Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2026, February 4-8

[Berniece]

The route could’ve used a proper mountain stage with such a length of ITT, but the best overall rider will win. Hopefully Evenepoel leading after the ITT pushes everyone else to go all-in and try something

 

[hayneplane]

Looks like:
1. Remco
2. Almeida
3. Tiberi

Not the greatest parcours for a GC fight especially with the worlds best TTer here and in confirmed excellent early season form.

Hopefully Lidl Trek will race aggressively in the easier stages for Pedersen and it would be good if Girmay is able to offer some resistance.

 

[tobydawq]

Vacek top 5?

 

[red_flanders]

cannot see anyone coming close to Remco due to the ITT

The ITT length seems a bit long given the nature of the rest of the course

I mean, maybe you've got a point RE: the course, but I also can't believe we've gotten to a place where a 17k TT is "too long".

 

[Squire]

I mean, maybe you've got a point RE: the course, but I also can't believe we've gotten to a place where a 17k TT is "too long".

LOL, yes. I don't mind slightly longer TTs either. The Algarve TT is a nice length. The only problem is really that Evenepoel is the best in all aspects of the route, and that can't easily be changed. And yes, stage 3 could maybe have done with a harder main climb. But all in all, there is still some terrain in which to do damage if the best TT-er wasn't also the best climber/puncher/rouleur/hand waver.

 

[James M]

Vacek top 5?

Top 3 potentially imo. Same can also be said about Pedersen almost under certain circumstances with bonus seconds in mind as a hot take, if hes in the PN form he had last year. This route couldnt be more underwhelming if they tried.

None relevant proper mountains at relevant points the entire parcour. This route is more for good rouleurs and TTers than climbers.

 

[red_flanders]

LOL, yes. I don't mind slightly longer TTs either. The Algarve TT is a nice length. The only problem is really that Evenepoel is the best in all aspects of the route, and that can't easily be changed. And yes, stage 3 could maybe have done with a harder main climb. But all in all, there is still some terrain in which to do damage if the best TT-er wasn't also the best climber/puncher/rouleur/hand waver.

Yup. The argument that the course is underwhelming? For sure. I don't know how we could have a shorter TT...

If the argument is "Remco winning is bad". Welp. Sorry. Tears in beers. I don't love domination by anyone, but...this is a stage race in February. Who cares.

Also, I heard a of talking heads last year actually saying Almeida is the best stage racer in the world. Or some such thing, and there's no doubt he had a great year. He's got an excellent TT. He's on the best team. Why wouldn't this be super competitive? Seems like it will be.

 

[houtdffan]

I mean, maybe you've got a point RE: the course, but I also can't believe we've gotten to a place where a 17k TT is "too long".

oh, 17km isn't long by any means. Just not sure that is appropriate for this course.

would rather the length of this be flipped with UAE (though UAE with the 2 MTFs should be closer to 25 km, but going from 12 to 17 is a good start)

 

[AlpRaid]

cannot see anyone coming close to Remco due to the ITT

The ITT length seems a bit long given the nature of the rest of the course

Long only in terms of recent times.

There was a time when this was pretty standard if not longer in one week races. And the riders who won GCs were primarily TTers who could climb, as opposed to climbers who often don’t need to even TT.

Begrudging Remco one such race seems petty and ridiculous considering the TDF basically doesn’t even have a real TT (flat I mean). So tired of seeing the same three or four riders in a watts per kg battle on 13% gradients. So boring.

 

[houtdffan]

Long only in terms of recent times.

There was a time when this was pretty standard if not longer in one week races. And the riders who won GCs were primarily TTers who could climb, as opposed to climbers who often don’t need to even TT.

Begrudging Remco one such race seems petty and ridiculous considering the TDF basically doesn’t even have a real TT (flat I mean). So tired of seeing the same three or four riders in a watts per kg battle on 13% gradients. So boring.

I'd be fine with 17km if there was something like a 4km 7% finishing climb. Route would be well balanced.

Something like the Dauphine, which does not even have an ITT, should have a 50km ITT

 

[AlpRaid]

I'd be fine with 17km if there was something like a 4km 7% finishing climb. Route would be well balanced.

Something like the Dauphine, which does not even have an ITT, should have a 50km ITT

100% agreed. Unreal about Dauphiné. I freaking hate what ASO has done to cycling.

 

[houtdffan]

100% agreed. Unreal about Dauphiné. I freaking hate what ASO has done to cycling.

Prudhomme should do the right thing and have Rousse be the TDF/male cycling director and send Gouvenou to the women's TDF. HIs routes with hard final climbs and few TT km seem to match women's cycling better