Volta a Catalunya 2013 - Stage 3: Vidreres → Vallter 2000 (180km)

[movingtarget]

Very disapointing performance by Roche again today unfortunately. This seems to be a common trend that he is imploding on the climbs once the pace gets upped. Over the last couple of years I taught he didnt get enough support from the team (AG2R) in the mountains and I was thinking the same earlier in the season in Paris-Nice and today to a certain extent. I am starting to question his climbing abilities. He stated in the Independent that he hadnt done a lot of spriniting lately. Now I am not stating that he is ever going to be an out and out sprinter but surely he may be better served by forgetting GC aspirations and developing a strong finishing kick/sprint and go for stages because at the moment his climbing is costing him dearly and if he cant stay up front in the climbs hes chances of being on the tour team will take a major hit.

You can also include Menchov, Gesink and Ryder.

 

[Angliru]

Here is a different view on the Valverde situation. J-Rod is the strongest rider on paper when we get close to the finish line like today, so when Wiggins attacked, Quintana responded whereas Valverde stayed with J-Rod. J-Rod obviously wanted to win the stage and dragged Valverde with him. Perfect tactics from Movistar. Leader jersey to Valverde while spending minimal energy.

So Valverde weak or strong? We will see after stage 4.

I can't see how we're questioning the strength of anyone who finished in that top 4. They all withstood the attacks that increased the tempo on the final climb, making the selection that was created when Wiggins put in his dig. Quintana of course proved to be the strongest winning going away. Valverde, as you said was marking Purito and in doing so they initially distanced Wiggins who battled back impressively. Of course it's hard to say how strong Valverde was considering any efforts he could have made to distance Purito prior to him jumping him at the line could have led his rivals up to Quintana.

Of course today's stage will be more of a challenge with the multiple categorized climbs with the last 2 being the toughest.

I was impressed with Pinot's effort as I've been waiting to see him in action since last year's Tour and he didn't disappoint. He and Quintana will have some exciting battles in the coming years. The future appears bright.

 

[movingtarget]

Great win by Quintana.

Nice ride by Bennet to come 20th too- after being injured, in stage 2.

Also good ride by Stetina but Quintana was outstanding as was Wiggins. Quite funny when Wiggins attacked, Rodriguez was daydreaming and looking around at everyone. I think Rodriguez was totally caught out and was too far back when Quintana attacked.

 

[movingtarget]

I can't see how we're questioning the strength of anyone who finished in that top 4. They all withstood the attacks that increased the tempo on the final climb, making the selection that was created when Wiggins put in his dig. Quintana of course proved to be the strongest winning going away. Valverde, as you said was marking Purito and in doing so they initially distanced Wiggins who battled back impressively. Of course it's hard to say how strong Valverde was considering any efforts he could have made to distance Purito prior to him jumping him at the line could have led his rivals up to Quintana.

Of course today's stage will be more of a challenge with the multiple categorized climbs with the last 2 being the toughest.

I was impressed with Pinot's effort as I've been waiting to see him in action since last year's Tour and he didn't disappoint. He and Quintana will have some exciting battles in the coming years. The future appears bright.

Smart ride by Valverde. Picked up bonus seconds without dragging Rodriguez back to the front. Perfect team tactics.

 

[JRanton]

Smart ride by Valverde. Picked up bonus seconds without dragging Rodriguez back to the front. Perfect team tactics.

There were no bonus seconds yesterday and there are none today either.

 

[Descender]

No TV coverage today most probably. The Catalan public TV, which produces the TV images for the Volta, is on strike from 10am to 10pm.

Edit: Oops, wrong thread...