Vuelta 2015 rumours

[Dr. Juice]

No matter how conservative they ride, gaps will open early on the last climb. Action for the last 10-12 km guarenteed. If someone wants to attack earlier, there is the opportunity.

 

[Asturiano]

Another stage:

 

[Dr. Juice]

Another stage:

Climbs are of average difficulty. Especially the last one. However, at least a descent finish at the end of a mountain stage.

 

[Asturiano]

Climbs are of average difficulty. Especially the last one. However, at least a descent finish at the end of a mountain stage.

Maybe the grade of difficulty is more like that:

 

[Dr. Juice]

Maybe the grade of difficulty is more like that:

Not bad. Just the false flat leading into the last climb is a bit disturbing. But you can't have everything.
I think with the initial TT (which probably will now be individual) plus the other flat TT and with decent mountain stages it will finally be a decent Vuelta, not like 2012-2014.
I think the votes will be something like 6/10 to 7/10.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Another stage:

Solid variant of a mountain stage.
Make it so please.

 

[Eshnar]

when is the presentation?

 

[Netserk]

Tomorrow. Dunno what time.

 

[icefire]

tomorrow. Dunno what time.

12:00 cet. .

 

[Eshnar]

Tomorrow. Dunno what time.

12:00 cet. .

thank you guys

 

[icefire]

AS is giving the complete list of stage departures and finish towns.

I'm intrigued about the finish of stage 18 in Riaza, because it might be somehing like this

 

[Netserk]

Seems like it will be the best route in years.

 

[Eshnar]

Seems like it will be the best route in years.

by a countrymile, approximately.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Seems like it will be the best route in years.

Just a bit odd that the last MTF will be on the 16th stage

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

I'm intrigued about the finish of stage 18 in Riaza, because it might be somehing like this

Note the gradients. Not much to look forward to, if that's the case.

 

[icefire]

Seems like it will be the best route in years.

Probably the best in the Guillén era, but I'm afraid we'll miss some decent mid-mountain stages. Looking at the shortest distance between departure and finish town some of the uphill finishes will surely be preceded by flat terrain. Cazorla, Capileira, Cumbre del Sol, Fuente del Chivo could have been preceded by more challenging roads.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

Profiles that look nice don't necessarily make a great route. Not sure if the climbs in the Andorra stage are difficult enough to have a battle between the best cllimbers and the best TTists among the GC guys.

Seems like a route tailor made for Dawg / Sky TBH.

 

[Dr. Juice]

Just a bit odd that the last MTF will be on the 16th stage

Remember TdF 2000?

 

[icefire]

Note the gradients. Not much to look forward to, if that's the case.

I know, but the according to last rumours this was a flat stage for the sprinters. Now we may have 4 stages with a downhill finish: Murcia (Cresta del Gallo), Castellón (Desierto de las Palmas), Riaza (La Quesera), Cercedilla (Cotos), and still pending of what we get in Ávila. Cross your fingers so nobody crashes and we get more of this from Guillén in the future.

 

[Arredondo]

It's a great thing the Vuelta is actually the Vuelta again. Nice balance between nothern and southern stages.

And the fact that stage 19 and 20 (and perhaps 18) are medium, dangerous hilly/mountain stages, instead of MTF's, could make things even more interesting, or less predictable.

 

[veji11]

I know, but the according to last rumours this was a flat stage for the sprinters. Now we may have 4 stages with a downhill finish: Murcia (Cresta del Gallo), Castellón (Desierto de las Palmas), Riaza (La Quesera), Cercedilla (Cotos), and still pending of what we get in Ávila. Cross your fingers so nobody crashes and we get more of this from Guillén in the future.

Yep, I really like those stages. Sure that last stage might not be selective enough for the big bosses to make differences, but the alternative is another type of Bola del Mundo uphill snoozefest like there has been 8/10 per vuelta.

I must say I reallylike this design. There are too many uphill finishes for my liking in absolute, but I admit that this is part of the Vuelta's DNA. But they have added variety with medium mountain stages and downhill finishes. It amazes me to say so, but I prefer this route to the very poor Tour de France we will have next year.

 

[icefire]

According to former pro Eduardo Chozas, who organises training camps in the area, stage 9 will probably include a loop around Cumbre del Sol with two ascents.

https://twitter.com/eduardochozas/status/553511302334005248

 

[staubsauger]

With the 2nd - 3rd tier general classification riders fighting for their once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a grand tour that Vuelta could become a hell of a race.

 

[Netserk]

With the 2nd - 3rd tier general classification riders fighting for their once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a grand tour that Vuelta could become a hell of a race.

You mean Froome against a bunch of riders who would be happy to get a 2nd place?

 

[icefire]

Stage 1 will be a 7.5kms TTT

http://www.diariocritico.com/deportes/ciclismo/vuelta-espana/presentacion/2015/469877