Bit of an odd and long run-up to that ramp, and if it was the Tour, the only wise money would be on one combined GC group rollling up it, with at best only one of them losing some infuriatingly trivial amount of secs. As it isn't the very very very very last chance to make a difference yet.
But this is the Vuelta, so at least there is a chance that they forget what modern stage cycling should look like, and give it a go. Heck, so far there has been racing up some of the totally inconsequential lumps with 10-40k of flatland behind it, so I'm optimistic enough to see them racing up a mountain where the gaps actually count too.
Wise or not, Rodriguez seems to enjoy putting his group splintering team on the helm for these early on, and if they haven't got the legs, there is always Caisse. I don't think either one of them wants to see a breakaway reach the climb with a gap that can't be overcome.
I'm still not sure who Caisse will be riding for today. I would not be surprised if they will send Uran (too early), Plaza et al up the hill in semi-random fashion, and decide that after looking at tonight's GC. Something tells me they aren't totally convinced by Plaza's capacity to carry this to the end either, as they haven't exactly shown signs to throw their team's weight behind him just yet. Sounds to me they are waiting to see who of the others will make a convincing case. And that marble can still go down many holes.
As others have noted, Mosquera really needs to get some time somewhere, but I can't see him get much here. I expect Nibali and Anton to counter anything he has, AAnton more than Nibali maybe. I've been touting Anton ever since that poll went up, so I'm gonna stick with him here too.
Anton, Mosquera, Nibali. Rodriguez very close to these.
Menchov with another disappointing climb and losing time again. He might give it an early heave-ho, and decide pretty quickly that it's "ho", no? And settle for giving his all on the ITT, and peddle along for the rest of the Vuelta, good enough to save face without trying hard. Only going the full opportunistic mile when a very good chance gets thrown his way. Which I can't see happen.
I expect to see other Rabos in breaks more often from tomorrow on, as I think they have seen the GC writing on the wall. Ten Dam, mostly. Come to think of it, Garate has been very quiet so far.