2014 Volta Catalunya stage 4: Alp › Vallter 2000-Setcases 166.4 Km

[Pricey_sky]

I just hope the stage won't be shortened.
Anyway, Sky doesn't look so convincing this season. More than couple of withdrawals this month. Something's going wrong there.

Just bad luck in my opinion. illness, bad crashes and a slight back injury, that's bike racing! Let's not forget the results with Stannard and Swift in Omloop/MSR have meant this has been an acceptable early season so far.

 

[BYOP88]

so do we or don't we get a full stage tomorrow the forecast seemed to have calmed from what was predicted.

"Laura Meseguer ‏@Laura_Meseguer 9m
@mrconde @festinagirl @bambula nobody seems worried about tomorrow's weather.Looks like it's not going to be super cold and no rain expected"

Looking promising thus far.

 

[LaFlorecita]

"Laura Meseguer ‏@Laura_Meseguer 9m
@mrconde @festinagirl @bambula nobody seems worried about tomorrow's weather.Looks like it's not going to be super cold and no rain expected"

Looking promising thus far.

Phew, good news.

 

[Fzotrlool]

Based on last year's result, I don't think the time differences will be huge. Unless Contador decides to go crazy.

1 QUINTANA Nairo [www.procyclingstats.com] Movistar Team 6 50 5:01:20
2 VALVERDE Alejandro Movistar Team 4 30 0:06
3 RODRIGUEZ Joaquim Team Katusha 2 18 ,,
4 WIGGINS Bradley Sky Procycling 1 13 ,,
5 PINOT Thibaut [www.procyclingstats.com] Equipe Cycliste FDJ 1 10 0:09
6 STETINA Peter Garmin Sharp 7 ,,
7 SCARPONI Michele Lampre - Merida 4 ,,
8 NIEMIEC Przemyslaw Lampre - Merida 3 ,,
9 URAN Rigoberto Sky Procycling 2 ,,
10 POZZOVIVO Domenico [www.procyclingstats.com] AG2R La Mondiale 1 0:21
11 NAVARRO GARCIA Daniel Cofidis, Solutions Crédits 0:25
12 DANIELSON Thomas Garmin Sharp ,,
13 FUGLSANG Jakob Astana Pro Team ,,
14 ANTON Igor Euskaltel - Euskadi 0:27
15 SPILAK Simon [www.procyclingstats.com] Team Katusha ,,
16 SILIN Egor Astana Pro Team 0:30

http://www.procyclingstats.com/race...a-2013-Stage-3-Vidreres-Vallter-2000-Setcases

I must admit I don't understand Sky's tactics this year. Attacking within the final kilometer is too late when you're up against fast mountain sprinters. Porte in Murcia/Tirreno and now Froome in Catalonia have basically acted as lead-out men for the Spanish uphill versions of Kittel and Greipel.

 

[Publicus]

Based on last year's result, I don't think the time differences will be huge. Unless Contador decides to go crazy.

1 QUINTANA Nairo [www.procyclingstats.com] Movistar Team 6 50 5:01:20
2 VALVERDE Alejandro Movistar Team 4 30 0:06
3 RODRIGUEZ Joaquim Team Katusha 2 18 ,,
4 WIGGINS Bradley Sky Procycling 1 13 ,,
5 PINOT Thibaut [www.procyclingstats.com] Equipe Cycliste FDJ 1 10 0:09
6 STETINA Peter Garmin Sharp 7 ,,
7 SCARPONI Michele Lampre - Merida 4 ,,
8 NIEMIEC Przemyslaw Lampre - Merida 3 ,,
9 URAN Rigoberto Sky Procycling 2 ,,
10 POZZOVIVO Domenico [www.procyclingstats.com] AG2R La Mondiale 1 0:21
11 NAVARRO GARCIA Daniel Cofidis, Solutions Crédits 0:25
12 DANIELSON Thomas Garmin Sharp ,,
13 FUGLSANG Jakob Astana Pro Team ,,
14 ANTON Igor Euskaltel - Euskadi 0:27
15 SPILAK Simon [www.procyclingstats.com] Team Katusha ,,
16 SILIN Egor Astana Pro Team 0:30

http://www.procyclingstats.com/race...a-2013-Stage-3-Vidreres-Vallter-2000-Setcases

I must admit I don't understand Sky's tactics this year. Attacking within the final kilometer is too late when you're up against fast mountain sprinters. Porte in Murcia/Tirreno and now Froome in Catalonia have basically acted as lead-out men for the Spanish uphill versions of Kittel and Greipel.

