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La Vuelta 2013 - Week One (24th-30th August)
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| Malkael |
Posted on 23-08-2013 10:38
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2013 La Vuelta a Espana (August 24 to September 15)
The third Grand Tour of the season arrives with a challenging three week jaunt through much of the Iberian Peninsular's mountainous and hilly terrain. Favouring the mountain goats among the peloton, the parcours have something on offer for almost everyone. The only specialists who may feel a bit neglected are the sprinters, but the young and old will still be grateful for a chance to prove their worth.
Commencing in the autonomous community of Galicia, the 68th la Vuelta begins with a 27.4km Team Time Trial. Overall the three week race shall include 6 "flat" stages, 13 mountainous stages, an individual time trial, and the opening team time trial. Covering a cumulative distance of 3,358.9 KM, those riders who survive the journey to Madrid will be thankful it is over, with the Alto De L'Angliru starring during the penultimate stage.
With several mountain stages, to use the official race website's classifications, there will be multiple opportunities for the General Classification contenders to display their strength. Alternatively, there will also be several opportunities for many a rider to show a sign of weakness and crack. The combination of riders returning to action to target la Vuelta or the World Championships along with riders coming from a tough Tour de France should result in some interesting differences in form and fitness.
Only the toughest will survive, however, strength means little without the tactics and smarts to use it wisely. Who will emerge victorious to claim the Maillot Rojo for season 2013?
-- Classification Contenders
-- Stage 1 Preview (TTT)
-- Stage 2 Preview
-- Stage 3 Preview
-- Stage 4 Preview
-- Stage 5 Preview
-- Stage 6 Preview
-- Stage 7 Preview
-- Pro Cycling Stats Startlist
Edited by Malkael on 29-08-2013 18:00
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| Malkael |
Posted on 23-08-2013 10:38
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General Classification – Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey)
With current defending champion Alberto Contador of Team Saxo-Tinkoff absent from the 68th edition of la Vuelta a Espana. Similar to the Tour de France, we will witness the crowning of a new champion. Whilst sometimes unfairly degraded as the least important of the three Grand Tours, the 2013 Vuelta welcomes a diverse startlist capable of providing an entertaining show.
On paper the 68th Vuelta a Espana should be another Grand Tour victory on the palmares of Vincenzo Nibali of Team Astana. However, with an eye also on the UCI Road World Championships in Tuscany and indifferent form coming in to the race nothing is assured. Whilst the messages coming out Astana have been conflicting, they have brought a strong team to support Nibali in the mountains.
Aiming for a great result, and in with a chance of continuing the 'Year of the Colombians', is Luis Sergio Henao of Team Sky. The UK team have brought a strong team to support Henao's ambition to wear the Maillot Rojo at the race's conclusion in Madrid. Support from the likes of fellow Colombian Rigoberto Uran, Italian Dario Cataldo, and Spaniard Xavier Zandio should see Team Sky attempt to rival the strength of Astana, and Movistar.
Another Colombian who would have been hoping to continue his great season is Carlos Betancur of AG2R La Mondiale. Unfortunately, due to illness he may be an unknown quantity thanks in due to the disruptions to his preparations and condition headed in to la Vuelta. However, AG2R do bring a double punch with the inclusion of Domenico Pozzovivo. Though the Italian has previously suffered from dips and surges in form similar to that of the profile for an alpine mountain stage.
Whilst unfortunately the 2013 season will undeniably be the finale for former all Basque team Euskaltel-Euskadi, the team arrive for la Vuelta a Espana with a strong squad. The overall objective of the team is to position Sammy Sanchez upon one of the podium steps in the General Classification. With Sanchez racing the Giro d'Italia in favour of the Tour de France, the veteran has had ample time to attempt to prepare for, arguably, one last flourish in the standings of the General Classification. Supporting him will be a strong core of riders, with Igor Anton and Mikel Nieve the two most notable names.
Team Saxo-Tinkoff approached the la Vuelta a Espana with conflicting messages over who will be the designated team leader. Irishman Nicolas Roche has apparently been targeting the 2013 Vuelta a Espana. Though he will want to be on better form in the mountains than he displayed during the Tour de France. Otherwise it would be quite tempting to shift the focus to the Polish rider Rafal Majka, who had a great Giro d'Italia, or Czech rider Roman Kreuziger. However, the Czech did rule himself out of harbouring any General Classification ambitions, stating that he was focused on a stage victory and supporting his team mates.
Coming off a successful Tour de France both Movistar and Team Katusha are bringing strong teams in the search of further glory. Whilst Joaquim Rodriguez and Alejandro Valverde will be coming from a tough 2013 Tour de France. Both cyclists will be bona fide threats in the General Classification, should they have their preparations planned out correctly. There is the risk of general fatigue affecting them during the crucial third week, but especially Rodriguez of late has begun to master this area. Which has immensely helped the Catalan to seriously compete with the very best stage racers over three gruelling weeks.
Whilst Cannondale are no longer the General Classification challenger they once were with the decline of Ivan Basso and the transfer of Nibali to Astana. The, currently, Italian based team will be aiming for a high overall finish with Basso. Despite a dreadful season, the Italian quietly went about his work with two finishes in the Tour de Pologne and Vuelta a Burgos within the top ten of the General Classifcation, eight and tenth respectively.
