2014 Vuelta a Espana, stage 18: A Estrada-Monte Castrove en Meis (157 km)

[Red Rick]

Wait, I get it now.

Contador did all he could to take the white jersey today and he succeeded

 

[Der Effe]

Let's pray for the dawg to win the overall.

 

[yespatterns]

He wasn't that mutant today. If Contador would have closed the gap straight away instead of bluffing with Valverde he'd probably have stayed on Froome's wheel and sprinted around him at the finish.

Seems he was happy to lose 18 seconds to put Valverde in his place.

This. Plus Aruuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! And people say he's overly hyped.

 

[DFA123]

Contador looking a bit sheepish on the podium. Probably knows he messed up today.

 

[arvc40]

One can only hope that Froome wins the whole thing. The three Spaniards are a joke and has been throughout.

Lol ............................

 

[Ferminal]

If Contador's time loss was purely tactical then there is no problem come Ancares so get over it.

I'd be more worried.

 

[DirtyWorks]

I'm not too impressed by Froome today, except for his good tactical riding.

The spanish trio almost closed the gap when Rodriguez accelerated and basically he was allowed to get away, because Contador misjudged the situation. Froome also didn't crack Aru with his pace and the gap was never more than 15 seconds to the Trio.

Suggesting that Froome can seriosuly challenge Contador on Ancares, is surreal.

I think Contador has something to worry about though. Froome seems to have the resources for big attacks day after day with Contador in the GC lead for many days now. That said, I don't see Froomie overtaking Contador on Ancares either.

And, BTW, I'd argue Froomie is in full mutant mode. Attacking hard day after day and keeping it together is not normal.

It will be interesting to watch.

 

[Carols]

Thank goodness for Aru, Chapeau young man!!!

Meanwhile the 3 Spaniards D***king around. Just give it away guys...PFFFTTTT!!!

 

[HappyLoser]

Let's pray for the dawg to win the overall.

Prayin' is the only thing left...

 

[arvc40]

Let's pray for the dawg to win the overall.

Praying does not work.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Praying does not work.

read the bible. Jesus dad is quite the magician at times

 

[Rollthedice]

Bravo ARU! Last year he was working for Nibali in the snow and today when he looks back while crossing the line first he sees chrisfroomelookingatstems.
Contador seemed out of shape and Valverde when he fails he's sure to drag others with him.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Contador will still have to crash or have a hunger knock or something if Froome is to win the overall. However, I'm really looking forward to Saturday and the big showdown between the two best GC riders of the last decade.

 

[Hawkwood]

read the bible. Jesus dad is quite the magician at times

Especially if he's got money on Froome winning.

 

[DominicDecoco]

I think Contador has something to worry about though. Froome seems to have the resources for big attacks day after day with Contador in the GC lead for many days now. That said, I don't see Froomie overtaking Contador on Ancares either.

And, BTW, I'd argue Froomie is in full mutant mode. Attacking hard day after day and keeping it together is not normal.

It will be interesting to watch.

Jesus ****ing christ.

 

[arvc40]

read the bible. Jesus dad is quite the magician at times

Lol..................

 

[sir fly]

Yesterday evening Ive jokingly written about Valverde's unique attitude and today it's come true.
The GC is officially shaping up in accordance to the condition on road.
Froome looks like he has high pace in his legs, but lacks the explosiveness. Saturday will suit him.

 

[DirtyWorks]

That was crazy. Contador wants Valverde to do the work, they hesitate ..gap grows to 15 sec...then Rodriguez pulls hard and they almost catch the duo in front...then they look at each other again and that's it. WTF.

Almost seemed like Contador wanted to punish Valverde for Lagos de Covadonga.

Bad tactics today...it's not like AC has to be afraid of this Froome 1 vs 1. But you can never have enough advantage for when you have a bad day at the wrong time.

It was a practical tactic for Contador. Froome is using reserves, while Contador rides in with 3rd and 4th.

I'm not convinced 3rd podium spot is safe the way Aru rode today. Full disclosure, I called Aru for a podium spot before the start.

 

[arvc40]

Especially if he's got money on Froome winning.

Lol.........................

 

[Walkman]

That was crazy. Contador wants Valverde to do the work, they hesitate ..gap grows to 15 sec...then Rodriguez pulls hard and they almost catch the duo in front...then they look at each other again and that's it. WTF.

Almost seemed like Contador wanted to punish Valverde for Lagos de Covadonga.

Bad tactics today...it's not like AC has to be afraid of this Froome 1 vs 1. But you can never have enough advantage for when you have a bad day at the wrong time.

J-rod didn't pull, he attacked like crazy hard. And after such an effort, you need to recover unless you want to keep going until you blow up.

However, todays stage seems to indicate that there are some friction within the spanish camp.

 

[JRanton]

Yesterday evening Ive jokingly written about Valverde's unique attitude and today it's come true.
The GC is officially shaping up in accordance to the condition on road.
Froome looks like he has high pace in his legs, but lacks the explosiveness. Saturday will suit him.

It suits Contador too. Those two are in a different class to the other two when it comes to the proper mountain stages.

 

[arvc40]

Strange old finish. Good for Aru. Once again taking the initiative.

 

[Walkman]

I think Contador has something to worry about though. Froome seems to have the resources for big attacks day after day with Contador in the GC lead for many days now. That said, I don't see Froomie overtaking Contador on Ancares either.

And, BTW, I'd argue Froomie is in full mutant mode. Attacking hard day after day and keeping it together is not normal.

It will be interesting to watch.

He has attacked twice. And today was no real mountain stage.

But anyway, if Froome's ride is mutant and abnormal, how would you describe Contador's Vuelta?

 

[staubsauger]

Valverde
How has he actually won a Vuelta? Oh yeah I remember it ... Sanchez & Gesink crashed while Evans got tricked by Unipublic.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Smart racing by Froome, should have done that the other day too.
Congrats to Aru with the stage win.