Vuelta 2012, Stage 15: La Robla > Lagos de Covadonga (186,5 kms)

[Publicus]

Just unbelievable, it looks like purito is toying with Contador.

I actually don't see it that way at all. JRod is working, Contador looked like he was toying today. Tomorrow's climb is long right? Almost 20 km?

 

[meat puppet]

I don't know why Contador doesn't try attacking earlier, like with atleast 10km left. This last 5KM stuff just isn't working, especially with an uphill sprinter like JRod.

as of now he clearly lacks the legs, Jrod is more explosive and just as good endurance wise.

instead, saxo / AC made it a recuperation battle. we'll see tomorrow, but I doubt it will do anything.

 

[the asian]

Yes

Cheer up. Tmoro is the big day. Cuitu Negru

 

[rzombie1988]

It's simple - he can't.

He has to try. He's not going to win this thing with attacks in th last 5KM's. Even if Purito starts to fall, Valverde will bring him back.

 

[vcampbell]

Purito is super strong. Contador is in fact getting stronger, I just don't know if it will be enough at this point.

As many wrote before, the climb wasn't ideal. I think tomorrow will be much better, I mean, I just can't see that Purito can go like this every time. He have to crack at some point.

 

[luckyboy]

Damn got back to my house London and by the time I got on the internet Roche was coming in

 

[doperhopper]

Conti needs an advise of Francesco Moser who allegedly told Andy not to wait for Galibier

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

Mondory 3rd. I put him in my velogames team for the sprint stages.

 

[Descender]

Haha Froome delivers again.

 

[Publicus]

Froome is a good sport. Definitely a fan.

 

[SoNiK4]

Maybe Alberto was attacking so much to try to tire out Purito for the the stage tomorrow which has more climbing before the final climb. Plus the last climb tomorrow is longer and more sustained....more suits Alberto? But Purito is so friggin' strong......

 

[Miburo]

I actually don't see it that way at all. JRod is working, Contador looked like he was toying today. Tomorrow's climb is long right? Almost 20 km?

I mean it's like purito knows what to do against Contador. And each time Contador gaps him I just feel purito is getting him back.

Tomorrow is insanely hard. Last climb is 20 km yes.

 

[ggusta]

Purito is super strong. Contador is in fact getting stronger, I just don't know if it will be enough at this point.

It does look like AC is getting stronger, I just don't see JR getting weaker. I think AC & Co. know what they are up against now and maybe try to strategize but just not a way to answer a guy you can't drop. CF seems humble in interview. Much more decent guy than Wiggins.

 

[Publicus]

So I'm thinking the favorites didn't want to win because they didn't want to wear that hat

 

[vcampbell]

I actually don't see it that way at all. JRod is working, Contador looked like he was toying today. Tomorrow's climb is long right? Almost 20 km?

Almost 24: http://www.climbbybike.com/profile.asp?Climbprofile=Cuetu-Negro---Cuitu-Negru&MountainID=12441

 

[happytramp]

Froome is a good sport. Definitely a fan.

Ridiculously nice guy. Pity I can't bring myself to want him to do well while he's at team power-meter. I'd love if he moved.

 

[ggusta]

mmmm podium girl

 

[LaFlorecita]

I hope you are all right and Alberto was really just toying with Purito. But it seemed like he was really going deep.

 

[Publicus]

I mean it's like purito knows what to do against Contador. And each time Contador gaps him I just feel purito is getting him back.

Tomorrow is insanely hard. Last climb is 20 km yes.

I think that's right he knows what to do, but at some point, possibly tomorrow, a chi-nk in the armor could appear. Contador rode away from easy enough. I didn't think it was a stage where any differences would appear (steepness, downhill before finale); I think this was all about tomorrow.

 

[sultanofhyd]

It does look like AC is getting stronger, I just don't see JR getting weaker. I think AC & Co. know what they are up against now and maybe try to strategize but just not a way to answer a guy you can't drop. CF seems humble in interview. Much more decent guy than Wiggins.

The thing is he IS able to drop Purito, it's just that he is getting back. That's why Saxo tried that weird tactic today sending everyone up, they hoped to sustain the gap once Contador attacked but it didn't work.

 

[Lexman]

if Purito doesn't crack one of these stages the GT is his...

Contador must attack from further away ...

 

[Jelantik]

WOW.... great battle!!!. Bertie, bertie, bertie.... ck, ck, ck.. he is really something, isn't he?.. *shaken my head amazed* TDF.. pay attention!! Hats off to Purito.. he hung tough throughout. Valverde.. great ride to distance Froome. Podium seems to be more and more a sure thing for him. Interestingly, Saxo changed the tactic. Everyone let the break away succeeded, no bonus point to contest. All fair and square! Great ride by 3 podium contenders.

Froomey, better watch out for Gesink

 

[burning]

I think tomorrow's stage will be like 2007 Aubisque

and 2 days later Purito will be fired

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Froome is a good sport. Definitely a fan.

Yes. And good sense of humor during post race interview.... like "maybe I have a red face"

 

[Peccio89]

hasn't Riis figured out that to beat Purito they need strong steedy pace for a prolonged time, while this continue stop and go is ideal for him?