Vuelta a España Vuelta a España 2023, stage 14: Sauveterre-de-Béarn - Larra-Belagua, 156.2k

[Devil's Elbow]

Nothing really matters, anyone can see... nothing really matters, but bees.

My apologies if I'm being salty, I was hyped for this stage from the moment it was first rumoured a full year ago. But after today, no more.

Look at how beautiful this stage is. Hourcère for the second time ever and Larrau for the first time since 2007 - in any race, not even talking about the Vuelta. It's a fantastic pairing for long-range attacks, then back into Spain for a MTF up the easy side of Pierre-Saint-Martin, stopping just below the summit at Larra-Belagua amidst beautiful karst landscapes. This design deserves so much more than the GC situation we have, it really is a crying shame that the race is decided before not just this stage, but also the second- and third-coolest designs of the race.

Hourcère:

Larrau:

Laza:

Larra-Belagua:

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

Roglic and Vingegaard to fight between themself about who can attack first on Larreau to steal the red from Kuss

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Rogla for the win!

 

[Libertine Seguros]

It just depends if at some point Sohrabi and Pourseyedi get tired of shepherding Kohladouz around and try to win for themselves.

 

[Netserk]

Too bad the GC is settled. Had this stage needed to be a great stage, it could have been one for the ages.

Breakaway and next to no GC action.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

Remco from the breakaway

 

[Izzyeviel]

Perfect stage for breakaway G & Bernie

 

[Mayomaniac]

It just depends if at some point Sohrabi and Pourseyedi get tired of shepherding Kohladouz around and try to win for themselves.

Tabriz was waaay cooler than these guys...

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Egan Bernal from the break.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Tabriz was waaay cooler than these guys...

Idunno, I was always Team Mirsamad in his battle for supremacy against Rahim Emami, but at the same time Pishgaman Yazd had far cooler jerseys.

 

[Mayomaniac]

Idunno, I was always Team Mirsamad in his battle for supremacy against Rahim Emami, but at the same time Pishgaman Yazd had far cooler jerseys.

Hey, at least we still have Safarzadeh, even if his performances are rather tame...

 

[Valv.Piti]

Egan Bernal from the break.

I second this. At least I really hope so.

Or maybe Remco?

Can't watch, unfortunately, so Im less bummed about the stage probably not living up to the hype. But man, Puerto de Larrau is such a monster.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Jumbo to cross the line 1, 2, and 3 with their arms held high and the nearest finisher a min behind.

 

[Samamba]

Poole from the break.

Then breaks contract because he drank one sip too much alcohol after the win.

 

[JosefK]

Jonas to rip out his ear-piece and fly up the road for a 5-minute victory over 2nd place.

 

[Escarabajo]

Today was 1-2-3, tomorrow 3-2-1.
Hope to see someone challenge Jumbo.

 

[Rollthedice]

A bunch of former GT winners to battle for the stage.

 

[ice&fire]

Nothing really matters, anyone can see... nothing really matters, but bees.

Get one of these and you won't see them

 

[RedheadDane]

A bunch of former GT winners to battle for the stage.

Not sure I'd call three riders "a bunch".
And the Ineos duo would have an advantage.

 

[Lequack]

How will Jumbo decide who wins this stage?

 

[Lequack]

What would be even better is Remco miraculously coming back Pog style to win the stage.

 

[Rackham]

Too bad the GC is settled. Had this stage needed to be a great stage, it could have been one for the ages.

Breakaway and next to no GC action.

In terms of 'GC action', we're totally at the mercy of Jumbo's DS pre-stage decisions.

If they say 'no action', there will be no action. If they say 'Jonas attacks long range', he'll attack. Etc.

Do Ayuso & Mas look like the sort of riders who're going to blow the race apart? I don't think so.

 

[dobrien]

What would be even better is Remco miraculously coming back Pog style to win the stage.

If Remco stays in the race (and is not ill) I could see him coming back to win A stage, but it isn't going to be tomorrow.

 

[mortand]

Jumbo to cross the line 1, 2, and 3 with their arms held high and the nearest finisher a min behind.

This. Gesink, Kelderman and Van Baarle from the break.

 

[Cookster15]

My apologies if I'm being salty, I was hyped for this stage from the moment it was first rumoured a full year ago. But after today, no more.

No need to apologize. Yes this stage has lost its allure after today. We feel your pain. Thanks for taking the time to put together these stage threads.