Vuelta a España - Stage 20 San Martín de Valdeiglesias - Bola del Mundo 172.1km

[khardung la]

After the dam there is a curve with 8% for 500 m. there it starts the climb for me.

 

[The Hitch]

But it would be equally cruel to Nibali if Mosquera were to win the stage by 50 + whatever time Nibali lost in the ITT because of the puncture and his mechanic...

Nibali lost 20 seconds. I timed it

And mosquera lost 16 seconds in the ttt. SO 20 - 16 = 4 so its cruel if Nibali loses by 4 seconds but then if anyone loses by 4 seconds its cruel.

 

[Race Radio]

Where is Tommy D?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

I think the actual climb is starting now, 12,7km

 

[hfer07]

now the final showdown begins!!!!

 

[Francois the Postman]

Cuesta makes me feel old. What a great way for a 41 year old to honour that #1 bib. Has been great throughout the Vuelta.

 

[The Hitch]

The 11 seconds yesterday have only changed the likelyhood of Mosquera getting the red jersey.

It doesn't tell anything in strength, we already knew Nibali was better on short explosive climbs like the one yesterday. It's on the same type of climbs he won time on Mosqurea in the first week.
We also know on long climbs, Nibali has not once, not ONCE, been able to follow Mosquera.
I'm pretty sure Mosquera will drop Nibali, but 50 seconds (30+ boni if he manages to win) is a lot harder than 38 seconds (18s + boni)

My point was more, and not just directed at you, do people who thought Mosquera could overturn a 39 second deficit (60% of the forum) now think that since its a whopping 50 seconds, he wont manage?

 

[Anonymous]

folks, here we go....man!! i am excited

 

[Francois the Postman]

Hammon seems on a mission to keep us abreast of the time differences between the riders. This will be 12km of pure comedy gold.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Well it's a lot harder

But the last 3km of the Bola del Mundo alone are harder than the entire Cotobello or Andorra climbs.

 

[The Hitch]

Well on Cotobello Nibali blew while following the pace of Kreuziger. Kreuziger was actually trying to close the gap on Roche and then Nibali blew (at that point, Rodriguez noticed and attacked).
So Liquigas can be as strong as ever, if Nibali is at his limit again...it doesn't help him much

Theres a reason why Nibali is the team leader And its not his charming personality.

Told you.
A toss up as to whether those potential 20 seconds are worth it.........or not.
At the moment Liquigas appear to be sitting pretty.
Of course, Nibali could blow up all on his own............

Yeah i thought this too. Having a team with you might have been preferable over the 20 second potential bonus.

 

[Zoncolan]

Where is Tommy D?

Getting ready to lose 3 minutes

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Theres a reason why Nibali is the team leader

???
I'm trying to tell you Kreuziger was closing the gap on Roche, expecting Nibalo to be in his wheel obviously. Then he looked back and Nibali was gone (and Kreuziger obviously immediately stopped).

Not that Kreuziger is riding for himself or whatever. Totally unnecessary reply.

 

[Spare Tyre]

Did I just see Leaky down to 2?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

It seems Nibali has just Kreuziger left now!

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Karpets rolling them in!

 

[The Hitch]

???
I'm trying to tell you Kreuziger was closing the gap on Roche, expecting Nibalo to be in his wheel obviously. Then he looked back and Nibali was gone (and Kreuziger obviously immediately stopped).

Not that Kreuziger is riding for himself or whatever. Totally unnecessary reply.

You said it doesnt matter how many liquis are there if Nibali isnt climbing well. My point was that since he is the team leader, he is likely to be the best climber and hence outclimb his teammates.

 

[Descender]

Kreuziger last man standing for Liquigas.

 

[The Hitch]

It seems Nibali has just Kreuziger left now!

Good news

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

You said it doesnt matter how many liquis are there if Nibali isnt climbing well. My point was that since he is the team leader, he is likely to be the best climber and hence outclimb his teammates.

Well that wasn't the case on the Cotobello appearently. (although usually he is definately better than Kreuzi and co.)

 

[The Hitch]

Is Garcia the Xacebo man? looks to be suffering though.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Is Garcia the Xacebo man? looks to be suffering though.

Would you be suffering if you'd go all out on a final climb?

 

[Christian]

Mosquera's Vuelta-song '10:

"Everywhere I go I get slandered, libeled, I hear words I never heard in the bible ..."

(Simon & Garfunkel)

 

[Mellow Velo]

OK, so who kidnapped the 5 Liquigas riders?
Tom Danielson hanging around the rear.
The pressure of fight for 7th is getting to much.

 

[khardung la]

that was El Ventorrillo and Mosquera did not attack