Colombia Oro y Paz (2.1), 06.02-10.02

[Jagartrott]

Altitude near the equator is also something different in terms of oxygen than at 45°N (the Alps). Less pressure (and oxygen) at same elevation at higher latitudes.

 

[DNP-Old]

Re: Re:

In all likelihood Alaphilippe is going to suffer on Sunday when we far surpass the 2000m barrier. It remains to be seen how much time he loses because the climb to Manizales isn't all that hard. Tomorrow will be another finish which really suits him. So with bonus seconds and a good showing on Sunday, he could survive in the GC.

Far surpass? Might want to look at the profile again... it's 2100-2200. And let's not pretend Europeans can't cycle at over 2000 meters anyway. He will suffer, but because the climb is longer and tougher (but still within his capabilities) and because Uran, Quintana, Chaves and Bernal simply are better climbers than him, and most likely more motivated. The altitude shouldn't be the problem.

I'd consider 200 a lot when speaking about those heights, it makes a hell of a difference. Alaphillipe, and other Europeans, have raced above the mythical 2000m barrier, but not this early in the season (I'm assuming, I haven't actually done my research in this regard). For instance, the highest Paris - Nice has ever gone, was Col de Couillole and that didn't go higher than 1600.

 

[DNP-Old]

Re:

What happened to Sevilla?

Not confirmed afaik, but from what I saw he had a mechanical.

 

[railxmig]

Many guys in the peloton do these winter high-altitude training camps at Teide, which reaches 2200-2300m, but Canaries are a way from the Equator. Also, i guess the climate of Colombian interior/plateau is different to Canaries. I don't think Alaphilippe will have big problems with altitude or prep. Most of his competition also isn't peaking in February. On the last stage from lesser known "local" guys only Narvarez and Sosa finished in the front group and i guess for them the race might be important.

 

[Koronin]

Alaphilippe could win this one as he is very much a puncheur and these climbs seem designed for that type of rider. He still reminds me of a young Valverde. However, and this is the big difference, he's not as good of a climber as Valverde is, at least not yet, hence the reason he ends up loosing tons of time in the Grand Tours. I think the big question is how much time will he end up shedding on Sunday on that climb to the pure climbers. Tomorrow he should win again as the other top puncheurs are not there so there's really no one to challenge him in these type of stages.

 

[roundabout]

Re: Re:

In all likelihood Alaphilippe is going to suffer on Sunday when we far surpass the 2000m barrier. It remains to be seen how much time he loses because the climb to Manizales isn't all that hard. Tomorrow will be another finish which really suits him. So with bonus seconds and a good showing on Sunday, he could survive in the GC.

Far surpass? Might want to look at the profile again... it's 2100-2200. And let's not pretend Europeans can't cycle at over 2000 meters anyway. He will suffer, but because the climb is longer and tougher (but still within his capabilities) and because Uran, Quintana, Chaves and Bernal simply are better climbers than him, and most likely more motivated. The altitude shouldn't be the problem.

I'd consider 200 a lot when speaking about those heights, it makes a hell of a difference. Alaphillipe, and other Europeans, have raced above the mythical 2000m barrier, but not this early in the season (I'm assuming, I haven't actually done my research in this regard). For instance, the highest Paris - Nice has ever gone, was Col de Couillole and that didn't go higher than 1600.

It's only circa 3% less oxygen from 2000 to 2200m. I also don't really see what the deal is. Subjectively I don't feel any different at 2200m to 2000m. It's not like they will be going to 3500+

 

[Escarabajo]

Fierce pace!!!!!

 

[Valv.Piti]

That was intense!

 

[DNP-Old]

Alaphilippe cracked.

 

[Escarabajo]

Uran!!!!!

 

[Alexandre B.]

Uran was the strongest and logically won the stage.

 

[Escarabajo]

That was a good one!!

 

[DNP-Old]

Bernal was insane today.

 

[repre]

wow, fantastic race. We need WT week tour in Colombia!

 

[Rollthedice]

Who needs Froome when they have Bernal.

 

[hfer07]

great last ks

Bernal already going head to head against Nairo & Rigo :surprised:

 

[Escarabajo]

At one point Bernal almost ran everyone off his wheel just by his fierce pace. That was very impressive!

 

[Arredondo]

Just scary stuff that Bernal boy.

Scary stuff!

 

[LaFlorecita]

Young Ivan Sosa showing great promise as well in Bernal's shadow. Also from '97.

 

[repre]

Re:

Young Ivan Sosa showing great promise as well in Bernal's shadow. Also from '97.

Martinez also did well. Worked for Uran and still finished 6th.

 

[DNP-Old]

Re:

wow, fantastic race. We need WT week tour in Colombia!

Not yet, way too early, there's still a lot to improve in for this race. From both a racing and a organisational standpoint.

 

[ccabrera]

Sky leader must be Egan not Henao

 

[DNP-Old]

What a shot.

 

[GuyIncognito]

Re: Re:

wow, fantastic race. We need WT week tour in Colombia!

Not yet, way too early, there's still a lot to improve in for this race. From both a racing and a organisational standpoint.

Agreed. For example, letting the fans interfere like that at the end was amateur hour.

 

[Escarabajo]

GC is very tight!

1 Quintana Nairo Movistar Team 3 16:26:39
2 Uran Rigoberto Team EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale 0:03
3 Henao Sergio Luis Team Sky 0:04
4 Bernal Egan Arley Team Sky 0:09
5 Sosa Ivan Ramiro Androni - Sidermec - Bottecchia 0:30