Vuelta 2012, Stage 18: Aguilar de Campoo > Valladolid (204,5 km)

[Forunculo]

After an historic day of cycling Vuelta it's moving slowly to Madrid

A sprinter stage, so Degenkolb it's the favourite but perhaps Argos strenght it's not enough to control the race. Saxo doesn't have any interest in it.

The potential echelons are limited due expected soft wind but who knows

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Deg ftw again.

 

[ElChingon]

After these last few stages I think they'll let the break go and rest a bit for Bolla, where the crazy attacks will resume.

 

[Fidolix]

Surely a breakaway stage, unless the Degen boys have another idea, but I think a break will win this.

One of the guys from GreenEdge ftw.

 

[SafeBet]

How many Argos still left?
I doubt many other teams would try to control the stage.

Hope to see Viviani again in the break.

 

[Lexman]

One would say Degenkolb but maybe fatigue has set in.

I'd say Bennati or Meersman

 

[Stilletto]

Argos still has a full team no?

Could see them the only team interested in pulling today.

I reckon a big group drifting off 10-12 riders.
win by 15-20 minutes...
riders from Lotto, Astana, FDJ, Lampre, Cofidis and Omega to drive this group.

 

[Ferminal]

Whoever doesn't get in the break out of the likes of Liquigas/GreenEdge/Rabo/BMC/OPQS/Radioshack/Sky/Vacansoleil would help the chase.

So the most important job for Argos is letting the right break go.

 

[Netserk]

Argos still has a full team no?

Could see them the only team interested in pulling today.

I reckon a big group drifting off 10-12 riders.
win by 15-20 minutes...
riders from Lotto, Astana, FDJ, Lampre, Cofidis and Omega to drive this group.

They have all but Tom Dumoulin.

 

[Forunculo]

@oscarpereiro
Nos vamos camino de Valladolid. Q nadie se extrañe q veamos abanicos. Esta pegando aire favorable de la izda!!!

Pereiro believes in echelons

 

[jens_attacks]

at how things developped in this vuelta,today froome will make it on the podium lol

seems like caja rural missed the guy in the breakaway ouch

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

So the break consists of Bookwalter (BMC), Maté (COF), Smukulis (KAT), Keizer (VCD) and Veloso (ACG). You'd have to think that Argos with seven remaining domestiques should be able to control this, barring echelons or the like.

Gap up to 5:14 after 49 km.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Radioshack are also interested, they still think Bennati has a chance. A chance for second or third I would say.
Anyway, average speed first hour: 50.5 km/h

 

[webvan]

Everyone needs a breather today, time for some crazy dude to try something?

 

[jens_attacks]

seems like tailwind galore,they will finish this stage until 5 cet

 

[Tashkent Terror]

Tape is set..Home from work, settle down with a nice vino (well the weekend is nearing!), feet up, a snack prepared...then catch the last eight minutes the host Spanish Network managed to televise .... "Its been another fast stage"

You think the race being as it has and featuring a three way bullfight they may have adjusted the broadcasting hours a tad?

 

[Miburo]

Quintana falls hard, Gerdeman too.

 

[sultanofhyd]

Quintana, Gerdemann big crash.

 

[Ney the Viking]

Ouch, riders down. Quintana looks hurt bad.

 

[Mellow Velo]

Qunitana down and back up.
Gerdemann down, but not up yet.
Caught by a cone.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

20 posts , exciting day I gather

 

[TourOfSardinia]

20 posts , exciting day I gather

Well you never can tell with this vuelta

 

[Pulpstar]

I think this one will be a win for Degenkolb

 

[sultanofhyd]

Katusha working for Purito's green jersey?

 

[Forunculo]

Quintana crash