Vuelta a España 2012 (with spoilers)

[tigger]

Just watched the highlights. Bloody fantastic! What an epic battle. Gotta love Contador for never giving up and continually attacking only for Rodriguez to stick it right back at him and crossing the line ahead every time. It's got a mix of romantic drama with a bit of Roadrunner!

 

[Davehateshills]

I fully expected to see a Pro stall today. Never seen the top riders struggle so much.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I fully expected to see a Pro stall today. Never seen the top riders struggle so much.

I don't think I've ever seen pro riders going as slow as that on a climb. Rod looked like he had the measure of Contador all through the stage and I was actually surprised he didn't attack a bit earlier before the finish.

Froome impresses me more and more each day. He came into this race with the Tour in his legs and the mental pressure of being Wiggins minder to boot, and to be up there in fourth is a great ride despite everyone's expectations. He is still only a rookie in the pro game but his mental attitude, shown by his comments after the stages is very mature and he always seems to be taking lessons on board for the future. I think he could end up as Britain's greatest ever rider.

 

[smutchin]

Apparently, Cataldo took over five minutes to complete the final kilometre.

d.

 

[iLB]

Apparently, Cataldo took over five minutes to complete the final kilometre.

d.

velocast listener ?

 

[The Couch]

You would expect that this Vuelta is too gruesome for the riders, but I guess Orico Greenedge still has more than enough strength left

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEvX_vKDYEw

 

[400bhp]

1. I don't think I've ever seen pro riders going as slow as that on a climb. Rod looked like he had the measure of Contador all through the stage and I was actually surprised he didn't attack a bit earlier before the finish.

2. Froome impresses me more and more each day. He came into this race with the Tour in his legs and the mental pressure of being Wiggins minder to boot, and to be up there in fourth is a great ride despite everyone's expectations. He is still only a rookie in the pro game but his mental attitude, shown by his comments after the stages is very mature and he always seems to be taking lessons on board for the future. I think he could end up as Britain's greatest ever rider.

1. Awesome - now they know how I feel

2. Agree - really starting to like the bloke - comes across as humbling and wanting to learn.

 

[smutchin]

velocast listener ?

Gary Imlach watcher.

d.

 

[Crackle]

Yep, I started out disliking Froome but I'm beginning to see that his veiled answers were hiding a naievity and immaturity which is clearly changing as he races at this level. I'm liking how he sounds and comes across much better now.

 

[Slaav]

Slowest speed, 9 kph. Walk uphill on a 20%+ gradient at 9 kph? Any other jokes?
It might hurt (well it does, and even more if you are not agreat climber just struggling in the autobus) but you just have to turn the 34 x 28, 36 x 30, or whatever, and suffer horribly. Then do it again next day.

Think the commenattor was making a point rather than being totally literal in the statement

 

[smutchin]

Talking of being literal, David Harmon said of one rider today that he was "literally dying on his bike" but then quickly corrected himself.

d.

 

[Boon 51]

Not a great fan of Contador but I think Rodrigues has rode a belter.. plus Froome and a few others of course.

 

[raindog]

I didn't really enjoy that stage much.

 

[Noodley]

Froomedog! Froomedog! Froomedog!

 

[PaulB]

That wasn't bike racing, it was sadistic cruelty only to be enjoyed by masochists. That brute yesterday is what put the Pain in Spain.