2012 Vuelta. The Return of the King.

[SafeBet]

I'm expecting Bertie at 70-80%, which would be good news for the race.

 

[vcampbell]

I'm expecting Bertie at 70-80%, which would be good news for the race.

For the Vuelta? It will be much more. He is training hard, he will ride the ENECO, and San Sebastion, so there will be more than 1000 race km in his legs. He only missed half a year, which is not too much, especially when we see his form after a winter break, which is almost the same time, but then he isn't training as much as in these days. He will be fine. I don't think he will be in 100% in the Vuelta, but around 95% I'm sure.

 

[Nilsson]

For the Vuelta? It will be much more. He is training hard, he will ride the ENECO, and San Sebastion, so there will be more than 1000 race km in his legs. He only missed half a year, which is not too much, especially when we see his form after a winter break, which is almost the same time, but then he isn't training as much as in these days. He will be fine. I don't think he will be in 100% in the Vuelta, but around 95% I'm sure.

Exactly. Contador, above everything, always shows to have a phenomenal base level. It's incredible to see how he enters in his first race every year, sometimes after more than 6 months out of competition and a winter with lots of commitments (as a Tour winner, star athlete) and of course the dark clouds and continued uncertainty of last year or, not to forget, the brain surgery he had in 2004 and immediately winning in his first race in Down Under again.

 

[veganrob]

Alberto will be ready. Everyone else beware. He is on a mission.

 

[LaFlorecita]

I'm expecting Bertie at 70-80%, which would be good news for the race.

I actually think Berto is never at 70-80%.

 

[gingerwallaceafro]

I actually think Berto is never at 70-80%.

Usually he's 105%..

 

[doperhopper]

Only problem is that Wiggins will want to defend his title next year. That's going to complicate things for Vroome

We can hope for some justice - Giro-Vuelta for Vroom and Wigo biting the dust from AC/AS wheels in the french mountains?

 

[the vagabond]

Don't discount the possibility that the Vuelta could be canceled. The financial situation in Spain is deteriorating rapidly.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Don't discount the possibility that the Vuelta could be canceled. The financial situation in Spain is deteriorating rapidly.

Lol .

 

[burning]

People saying they cant not wait Vuelta to start but doesnt most mountainous and hilly stage profiles look like this?

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[Zam_Olyas]

Usually he's 105%..

You are still here?

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

People saying they cant not wait Vuelta to start but doesnt most mountainous and hilly stage profiles look like this?

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yeah the course is even worse than this years TDF

but the best currently active stage racer will be back, that is why people are excited

 

[Angliru]

Thats true however Wiggins is a very level headed guy and I think he realised this year was his best chance to win. He had his major GC rivals covered this time as there was no way they would put major time into him. In fact Wiggins ended up not only matching Nibali, VDB ect but stretching his lead. Next year with Contador and A.Schleck (maybe) back it will be much tougher as Wiggo will have to raise his climbing to a whole new level.

Froome is proving that when it comes to the higher mountains he can be slightly better then Wiggo so Brad's comment about helping Froome win a tour was a sensible move.

I noticed though that Wiggins didn't commit to working for Froome next year, only in the future. I can't imagine that having reached his dream victory that he'll be happy to take on a super-domestique role when he's still arguably in his prime.

 

[taiwan]

Had enough of Sky by this point already and can't be bothered watching Contador and Froome put 1 minute into everyone else per mountain.

Why can't Purito take it this time?

Rhetorical question.

 

[veganrob]

If Alberto didn't win I would want Purito

 

[Mogwai_]

Anyone that can find a provisional start list for the Vuelta 2012?

By the way I was wondering if Quintana (Movistar) will ride the Vuelta?

 

[Forunculo]

Anyone that can find a provisional start list for the Vuelta 2012?

By the way I was wondering if Quintana (Movistar) will ride the Vuelta?

Quintana, Intxausti and Cobo are confirmed

 

[Mogwai_]

Quintana, Intxausti and Cobo are confirmed

Thanks! Can Quintana ride top 10? I know he's a very good climber but he probably needs to work for Cobo.

 

[Kwibus]

yeah the course is even worse than this years TDF

but the best currently active stage racer will be back, that is why people are excited

Yes most MTF finishes are flat with a climb at the end, but these 2 stages for example certainly are not that easy.
With 10 MTF in this years Vuelta it's ok that it's only 2 real mountain stages which will create bigger gaps.

Last year the Vuelta really didn't have any proper mountain stages. This year they alteast have 2 real mountain stages and I didn't check them all so I might miss one.

edit: Another tough stage. Allthough none of these 3 stages are longer than 200km.

 

[barmaher]

Are all the sprinters going for this?

I assume we will see Cavendish and Greipel?

 

[Mogwai_]

Are all the sprinters going for this?

Degenkolb for sure. And I believe Bouhanni will ride the Vuelta too. Oh Feillu too.

 

[barmaher]

I agree with Kwibus. This is a poor course if you are a sprinting fan, a fan of ITT's or if you think all stages need to be of 200km+

I think it is a very good course. People say that there are lots of stage like this:

__________________________________/

And there are. But thankfully few stages like this:

____/\_______/\_________

 

[Bernie's eyesore]

I agree with Kwibus. This is a poor course if you are a sprinting fan, a fan of ITT's or if you think all stages need to be of 200km+

I think it is a very good course. People say that there are lots of stage like this:

__________________________________/

And there are. But thankfully few stages like this:

____/\_______/\_________

There are actually too many sprinting stages aren't there?

 

[Kwibus]

There are actually too many sprinting stages aren't there?

I count 6 possible sprints, but I didn't check the final km so there might be surprises.

 

[richwagmn]

Well, Riis says Contador must win the Vuelta. Interesting. Any idea what's behind Riis' comment? Bad translation?