Vuelta a Espana

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Messages 1 - 17 of total 17 in this topic

lars johansen

Trad climber

West Marin, CA

Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 24, 2014 - 12:34pm PT

It's on! Movistar roared to a convincing win yesterday in the TTT. Nacer Bouhanni for the stage win today in a bunch sprint at the finish. Valverde and Quintana 1 2 in the GC. It's looking like a great race already.

Karen

Trad climber

So Cal urban sprawl Hell

Aug 24, 2014 - 12:40pm PT

How do you think Froome and Contador will race? Seems they both came back a bit too soon from their injuries sustained in the TDF.

lars johansen

Trad climber

West Marin, CA

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2014 - 12:43pm PT

Froome could be a podium shot. He said he felt good after yesterday's stage. Amazing how quickly these guys come back after serious injury. Tinkoff-Saxo is a good team. Contador is a possible too.

dee ee

Mountain climber

citizen of planet Earth

Aug 24, 2014 - 05:49pm PT

I was bummed about the situation with Chris Horner but...so be it.

Quite often the Vuelta provides some of the most exciting racing of the grand tour season. Guys are desperate for the last chance for glory of the year and are willing to go for broke.

This year is the most stacked of many with most of the best GC guys active.

It's a given that this year is going to go off.

It would be too good to be true for underdogs like Rodriguez or Val Verde to win. But, either would be dreams come true.

I'm behind our boy Andrew Talansky!!!!!

WHEEHOOOO! Go Andrew!

lars johansen

Trad climber

West Marin, CA

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2014 - 06:47pm PT

Yeah it would be nice to see Talansky cop a stage or 2. I didn't realize Horner was 42 years old. Amazing win last year. Would have been hard to repeat. I'm going for Quintana for the GC win. He's got the look of a great champion.

Kalimon

Social climber

Ridgway, CO

Aug 24, 2014 - 07:07pm PT

Froome has a lot riding on his shoulders in light of the Tour de France disaster . . . Contador is in a similar position. Hopefully they are both well enough to battle it out with Quintana and others in the GC pantheon. Should be an exceptional Vuelta.

lars johansen

Trad climber

West Marin, CA

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 25, 2014 - 04:08pm PT

Exciting uphill finish today with Michael Mathews [AUS] edging out Don Martin [IRL] by half a bike length. Valverde involved in a minor crash 20 k from finish putting him 7 seconds behind Quintana [#2] in the GC. Contador was quoted: “I don’t want to lose ground in the race, but I have to recognize that there are rider in much better shape than me at the moment.” Peter Sagan nowhere to be seen in the points battle.

dee ee

Mountain climber

citizen of planet Earth

Aug 26, 2014 - 07:18am PT

I keep looking for Andrew but haven't seen him yet. Gogo just said it's Ryder and Dan Martin for Garmin GC. I'm starting to wonder if Andrew is in there.

I was cheering for Dan Martin in the finale yesterday, he almost had it but got nipped by MM. A good win!

Orica Greenedge worked their asses off for that one.

lars johansen

Trad climber

West Marin, CA

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 26, 2014 - 07:43am PT

I see Talansky finished 24th yesterday, in the same bunch with Valverde.

lars johansen

Trad climber

West Marin, CA

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 28, 2014 - 09:03am PT

Incredibly exciting uphill finish with Alejandro Valverde copping the stage win in a heroic effort leading most of the last brutally steep climb. All the heavy hitters at the front for a battle royal for the GC.

Srbphoto

climber

Kennewick wa

Aug 28, 2014 - 12:17pm PT

interesting he put time on his teammate who is one of the favorites.

lars johansen

Trad climber

West Marin, CA

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 28, 2014 - 12:54pm PT

It looked like Valverde was setting the pace for Quintana until after the push by Rodriguez at 700m from the finish. When Quintana didn't go Valverde saw it was now or never. Quintana looked relaxed on the last climb. Did he not have the legs for the win or was he laying back for Alejandro?