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2013 Vuelta a Espana - Week 2 (31st August - 7th September)
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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 05-09-2013 17:46
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World Champion
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Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something. |
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| juszta |
Posted on 05-09-2013 18:06
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That was a great sprint by Gilbert, I was just about sure EBH was going to win this when he opened up that gap. Great win by the World Champ!  |
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| Malkael |
Posted on 05-09-2013 18:49
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Here I was thinking tomorrow might be a Gilbert stage, then he only goes and wins the stage the day before. Either he'll now get wins like they are buses, or there goes Stage 13's favourite out the window. |
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| HaRe |
Posted on 05-09-2013 19:05
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well even when im happy that Gillbert won the stage, I still was cheering for Eddy Bos |
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| Gulvplanke |
Posted on 05-09-2013 19:34
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Miguel98 wrote:
Can I be happy that EBH lost?
No! 
How hard can it be?
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| Ad Bot |
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| Malkael |
Posted on 05-09-2013 20:02
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Stage 13 - Valls to Castelldefels (169 KM)
After a slightly surprising victory for Philippe Gilbert of BMC on Stage 12 of la Vuelta a Espana, the race moves further towards the Pyrenees. With the mountains recommencing on Stage 14, today represents one of the few opportunities for some riders and teams to claim a stage victory. As the peloton trek 169km from the city of Valls to the municipality of Castelldefels.
The weather could potentially heavily influence the outcome of the stage, with Stage 13 near the Mediterranean Coast. With the wind direction very likely to cause several crosswinds along the stage route. Should the light wind gusts forecast eventuate it should not be a substantial problem, however, strong wind gusts would cause some carnage.
Compared to the meagre incentives seen so far this 2013 Vuelta a Espana, Stage 13 offers the breakaway plenty of rewards for attacking. The parcours feature two categorised climbs and two intermediate sprints. The most prominent feature of the stage is the Category 1 Alto del Rat Penat, at a length of 4.3km and an average gradient of 10.6%.
Category 1 - Alto del Rat Penat (4.3km @ 10.6%)
However, the Alto del Rat Penat arguably lies to far away from today's finish in Castelldefels to act a launch pad for a gamble in the General Classification or at the stage victory. Though with 2,465m of accumulated elevation gain, the stage will hardly be friendly on the legs. With sections of gradient up to a maximum of 16%, the climb could easily shatter the peloton. Unless there are reasons to ride a swift tempo on the front of the peloton, perhaps strong crosswinds, the peloton will likely reform after the climb however.
The peloton are once again in for another technical finish; with several bends, curves and road obstacles for the riders to overcome. However, worst is still to come for the peloton as the stage finishes with a short but steep climb to the finishing line. At barely over three or four hundred metres in length it does not sound much. With an estimated average gradient of over 7%, this stage finish should be one for the puncheurs and explosive climbers.
Due to the nature of the parcours and race overall you cannot rule out the breakaway stealing the stage victory and limelight. The beginning of the Pyrenees stages beckons tomorrow, and several challenging days of riding has already caused signs of fatigue in the peloton. With the General Classification teams attempt to conserve energy and the sprint teams quite possibly disinterested by the nature of the stage finish, the breakaway may have few willing to chase.
Should the peloton keep the breakaway in check however, then Philippe Gilbert must be one of the favourites for the stage victory. Fresh from his Stage 13 victory and showing signs of improving form and condition, the Belgian rider could strike twice consecutively. The very short and punchy nature of the finish should suit an improving Gilbert.
It is debatable whether or not Daniel Moreno of Team Katusha will be allowed to participate in the finale to Stage 13. On the one hand it is another opportunity for the Spanish rider and the team to snatch another stage victory. Alternatively, the Russian outfit may desire resting, as much as one can while still cycling a stage, Moreno for the challenging mountain stage to come. Regardless, the Spaniard has the pedigree to do well on at the finish should he be involved.
Another candidate could be Alejandro Valverde of Team Movistar, though he too may wish to conserve his energy. Though the allure of winning the stage and ten bonus seconds may tempt Valverde in to chancing his luck. The Spanish rider has a decent acceleration and is often a contender, if not a favourite, for longer but similar climbs in the Classics. With Vincenzo Nibali aiming to peak for the third week, Valverde knows he needs to keep close to the Italian in the General Classification.
Australian hopes will probably rest upon the shoulders of Simon Gerrans. The Australian rider has recovered well from his crash from earlier during the race. With the steepness of the climb it would be difficult to see Michael Matthews having quite enough grunt to compete with the world's best, but la Vuelta a Espana has been a Grand Tour of surprises. Another contender for many of the hilly Classics races, if Gerrans has the correct form and fitness he could certainly challenge.