Tomorrow's stage looks tougher (on paper) than last year's stage. I guess it will depend on how they race it. I hope Saxo puts a man in the break. They don't have the ponies to force the pace.

 

[webvan]

Yep I remember that, not very spectacular...hope it's better tomorrow!

 

[Fzotrlool]

Tomorrow's stage looks tougher (on paper) than last year's stage. I guess it will depend on how they race it. I hope Saxo puts a man in the break. They don't have the ponies to force the pace.

Yep I remember that, not very spectacular...hope it's better tomorrow!

I think stage 6 will be crucial. If Purito wins tomorrow, expect an unorthodox attack from Contador later on. Vuelta 2012 style.

 

[the sceptic]

I think stage 6 will be crucial. If Purito wins tomorrow, expect an unorthodox attack from Contador later on. Vuelta 2012 style.

It will be interesting. There arent many strong trains here to control things. Tomorrow I expect it will be every man and alien for themselves.

Maybe that means Purito wont get dropped tomorrow and can win another 1km sprint.

 

[VeloHuman]

Based on last year's result, I don't think the time differences will be huge. Unless Contador decides to go crazy.

1 QUINTANA Nairo [www.procyclingstats.com] Movistar Team 6 50 5:01:20
2 VALVERDE Alejandro Movistar Team 4 30 0:06
3 RODRIGUEZ Joaquim Team Katusha 2 18 ,,
4 WIGGINS Bradley Sky Procycling 1 13 ,,
5 PINOT Thibaut [www.procyclingstats.com] Equipe Cycliste FDJ 1 10 0:09
6 STETINA Peter Garmin Sharp 7 ,,
7 SCARPONI Michele Lampre - Merida 4 ,,
8 NIEMIEC Przemyslaw Lampre - Merida 3 ,,
9 URAN Rigoberto Sky Procycling 2 ,,
10 POZZOVIVO Domenico [www.procyclingstats.com] AG2R La Mondiale 1 0:21
11 NAVARRO GARCIA Daniel Cofidis, Solutions Crédits 0:25
12 DANIELSON Thomas Garmin Sharp ,,
13 FUGLSANG Jakob Astana Pro Team ,,
14 ANTON Igor Euskaltel - Euskadi 0:27
15 SPILAK Simon [www.procyclingstats.com] Team Katusha ,,
16 SILIN Egor Astana Pro Team 0:30

http://www.procyclingstats.com/race...a-2013-Stage-3-Vidreres-Vallter-2000-Setcases

I must admit I don't understand Sky's tactics this year. Attacking within the final kilometer is too late when you're up against fast mountain sprinters. Porte in Murcia/Tirreno and now Froome in Catalonia have basically acted as lead-out men for the Spanish uphill versions of Kittel and Greipel.

Last year's stage didn't have Froome and Contador blowing things up like they're likely to do tomorrow. Could have bigger time gaps, especially since both looked to be saving up a bit today.

 

[manafana]

froome isn't going blow up anything he has been set back will see him at his best next race. Still think Rod had a lot in hand on Contador and the strongest team mate too, BMC need to try something with Stetina and have TVG use that to counter strike

 

[VeloHuman]

froome isn't going blow up anything he has been set back will see him at his best next race. Still think Rod had a lot in hand on Contador and the strongest team mate too, BMC need to try something with Stetina and have TVG use that to counter strike

It was pretty surprising seeing Stetina up there in the Moreno/Martin/Basso group. Have to think you're right. BMC hasn't had the luxury of being able to send anyone up the road in a while.

 

[Jelantik]

It was pretty surprising seeing Stetina up there in the Moreno/Martin/Basso group. Have to think you're right. BMC hasn't had the luxury of being able to send anyone up the road in a while.

how about sending sammy sanchez? He wasn't anywhere near TJ on Molina climb. Let stetina accompany TJ..