After a promising Tour de France the Team Belkin boys come to la Vuelta with Laurens Ten Dam and Bauke Mollema, whether they have anything left after a tough Tour de France will be the main question. On paper the duo should be able to aim for a top ten or five standing in the General Classification.
With several possible Maillot Rojo contenders still to lists, perhaps in the interest of time it would be best to sum the rest up. Team Lampre come to la Vuelta with Michelle Scarponi, the veteran Italian stage racer will be keen to impress after an unfortunate crash affected his eventual Giro d'Italia General Classification standing.
Meanwhile small regional continental team Caja Rural arrive with David Arroyo as squad leader. Whilst it is unlikely the Spaniard will surprise quite like he did that one year in the Giro d'Italia, he displayed some great form in the Vuelta a Burgos. Whilst Garmin-Sharp bring Dan Martin as their dedicated General Classification contender, though whether he can last the distance will be a key consideration.
Last but no least, Radioshack-Trek and Chris Horner will be aiming for a podium position in the General Classification. Whether the grizzled American veteran still has the required form and fitness to compete with the top echelon of contenders will be the bone of contention. Whilst Lotto-Belisol will be aiming to finish within the top ten of the General Classification with with Jelle Vanendert, Francis de Greef, or Bart de Clercq. With Vacansoleil - DCM will be aiming for a similar result with Wout Pouls or Thomas de Gendt, should De Gendt find a way to replicate his 2012 Giro d'Italia raid.
Points Classification - Maillot Verde (Green Jersey)
The Maillot Verde should for another year once again rest upon the shoulders of a climber high up the General Classification. With the jersey rewarding the most consistent finisher it has a strong synergy with the General Classification, where contenders will want to consistently finish strongly, especially with the time bonuses on offer.
The 2012 Vuelta a Espana saw Alejandro Valverde wrestle control of the jersey away from Joaquim Rodriguez at the latest possible opportunity. Should either of the Spaniards have what it takes to consistently compete within the top four positions for each mountain stage we could see a repeat of last year's titanic battle.
'King of the Mountains' Classification - Maillot Azul Blanco (Polka Dot Jersey)
Simon Clarke of Orica-GreenEDGE returns to la Vuelta a Espana, but will be be able to defend his 'King of the Mountains' jersey? Once again Clarke should have the freedom to pursue stage victories and the Maillot Azul Blanco. You never quite know who else might appear out of the blue to contend for the jersey, as Clarke showed last year, perhaps Caja Rural will give Amets Txurruka freedom to chase stage wins and the 'King of the Mountains' jersey.
With several summit finishes however, the pressure will be on for the non-General Classification contenders to get in the breakaways and consistently acquire points however. Otherwise the jersey could go to one of the General Classification contenders. Which it could have done last year had Simon Clarke not secured enough points during the penultimate stage (Stage 20) of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana.
'Combination' Classification - Maillot Blanco (White Jersey)
Basically the jersey for the most consistent over the three prior classifications. Which last year also went to Alejandro Valverde due to his versatility and consistency in stage upon stage. Difficult to say who the most consistent rider will be over all three classifications, but Valverde on paper could repeat last year's success. Joaquim Rodriguez may be another option, and Carlos Betancur could be a dark horse if he is in the right shape after his illness.
Edited by Malkael on 24-08-2013 12:24
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 23-08-2013 10:50
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Great job on another race preview 
Hope the Vuelta gets even near last year's spectacle. That would be amazing! |
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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 10:52
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World Champion
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Usually the most exciting GT of the season is here. 
C'mon, bring us the show. Nibali is the main candidat, but I think Valverde and Betancur mainly will be the other two. Curious to see if Purito can do good in the 3rd week. Oh, and Basso to win at L'Angliru.  |
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| Nin1388 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 13:29
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Here is start list if anyone needs- https://www.procyc...-Startlist |
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| Nin1388 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 13:52
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I think Nibali will be the guy to beat. Plus he is coming with strong team of climbers making his intentions clear. But I don't think he can match turn of speed of guys like Purito, Valverde. Last year Valverde rode TdF and finished 2nd in Vuelta showing that he can do it even this year.
Plus we will have to see Basso and Horner who haven't ridden in any GT, they will want to finish in Top 10.
Also hoping Euskatel and Sami Sanchez can do a great work in their last GT.  |
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| CountArach |
Posted on 23-08-2013 14:15
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Grand Tour Champion
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Great preview Malkael. You do a great service for this website.
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| thechudude |
Posted on 23-08-2013 14:19
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Stagiare
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I think Valverde and Purito will get Nibali in the first week and then Nibali will get em back |
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| Malkael |
Posted on 23-08-2013 17:15
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Stage One - Vilanova De Arousa to Sanxenxo (27.4 KM)[TTT]
(Click to Enlarge)
Welcome to the beautiful autonomous community of Galicia for the grand depart of the 86th la Vuelta a Espana. Once again the three week Grand Tour shall begin with a Team Time Trial, with a stunning beginning within the heart of Vilanova de Arousa and the Galician coast planned. At a distance of 27.4km, and over an almost pan flat profile, the largely straight forward nature of the parcours to Sanxenxo should suit the power-house teams.