These are not the only contenders for the stage, but they are perhaps the most favoured. With it difficult to rule in or out Gianni Meersman due to the gradient of the slope. While one can never discount Maxim Iglinskiy of Team Astana from being within striking distance. Not to forget, Team Sky will be keen to upgrade their second position on Stage 12 to a stage victory via Luis Sergio Henao or Rigoberto Uran.
A stage for the peloton to contest with a mass "sprint"? Or another stage for the breakaway to snatch away from the adoring eyes of those teams still without a victory? Certainly with the grueling mountains just on the horizon the General Classification riders and their teams will be eager to try and conserve as much energy as possible. |
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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 05-09-2013 20:19
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World Champion
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Horner to produce another performance. |
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 05-09-2013 23:02
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Tour de France Champion
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Hopefully Nicolas Roche can put in another good performance |
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| CountArach |
Posted on 06-09-2013 03:42
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Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
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| wogsrus |
Posted on 06-09-2013 07:29
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Hoping Gerrans starts to find his form. |
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| Strydz |
Posted on 06-09-2013 07:44
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wogsrus wrote:
Hoping Gerrans starts to find his form.
He has been up for a while and would surprise me if he picks up a stage, don't think the worlds suit him but he does tend to pop up when least expected
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/ |
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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 06-09-2013 08:45
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World Champion
Posts: 10497
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CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
Well, in this case, yes and no. But wasn't another dude that commentated during the Tour? |
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| CountArach |
Posted on 06-09-2013 09:36
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8290
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Miguel98 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
Well, in this case, yes and no. But wasn't another dude that commentated during the Tour?
In terms of the main commentator? No, Kirby did that as well. It was supposed to be the fantastic David Harmon but he is currently in a state of depression so isn't commentating.
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| Miguel98 |
Posted on 06-09-2013 10:00
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World Champion
Posts: 10497
Joined: 23-06-2011
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CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
Well, in this case, yes and no. But wasn't another dude that commentated during the Tour?
In terms of the main commentator? No, Kirby did that as well. It was supposed to be the fantastic David Harmon but he is currently in a state of depression so isn't commentating.
Ok. Sad to hear that tough.  |
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| Spilak23 |
Posted on 06-09-2013 13:18
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Lastras and Ten Dam abandon after a crash
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| Strydz |
Posted on 06-09-2013 13:28
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Team Leader
Posts: 5894
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CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
Well, in this case, yes and no. But wasn't another dude that commentated during the Tour?
In terms of the main commentator? No, Kirby did that as well. It was supposed to be the fantastic David Harmon but he is currently in a state of depression so isn't commentating.
Is that for real Count? I had no idea, sad news indeed
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/ |
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| Pellizotti2 |
Posted on 06-09-2013 13:35
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World Champion
Posts: 10121
Joined: 01-05-2010
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It's true
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| CountArach |
Posted on 06-09-2013 13:37
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8290
Joined: 14-07-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Strydz wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
Well, in this case, yes and no. But wasn't another dude that commentated during the Tour?
In terms of the main commentator? No, Kirby did that as well. It was supposed to be the fantastic David Harmon but he is currently in a state of depression so isn't commentating.
Is that for real Count? I had no idea, sad news indeed
Yep, this is his business partner:
Edited by CountArach on 06-09-2013 14:18
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| deek12345 |
Posted on 06-09-2013 14:10
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 2761
Joined: 13-06-2009
PCM$: 360.00
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CountArach wrote:
Strydz wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
Well, in this case, yes and no. But wasn't another dude that commentated during the Tour?
In terms of the main commentator? No, Kirby did that as well. It was supposed to be the fantastic David Harmon but he is currently in a state of depression so isn't commentating.
hope he gets well soon ,depression is an awful thing speaking from experience.
Is that for real Count? I had no idea, sad news indeed
Yep, this is his partner:
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| deek12345 |
Posted on 06-09-2013 14:11
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 2761
Joined: 13-06-2009
PCM$: 360.00
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deek12345 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Strydz wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:
Weird, Martins said the same exact thing. Well, Kirby and the other guy (can't remember his name) might be bad, but they shore know how to go excstatic about something.
Could you perhaps mean Sean Kelly, who is co commentating here?
Well, in this case, yes and no. But wasn't another dude that commentated during the Tour?
In terms of the main commentator? No, Kirby did that as well. It was supposed to be the fantastic David Harmon but he is currently in a state of depression so isn't commentating.
Is that for real Count? I had no idea, sad news indeed
Yep, this is his partner:
hope he gets well soon ,depression is an awful thing speaking from experience.
sorry didn't mean to double post.
Edited by deek12345 on 06-09-2013 14:12
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