2014 La Vuelta Ciclista a España

[kosmonooit]

Yes it was good to see Tom up there yesterday, he hasn't really found his form since that injury a few years ago, maybe his best days as a hard fast man are behind him?

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Yes it was good to see Tom up there yesterday, he hasn't really found his form since that injury a few years ago, maybe his best days as a hard fast man are behind him?

 

Yeah, most likely. One of the greats though, right up there with Petacchi as a master of the lead out train, how I miss those strong lead outs of old, you dont see them much anymore.

[SwissVan]

 

Just as an aside, anyone notice how lean Tom Boonen is? He appears to be a lot leaner than usual and maybe thats why his sprinting is a bit below par.....dunno, just guessing, but its certainly the leanest I have seen him in years.

 

 

Snap, was thinking the same myself, maybe he going for worlds...will see if he "abandons" some time soon

[Capcha]

Avg speed for stage so far is 40.1km/h. Some really strong winds here at the finish

['Dale]

Just as an aside, anyone notice how lean Tom Boonen is? He appears to be a lot leaner than usual and maybe thats why his sprinting is a bit below par.....dunno, just guessing, but its certainly the leanest I have seen him in years.

 

Yeah, he's as lean as I've seen him

Even his face show sunken cheeks a bit

['Dale]

Navarro'a first GT win

Must be the first for Cofidis in a loooong time, eh?

['Dale]

Tomorrow:

 

!!!

This was one of the stages people were talking about when the race was launched because of the headlines about 24% gradients. Yes, twenty four, that’s no typo. It’s not 24% all the way though although the penultimate kilometre does average a rampón-like 18%.

 

[jimmycool]

Tomorrow:

 

!!!

This was one of the stages people were talking about when the race was launched because of the headlines about 24% gradients. Yes, twenty four, that’s no typo. It’s not 24% all the way though although the penultimate kilometre does average a rampón-like 18%.

 

I reckon we might see 1 or 2 of the big boys with a granny gear on their bikes!

[tombeej]

Many will go compact, some even 50/34.

A stage like this, because everyone is crapping themselves for the finale, trying to save their legs, the racing during the rest of the stage ends up being pretty chilled, so people are easily able to get away with a compact (you can still pedal ok at 60 km/h with a 50-11).

 

And because of that fact, a very good chance for a break to stay away.

 

Come on Louis, today is your day!

[SwissVan]

Tomorrow:

 

!!!

This was one of the stages people were talking about when the race was launched because of the headlines about 24% gradients. Yes, twenty four, that’s no typo. It’s not 24% all the way though although the penultimate kilometre does average a rampón-like 18%.

 

I predict an easy afternoon on the couch watching others taking major strain...GO FROOMIE

[Ozzie NL]

 

I predict an easy afternoon on the couch watching others taking major strain...GO FROOMIE

 

Yip, parking off right next to you. Nothing like sipping an ice cold beer whilst watching a sufferfest. Would like to see Gesink get a bit of glory

[tombeej]

Will today be the day when we finally get a view of Arredondo? He's been mighty quiet this tour.

Edited September 6, 2014 by tombeej

[LOOK695]

Tomorrow:

 

!!!

This was one of the stages people were talking about when the race was launched because of the headlines about 24% gradients. Yes, twenty four, that’s no typo. It’s not 24% all the way though although the penultimate kilometre does average a rampón-like 18%.

 

This is going to hurt big time!!

['Dale]

Behind the hard racing has taken its toll on Lawson Craddock (Giant-Shimano), the talented young American rider, has abandoned the Vuelta.

['Dale]

Alberto Contador looks cool and relaxed in the red leader's jersey. He's focused on the final climb and especially the final three kilometres that include the steepest sections.

['Dale]

Rigoberto Uran seems keen to take on the race today. He may want to try to test Contador and Valverde on the final climb and extend his lead on Chris Froome (Team Sky).