 

[Bookbuild]

Froome is close to his form. He is just 13 seconds adrift. It it was the TDF, it would not have matter, he can makeup that time in the ITT. Froome will seek revenge in this stage, it's much steeper and it will suit him. He should make his attack better so that he can pull away from the chase quicker and not let Purito and co sit on his wheel

 

[Jspear]

Froome is close to his form. He is just 13 seconds adrift. It it was the TDF, it would not have matter, he can makeup that time in the ITT. Froome will seek revenge in this stage, it's much steeper and it will suit him. He should make his attack better so that he can pull away from the chase quicker and not let Purito and co sit on his wheel

Steeper climbs also suit the little Spanish guys!! Purito, Contador, and Quintana will again distance Froomey.....at least that's what I'm hoping for. Froome sure didn't seem to be quite there as far as form today when he attacked.

 

[Bookbuild]

After a day of racing, Froome should have gotten the feel of climbing, he should win this stage. (fingers crossed)

 

[Jspear]

After a day of racing, Froome should have gotten the feel of climbing, he should win this stage. (fingers crossed)

I think it'll take longer than a day for him to completely find his form. He'll be a lot better in time for his next race.

 

[Bookbuild]

It's funny that a lot of people are already counting Froome out in the future.

 

[Jspear]

It's funny that a lot of people are already counting Froome out in the future.

Nope not in the future. Not even for this race. There are just some riders here who are stronger than him. But I don't think there is anyone on this forum who is seriously counting Froome as out.

 

[LaFlorecita]

It's funny that a lot of people are already counting Froome out in the future.

It's funny that you think he's lost the feel of climbing. He didn't train for maybe 2 days ffs.

 

[ILovecycling]

It's funny that you think he's lost the feel of climbing. He didn't train for maybe 2 days ffs.

This.Its a ridiculous assumption to think that he is off-form coz of the injury
I think he just need time to get form(we still have to wait until the end of this stage tho) or he had a bad winter and that would be a serious problem.

 

[LaFlorecita]

This.Its a ridiculous assumption to think that he is off-form coz of the injury
I think he just need time to get form(we still have to wait until the end of this stage tho) or he had a bad winter and that would be a serious problem.

Yep I think today's stage will be more telling. Will we see the resurrection of Froome or will he fail again?

 

[ILovecycling]

Yep I think today's stage will be more telling. Will we see the resurrection of Froome or will he fail again?

I think Froome just lacks something, if Alberto attacks more than 3k to go he will beat Purito and win.My dark horse is Pozzovivo tho

Edit:finaly i can watch today,I didnt see any stage.(s...ty school )

 

[TANK91]

I am praying for good weather. Would be such a shame if they cancelled the last climb.

Contador to drop Froome again and win the stage.

Contador did not drop Froome u idiot. Also Froome attacked could have tempoed to finish and loss 8 seconds you no how people are getting when TJVG loses 6 seconds to AC and suddenly Contador is better than Froome.


Contador looks great this year 6 seconds is an awful lot in great shape vs a suckish rider like Tejay, or is Froome now 2 seconds worst at climbing than TJVG thats what should tell alot to people who beat Froome? Not just Contador, which clearly means he has no form. Else we may aswell say its gonna be a Contador TJVG Froome podium in Le Tour lol. Froome could lose 20 seconds each climb toAC and still win the Tour.


Do i think Contado is better than last year? Absoloutely.
Do i no for a fact most people still think Froome will beat Contador in the TDF absoloutley, Froome would destroy everyone today even in Oman shape. But it wont be happening he will get a big beating by Contador today, sure the finish dint suit him but when you get beat bye TJVG your not winning the Volta.

 

[TANK91]

I think Froome just lacks something, if Alberto attacks more than 3k to go he will beat Purito and win.My dark horse is Pozzovivo tho

Edit:finaly i can watch today,I didnt see any stage.(s...ty school )

Yes i agree but cant see Poz doing anything unfortunately, Conatdor will crush Purito on this climb and win the Volta i just pray it goes ahead, i hope Froome loses no more than 10 seconds, if he loses 10 seconds today that will feel like a win for me anyway.

 

[NUFCrichard]

I expect Froome will want to show everyone that he hasn't lost it. It's a long slog of a climb, I think it will suit him and unfortunately he'll win today.

It all looks pretty good for later in the year though, I don't think the tour will be a procession.