Vuelta a España 2016 Rumours

[ice&fire]

This link confirms the stage to Sanabria. It mentions the possibility of having part of the stage on Portuguese roads.

http://www.laopiniondezamora.es/deportes/2015/12/10/sanabria-tendra-etapa-vuelta-espana/890687.html

 

[Libertine Seguros]

If they do go on Portuguese roads, it opens the possibility of the Puerto de Coto Alto only about 10-12km from the finish.

 

[ice&fire]

The town of Monforte de Lemos has bid to host a stage departure, most likely stage 6
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/lemos/2015/12/11/monforte-acogera-salida-etapa-vuelta-espana-2016/0003_201512M11C8991.htm

Let's see if Unipublic takes advantage of all the possibilities offered by the Ribeira Sacra and comes with a decent stage design.

 

[ice&fire]

Unipublic is working on 3 or 4 stages in the Comunitat Valenciana.
The ITT will be stage 18. The day before may include the Desierto de las Palmas near Castellón; and the day after they are considering Aitana. If Aitana is scheduled on a Friday I'm wondering what they plan for the day after

http://www.superdeporte.es/polideportivo/2015/12/11/vuelta-vuelca-valencia/279456.html

The updated course with what we know so far already includes 8 HTF/MTF. We still miss two. Stages 15 and 20?

Sat 20/8, Stage 1: Laias - Castrelo do Miño TTT
Sun 21/8, Stage 2: Ourense? - Pontevedra? (Flat - Downhill finish)
Mon 22/8, Stage 3: Marín - Ézaro (Murito finish)
Tue 23/8, Stage 4: Betanzos - San Andres de Teixido (Cat 2 MTF)
Wed 24/8, Stage 5: ? - Lugo (Flat finish)
Thu 25/8, Stage 6: Monforte de Lemos - Luintra (Cat 3 HTF?)
Fri 26/8, Stage 7: Maceda - Puebla de Sanabria
Sat 27/8, Stage 8: Villalpando? - La Camperona (Cat 1 MTF)
Sun 28/8, Stage 9: Cistierna - Alto del Naranco (Cat 2 MTF)
Mon 29/8, Stage 10: Lugones - Lagos de Covadonga (Cat 1 MTF)
Tue 30/8, Rest day
Wed 31/8, Stage 11: Cantabria???
Thu 1/9, Stage 12: Basque Country???
Fri 2/9, Stage 13: ??? - Urdax
Sat 3/9, Stage 14: Mountain stage in Navarre or France??? (Aubisque)
Sun 4/9, Stage 15: Mountain stage in Huesca???
Mon 5/9, Stage 16: Alcañiz? - ???
Tue 6/9, Rest day
Wed 7/9, Stage 17: ??? - Castellón??? (downhill after Desierto de las Palmas)
Thu 8/9, Stage 18: Xabia - Calp (ITT)
Fri 9/9, Stage 19: ??? - Aitana??? (Cat 1 MTF)
Sat 10/9, Stage 20: ???
Sun 11/9, Stage 21: Final parade in Madrid

 

[staubsauger]

Re:

Rumour:

Ain't no Sierra Nevada!

 

[Libertine Seguros]

From that it suggests we still have an uphill finish to account for: Ézaro, Garita de Herbeira, possibly Luintra, La Camperona, Monte Naranco, Covadonga, possible Aubisque, possible Cerler, Aitana = 9.

If they're saying the full stage will be in Comunidad Valenciana it suggests Xorret del Catí, Miserat or maybe Ontinyent/Campello/Portixol for a medium mountain stage.

 

[ice&fire]

What we do know is that Xorret de Catí will feature in the resurrected Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana
http://www.ciclo21.com/xorret-de-cati-decidira-la-volta-comunitat-valenciana/

And this link is suggesting stage 15 might finish at Biescas (Escartin's home place) and stage 16 would go from Huesca to Alcañiz.
http://www.ciclo21.com/asi-seria-la-vuelta-espana-2016/

Biescas cannot be a MTF unless they refer to the area and they go either to Formigal or to Panticosa.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

It's also very close to Aubisque if that rumour is correct, but a long, long way round to cross the border anywhere other than Somport or Pourtalet, which might therefore make Áralar more likely than Gourette on stage 14; stage 15 if the Marie-Blanque - Aubisque route is accurate on 14 would probably need to be Pau - Spandelles - Soulor-Aubisque from the opposite side - Pourtalet - descent finish or going past and looping back to Formigal if they wanted to make it a difficult mountain stage; otherwise we're left with the likes of Hoz de Jaca or Cotefablo as the last climb which seems unlikely given Unipublic's recent trends.

