Volta Ciclista a Catalunya 2018

[RedheadDane]

Guys. At least they're making it public an entire night before the stage. They're not just randomly going "Oh, btw! That's the finish line!"

 

[tobydawq]

I also hate it when they remove climbs due to bad weather but if there really is an increased risk of avalanches due to howling winds in -8 centigrades, I don't think it was realistic not to make a cancellation.

Of course, if it like in Tirreno two years ago, turns out tomorrow that the weather is completely fine, it would be pretty stupid.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Jaysus that looks terrible
But who knows, maybe La Molina stage will actually be raced now...

 

[Koronin]

Re:

I also hate it when they remove climbs due to bad weather but if there really is an increased risk of avalanches due to howling winds in -8 centigrades, I don't think it was realistic not to make a cancellation.

Of course, if it like in Tirreno two years ago, turns out tomorrow that the weather is completely fine, it would be pretty stupid.

That's why I would prefer they make the decision in the morning instead of the night before.

 

[Velolover2]

Impressive, winning a 94-man (!) sprint. But he didn't beat any pure sprinter. McCarthy is a puncheur and Impey is a semi-sprinter/lead-out man.

Still. I think it proves that he isn't slower than Kwai/GVA/Gilbert in a flat sprint.

 

[jfazendeiro]

Should this adjustment change the race plan of leaders for GT's?

 

[Koronin]

Re:

Should this adjustment change the race plan of leaders for GT's?

Maybe if they are targeting the Giro, but if they are going to the Tour I doubt it. Those guys shouldn't be that close to a peak. The guys who are peaking for the Ardennes, I doubt it makes any different.

 

[repre]

They should rename race. Volta a Valverdunya is a proper name.

 

[Jungle Cycle]

I'm reading on twitter of a big tunnel at the top tomorrow!? Does anyone know if this is true and if it is would that be TSuisse quality?

 

[Sciatic]

Re:

I also hate it when they remove climbs due to bad weather but if there really is an increased risk of avalanches due to howling winds in -8 centigrades, I don't think it was realistic not to make a cancellation.

Of course, if it like in Tirreno two years ago, turns out tomorrow that the weather is completely fine, it would be pretty stupid.

The weather being completely fine for a day would not necessarily reduce the risks of avalanches . . . sometimes warm weather can increase the risk, as can wind. So it's a little different situation (I think) than the usual weather-related stage changes.

 

[Koronin]

Re: Re:

I also hate it when they remove climbs due to bad weather but if there really is an increased risk of avalanches due to howling winds in -8 centigrades, I don't think it was realistic not to make a cancellation.

Of course, if it like in Tirreno two years ago, turns out tomorrow that the weather is completely fine, it would be pretty stupid.

The weather being completely fine for a day would not necessarily reduce the risks of avalanches . . . sometimes warm weather can increase the risk, as can wind. So it's a little different situation (I think) than the usual weather-related stage changes.

That seems actually be the big concern. Warmer weather causing more problems.

 

[Robert5091]

How old is Valverde now, 80?

 

[Squire]

Just got to watch the stage finish. Damn, McCarthy is freakin' dangerous! He makes Abdoujaparov and Bouhanni look like 4 km pursuiters.

Awesome win by the Don. When you can beat Freire in Catalunya sprints, Impey is a walkover.

 

[Tonton]

Re:

They should rename race. Volta a Valverdunya is a proper name.

True. It's so tailor-made for Valverde vs. Contador, now just Valverde. But TBH, the two were the only ones appreciating the prize. It's a race with so much history. I don't have a problem with organizers tilting the scale towards the ones who really care.

 

[Koronin]

@Robert5091, Valverde is 37, he'll be 38 in late April right after the Ardennes.

@Tonton, I tend to agree with you. Not really finding a problem with a race/race organizer tilting a race to favor a rider or riders who actually care about the race and history of the race. (Or a local hero in smaller races)

 

[Jspear]

Well this race lost a lot of its appeal....

 

[Koronin]

For anyone wanting the audio of the Spanish broadcast with Contador calling the race here's a link for it: https://ciclismopacojimenez.blogspot.com.es/2018/03/audios-1-y-2-etapa-de-la-volta-cataluna.html

 

[SafeBet]

At least we've got the cobbled classics in the weekend.

 

[Bot. Sky_Bot]

Re:

@Robert5091, Valverde is 37, he'll be 38 in late April right after the Ardennes.

@Tonton, I tend to agree with you. Not really finding a problem with a race/race organizer tilting a race to favor a rider or riders who actually care about the race and history of the race. (Or a local hero in smaller races)

Yes, but it shouldn't be a WT race anymore.
Riders really don't have to "care about the race and history of the race", they should just compete on the balanced route.

 

[Bot. Sky_Bot]

Re:

At least we've got the cobbled classics in the weekend.

This.
On Friday we have got E3 live broadcast on Eurosport :razz: , VCaC will be delayed.

 

[Velolover2]

I personally find the route very well-balanced like Paris-Nice. Lots of medium-mountain and hilly stages. Plenty of room for aggressive riding and attacks. And without the MTF, a greater number of riders should be able to fight for the GC.

It's not the organizers fault that Valverde is so good. xD

 

[repre]

Re:

I personally find the route very well-balanced like Paris-Nice. Lots of medium-mountain and hilly stages. Plenty of room for aggressive riding and attacks. And without the MTF, a greater number of riders should be able to fight for the GC.

It's not the organizers fault that Valverde is so good. xD

And its a coincidence that it's where Valverde is the best.

 

[Velolover2]

Yes, with Vallter 2000.. he would likely gain even more time on his rivals. He has won that stage before.

This gives McCarthy, Visconti and the rest of the puncheurs a better shot at.. at least the podium.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

it's almost like the year Albasini won.

Well easy for Valv.Piti now.

 

[Angliru]

Re: Re:

@Robert5091, Valverde is 37, he'll be 38 in late April right after the Ardennes.

@Tonton, I tend to agree with you. Not really finding a problem with a race/race organizer tilting a race to favor a rider or riders who actually care about the race and history of the race. (Or a local hero in smaller races)

Yes, but it shouldn't be a WT race anymore.
Riders really don't have to "care about the race and history of the race", they should just compete on the balanced route.

If those two early season races in Australia are WT then this one certainly should be also.