Itzulia Basque Country 2025, April 7th-12th

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Sep 12, 2022
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The max steepness isn't the issue for him i think, just that it can't be too long (compared to punchy climbers). So the average over that length is less steep. It being steeper for 800m isn't an issue imho.
But is the length a real issue for him? Last year he won that mountain stage in Hungary. Sure the opposition wasn't that amazing, but it would show he's at least able to follow a steady pace for a longer time.
 
Feb 20, 2012
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But is the length a real issue for him? Last year he won that mountain stage in Hungary. Sure the opposition wasn't that amazing, but it would show he's at least able to follow a steady pace for a longer time.
Duration and level of climber should be an issue. The climb is close enough that it should be a GC battle, if the GC riders start racing against each other, they'll race to keep each other behind, etc.

There's also no immediate descent, which tends to hurt the chances of coming back.
 
Feb 20, 2012
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Why do I seem to remember Gaintza being the climb Contador dropped Valverde on in 2014?
 
Sep 12, 2022
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Duration and level of climber should be an issue. The climb is close enough that it should be a GC battle, if the GC riders start racing against each other, they'll race to keep each other behind, etc.

There's also no immediate descent, which tends to hurt the chances of coming back.
Sure, but the top is 35km's out from the finish, riders need to ride very aggressively, Nys should be dropped, and riders need to work together after this. I'm not sure he will be dropped actually. Another year under his belt, comes from altitude, I would expect him to just being able to follow.
 
Aug 29, 2009
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Sure, but the top is 35km's out from the finish, riders need to ride very aggressively, Nys should be dropped, and riders need to work together after this. I'm not sure he will be dropped actually. Another year under his belt, comes from altitude, I would expect him to just being able to follow.
I don't think he is talking about the climb with 35k to go?! The 800m at 15% one comes with 5k to go.

I think it should be okay for Nys to stay in contention, but there's also the chance that someone like Buitrago for example manages to jump.
 
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Feb 20, 2012
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Sure, but the top is 35km's out from the finish, riders need to ride very aggressively, Nys should be dropped, and riders need to work together after this. I'm not sure he will be dropped actually. Another year under his belt, comes from altitude, I would expect him to just being able to follow.
I'm talking about Lazkaomendi, not Gaintza.
 
Apr 8, 2025
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This for example, you'll see what I mean:
Ah, I see what you mean! I created all the stages for the TdF but I need to tweak the profiles. thanks for spotting that. I'm just one person working on that and I'm now focusing on the stages for the Giro.

But rest assure, before the TdF everything will be ready 💪
 
Aug 29, 2009
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Looks like there are 30+ guys up the road, including Soler, Kuss, Archie Ryan etc.
 
May 6, 2021
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Wtf kind of break is that, you would think it will whittle down quite a bit

If it doesn't, Pray4LidlTrek
 
May 6, 2021
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Break formation sounds problematic, Amirail has been off the front for a long time with constant attacks going off behind him.