Vuelta a España Vuelta a España 2023, stage 11: Lerma - La Laguna Negra, 163.2k

[Devil's Elbow]

You were right, but this was worse than the most pessimistic take on the stage IMO. Only watch the last 5 km really, but come on man, that was a Sunday ride.

Oh well. Another snoozefest tomorrow, and then finally the real race will start.

The roadblocking aside, this was pretty much as expected for me.

 

[ManicJack]

You were right, but this was worse than the most pessimistic take on the stage IMO. Only watch the last 5 km really, but come on man, that was a Sunday ride.

Oh well. Another snoozefest tomorrow, and then finally the real race will start.

Totally agree on the lack of racing action but it's crazy that a snooze fest averaged 46.8 kph.

 

[Valv.Piti]

The roadblocking aside, this was pretty much as expected for me.

Sure, but if those are your expectation, why even watch I might ask?

 

[movingtarget]

It's Raul Matias, the best soigneur ever. He's a former Portuguese rider and doesn't see a problem in using EPO..

Nicely taken win by Herrada. Obviously the cops thought the soigneur was celebrating too enthusiastically even though it was the high point of the stage, and Herrada seemed to collapse on his bike just after the line. Even celebrations by team personnel have to be neutralized it seems............

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

well that stage was utterly and completely pointless

 

[Devil's Elbow]

Sure, but if those are your expectation, why even watch I might ask?

I still wanted to see the breakaway battle, which was fairly decent, albeit shorter than it would have been on a non-MTF.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Fair enough. I just feel that we have had 3 finals where its perfectly reasonable to expect at least some decent stuff, but absolutely nothing have happened due to various reasons. Hugely disappointing.

 

[Netserk]

Sure, but if those are your expectation, why even watch I might ask?

Isn't it worse to need biased expectations to watch? Then the non-racing lands harder and more frustrating. With an accurate assessment of the stage, you know what to expect and can then focus on the plausibly most watchable parts.

Of course, one shouldn't be too sure of what to expect, as just like there will be unexpected poor stages, there will also be positive surprises.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

Fair enough. I just feel that we have had 3 finals where its perfectly reasonable to expect at least some decent stuff, but absolutely nothing have happened due to various reasons. Hugely disappointing.

I don't think anyone is going to argue with the idea that this race has been full of disappointments, Javalambre stage excluded of course.

 

[Danskebjerge]

It's Raul Matias, the best soigneur ever. He's a former Portuguese rider and doesn't see a problem in using EPO.

Okay, I hope the security guys beat him up, then.

 

[Bolder]

well that stage was utterly and completely pointless

I felt exactly the same way. Luckily I only wasted 10 minutes of my life, unlike the riders in the peloton.

 

[Oldermanish]

well that stage was utterly and completely pointless

Rolling rest day for everyone but Ganna and some earnest break bodies.

 

[Sciatic]

Isn't it worse to need biased expectations to watch? Then the non-racing lands harder and more frustrating. With an accurate assessment of the stage, you know what to expect and can then focus on the plausibly most watchable parts.

Of course, one shouldn't be too sure of what to expect, as just like there will be unexpected poor stages, there will also be positive surprises.

I think what you’re saying is reasonable. But honestly, at least in this Vuelta where I’m not rooting for any one rider, being optimistic doesn’t cost me anything. Do I have some feeling of disappointment when the finale is lame like today? A little bit. Am I disappointed when I’m not paying attention and make a weak cup of coffee? A little bit. minor disappointments are a regular part of life, and for me seems better to just accept that. That’s just me though—everyone decides the best mental framework for themSelves.

 

[RobertCrawley]

Maybe the Vuelta should move the finish line around some more, possibly midrace, to keep things exciting.

 

[Ludwigzgz]

The La Vuelta helicopter has knocked down the protection fences

https://twitter.com/x/status/1699484922455437809

View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1699484922455437809

 

[Nick2413]

Not a fan of road blocking but still much prefer this to the other several neutralized stages. Is it really clear who the blocking benefited most though? There will always be riders to lose and riders to gain from such tactics, taking it easy for the whole peloton just makes future days more aggressive.

 

[IndianCyclist]

Ganna grenade got Geraint gassed.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Congratulations to Jesús Herrada López for winning the stage.

Breakaway action was interesting and Ganna did a massive job for Thomas. As for the main GC contenders. QOS with some unorthodox tactics applied. Still i doubt Rogla was interested today. No stage win up for grabs and too much effort needed for a second or two to be gained.

 

[RedheadDane]

This is what "exhausted, but still elated" looks like:

 

[Volderke]

This is what "exhausted, but still elated" looks like:

Jesus being Jesus