2015 Vuelta Stage 7: Jódar>La Alpujarra (191.1k)

[DBotero]

First important stage finally arrived.Froome's time to shine.Hoping for a long range attack to force everybody to come out and play,no more hiding.

 

[Inquitus]

So @8km at @7.2% after the 4 or so flat km.

 

[jsem94]

Nothing is going to happen until the 14% ramp in the end probably. The group may be 8-12 man strong at that point. There will be gaps of 30-40 seconds between the top 10.

 

[Son of Amsterhammer]

Would be surprised if anyone tried it before the flat part, but maybe that would catch everyone else off guard.

I'm thinking Froome will go for it after that part(if the legs are there...)

 

[sir fly]

In accordance with good old phrase - we'll see who won't win the race.
Too early for long distance heroism. It's going to be tempo almost to the top. It's just that type of a climb at that point in the race.

 

[roundabout]

probably another Vuelta web profile special imaginary ramp as it seems to be missing on other profiles

 

[Son of Amsterhammer]

Re:

In accordance with good old phrase - we'll see who won't win the race.
Too early for long distance heroism. It's going to be tempo almost to the top. It's just that type of a climb at that point in the race.

I like that!

I believe the triathlon version is "you can't win the race in the water, but you can lose it".

 

[sir fly]

Re: Re:

In accordance with good old phrase - we'll see who won't win the race.
Too early for long distance heroism. It's going to be tempo almost to the top. It's just that type of a climb at that point in the race.

I like that!

I believe the triathlon version is "you can't win the race in the water, but you can lose it".

That's the equivalent, yes.

 

[AlexNYC]

First important stage finally arrived.Froome's time to shine.Hoping for a long range attack to force everybody to come out and play,no more hiding.

What makes you think that a GC favorite would launch a long range attack in this stage? That would make no sense what so ever.

This stage will definitely mark some differences though. I think one or more of the favorites will start to unravel here. I'm a little afraid for Nairo; that failed attack the other day left me thinking that he hasn't recovered from the Tour and that he might struggle against Froome and Alejandro. I hope I'm wrong though. If in shape, he and Froome could gain some valuable time on the others.

 

[DBotero]

First important stage finally arrived.Froome's time to shine.Hoping for a long range attack to force everybody to come out and play,no more hiding.

What makes you think that a GC favorite would launch a long range attack in this stage? That would make no sense what so ever.

This stage will definitely mark some differences though. I think one or more of the favorites will start to unravel here. I'm a little afraid for Nairo; that failed attack the other day left me thinking that he hasn't recovered from the Tour and that he might struggle against Froome and Alejandro. I hope I'm wrong though. If in shape, he and Froome could gain some valuable time on the others.

Agree they should wait for Madrid.Seems like a better option.

 

[Arredondo]

I think Froome and Landa will get time on the others. Quintana waits for Valverde and limit the time losses, together with Purito, Aru and Pozzo.

 

[Pricey_sky]

The 8% section with about 7k's to go is perfect for an in form Froome, but I doubt he's anywhere near that level, I get the impression he is just easing his way in and hoping for better legs later in the race. Have a sneaky feeling Pozzovivo could win tomorrow.

 

[AlexNYC]

Agree they should wait for Madrid.Seems like a better option.

Or, you know, just wait for stage 11, which has multiple high mountain passes before the MTF. That seems like an even better option

 

[Escarabajo]

Re:

I think Froome and Landa will get time on the others. Quintana waits for Valverde and limit the time losses, together with Purito, Aru and Pozzo.

All holding hands together!

 

[Son of Amsterhammer]

Re:

The 8% section with about 7k's to go is perfect for an in form Froome, but I doubt he's anywhere near that level, I get the impression he is just easing his way in and hoping for better legs later in the race. Have a sneaky feeling Pozzovivo could win tomorrow.

100% agree. What he does will speak volumes to his form.

 

[Red Rick]

Maybe Landa or someone like him will do something. Froome and Quintana are praying for their Tour from to show up, Valverde and Purito are too busy watching each other and holding hands.

Maybe Dumoulin will attack?

 

[markene2]

Pozzovivo to win this one, Landa to babysit Aru, Rodriguez to disapoint, and Valverde in Red tomorrow.

 

[barmaher]

Why would an attack now not make sense? Au contraire for Froome and Nairito if you think they'll struggle due to Tour legs. I think if someone feels good tomorrow, they will let rip.

 

[Stelvio]

Too bad they stop (way) short of the summit...

The finishing climb is the beginning of the road that crosses the Sierra Nevada and connects (at a bit over 3000m) to the road that finishes on top of Pico Veleta.

 

[PremierAndrew]

Re:

Maybe Landa or someone like him will do something. Froome and Quintana are praying for their Tour from to show up, Valverde and Purito are too busy watching each other and holding hands.

Maybe Dumoulin will attack?

Dumoulin would be crazy to attack tomorrow. Should just time trial his way up at his own pace to limit his losses if Giant are actually planning on trying to get top 5/10 GC with him

 

[No_Balls]

Re:

A stage more or less tailormade for Dawg but has he the form? That lone climb could like the first day in July come as an umpleasant surprise for a lot, and add to that a temperature some 5-10 degrees warmer. The finish doesnt offer any steepness but then again the stage wont be decided there. Perfect if you ride tempo like Froome.

There are a whole lot of questionmarks hanging around with the expection of Valverde who could have red tomorrow. How is Nairo? Aru? Landa? The latter have looked exceptional weak and id would be surprised if the likes of Aru shines tomorrow.

 

[PremierAndrew]

Re:

The 8% section with about 7k's to go is perfect for an in form Froome, but I doubt he's anywhere near that level, I get the impression he is just easing his way in and hoping for better legs later in the race. Have a sneaky feeling Pozzovivo could win tomorrow.

I think the opposite personally.

He'll be looking to gain time tomorrow I reckon, knowing that the fatigue from the Tour is only going to get worse.

A lot of questions will be answered tomorrow:

Is Froome up for it?
Who is the leader for Movistar?
Is Aru capable of matching the big names when they're fairly handicapped?
Are Dumoulin and Chaves genuine threats to GC?

 

[SafeBet]

Perfect stage and final climb for Aru. If he doesn't deliver tomorrow he's got no chance of winning the whole thing.

I don't think we'll see any serious attack before the final 3km anyway.

 

[Red Rick]

Re: Re:

Maybe Landa or someone like him will do something. Froome and Quintana are praying for their Tour from to show up, Valverde and Purito are too busy watching each other and holding hands.

Maybe Dumoulin will attack?

Dumoulin would be crazy to attack tomorrow. Should just time trial his way up at his own pace to limit his losses if Giant are actually planning on trying to get top 5/10 GC with him

Meh, I think he might try if Chavez struggles, he doesn't care about 7th place in the GC, he'd rather take the jersey or instead he might lose 15 minutes

 

[Inquitus]

Re:

Too bad they stop (way) short of the summit...

The finishing climb is the beginning of the road that crosses the Sierra Nevada and connects (at a bit over 3000m) to the road that finishes on top of Pico Veleta.

Only its an unpaved dirt road.....