2015 Vuelta stage 13: Calatayud > Tarazona 178km

[Flamin]

Puerto de Cavero, np (km 6): 765 m – 6 km – 4 %
Alto de la Campeja, np (km 30): 638 m – 3 km – 5,9 %
Puerto de la Crucija, 3ª (km 53,6): 1.005 m – 8,2 km – 3,7 %
Alto del Beratón, 1ª (km 71,9): 1.380 m – 10,9 km – 4,8 % (final 6k are 6% but LOL at the categorization)
Alto de Los Fayos, np (km 123): 610 m – 2,3 km – 6,1 %
Alto del Moncayo, 3ª (km 143,5): 1.030 m – 8,5 km – 4,6 %

Decent transition stage in the medium mountains, though completely ridiculous to have an extra loop of 15km flat after Moncayo while they could have had the same finish without it.

Anyway, still good for a break.

 

[jsem94]

Break FTW.

 

[Gigs_98]

Interesting stage, and I'm expecting a good break. This time I really don't see any teams working to catch the break.
However I also don't get why the vuelta organizers just don't make stages with descents directly leading to the finish (besides the two 1st category downhill finishes in the 3rd week, but I mean stuff like La Spezia in this years giro)

 

[Tank Engine]

This should be a stage for a decent climber who is a bit down the GC. Movistar have lost out on the last two GC stages, so I expect them to go stage hunting big time, especially with riders like Amador and Visconti. They will be accompanied by green clad Spaniards and French (Goncalves or Vilela).
Where is Talansky?

This would be a good stage for G, but I think there is a particular stage in week 3 that he has underlined in red.

Visconti for the win. (of course now I've said that it will be Hansen )

 

[Red Rick]

Breakaway.

 

[TMP402]

Re:

This would be a good stage for G, but I think there is a particular stage in week 3 that he has underlined in red.

If that's G as in Geraint then surely stage 19 to Avila with a bit of everything including cobbles.

 

[Son of Amsterhammer]

Would be shocked if the break didn't take this one.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

It's an interesting battle, which is the stupidest cat.1 categorization in this race: Beratón or La Quesera?

 

[KyoGrey]

Come on Caja Rural.

 

[SafeBet]

At least the last km is (sort of) flat.

Looks perfect for Moreno Moser. If only was 2012.

 

[Flamin]

Re:

It's an interesting battle, which is the stupidest cat.1 categorization in this race: Beratón or La Quesera?

At least they were consistent

 

[Red Rick]

Re: Re:

It's an interesting battle, which is the stupidest cat.1 categorization in this race: Beratón or La Quesera?

At least they were consistent

La Cobertoria is also cat 1, I mean are you kidding me?

 

[Flamin]

Re: Re:

It's an interesting battle, which is the stupidest cat.1 categorization in this race: Beratón or La Quesera?

At least they were consistent

La Cobertoria is also cat 1, I mean are you kidding me?

Some serious drugs these guys were on.

 

[Sasquatch]

Come on Caja Rural.

It is hopefully Goncalves day today. You would think Fraile will be in the break today and/or tomorrow to pick up more points. 16 and 13 (+15 final climb) available. Then rest Sunday, and attack Monday's stage to seal the jersey.

If Fraile doesn't get in the break, then I expect Bilbao/Madrazo there to pick up points whilst Goncalves focuses on stage victory.

I'm hoping Caja get a win sooner rather than later.

Maybe Mas Bonet can do something this stage.

 

[Gigs_98]

Re:

It's an interesting battle, which is the stupidest cat.1 categorization in this race: Beratón or La Quesera?

Almost as stupid as Alto de Campoo being ESP.

 

[Tank Engine]

Re: Re:

This would be a good stage for G, but I think there is a particular stage in week 3 that he has underlined in red.

If that's G as in Geraint then surely stage 19 to Avila with a bit of everything including cobbles.

Exactly.

Sky will go stage hunting from now on. They are leading the team competition and stage hunting would also help gain time. However, Henao and Roche are probably too beat up for them to count in the mountains, which would be key.

 

[TommyPlus]

I'm sure Thomas could make both today's break and the cobbled stage one.
Kiriyenka also a possibility for today but he may be saving his energy for the ITT.
What kind of chance does he have of beating Domoulin? Taking in account how knackered the Dutchman must be.

 

[manafana]

breakaway day in my view. Pick you man.

 

[RedheadDane]

Funny how all profiles just look incredibly easy compared to Wednesday's killer stage.

 

[KyoGrey]

Come on Caja Rural.

It is hopefully Goncalves day today. You would think Fraile will be in the break today and/or tomorrow to pick up more points. 16 and 13 (+15 final climb) available. Then rest Sunday, and attack Monday's stage to seal the jersey.

If Fraile doesn't get in the break, then I expect Bilbao/Madrazo there to pick up points whilst Goncalves focuses on stage victory.

I'm hoping Caja get a win sooner rather than later.

Maybe Mas Bonet can do something this stage.

It is such a shame that their best riders (Barbero, Txurruka, Arroyo etc) are in the worst form of the season or abandoned.

I was thinking of a Bilbao breakaway win.

 

[Ruudz0r]

Vorganov will win today!

 

[Stilletto]

38K in and aaaaaall together...

 

[Arredondo]

Quintana asks for his team car.

 

[Sasquatch]

Re:

Quintana asks for his team car.

Your man Torres will win today

 

[Popchu]

Quintana

His Vuelta will be over today.