Race Organisers Unipublic are kindly providing a weather update for each stage. Currently the weather for the stage is predicted to be between the low and middle twenties (Celsius) temperature wise with a rather strong Northerly or North-Eastern wind predicted, with figures between 25 Km/H and 50 Km/H currently being provided. With the stage route running primarily in a southerly direction, each team should benefit from something close to a certain tailwind for the majority of the stage.
(Click to Enlarge)
The decision to commence the 2013 Vuelta a Espana with Team Time Trial will see the General Classification defined early in to the race. Whilst under 30km, the additional distance and less technical nature of the parcours compared to previous years should see more substantial time gaps established. Despite the mountainous nature of the overall race route for 2013, every second able to be gained during the team and individual time trials could be a vital time gained against other General Classification contenders.
Spanish based Team Movistar have a knack for performing well in the team time trials outside of the Tour de France, where the competition is arguably less fierce due to the calibre of opposition. Whether they are the favourites to claim the stage victory is debatable, they are however certainly one team to keep and eye out for as a dark horse.
Radioshack-Trek and Omega Pharma-Quickstep are both brining squads with powerful workhorses and time trial specialists, with both Tony Martin and Fabian Cancellara attending la Vuelta this year. Whilst Omega Pharma-Quickstep may not have a squad of stand out names for the team time trial, you can still count on them to be well drilled and a force to be reckoned with.
Which similarly applies to Garmin-Sharp, the American outfit have often outperformed in the discipline in part thanks to their training and expertise. Meanwhile, Australian outfit Orica-GreenEDGE will be going in to the team time trial with few expectations. However, after one somewhat surprising result in Tour de France who could rule them out as outsiders should they have another magnificent day.
With the way Team Sky have been dominating stage races for the last couple of seasons, and with them bringing a strong squad, they will arguably be high up the standings. Which will help Luis Sergio Henao in the General Classification, if he can put some time in to his General Classification rivals. Whether they have enough to claim the stage victory remains to be seen, as the squad could be said to be weaker than the Tour de France squad, whilst the route is sufficiently different from the Giro d'Italia's to cast some doubt in the mind.
The opening day of la Vuelta a Espana for 2013, and it is set to be a beautiful stage. Whilst you cannot win or lose la Vuelta on the first day, each second could count come Madrid. Who do you predict will win the stage? Who will gain and who will lose the most during day one in the General Classification?
Most importantly, who will we be seeing wearing the Maillot Rojo for an interesting stage two of la Vuelta?
Edited by Malkael on 23-08-2013 20:12
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 17:17
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Tour de France Champion
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I hate watching TTs. Just hate it.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 23-08-2013 17:21
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ITTs are my favourite - you get to see each rider close up, and you can just tune in for the last hour or so to catch the GC contenders. And TTTs make for a nice change of scene once in a while too. |
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| 547984 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 17:21
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baseballlover312 wrote:
I hate watching TTs. Just hate it.
Why?
Anyway, I'm glad they put the start time later, I slept in and it still didn't start yet.
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 23-08-2013 17:22
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547984 wrote:
baseballlover312 wrote:
I hate watching TTs. Just hate it.
Why?
Anyway, I'm glad they put the start time later, I slept in and it still didn't start yet.
Just doesn't give me the thrill of a road stage.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| 547984 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 18:38
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5008
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Shit, I'm a moron. Just realized the Vuelta starts tomorrow and not today.
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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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 18:44
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Garmin is going to win. |
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| Spilak23 |
Posted on 23-08-2013 18:46
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Garmin only has Rasmussen and Farrar as usefull riders.
It's between Astana, Sky, Radioshack and Saxo for me
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| Jesleyh |
Posted on 23-08-2013 18:48
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Tour de France Champion
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No Belkin at the favourites 
@547984 Don't worry, you can still sleep about 20 hours I guess 
Feyenoord(football) and Kelderman fanboy
PCMdaily Awards: 12x nomination, 9x runner-up, 0x win.
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 23-08-2013 18:52
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Jesleyh wrote:
No Belkin at the favourites
only Sánchez and Clement are good time trailist in that team so if Belkin manages to win the TTT I'll eat my shoe
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| Jesleyh |
Posted on 23-08-2013 18:54
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SSJ2Luigi wrote:
Jesleyh wrote:
No Belkin at the favourites
only Sánchez and Clement are good time trailist in that team so if Belkin manages to win the TTT I'll eat my shoe
I meant the overall favourites.
Mollema & Ten Dam aren't even mentioned
Btw, Mollema is good on the TT bike as well
Edited by Jesleyh on 23-08-2013 18:55
Feyenoord(football) and Kelderman fanboy
PCMdaily Awards: 12x nomination, 9x runner-up, 0x win.
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 23-08-2013 18:55
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hey looks it's my velogames team
Edited by SSJ2Luigi on 23-08-2013 18:55
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