Shonak wrote:
Is it true that Chris Horner didn't even know the Angliru and only just informed himself in the Internet once before the stage/Vuelta? One of the german Eurosport commentators said something like that.
At least that's what Horner said in an interview
Edited by Atlantius on 14-09-2013 22:24
If there happens to exist a divine entity somewhere in this universe, I'll pray to it that there is a lot of wind tomorrow and that Astana work together with Saxo/OPQS/Belkin to create echelons (without Horner ofc.).
fosforgasXIII wrote:
If there happens to exist a divine entity somewhere in this universe, I'll pray to it that there is a lot of wind tomorrow and that Astana work together with Saxo/OPQS/Belkin to create echelons (without Horner ofc.).
If only it be possible to create echelons in the middle of Madrid.
Spilak23 wrote:
There has not been enough bashing on Astana tactics today.
Yeah they were a bit weird but the way I see it is this - everything they have tried so far this race hasn't really worked out, and we saw that Horner dealt with the Katusha team attack the day before, so they had to try something different. Sometimes it works to send a rider or two up the road and ride up to them so at least there was some sort of precedent there. Yes, for the most part it is was probably the wrong choice, but at least I can see why they thought they needed to do something a bit different.
I was really annoyed by Astana's tactics last stage. Damn! There were 3 of them, and could not even shake off that smirking bastard. I was shouting at my screen for the last 2k from home.
If there will be a doping scandal in this year's Vuelta, I wouldn't be surprise.
A gruelling 2013 Vuelta a Espana concludes today with a 109.6 kilometre stage from the city of Leganés to the centre of Madrid. It is a rather featureless day suited to the sprinters, however, how often have people stated that before this Vuelta a Espana.
There should be few excuses for one of sprinters to not claim the victory in Stage 21, with the stage designed to favour them. There are no climbs to mention, the weather should be rather fine and sunny with temperatures around 30-degrees (Celsius), and the race finishes with a straight forward circuit. Whilst there are areas where crosswinds could threaten, the wind is predicted to be quite pleasant.
Beginning in Leganés the stage shall follow a similar suit to the Tour de France and travel through some of the countryside and cities which form the Commune of Madrid. Before the stage then turns and heads towards Madrid proper. There are two intermediate sprints to contest along the way, however, the Points Classification (Green Jersey) has already been claimed by Alejandro Valverde, barring some freak results.
Final Kilometres
When the peloton reach Madrid they shall commence a nine lap finishing circuit of 5.7 kilometres. The circuit around the streets of Madrid should be rather uncomplicated, with several kilometres of near-on perfectly straight road. There are three evenly spread out 180-degree hairpin bends for the riders to navigate, with the third bend coming just one thousand metres from the finishing line.
Stage Contenders
With Lampre-Merida still missing a stage victory, and their Argentine sprinter Richeze threatening to better his podium results, I expect the Italian team to fight hard for the victory. Argos-Shimano will be high on confidence thanks to Warren Barguil, and the Dutch team arguably have the best, if inexperienced, lead-out train here.
Orica-GreenEDGE will be in a difficult situation, they have few riders left to support their sprinters, but Michael Matthews and Leigh Howard could perhaps piggyback off the work of the other teams. Whilst Team Sky may go “all in” in an attempt to help Edvald Boasson Hagen finally claim that elusive Vuelta stage victory. With the likes of Tyler Farrar, Gianni Meersman, and Adrien Petit likely to be there or thereabouts as well.
Epilogue
On paper this should be a stage for the sprinters. However, with several teams worn down through lose of numbers or fatigue all is not as simple as it would seem. The sprinters will have to been keenly aware to the possibility of another late breakaway attack.
This is the time for the sprinters to either sink or swim. To cooperate chasing down late breakaways or miss out on their final opportunity to weaknesses and a lack of coordination.
Horners watts were better than Contador in his best years (2008 Angliru) and better than Heras 2002, JM Jimenez 99,etc
Horner could even destroy TDF Froome. However, TDF FRoome in itself was already a freak.
So I find people who defend froome and attack Horner even more hilarious. They are both very suspicious.
But as long as they don't find anything real then i can't say they 100% doped
Well we didn't realise just how much he wanted that a contract for next season and how good his "preparation" was
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/
ruben wrote:
Horners watts were better than Contador in his best years (2008 Angliru) and better than Heras 2002, JM Jimenez 99,etc
Horner could even destroy TDF Froome. However, TDF FRoome in itself was already a freak.
So I find people who defend froome and attack Horner even more hilarious. They are both very suspicious.
But as long as they don't find anything real then i can't say they 100% doped
Ah but it all is a sign of clean cycling
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/
