2014 Vuelta a España, Stage 14: Santander → La Camperona. (201 Km)

[Cance > TheRest]

Think it's too steep for Valverde, although he did win at Huy this year, and obviously too steep for Froome and Aru. The time differences won't be massive, but I cannot see anyone challenging Contador/JRod on this sort of finish. Something like the Mirador de ézaro finish in 2012 comes to my mind although Contador is obviously stronger than he was back then.

 

[jens_attacks]

to be honest, i think dan martin will win tomorrow.

also, samu is on his home soil so expect good things at least i hope

those last 3 kms are damn ridiculous. huy has nothing on this

 

[Donkey]

Think it's too steep for Valverde, although he did win at Huy this year, and obviously too steep for Froome and Aru. The time differences won't be massive, but I cannot see anyone challenging Contador/JRod on this sort of finish. Something like the Mirador de ézaro finish in 2012 comes to my mind although Contador is obviously stronger than he was back then.

Post number 26 and Froome gets named for the first time ))

 

[Escarabajo]

Unless someone from the top 10(20) GC attack from further away from the finish, Contador has this.

But as history repeats, everyone will be taking care of their positions. It sucks.

Top 10 in La Vuelta is really not a big deal, but still, riders will ride it conservatively anyway.

 

[DFA123]

Why would the top contenders even consider that here?

Exactly would be a ridiculous move for anyone seriously looking to win the stage to try to attack on the San Glorio. They would be a sitting duck on that long, gradual descent into a headwind before the Camperona.

 

[SafeBet]

My only concern is what to watch on Steephill tomorrow night: the last 5km video or the last 3km video? A PM might come handy.

 

[jens_attacks]

Top 10 in La Vuelta is really not a big deal, but still, riders will ride it conservatively anyway.

this is not a stage designed for any long range attack. it would be stupid to do that tomorrow let's get serious. and the pace will be so furious on the last climb, it's all about survival. only purito can literally attack on such ramps. otherwise you just have to follow your rhytm and not implode

there can be big gaps like on ezaro in 2012(for such a short climb, 30 seconds is a very big gap). normally all the favourites in one minute at best

 

[Arredondo]

Under normal conditions, one wud expect Contador to win this.
Purito may outsprint him in the finish.

Realistically, Winner or Kelderman or someone else other than the main GC guys will win this stage.

I wont be surprised if stage battle and GC battle will be totally different.

One thing's for certain: Sky will ride in front, then movistar, then katusha. Expect all teams to send helpers up front in the second climb.

Well, under normal conditions, Purito will win this, and get some seconds on Contador.

But Purito isn't great, so that's why it could be that Contador will win.

 

[cineteq]

This where Quintana was going to take a min. on Contador
I hope Purito takes this.

Btw, good stage to get rid of Froome once and for all. Perhaps some zigzagging action? http://youtu.be/lEGpv0xn0E8?t=7m25s

 

[jens_attacks]

My only concern is what to watch on Steephill tomorrow night: the last 5km video or the last 3km video? A PM might come handy.

i will make a gif for you


normally the last 10 kms are ok because the battle for positions is nice to watch

 

[LaFlorecita]

Well, under normal conditions, Purito will win this, and get some seconds on Contador.

But Purito isn't great, so that's why it could be that Contador will win.

I think Valverde is the biggest favorite for the win, really.

 

[Arredondo]

I think Valverde is the biggest favorite for the win, really.

Too steep really for him. He won Fleche this year, true, but most of the times he cracks on gradients like that. Just look back at Ezaro.

But if he wins, i will go mad. He wins way too much already

 

[Escarabajo]

this is not a stage designed for any long range attack. it would be stupid to do that tomorrow let's get serious. and the pace will be so furious on the last climb, it's all about survival. only purito can literally attack on such ramps. otherwise you just have to follow your rhytm and not implode

there can be big gaps like on ezaro in 2012(for such a short climb, 30 seconds is a very big gap). normally all the favourites in one minute at best

So you think a breakaway has no chance here?

 

[MBotero]

Froome for the win if he's not here just to admire the Spanish Armada like in 2012.The climb should suit him,it's a bit like Pena Cabarga.If Froome will suck again,i believe will get the trio on the first three places.

 

[DFA123]

So you think a breakaway has no chance here?

I think a small breakaway would need close to 10 minutes at the top of the San Glorio, because the descent after is so long and gentle and into a probable head wind, they'd have to work really hard, and then still need to save something for La Camperona. Also San Glorio is pretty gentle so unless a reasonably sized group forms then it will be a hard slog to gain even a couple of minutes over a peloton that is remotely interested.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Too steep really for him. He won Fleche this year, true, but most of the times he cracks on gradients like that. Just look back at Ezaro.

But if he wins, i will go mad. He wins way too much already

Yes agreed & I hope you're right

 

[ILovecycling]

this is probably even more ridiculous than ezaro

 

[indianfanboy]

what if Froome was bluffing all these days for a major ambush this week

 

[ILovecycling]

Froome for the win if he's not here just to admire the Spanish Armada like in 2012.The climb should suit him,it's a bit like Pena Cabarga.If Froome will suck again,i believe will get the trio on the first three places.

and people like you call us ,ac fans, crazy lol

 

[Gloin22]

and people like you call us ,ac fans, crazy lol

i am preety sure you can say that and not be a froome fan

 

[trevim]

This kind of super steep finishing climbs are getting boring nowadays, I'm even starting to miss Arcalis. Anyway, one of the dynamic duo to win with a trademark last km sprint and taking the red from Contador.

 

[ILovecycling]

i am preety sure you can say that and not be a froome fan

thats true, but its a strong assumption to say that

 

[LaFlorecita]

This kind of super steep finishing climbs are getting boring nowadays, I'm even starting to miss Arcalis. Anyway, one of the dynamic duo to win with a trademark last km sprint and taking the red from Contador.

Jrod can't take the red jersey from Contador. If anyone will take it, it's valverde.

 

[Descender]

Fantastic and very original stage design. Major props to the Vuelta organisers.

 

[yespatterns]

Aru will light it up despite the steepness I think.