 

[ice&fire]

With so many riders focused on Tour + Olympics I doubt Unipublic will go for a course including two mountain stages with several hard climbs.

 

[ice&fire]

Aubisque and Aitana seem to be confirmed.
http://www.libertaddigital.com/deportes/mas-deporte/2015-12-15/la-vuelta-a-espana-contara-con-las-subidas-al-aubisque-y-a-aitana-1276563835/

The Aubisque stage is said to include three cat 1 climbs AND finish at Aubisque. The obvious course should go through Burdinkurutzeta (cat1), Bagargi (cat 3), Soudet W (cat 1), Marie Blanque (cat 1) and Aubisque (HC). Sounds too good to be true.

Aitana will be on stage 20.

 

[ice&fire]

AS confirms that stage 14 will include Burdinkurutzeta, Irati (Bagargi W), Soudet, Marie Blanque and Aubisque.

http://ciclismo.as.com/ciclismo/2015/12/16/vuelta_espana/1450304100_888208.html

 

[Max Rockatansky]

Nice one.

 

[May0maniac]

Great news, those climbs will wear the riders down before Aubisque.

 

[ice&fire]

A screenshot from the printed edition of a local newspaper suggests that stage 15 might start at Sabiñánigo and finish at Formigal.
https://twitter.com/LorenzoCipres/status/678132616990715905?s=09

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re:

AS confirms that stage 14 will include Burdinkurutzeta, Irati (Bagargi W), Soudet, Marie Blanque and Aubisque.

http://ciclismo.as.com/ciclismo/2015/12/16/vuelta_espana/1450304100_888208.html

So that's at least as hard as the EPIC last stage Rasmussen won in 2007? God, I applaud this stage only for that fact. Brings back memories.

 

[Gigs_98]

Re: Re:

AS confirms that stage 14 will include Burdinkurutzeta, Irati (Bagargi W), Soudet, Marie Blanque and Aubisque.

http://ciclismo.as.com/ciclismo/2015/12/16/vuelta_espana/1450304100_888208.html

So that's at least as hard as the EPIC last stage Rasmussen won in 2007? God, I applaud this stage only for that fact. Brings back memories.

That would mean 1st cat. --> 3rd cat. --> ESP --> 1st. cat. --> ESP. The Two ESP climbs might be rated 1st category too, but in tour standards it would be HC climbs. Although that seems to be very very hard, there are long flat sections between the climbs, and the hardest climb of the day is the last one, so there wont be long range action. Nevertheless this could still be a very entertaining stage.

 

[staubsauger]

Re: Re:

AS confirms that stage 14 will include Burdinkurutzeta, Irati (Bagargi W), Soudet, Marie Blanque and Aubisque.

http://ciclismo.as.com/ciclismo/2015/12/16/vuelta_espana/1450304100_888208.html

So that's at least as hard as the EPIC last stage Rasmussen won in 2007? God, I applaud this stage only for that fact. Brings back memories.

That would mean 1st cat. --> 3rd cat. --> ESP --> 1st. cat. --> ESP. The Two ESP climbs might be rated 1st category too, but in tour standards it would be HC climbs. Although that seems to be very very hard, there are long flat sections between the climbs, and the hardest climb of the day is the last one, so there wont be long range action. Nevertheless this could still be a very entertaining stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeHHEdaVXKo

choo, choo ... hype train!

 

[Gigs_98]

AS confirms that stage 14 will include Burdinkurutzeta, Irati (Bagargi W), Soudet, Marie Blanque and Aubisque.

http://ciclismo.as.com/ciclismo/2015/12/16/vuelta_espana/1450304100_888208.html

So that's at least as hard as the EPIC last stage Rasmussen won in 2007? God, I applaud this stage only for that fact. Brings back memories.

