Vuelta a España Vuelta a España 2023, stage 9: Cartagena - Collado de la Cruz de Caravaca, 184.5k

[Devil's Elbow]

The final stage of the first week marks the southernmost point of the race. It's also the easiest mountain stage so far. With Jumbo having red, it looks great for the breakaway, but have too many of the usual suspects wasted their bullets today?

The start is in Cartagena, one of the most important ports in Iberia since it was founded by Carthage (hence the name) and the current finish of the Vuelta a Murcia. The start is rather less complicated than that of today's stage, with a flat first hour until the start of Puerto Casas de la Marina la Perdiz, otherwise known as the first 60% of the southeastern side of Collado Bermejo.

After a rather shallow descent, it's a long, rolling trek into the innermost parts of Murcia province, taking in one real uncategorised climb at Alto de la Palera.

And then, after a late intermediate sprint, the MTF. This climb is as irregular as it gets, with the low average gradient (caused by four short descents) masking a kilometre at 12% and a final 1.3 kilometres at about 9%. Still, if Arinsal and Xorret de Catí couldn't force any real differences, then it's hard to see overly much happening here in the GC battle.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

I don‘t know what will happen here, probably not much? It‘s supposed to rain a lot in this area, but the rain probably stops just before the riders would reach it.

 

[RedheadDane]

Obvious winner is obvious.

 

[Gigs_98]

It's really not an easy climb. Something could absolutely happen on that kilometer at 12%, it's just that I don't really see how would be the rider to make something happen. Jumbo seem to be happy with the situation as it is, Remco will probably play it similarly to today and I don't think anyone else has the strength to force a selection. Maybe Jumbo send Kuss on the attack again to force Remco to chase?

I think the most likely scenario is a stage win by the break and no relevant time gaps between the gc guys.

 

[Red Rick]

It's really not an easy climb. Something could absolutely happen on that kilometer at 12%, it's just that I don't really see how would be the rider to make something happen. Jumbo seem to be happy with the situation as it is, Remco will probably play it similarly to today and I don't think anyone else has the strength to force a selection. Maybe Jumbo send Kuss on the attack again to force Remco to chase?

I think the most likely scenario is a stage win by the break and no relevant time gaps between the gc guys.

Kuss or Vingegaard could both attack that section, depending on how hard it has been. I kinda think Kuss will get caught if Evenepoel doesn't react anyway, so Vingegaard probably would have more impact.

That said, I expect this to be a nailed on breakaway

 

[Netserk]

Higuita will announce his presence here.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Obvious winner is obvious.

Google tells me that's Dmitriy Gruzdev, but I doubt he's going to win.

 

[RedheadDane]

Google tells me that's Dmitriy Gruzdev, but I doubt he's going to win.

Dunno what kinda drug Google is on.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

Google tells me that's Dmitriy Gruzdev, but I doubt he's going to win.

Don‘t trust Google, it‘s the guy whose name is in the stage finish.

 

[Didinho]

Don‘t trust Google, it‘s the guy whose name is in the stage finish.

Oh Mister David de Caravaca. Got it.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Oh Mister David de Caravaca. Got it.

It's a shame that Jordi López Caravaca isn't riding the race, because Equipo Kern wasn't invited.

 

[Samamba]

Serious crosswinds in the first part of the stage no? Could be interesting.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

Serious crosswinds in the first part of the stage no? Could be interesting.

The one stage I forget to check the weather forecast before making the OP.

You are in fact correct, and the wind picks up even more later in the afternoon and there are still some suitable sections after the first climb. Also a massive tailwind on the MTF.

 

[IndianCyclist]

breakaway to win

 

[Cookster15]

I guess it will be a breakaway that wins. Rest day Monday, then the TT.

 

[Jagartrott]

Evenepoel to sprint like there's no tomorrow for place 12 (behind the breakaway), just in case.

 

[RedheadDane]

Evenepoel to sprint like there's no tomorrow for place 12 (behind the breakaway), just in case.

Tomorrow, there literally will be no (race day) tomorrow.

 

[chickenlips]

I wonder what the excuse will be tomorrow. 🤔

 

[rghysens]

If you compare the cyclingcols profile of the final climb with the official one, the latter seems to have way more very steep pitches (up to 20%, final 400m @ 16% or so,...). Wonder which one is correct.

 

[Unterlenkerfahrend]

First climb gotta be one of the easiest Cat1 in a Grand Tour ever. Less than 5% on spectacular 11,5km (Official profile)? This makes Arcalis look like Zoncolan.

 

[Big Doopie]

I wonder what the excuse will be tomorrow. 🤔

no need for an excuse if you win.

 

[zlev11]

i think this final climb is way too easy for a GC selection especially when todays climb really couldn't separate the top 8. i think the break takes it easily and Remco sprints out of the GC group just in case.

 

[Red Rick]

First climb gotta be one of the easiest Cat1 in a Grand Tour ever. Less than 5% on spectacular 11,5km (Official profile)? This makes Arcalis look like Zoncolan.

Well Arcalis is a certified HC climb according to the ASO

 

[Unterlenkerfahrend]

Well Arcalis is a certified HC climb according to the ASO

well yes, that was kinda the point. If 11km at 4,9% starting from sea level warrants first category than one can't really laugh at HC Arcalis anymore.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Egan Bernal from the break.