Vuelta a España Vuelta a España 2024, stage 15: Infiesto - Cuitu Negru, 142.9k

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I don't think Purito was so fat that he should count for two :D
My bad, I meant Contador of course. Purito was literally stronger than Contador on almost every MTF and murito, everything was the perfect storm for him to win that race. Insane he didn't, but then again, the guy managed to lose the Giro to freaking Ryder Hesjedal, so we shouldn't be too surprised. Still, that was absolute peak Purito Rodriguez, and in that sense I guess it was also peak Purito throwing a race he should have won.
 
My bad, I meant Contador of course. Purito was literally stronger than Contador on almost every MTF and murito, everything was the perfect storm for him to win that race. Insane he didn't, but then again, the guy managed to lose the Giro to freaking Ryder Hesjedal, so we shouldn't be too surprised. Still, that was absolute peak Purito Rodriguez, and in that sense I guess it was also peak Purito throwing a race he should have won.

Yeah, not many people have pissed away two GT wins in one year. At least he got his (first) monument that year to salvage the situation. But it is quite remarkable how similar his season that year is to Chaves' in 2016 on paper but how different it was in reality.
 
What I'm wondering - if O'Connor can't keep up with Roglic, Mas, ... will Felix Gall be allowed to ride with them (if O'Connor is really having a bad day)

So far Gall looked way stronger on the mountains than O'Connor and I think he could follow the GC contenders....but will he be allowed to do so (not just on the last 2k, when it's clear O'Connnor is done)
 
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What I'm wondering - if O'Connor can't keep up with Roglic, Mas, ... will Felix Gall be allowed to ride with them (if O'Connor is really having a bad day)

So far Gall looked way stronger on the mountains than O'Connor and I think he could follow the GC contenders....but will he be allowed to do so (not just on the last 2k, when it's clear O'Connnor is done)
I would be very disappointed if Gall wasn't allowed to just ride his own race at this point. Surely that should be their tactic now, O' Connor aint winning jackshit and I actually think that Gall still will overtake him despite losing time he shouldn't have.
 
'Guys, help me! My legs are feeling numb whenever I have to put in a big effort. What is happening to me!?''
> 'Do not worry, it's probably nothing. Just keep going.'

'Guys, I tested positive for covid, but I am feeling terrific. For the first time in weeks I could dig deep and be of worth to the team! I am so happy.'
> 'Pack your bags, boy. Time to go home.'
 
'Guys, help me! My legs are feeling numb whenever I have to put in a big effort. What is happening to me!?''
> 'Do not worry, it's probably nothing. Just keep going.'

'Guys, I tested positive for covid, but I am feeling terrific. For the first time in weeks I could dig deep and be of worth to the team! I am so happy.'
> 'Pack your bags, boy. Time to go home.'
Yep, strange times indeed ...
 
Roglič to do another stomp and take the red jersey by a few seconds.

Mas, Landa, Rodriguez and Lipowitz to be the closest riders to him followed by the duo Gall/O'Connor.
 
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Having a teammate is very important in steep gradients too. Of course drafting is not relevant anymore but psychological support is huge specially when the leader is blowing. Everyone should see Dani Martinez helping Bernal in the Giro and say teammates are not important in steep gradients.