That would mean 1st cat. --> 3rd cat. --> ESP --> 1st. cat. --> ESP. The Two ESP climbs might be rated 1st category too, but in tour standards it would be HC climbs. Although that seems to be very very hard, there are long flat sections between the climbs, and the hardest climb of the day is the last one, so there wont be long range action. Nevertheless this could still be a very entertaining stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeHHEdaVXKo

choo, choo ... hype train!

I don't get it. What does your comment have to do with the Vuelta rumors? Just me, being too young to understand it?

 

[staubsauger]

AS confirms that stage 14 will include Burdinkurutzeta, Irati (Bagargi W), Soudet, Marie Blanque and Aubisque.

http://ciclismo.as.com/ciclismo/2015/12/16/vuelta_espana/1450304100_888208.html

So that's at least as hard as the EPIC last stage Rasmussen won in 2007? God, I applaud this stage only for that fact. Brings back memories.

That would mean 1st cat. --> 3rd cat. --> ESP --> 1st. cat. --> ESP. The Two ESP climbs might be rated 1st category too, but in tour standards it would be HC climbs. Although that seems to be very very hard, there are long flat sections between the climbs, and the hardest climb of the day is the last one, so there wont be long range action. Nevertheless this could still be a very entertaining stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeHHEdaVXKo

choo, choo ... hype train!

I don't get it. What does your comment have to do with the Vuelta rumors? Just me, being too young to understand it?

I suggest that Landani could fly right from the bottom of the Aubisque like Pantani did on Pampeago in 1999!

That's why I wrote "choo, choo hype train!" as it was just half serious!

Nevermind I think these cols beforehand are still hard enough too weaken the main pack as well as produce a challenging escape group which might survive like in this years Andorra stage.

After all we don't know who's even attending that Vuelta in at least decent shape. It could be Landa and Majka only (plus Purito). That's even less than prior to this years edition when Aru was tipped to re-peak for it and eventually did with success.

 

[Gigs_98]

Does anyone know where stage 14 would start? On the map with the rumors the town Urdax is used as the start but I don't know if such a small village can really host a stage. However if it would be used there could be 2 more 3rd category climbs AND if zomegnan becomes the new route designer for the vuelta we will see the Col d'Arnostéguy

I made a stage which starts in Saint Jean de Port, very near to the start of the Burdincurucheta and then simply follows the route mentioned above

 

[xikyRRC]

The "Diario Montañés" (newspaper of Cantabria) today published the August 31 (stage 11) will be a stage arrival in Peña Cabarga. The start will be in Lastres (Asturias).

http://recorridosciclistascantabria.blogspot.com.es/2011/09/pena-cabarga.html

 

[staubsauger]

The "Diario Montañés" (newspaper of Cantabria) today published the August 31 (stage 11) will be a stage arrival in Peña Cabarga. The start will be in Lastres (Asturias).

http://recorridosciclistascantabria.blogspot.com.es/2011/09/pena-cabarga.html

Hmm there ain't nothing wrong with Peña Cabarga. But it has been a bit overused recently. Would've preferred Bola del Mundo instead. Or a reactivation of another climbs in the cantabrian mountains!

 

[pink_jersey]

I suggest that Landani could fly right from the bottom of the Aubisque like Pantani did on Pampeago in 1999!

That's why I wrote "choo, choo hype train!" as it was just half serious!

Nevermind I think these cols beforehand are still hard enough too weaken the main pack as well as produce a challenging escape group which might survive like in this years Andorra stage.

After all we don't know who's even attending that Vuelta in at least decent shape. It could be Landa and Majka only (plus Purito). That's even less than prior to this years edition when Aru was tipped to re-peak for it and eventually did with success.

Majka and Landa aren't sure for Vuelta. Landa will 100% go for Giro and then MAYBE he'll ride TdF.
Majka will ride TdF 100% and I think he'll probably go for Giro.

