2011 Vuelta a Espana Stage 5: Sierra Nevada - Valdepenas de Jaen, 186km (24/8)

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Van Den Broeck was working for Gilbert of course. He's one of those who will look at the TdF podium and think that but for the grace of God...

On the other hand I can't believe he can compete given the extent of his injuries.


The other one to consider is Nibali who I'd liken to Evans in terms of strengths. And we all know who pipped J Rodriguez Oliver in the 2010 FW.

JVDB did a rather impressive final km when he won his Dauphiné stage (didn't even lose 10 seconds to Jrod on Giro form, after riding in the offensive for 20 minutes). He seems to have gotten better at these finishes (just look at the results of the first week of this years TDF). But i just don't see him competing today. It'll be a good day if he doesn't lose over 20 seconds. He should get better the next days and weeks i'd say. Yesterdays climb was ideal for him and his injuries, at this point.

PS: and i can't see GVA contend here. But both him and JVDB are allowed to surprise me.

 

[theyoungest]

Igor Antón didn't sign in (according to the ticker) so I assume he abandons.

 

[roundabout]

He could have missed the start.

 

[PedalCastro]

I hope he just missed the start.. 2 years in a row his Vuelta will have fallen apart.

 

[theyoungest]

JVDB did a rather impressive final km when he won his Dauphiné stage (didn't even lose 10 seconds to Jrod on Giro form, after riding in the offensive for 20 minutes). He seems to have gotten better at these finishes (just look at the results of the first week of this years TDF). But i just don't see him competing today. It'll be a good day if he doesn't lose over 20 seconds. He should get better the next days and weeks i'd say. Yesterdays climb was ideal for him and his injuries, at this point.

PS: and i can't see GVA contend here. But both him and JVDB are allowed to surprise me.

I would suggest that these explosive finishes rather suit VDB2, see Mende in the Tour 2010, and indeed this year's Tour.

 

[Duartista]

Purito at the start: "I've marked this stage with an 'x'. Last year I attacked too soon, but this year I am unbeatable".

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Igor Antón didn't sign in (according to the ticker) so I assume he abandons.

please no

 

[El Pistolero]

Purito at the start: "I've marked this stage with an 'x'. Last year I attacked too soon, but this year I am unbeatable".

Then why did he get beaten so much this year?

 

[Duartista]

Then why did he get beaten so much this year?

He's only talking about today I think - if he times his attack well, he doesn't think anyone can beat him.

 

[El Pistolero]

He's only talking about today I think - if he times his attack well, he doesn't think anyone can beat him.

That I can accept.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

JVDB did a rather impressive final km when he won his Dauphiné stage (didn't even lose 10 seconds to Jrod on Giro form, after riding in the offensive for 20 minutes). He seems to have gotten better at these finishes (just look at the results of the first week of this years TDF). But i just don't see him competing today. It'll be a good day if he doesn't lose over 20 seconds. He should get better the next days and weeks i'd say. Yesterdays climb was ideal for him and his injuries, at this point.

PS: and i can't see GVA contend here. But both him and JVDB are allowed to surprise me.

Furthermore, I never understood why Jvdb said these finishes are too explosive for him.
I remember a young Jurgen Vandenbroeck, when he had no big results whatsoever (no Giro top 8 yet), and then in Verviers he was one of the fastest in an uphill sprint, I think it was in the ENECO Tour. I was there that day and always remembered that somehow (probably because i was suprised at the result )

 

[Captain_Cavman]

That I can accept.

Purito at the start with a huge look of relief on his face.

 

[El Pistolero]

Purito at the start with a huge look of relief on his face.

He's still going to find someone to get second to

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Any news on Antón?

 

[Jamsque]

Wiggins will lose time today.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

Purito at the start: "I've marked this stage with an 'x'. Last year I attacked too soon, but this year I am unbeatable".

Odd that he's going so well but got beaten by Dan Martin for the 8 second bonus yesterday ?

 

[jens_attacks]

Purito at the start: "I've marked this stage with an 'x'. Last year I attacked too soon, but this year I am unbeatable".

that's something i loved to hear.

what is happening to anton?

 

[just some guy]

They have started attacks going off the front, 29.5c and no further mention of Antón on the ticker.

 

[Hartog]

The ticker I'm using (nusport.nl) always has dns and abandons listed. No Anton there, so I assume he's still racing.

 

[just some guy]

They have started attacks going off the front, 29.5c and no further mention of Antón on the ticker.

Antón just did not sign on but is racing

Cav and Goss only abandons so far in La Vuelta

 

[the chicken from T]

igor still there

196 riders
All riders who finished in Sierra Nevada yesterday have taken the start. Only CAVENDISH Mark (072) and GOSS Matthew Harley (074) are missing. ANTON HERNANDEZ Igor (051), who didn't be at the sign on, continues.

 

[LaFleur]

Well he might have just been late to the start, that's nothing wierd. Phinney just tweeted a few days ago that he and Cancellara and even some others were late to the start and had to chase back for quite some time.

 

[Duartista]

Too late....

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Then why did he get beaten so much this year?

Philbert + Anton in really really good form + fatigue

 

[just some guy]

seems like the whole of the Peloton wants in on the break.

Speed up and many different groups trying and being brought back 10 off the front now.