Vuelta 2012, Stage 19: Peñafiel > La Lastrilla (178.4 km)

[theyoungest]

The last two years Gilbert would have been a lock for this kind of finish. I guess he's back, so Gilbert it is.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

Breakaway to succeed. Bakelandts to win

 

[wirral]

**** me, have Unipublic been moving the intermediate sprints around again? They did this last year leading to a lot of confusion as they didn't give out accurate info.

"First intermediate sprint Km. 9"

 

[cineteq]

A massive 8 km has been added to the stage due to road work, total today 186 km.

 

[Netserk]

Same winner?

EDIT: can't link to velowire, so the picture is quite small, but it's stage 19 2010, where Gilbert won with Farrar second.

 

[El Pistolero]

The last two years Gilbert would have been a lock for this kind of finish. I guess he's back, so Gilbert it is.

Yeah, kinda weird how almost no one is talking about his chances here while last year it would be ABPP(Anyone but Phil please).

Anyway, could go either way today: break or peloton sprint. Valverde, Gilbert are the favorites if it comes back together. Outsiders are Gianni Meersman and Matti Breschel. And Degenkolb if he still has some energy left.

 

[will10]

Jaaa, Degankolb

 

[Antianti]

Aitor Galdos and Jose Vicente Toribio in a two man break-away have 1½ minute after ~5 km. Good luck with that ^^

 

[Hugo Koblet]

OK so if they give them some wire it's gonna be a bunch sprint. Kinda hoping for that actually. I like these finishes where both puncheurs and sprinters have a chance.

I wouldn't rule out Bennati for this stage. He has done well on finishes like these in the past and it looks like he's in decent shape.

Edit: just realized that they have a gap of 7:30 now. Bunch finish it is then.

 

[Flamin]

Degenkolb FTW

 

[Mellow Velo]

Hot, headwind, early break = slow stage day.

 

[Pulpstar]

10 minute break, Peloton averaging under 40 km/hr.

All GC contenders obviously saving their legs for tommorow. I'd assume the sprinter's teams will reel the break in, but will take their time over it.

Can't see two riders staying away today.

 

[Asturiano]

The last part of the stage is not as easy as you can think. Pedro Delgado designed the last part of it. He wanted to create a more complicated stage but Unipublic decided to create an easier version.

 

[Peccio89]

Since it seems it will be for the bunch i would say Gilbert and Valverde as favourite, but i wouldn't rule out Meersman, Degenkolb and Bennati.

 

[WindLessBreeze]

Big/Ben

Is Phillipe still in the race?

 

[shalgo]

If Vuelta a Burgos stage 1 is at all comparable, then Moreno, Henao, Breschel, and Davis could all do well today (not that Moreno or Henao are likely to be allowed a free role).

 

[LaFlorecita]

Is Phillipe still in the race?

PhilGil? Yes.

 

[Ferminal]

After a few early nights, this one looks like a midnight job.

 

[Falken]

Valverde seems superstrong. Could take this one.

 

[Mellow Velo]

After a few early nights, this one looks like a midnight job.

Indeed.
Almost 100kms still to go, it's the late, late show.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Indeed.
Almost 100kms still to go, it's the late, late show.

with Craig Ferguson?

 

[wirral]

Harmon not aware of the changed intermediate sprints. That doesn't surprise me on 2 levels.

 

[Descender]

Ok so we've had two stages finishing at or before 5pm and then this one will finish at like 6? Lol.

 

[No_Balls]

Since Fuente De Harmon has been completly lost in space.

 

[Descender]

Since Fuente De Harmon has been completly lost in space.

Since Fuente Dé? David Harmon was born lost in space.