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

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Movistar is a pretty big joke this Vuelta…
Movistar are just performing to their level. They've never been one of the big budget teams, and have simply had more prominence than their budget would suggest for many years because of having a couple of big-ticket leaders and getting a larger amount of prominence in screen time due to racing like absolute headless chickens for said leaders.

Their racing just reflects the riders at their disposal. They were once the team of Valverde, Quintana and Landa simultaneously. They attacked descents, climbs, did unexpected things, started the Soler memes. Now they're the team of Enric Mas.
 
The Vuelta is such a strange race when it comes to form...you never know where anyone is at

However I do like how it rewards riders who can keep form longer and ride more than one GT...that is a valid an aspect of pro cycling as any

Also how young , 'never rode a GT before' riders can get a chance to shine

Pretty easy explanation, most guys who have already ridden a long, tough season don't want to be at the Vuelta.

But a contract is a contract.
 
FFS just let Jumbo do the pacing. They're going to have the advantage of numbers later anyway, so just keep hold of your own domestiques rather than drop your own riders and make it even easier for Jumbo.

I mean, Jumbo can ride like brainless fools plenty of times, but they're strong enough that they can get away with it and win despite their team car. No need to ride like brainless fools if you aren't strong enough to get away with it.
 
  • Wow
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