Contador, Froome, Quintana and Purito are always in "at least" decent shape. I think Henao bros will race the Vuelta as their only Grand Tour so they should be fresh. Chaves said he'll ride. Miguel Angel Lopez as well( his only GT). And then. we shall the riders who fail in TdF...

 

[ice&fire]

Hmm there ain't nothing wrong with Peña Cabarga. But it has been a bit overused recently. Would've preferred Bola del Mundo instead. Or a reactivation of another climbs in the cantabrian mountains!

There are two things wrong with Peña Cabarga:
1) It cannot be linked to any other climb
2) It will be the 4th MTF in a row

Sat 20/8, Stage 1: Laias - Castrelo do Miño TTT
Sun 21/8, Stage 2: Ourense? - Pontevedra? (Flat - Downhill finish)
Mon 22/8, Stage 3: Marín - Ézaro (Murito finish)
Tue 23/8, Stage 4: Betanzos - San Andres de Teixido (Cat 2 MTF)
Wed 24/8, Stage 5: ? - Lugo (Flat finish)
Thu 25/8, Stage 6: Monforte de Lemos - Luintra (Cat 3 HTF?)
Fri 26/8, Stage 7: Maceda - Puebla de Sanabria
Sat 27/8, Stage 8: Villalpando? - La Camperona (Cat 1 MTF)
Sun 28/8, Stage 9: Cistierna - Alto del Naranco (Cat 2 MTF)
Mon 29/8, Stage 10: Lugones - Lagos de Covadonga (Cat ESP MTF)
Tue 30/8, Rest day
Wed 31/8, Stage 11: Lastres - Peña Cabarga (Cat 1 MTF)
Thu 1/9, Stage 12: Basque Country???
Fri 2/9, Stage 13: ??? - Urdax
Sat 3/9, Stage 14: Urdax - Aubisque (Cat ESP MTF)
Sun 4/9, Stage 15: Sabiñánigo - Formigal (Cat 2 MTF)
Mon 5/9, Stage 16: Alcañiz? - ???
Tue 6/9, Rest day
Wed 7/9, Stage 17: ??? - Castellón??? (downhill after Desierto de las Palmas)
Thu 8/9, Stage 18: Xabia - Calp (ITT)
Fri 9/9, Stage 19: ???
Sat 10/9, Stage 20: ??? - Aitana??? (Cat 1 MTF)
Sun 11/9, Stage 21: Final parade in Madrid

AS announced 10 HTFs/MTFs and it seems we have them all unless they don't count stage 6, which may not be obvious for those not familiar with the area.
Ezaro, Herbeira, Luintra, Camperona, Naranco, Lagos de Covadonga, Peña Cabarga, Aubisque, Formigal, Aitana.
Seven of them in the first 11 stages. Only one of them is after the second rest day (and after the ITT). Definitely not backloaded.

 

[staubsauger]

I suggest that Landani could fly right from the bottom of the Aubisque like Pantani did on Pampeago in 1999!

That's why I wrote "choo, choo hype train!" as it was just half serious!

Nevermind I think these cols beforehand are still hard enough too weaken the main pack as well as produce a challenging escape group which might survive like in this years Andorra stage.

After all we don't know who's even attending that Vuelta in at least decent shape. It could be Landa and Majka only (plus Purito). That's even less than prior to this years edition when Aru was tipped to re-peak for it and eventually did with success.

Majka and Landa aren't sure for Vuelta. Landa will 100% go for Giro and then MAYBE he'll ride TdF.
Majka will ride TdF 100% and I think he'll probably go for Giro.

Contador, Froome, Quintana and Purito are always in "at least" decent shape. I think Henao bros will race the Vuelta as their only Grand Tour so they should be fresh. Chaves said he'll ride. Miguel Angel Lopez as well( his only GT). And then. we shall the riders who fail in TdF...

So basically if Unipublic invites Nippo out of the blue, Cunego is the pre-race favorite!?

Seriously, if Landa ain't gonna peak for the Vuelta after the Giro he's a major goofy! Just like Gesink is for not sticking to his Giro + Vuelta plans with this apparently weak field.

Never mind, Chaves, just like Lopez or even Dombrowski, sounds like a good bet for doing a Horner if ain't nobody else is challenging enough.