Shame for Roche getting beaten by just a mere second, but that is cycling for you. Moreno looking really impressive at the moment, but we shall see how he copes with the longer tough stuff.
Not to mention he could burn out by the conclusion of the race.
I'm not convinced that Moreno is using more juice than before, I think it's a combination of a good parcours and being allowed some extra freedom than in the past.
Don't see the suspicion for Moreno either. He got beaten by Roche on the first day, wheelsucked Basso and couldn't close the gap yesterday and went early today but clearly faded in the end
For sure Moreno is very well prepared for the Vuelta.....
This is almost more obvious than Froome was in the Tour. I hope something bad happens to him, like getting locked up in his hotelroom tomorrow morning, so he can't get out and misses the start of the nxt stage.....
dienblad wrote:
For sure Moreno is very well prepared for the Vuelta.....
This is almost more obvious than Froome was in the Tour. I hope something bad happens to him, like getting locked up in his hotelroom tomorrow morning, so he can't get out and misses the start of the nxt stage.....
I just came up with a great idea. Instead of simply poring urine on a rider like that amateur who got Cav, put it in a water bottle, and overheated Moreno will pour it on himself or even drink it.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy
Pinot lost 58 seconds after being dropped... on the descent. *yawn*
Moreno ? He matched Anton's 2010 time and was 11 seconds off Purito's 2011 time (2'15 and 2'04 respectively). Not THAT impressive in absolutes terms.
Still I wouldn't touch him with a 10 feet pole.
Stage 10 - Torredelcampo to Alto Hazallanas (186.8 KM)
La Vuelta a Espana journeys towards Granada to climb the Hors Catégorie Alto de Hazallanas for a lengthy and gruelling stage before the first rest day. With Daniel Moreno displacing Nicolas Roche as the General Classification leader and Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey) bearer by a solitary second after Stage 9. Beginning in the town of Torredelcampo the peloton will cycle 159km to the foot of the Alto de Hazallanas for a massive showdown.
With la Vuelta a Espana trekking through the countryside of Andalucia for yet stage, the temperature could again be a factor in who performs well and who witnesses their challenge vanish in flames. Temperatures throughout the day are once again expected to be around 30-degrees (Celsius), with some slight relief a possiblity near the end of the stage should the cloud cover forecast eventuate.
The peloton will have to climb 2,738m of accumulated elevation, with the majority of that to come within the final 36km of the stage. Before the cyclists tackle the slopes of the Alto de Hazallanas, first they shall have to survive the slopes of the Alto de Monachil. Whilst there will be just 12km for the peloton to recover and reorganise before Stage 10's finale upon the slopes of the Alto de Hazallanas.
The Alto de Monachil & Alto de Hazallanas
Based on the length and categorisation of the two climbs the Alto de Hazallanas is harder than the Alto de Monachil. However, the Alto de Monachil features a higher average gradient of 7.7% compared to 5%, with sections of up to 15%. So the penultimate climb of the day is not to be underestimated. That said, almost without a doubt, the General Classification contenders will be waiting for the final few kilometres of the stage should they choose to go on the offensive.
Deceptive one be one word to describe the average gradient of the Alto de Hazallanas, with the majority of the final seven kilometres of the climb at gradients above 10%. At a length of 15.8km, arguably the real climb begins with just seven kilometres remaining. With the initial eight kilometres of the climb a mere warm up compared to what the riders will have to conquer within the last seven kilometres of the stage.
Final Kilometres
Should the favourites approach the finishing line as one group then a comically slow “sprint” potentially looms. With the gradient around 6% on average for the majority of the final kilometre, before the climb flattens out about a couple of hundred metres before the finishing line. If a plucky breakaway or late attack has not already stolen the stage victory and bonus seconds on offer, the finish should suit those riders possessing a punchy uphill sprint.
Stage Favourites
Stage 10 should see the General Classification begin to start waging a serious war against each other for the overall victory. With a the first rest day of the 2013 Vuelta a Espana due tomorrow, the riders will have fewer excuses not give it the proverbial 110%. With sections of the road at gradients of up to 18%, the climb will suit the thoroughbred climbers.
We should have a clearer idea of just who Team Katusha have nominated as their team leader for the General Classification by the conclusion of Stage 10. Joaquim Rodriguez has been riding rather cautiously so far, but with several very difficult stages still to come it is arguably the wisest strategy. With team mate Daniel Moreno currently bearing the Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey) it will be interesting to see who Team Katusha prioritise their domestiques to. Rodriguez should be among the favourites for the stage if he is on form.
Whilst Alejandro Valverde of Team Movistar could also be another favourite should he remain in contention for the stage victory. The Spaniard's motives have been interesting to try and predict, with talking of focusing on stage victories and the World Championships appearing truer each day. Against an on form Rodriguez you could probably expect Valverde to be beaten to the stage victory, but Rodriguez has looked anything but on form so far in la Vuelta.
Will old 'Ivan the Terrible', Ivan Basso, of Cannondale be an outside favourite for Stage 10? Difficult to say when for the majority of the cycling season his rivals have looked more impressive. However, the veteran Italian rider has been riding well so far this Vuelta a Espana. The lengthier nature of the climb will suit Basso, where his proverbial diesel engine will be more of a factor, but the inconsistent gradients may not.
A mention for Vincenzo Nibali of Team Astana by the virtue of him being the favourite to win the race overall. This will arguably be the greatest challenge yet faced by the Italian rider. Should his rivals assault him on the steep slopes of the Alto de Hazallanas it will be up to him to show he has the form and fitness to respond. With Nibali looking to peak for the third week of la Vuelta a Espana, this may be the time to strike if his rivals find themselves stronger on the day.
A dark horse to keep an eye out for could be AG2R Le Mondiale's Domenico Pozzovivo. Despite being renowned for his erratic form, when the Italian is firing proper bullets instead of blanks he can be a formidable opponent. The length and steepness of the climb should suit Pozzovivo, with several kilometres of gradients above 10% should he wish to commit to an early attack.
Epilogue
A tough day in the saddle for the peloton within the last 40 kilometres. It will be hard for the General Classification riders not to be involved with such a challenging finale, especially with the gradients to be found within the final seven kilometres.
Will one of the favourites take the stage victory? Or will some outsiders manage to slip free of the peloton to duke it out for the stage victory?
Edited by Malkael on 01-09-2013 20:38
Well that was fun..
Katusha guys dominating..well.
Tomorrow will start real tour..and this is not final yet..to you have seen III week profiles? You need to best best there to win this Vuelta
