Vuelta 2012, Stage 12: Vilagarcía de Arousa > Mirador de Ézaro (190,5 kms)

[Descender]

In its twelfth episode, the Vuelta finally manages to come up with something different and provides us with... wait for it... a steep uphill finish!!

 

[DominicDecoco]

That has to be one of the most ridiculous stage profiles ever to be seen in a race.

 

[meat puppet]

any hope of crosswinds?

 

[Forunculo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YMbtXYQ_Jw


It's a last 5 minutes action show, the organizers wet dream

 

[Red Rick]

Contador should aim for second place, to minimize his losses, although the climb might take a bit longer than Purito's favourite uphill sprints

 

[burning]

This is even worse than FW, at least they try to put some climbs in FW.

 

[SafeBet]

Hope the break stays away for once.

 

[fluffkitten]

Flat, flat, yawn, flat, flat and more flat followed by a short bit of bonkers. 29%? ouch!

 

[burning]

Hope the break stays away for once.

They already won one stage!!!!!!!!!!!!

We didnt see any good breakaways at all though. (I'm eagerly waiting for Moncoutie on saturday)

 

[Publicus]

Makes my legs hurt just thinking about it. I guess I can sleep in a little tomorrow since all of the action will be in the last 5 KM.

 

[SafeBet]

They already won one stage!!!!!!!!!!!!

Must've missed it. Need more anyway.

 

[icefire]

We're out of luck, the wind is blowing from the North tomorrow. That means head wind in the approach to the finish.

 

[rhubroma]

This is for Puerito.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

I am fairly convinced this stage was designed solely because Spain wanted to call something Cima Joaquím Rodríguez and were scared Montelupone would usurp them.

 

[Miburo]

Makes my legs hurt just thinking about it. I guess I can sleep in a little tomorrow since all of the action will be in the last 5 KM.

You better be up for the last 25 km.

It's going to be an insane fight to be in the front. I expect some crazy ****.

Obviously no break-away will survive tomorrow. Purito needs the boni seconds after all.

 

[Froome19]

What is amazing is that this stage finishes on a climb with an average of 13.10% and yet is rated a flat stage

 

[Froome19]

The only question I have for this stage, is whether Piti can keep Purito's wheel and then outsprint him for the win in the last 50m...

It is a tall order and one I dont think he will manage but he may be capable..

Another factor that should be considered is Gilbert, I may be too optimistic but he seems to be close too 2011 form currently and in that form this stage would have been easy pickings even against Purito.

Also Anton generally seems to be do well on insanely hard gradients so there is always a slight chance he may feature, even if his current form is pretty poor.

 

[Miburo]

What is amazing is that this stage finishes on a climb with an average of 13.10% and yet is rated a flat stage

LOL compared to the next stages we'll get it's understandable.

I still don't understand why the tour never does it. It shouldn't be hard to find a muur in France, right? Oh well.

I think a lot of people underestimate Contador on this, he can do this. Look at Mende or the Muur. He was a lot of times great there, at Jaca he just had a bad day.

I predict that Contador is going to try and drop Purito and wins it.

Contador FTW

 

[icefire]

LOL compared to the next stages we'll get it's understandable.

I still don't understand why the tour never does it. It shouldn't be hard to find a muur in France, right? Oh well.

I think a lot of people underestimate Contador on this, he can do this. Look at Mende or the Muur. He was a lot of times great there, at Jaca he just had a bad day.

I predict that Contador is going to try and drop Purito and wins it.

Contador FTW

I'm tryng to recall who beat Contador at Mende and the Muur last time he raced there

 

[Froome19]

LOL compared to the next stages we'll get it's understandable.

I still don't understand why the tour never does it. It shouldn't be hard to find a muur in France, right? Oh well.

I think a lot of people underestimate Contador on this, he can do this. Look at Mende or the Muur. He was a lot of times great there, at Jaca he just had a bad day.

I predict that Contador is going to try and drop Purito and wins it.

Contador FTW

Tbh Contador is very capable on this type of finish possibly better than anyone in the peloton asides from one or two riders, but Purito is basically untouchable...

 

[LaFlorecita]

LOL compared to the next stages we'll get it's understandable.

I still don't understand why the tour never does it. It shouldn't be hard to find a muur in France, right? Oh well.

I think a lot of people underestimate Contador on this, he can do this. Look at Mende or the Muur. He was a lot of times great there, at Jaca he just had a bad day.

I predict that Contador is going to try and drop Purito and wins it.

Contador FTW

Nah I can't see it happening

 

[Afrank]

Classic Purito finish, he will want the bonus seconds before they get into the big mountains. I wonder if Froome will try anything or if he will save it for stage 14,15, and 16.

Another factor that should be considered is Gilbert, I may be too optimistic but he seems to be close too 2011 form currently and in that form this stage would have been easy pickings even against Purito.

+1 If Gilbert can stay with the GC contenders going up the climb I think he could be a contender, his form has been looking much better lately.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Purito
Phil +6"
Piti +12"
Froome +17"
Alberto s.t.

 

[Froome19]

Classic Purito finish, he will want the bonus seconds before they get into the big mountains. I wonder if Froome will try anything or if he will save it for stage 14,15, and 16.

Considering how short the climb is I think everyone will go full out as there really is nothing to lose and it is easy to get caught out.

Though I doubt Froome has the raw acceleration to challenge the likes of Purito.

 

[Miburo]

I'm tryng to recall who beat Contador at Mende and the Muur last time he raced there

On Mende in tour '10 it was a flat end.

And I think purito was there too in paris-nice '10 right?

And on the Muur you're right but Contador is now in a way better condition.

My point is that Contador can do this, and is not a Wiggins on these kinda stuff.