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

[JRanton]

Probably you are right. I just think Froome could have attacked earlier than 1k to go because the pace wasn't high during today's ascent.

I don't think it was steep enough to attack earlier and be successful.

 

[Fearless Greg Lemond]

I think it's pretty impressive that Wiggo was able to hold the wheels of Valverde and JRod during the last hundert meters.

At least someone had his eyes open.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Probably you are right. I just meant Froome could have attacked earlier than 1k to go because the pace wasn't high during today's ascent.

Valverde could have dropped J-Rod and Wiggins pretty easily in the last part and even won the stage today if he wanted to. Instead he played it ultra safe and gifted the stage to Quintana.

 

[SafeBet]

Aru _O_ same group as Bobby and VDB2

I was keeping an eye on him during the climb. Good effort, although I was hoping a bit better.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

At least someone had his eyes open.

Not quite - he lost them in the initial burst at 350m to go and was able to get back before the line, so frankly more impressive than just riding behind almost.

 

[JRanton]

At least someone had his eyes open.

The others were only a few bike lengths behind Wiggins though. I think it was more a case of Purito not having his usual kick. The long climbs take it out of him.

 

[airstream]

Valverde could have dropped J-Rod and Wiggins pretty easily in the last part and even won the stage today if he wanted to. Instead he played it ultra safe and gifted the stage to Quintana.

Enviable belief in Valverde. Why don't you think so if nominally the stage suited Valverde and Rodriguez equally?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Enviable belief in Valverde.

nah, we are just reading the race action a bit differently.

Edit:don't understand your edited question

 

[del1962]

Rujano at 4:56 on GC

 

[jens_attacks]

Was Purito lacking something or did Quintana just make it seem that way?

The gradient of this climb was pretty pathetic. I don't think you can blame the riders for the lack of action.

yes you can

if this is pathetic ,then madona di campiglio and col de manse...are what?

30 guys in one minute and the climb at 2150 m altitude perfect for big gaps...
when i see disgusting coward racing,i call it.
and this was at its finest

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

yes you can

if this is pathetic ,then madona di campiglio and col de manse...are what?

30 guys in one minute and the climb at 2150 m altitude perfect for big gaps...
when i see disgusting coward racing,i call it.
and this was at its finest

Well, i'm sure it will be forgotten, ignored or denied by the haters, but Sky did not bother with a proper train on this stage, so people are going to need a new explanation.

 

[Escarabajo]

wow that was embarassing to watch....what a disappointing stage blearghh

congrats to quintana for the sprint

now i await to see if rujano will arrive at the finsh

I thought that Rujano was going to destroy the field?

 

[Fearless Greg Lemond]

It was a nice training ride.

 

[Escarabajo]

Not sure why Sky bothered sending Wiggins to a stage race with no TT. No chance he can win this.

Even if he does not win he needs to be ready for the Giro anyway. Might as well try to be in good shape.

 

[McLovin]

I thought that Rujano was going to destroy the field?

No, no, no..he was going to destroy the autobus. And he did.

Serious now, this is one of his off years, it looks like.

 

[postmanhat]

It was a nice training ride.

Yep, OPQS at the front till the last 3k. Van Den Broeck off the front till 2k...

Good session for Wiggins. Disappointing for nearly everyone else, except Movistar. Wasn't a great pace, but so many potential GC riders nowhere near any kind of form

 

[theyoungest]

Aru _O_ same group as Bobby and VDB2

... who both sucked.

But yeah, a good ride by the kid. I'm most surprised by Stetina, TBH. This has to be the best ride of his career.

 

[airstream]

yes you can

if this is pathetic ,then madona di campiglio and col de manse...are what?

30 guys in one minute and the climb at 2150 m altitude perfect for big gaps...
when i see disgusting coward racing,i call it.
and this was at its finest

Typical stage without a proper attacking initiative. Strictly speaking, 2008-2011 GT years were very similar to today's stage. Actually, I'd call this stage classics of our days, howsoever sad it would sound.

 

[del1962]

Nico Roche not so good today 58th on stage.

Not sure if Saxo was good move for him.

 

[airstream]

Wiggins should train explosive uphill pieces. Damn, these shy TT pulls are not respected etal.

 

[jens_attacks]

Typical stage without a proper attacking initiative. Strictly speaking, 2008-2011 GT years were very similar to today's stage. Actually, I'd call this stage classics of our days, howsoever sad it would sound.

seems like it was a headwind 3/4 of time according to pinot. maybe fireworks tomorrow

 

[airstream]

Honestly, I'd prefer Gesink to win the Giro, but one has to admit Wiggins attacked quite well, given that was his debut attacking move. Manner of pedaling reminds Armstrong and Contador...

 

[JRanton]

yes you can

if this is pathetic ,then madona di campiglio and col de manse...are what?

30 guys in one minute and the climb at 2150 m altitude perfect for big gaps...
when i see disgusting coward racing,i call it.
and this was at its finest

I suppose looking at the profile you have a point. It just didn't seem that steep at all when I was watching it and it looked like they were going at a pretty hard tempo for most of the climb. Strange one.

 

[Afrank]

Wiggins attacking, I never thought I'd see the day. I still don't like Wiggins and think he's a boring rider, but credit where credits due, kudos on that attack.

Quintana looked great, comfortably just sitting there before he danced away from everyone in seconds. Really happy to see him get the win, I've anxiously been waiting for him to get his first win.
Also nice to see Pinot and Stetina up there, good results for them.

 

[Jelantik]

I don't think it was steep enough to attack earlier and be successful.

ugh, not steep enough??.. i thought the gradient was like 12%? otherwise sky would have been driving in the front already since the bottom of the climb?