La Vuelta 2016 **SPOILERS**

[smutchin]

whilst Chris was really just playing a computer game.

You'd think the other teams would have cottoned on by now.

Dan Martin talked about this in the Tour, admitting that he was reckless to attack when he did, knowing that he would blow up and get caught (as he invariably did), but that he couldn't help himself and wanted to animate the race. Which is admirable in itself but not a great tactic for winning races against the methodical approach of Sky.

 

[Crackle]

This is an interesting break with two Sky riders in it. Movistar will be nervous of this and want to control it I reckon, which will wear them out on the front before the final climb.

 

[Hont]

... whilst Chris was really just playing a computer game.

Just a personal opinion but I think the whole power meter thing is irrelevant. It's mainly levelled at Froome because of Sky's approach and the fact that he looks down a lot when riding. But if you took it away he'd still look down when riding and I imagine someone of his experience can measure an effort on a climb he's done before without one.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

You'd think the other teams would have cottoned on by now.

Dan Martin talked about this in the Tour, admitting that he was reckless to attack when he did, knowing that he would blow up and get caught (as he invariably did), but that he couldn't help himself and wanted to animate the race. Which is admirable in itself but not a great tactic for winning races against the methodical approach of Sky.

So true of how he races, though. Great courage, entertaining, but often foolhardy. On the other hand, sometimes it works....

 

[dellzeqq]

This is an interesting break with two Sky riders in it. Movistar will be nervous of this and want to control it I reckon, which will wear them out on the front before the final climb.

It's delicious. Sky have become a much more interesting team this year. They're mixing it up a little. And maybe, just maybe, one of those two will be allowed to go for the stage win. Or maybe not. Which makes it even more delicious.

 

[brommers]

So true of how he races, though. Great courage, entertaining, but often foolhardy. On the other hand, sometimes it works....

Enjoy watching Dan and we can see him in the ToB

 

[dellzeqq]

well! Another opportunity for Quintana ceded? Or is he resting up for the 14th stage?

 

[Crackle]

14 is a monster but tomorrow is not exactly easy and could be one to spring a GC surprise even if it goes to a breakaway, though the last few stages have seen the breakaways reeled in. Who knows, fizzle or pop?

 

[smutchin]

14 is the one that goes over the Aubisque, isn't it? Tough stage.

 

[dellzeqq]

14 is a monster but tomorrow is not exactly easy and could be one to spring a GC surprise even if it goes to a breakaway, though the last few stages have seen the breakaways reeled in. Who knows, fizzle or pop?

don't forget snap, and, whatever you do, never forget @Crackle !

14 is the one that goes over the Aubisque, isn't it? Tough stage.

I've done that one. It ain't so tough. (I might have been going a bit slow, mind)

 

[smutchin]

I've done that one. It ain't so tough. (I might have been going a bit slow, mind)

I've just been writing a piece about the Aubisque, and based on my research for that I'd agree that it's probably nowhere near as tough as the Tourmalet, although I think the Vuelta is approaching from the harder west side rather than via the Soulor from the east. Probably easier if you stay on the road as well, unlike Wim Van Est.

Looks absolutely stunning though - one I'd love to ride more than write about.

Also it's one of several lumpy bits on that stage and maybe not so easy at racing speed...

 

[dellzeqq]

it is nowhere near as tough as the Tourmalet, although the west side is, as you say, the toughest. It chucked it down when I rode it, and, dear reader, I got so cold i wet myself and didn't even care......

Then again, the western approach to the Tourmalet, now out of favour, is the tougher climb, albeit I have absolutely no clue how they stay on their bikes when they descend! I got kissed on both cheeks by a stubbly French guy at the top of the Tourmalet, so it has its compensations.

As you say - stage 14, taken as a whole, is, potentially, a horror. That, surely, is where the thing will be won or lost.

 

[brommers]

well! Another opportunity for Quintana ceded? Or is he resting up for the 14th stage?

Why do you think that it was a missed chance by Quintana?

 

[Dogtrousers]

Today's stage by inrng http://inrng.com/2016/09/vuelta-stage-13-preview-dantxarinea/

"A hilly stage ..." for a change.

 

[Crackle]

Today's stage by inrng http://inrng.com/2016/09/vuelta-stage-13-preview-dantxarinea/

"A hilly stage ..." for a change.

The longest stage as well, right before the queen stage. It's not subtle the Vuelta.