2014 La Vuelta Ciclista a España

['Dale]

 

There's one small third category climb at the beginning of today's stage, but from there on it is almost pan flat so there's little doubt that it's going to be a sprinter's day.

 

['Dale]

Movistar's Jonathan Castoroviejo will wear the red jersey today for the second time in his career, after he led the team over the line. He did for the first time after the memorable TTT through Pamplona in 2012.

 

['Dale]

There are suspicions that Contador has been back to training a lot longer than he and the team has let on. Whatever the truth is, he looked comfortable during the time trial. The mountains will be the big test for Contador and his form.

['Dale]

!!

 

The four men out front are: Francisco Javier Aramendia (Caja Rural) Jacques Janse Van Rensburg (MTN-Qhubeka), Valerio Conti (Lampre-Merida) and Romain Hardy (Cofidis)

['Dale]

four riders out front with a gap of 3:40.

[pe3nguin]

Who hit the top of the Cat3 first?

['Dale]

Who hit the top of the Cat3 first?

 

Haas, Garmin'

['Dale]

 

 

The gap to the escapees is bouncing around a 10 second window. It's stuck between 3:45 and 3:55 for now, they're yet to break the four minute barrier.

['Dale]

There is a bit of wind at the finish, which could play a role in the sprint finish. It's also a fairly hot day out there at 35 degrees.

['Dale]

 

It's not often that you see the number one dossard in a break on day 2 of a Grand Tour, but it is on the back of Valerio Conti. The Italian was a late call-up to the team after Chris Horner was pulled from the race due to low cortisol

Edited August 24, 2014 by ' Dale

[Gen]

*off topic*

 

While I wait for live coverage, I just watched the highlights of the ladies world cup road race.. that Vos is darem maar something else. She must eat 2 children for breakfast every day

['Dale]

*off topic*

 

While I wait for live coverage, I just watched the highlights of the ladies world cup road race.. that Vos is darem maar something else. She must eat 2 children for breakfast every day

 

She's from another planet, like Fabulous Fabian

['Dale]

 

We're nearing the halfway point of this stage and the peloton has cut down the advantage of the four men out front to 3:32. As it stands, Conti is the virtual race leader.

['Dale]

Jacques Janse Van Rensburg is not related to Giant-Shimano's Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg (a mistake I have fallen foul to in the past). Janse Van Rensburg, who was recently named in South Africa's World Championship squad, is one of the six riders in the MTN-Qhubeka team that is making their Grand Tour debut. The 26-year-old rode at the Vuelta a Burgos for his preparation and finished an admirable 23rd in the general classification. He's taken two victories this season, with a stage and overall victory at the Mzansi Tour in April.

[Gen]

 

 

She's from another planet, like Fabulous Fabian

 

And every time I see her ride I am amazed.

['Dale]

The peloton has sat up a little and allowed our four escapees a little more breathing space. The gap has now ballooned to 4.58 as we complete our second hour of racing.