Firstly some news: Dario Cataldo, (Team Sky) who was seen having a horrific looking crash late on stage 19, got back on his bike and rode to the finish.
Time for the penultimate test in this years Vuelta, and I wish I could say I've had a clear handle on proceedings so far.
Well done to Adam Hanson, rewarded at last for frequently and unflinchingly chancing his arm. I thought it was quite bizarre that, having chased down the breakaway, and the later attacks, that someone of Hanson's undoubted caliber should be allowed to jump clear so near the finish.
On to Stage 20, a tough day in the mountains with yet another summit finish. They say it'll rain, I'll believe it when I see it.
A bit of history first; in 2012 Purito Rodriguez, (who would dearly love to win this stage as there's nothing else for him to take from the race) won on this climb, beating Contador, Valverde, Moreno and Froome.
Purito, whom I've frequently tipped to prevail in these mountain top finishes, just isn't showing that type of form so far in this race. Froome, provided he feels good, is going to try to distance Contador. Valverde's going to stick as close as he can to try to take some seconds back and try for second place on the podium.
There are numerous strong riders, good climbers, looking for that elusive stage win, and as with many days before there will be 30 plus different riders hoping to get into that breakaway. Look to those who have tried previously to try yet again, and the two star youngsters, Aru and Barguil, remain capable if given some rope. If a really strong group gets away then it could prevail. Contador doesn't care who wins, so long as he protects his lead.
Even though Froome hasn't won a stage I think he'll be content to battle it out with Contador on the final climb. I do think that Katusha might control the race to allow Purito one more attempt at the win. Alternatively they may send a rider up the road in the breakaway.
My own opinion is that the breakaway will be kept close and be caught when Froome launches his attack, and I think Froome will be capable of going all the way this time.
Whatever the outcome, I'm sure it'll be seriously good entertainment to watch.
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5 votes
All that remains of this years Vuelta is a very short and flat course time trial. Alberto Contador has only to complete the course without incident in order to win the Vuelta, such is his lead following his superb ride to win stage 20. Incidentally the finishing positions in stage 20 will be how the leaders stand on the final podium, barring mishaps.
The gaps between the riders are big enough that this test shouldn't affect the final standings. Time gained or lost on this stage should only amount to a few seconds between the top riders, thus the ride for the race leaders should be a formality. (sod's law if it were to rain at last and make the course slippery)
Very few serious contenders left for the stage win now. At the end of a three week race it's often the riders who have suffered less who do well in these time trials, and once again only a handful of riders are committed to doing their best in the stage.
The two stand out time trialists still with us are Adriano Malori of Moviestar, and Rohan Dennis of BMC, both extremely fast. Malori is particularly well suited to a shorter faster circuit like this one. Dennis, however, has shown himself to be in excellent form in recent days. Jesse Sergent, of Trek Factory Racing, is capable of putting in a fast round too, as is Kristof Vandewalle. Chris Froome and Alberto Contador are the two strongest riders left in the contest, and are both capable of getting a decent time here, but I expect the specialists to edge it.
The bookmakers currently have Froome as favorite, and he certainly deserves a stage win, but I still feel he's been just very slightly off his best. It's difficult to oppose Malori, who must have been looking forward to this stage, but Rohan Dennis, who can run hot and cold, is my pick for the win. His efforts this week have oozed good form and ambition, and this will be settled by a matter of seconds, so I'm going with the Aussie.
The gaps between the riders are big enough that this test shouldn't affect the final standings. Time gained or lost on this stage should only amount to a few seconds between the top riders, thus the ride for the race leaders should be a formality. (sod's law if it were to rain at last and make the course slippery)
Very few serious contenders left for the stage win now. At the end of a three week race it's often the riders who have suffered less who do well in these time trials, and once again only a handful of riders are committed to doing their best in the stage.
The two stand out time trialists still with us are Adriano Malori of Moviestar, and Rohan Dennis of BMC, both extremely fast. Malori is particularly well suited to a shorter faster circuit like this one. Dennis, however, has shown himself to be in excellent form in recent days. Jesse Sergent, of Trek Factory Racing, is capable of putting in a fast round too, as is Kristof Vandewalle. Chris Froome and Alberto Contador are the two strongest riders left in the contest, and are both capable of getting a decent time here, but I expect the specialists to edge it.
The bookmakers currently have Froome as favorite, and he certainly deserves a stage win, but I still feel he's been just very slightly off his best. It's difficult to oppose Malori, who must have been looking forward to this stage, but Rohan Dennis, who can run hot and cold, is my pick for the win. His efforts this week have oozed good form and ambition, and this will be settled by a matter of seconds, so I'm going with the Aussie.
Orgasminator
Thank you skinny for your interesting and informative posts throughout La Vuelta.
Well the race is over, and certainly wasn't devoid of thrills.
Contador wins, Froome second, and Valverde a well deserved third place.
Applaud the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly and unselfishly for their captains, and those who continued to animate the race, stage by stage, and make it all the more interesting and spectacular event that it was.
Stage 21 went the way of the specialists, Malori taking the win by 8 whole seconds over Sergent, with my own pick, Rohan Dennis, a further second back in third place.
It did rain at last, and so the race leaders favoured caution and rode a sensible strong pace, just fast enough, but ensuring they remained safely upright.
I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you throughout the past three weeks, and I thank you for showing an interest.
Contador wins, Froome second, and Valverde a well deserved third place.
Applaud the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly and unselfishly for their captains, and those who continued to animate the race, stage by stage, and make it all the more interesting and spectacular event that it was.
Stage 21 went the way of the specialists, Malori taking the win by 8 whole seconds over Sergent, with my own pick, Rohan Dennis, a further second back in third place.
It did rain at last, and so the race leaders favoured caution and rode a sensible strong pace, just fast enough, but ensuring they remained safely upright.
I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you throughout the past three weeks, and I thank you for showing an interest.
