Vuelta a España 2012 (with spoilers)

[Noodley]

To my way of thinking JRod is performing better than expected in some ways vis a vis his previous performances in Gts.
The reasons other than being a doper, which I don't think he is, are there.
He has often been a domestique before and burnt himself out in the support of his leader - sounds rather heroic and mediaeval when you write it down!
He is fresh having not done the TdF
The rest are riding cleaner so he's racing his peers up the mountain on a level playing field - errr! (Valv, Cobo, AC to name but 3)

I reckon there will be a number of "previously-average" riders who can now show that their "average" is in fact "very good" if the dopers are no longer doping.

I still dinnae think Nico Roach is one of them tho although he has done well in GCs this year.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Well, great finish today, and it's now between Purito and Contador. With Valverde pretty much assured of 3rd place. Froome looks knackered.

 

[jdtate101]

Froome just has too many miles in those legs to contend anymore, but he's showing true grit and character to still give it his all. True champion in the making.

 

[montage]

Should put the "Froome dopes" clan back in their cage at least

 

[Crackle]

Should put the "Froome dopes" clan back in their cage at least

The Froome thread is not or was not on the first two pages of The Clinic, mind you, they are busy blustering about Armstrong.

 

[raindog]

Should put the "Froome dopes" clan back in their cage at least

you obviously missed post 431
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/vuelta-a-españa-2012-with-spoilers.106773/page-22

 

[Smokin Joe]

This is the best GT I've seen for many a year, shades of Anquetil and Poulidor in 1964 the way Contador and Rodriguez are slugging it out. The commentator on ITV4 kept saying Rodriguez looked to be struggling every time Contador attacked but he looked comfortable and in control to me.

The tough season is catching up with Froome but he is a gritty rider who won't give up. In fact he is becoming my favourite rider in the peloton, he conducts himself well in post race interviews with no bullshit.

 

[400bhp]

Contador must be having nightmares-that bugger is stuck to him like glue.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Rodriguez - Es cojonudo!

Doesn't Purito make him sound like a matador...?

He really does have the measure of Berty, lets him go so far and brings him back. I like the way he came up alongside Contador, making clear symbolically as well as tactically, that he is every bit his equal. I hope he wins now.

 

[Zofo]

This is the best GT I've seen for many a year, shades of Anquetil and Poulidor in 1964 the way Contador and Rodriguez are slugging it out.

I agree,this is proper racing for a change--puts the TDF in the shade anyday.

 

[rich p]

Every now and again I drag myself away from the circular debate about Armstrong and into the refreshing clean air of the Vuelta. Thank goodness for Froome, Contador, Valverde and Rodriguez and that's a sentnece I'd never have seen myself writing
Another big one in the high hills today. I can't see it playing out any differently to the previous days with AC and AV attempting and failing to break JRod but who knows. It's going to be well worth watching for the racing and the sensational scenery.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

Loving the Vuelta!!! Cycling doesn't get much better than what we have seen over the last few weeks. The top 3 are climbing as if gravity does not apply. They should be weighted down as a handicap to level the playing field!!
Rodriguez and Contador are 10/10 for entertainment value.

 

[Tomi]

Today, if he is not afraid to lose, AC has a chance to put on the red jersey. Maybe an early break (ie before the last hill) or very high pace on every hill. In the last km's he cant drop Purito, that we all have come to understand by now.

 

[raindog]

I can't see it playing out any differently to the previous days with AC and AV attempting and failing to break JRod but who knows.

Rodriguez said of yesterday's stage, that he was on the point of cracking. If the climb had been a bit longer and Berto had accelerated one more time.......?
The problem with Berto is, he seems able to attack, but unable (unlike the "old" days) to sustain the pace.
Going to be another interesting afternoon.

 

[Zofo]

I remember a few years back now that on Eurosport they had a display of real time heart rates for riders. It would be intersting to see what Contator spikes at on those incredible burst he puts in.