baseballlover312 wrote:
547984 wrote:
baseballlover312 wrote:
he was probably peaking that race or something.
What logic is that?
The logic that he has no chance when the real GT guys are peaking.
Bad logic again. He DOES have a chance to finish top 10 here and that would be a great result for him and Caja Rural.
And if he wouldn't go for GC, he has a decent chance to win a mountain stage from a break.
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| gotlandrules |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:33
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baseballlover312 wrote:
547984 wrote:
baseballlover312 wrote:
he was probably peaking that race or something.
What logic is that?
The logic that he has no chance when the real GT guys are peaking.
Most GC-guys peak for the second half of the GT though... Arroyo might be peaking for the first week? hence why he was stronger in Burgos.... guess we'll see tomorrow... I think hes a good outside bet (which was what malkael was going for). |
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| b3n3v3nt3 |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:34
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Miguel98 wrote:
Purito didn't seem good today. I'll bet on an outsider, Samuel Sanchez.
Katusha lost a lot of guys too early (at least they blocked Movistar near the end, making Valverde lose a few seconds lol), but they never had a good team for TTT. |
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| nejc |
Posted on 24-08-2013 20:36
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You are looking future GT winner in red jersey 
Edited by nejc on 24-08-2013 20:37
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