Vuelta a Espana: Sept 16: Stage 17 Cuidad Real - Talavera de la Reina: 194km

[badboyberty]

Steephill says sprinter party. Any dissenters?

As far as I can guess Columbia will force a sprint so Greipel can get maximum points to ensure that can't accidently get the green jersey while fighting for overall. It'll be interesting to see if Liquigas will go all out again in the final to set up Benatti or are they starting to get disheartened by the Columbia juggernaut.

Has anyone heard how Dean pulled up after his boy meets tarmac incident?

 

[lucybears]

Director’s report from Johnny Weltz:

"However, he is ok."

http://www.slipstreamsports.com/2009/09/15/vuelta-a-espana-stage-16

 

[Sasquatch]

Sprint finish with Greipel taking it.

 

[Bala Verde]

Cunego, Ballan, Weylandt (injury, fractured os capitatum) abandoned.

 

[TRDean]

Cunego, Ballan, Weylandt (injury, fractured os capitatum) abandoned.

Too bad for Weylandt!! I was surprised to not see him getting better results earlier. I hope a quick recovery!!

 

[powderpuff]

After 47km
The gap is now 5 minutes
The 5-man break, composed of IRIZAR ARANBURU Markel, MARTINEZ PEREZ Francisco Jose, ROUX Anthony, MAASKANT Martijn and WESTRA Lieuwe

 

[taiwan]

Sprint finish with Greipel taking it.

***spoiler alert***

 

[Bala Verde]

After 47km
The gap is now 5 minutes
The 5-man break, composed of IRIZAR ARANBURU Markel, MARTINEZ PEREZ Francisco Jose, ROUX Anthony, MAASKANT Martijn and WESTRA Lieuwe

Could be the break of the day. Who is going to catch them? Columbia again, and Liquigas who have noticed that Bennati doesn't have it?

 

[ingsve]

Did Gesink have a crash?

 

[ingsve]

Mosquera has definately hit the ground today.

 

[TRDean]

Did Dean start today?

 

[Mellow Velo]

Yes, Mosquera looks pretty beaten up.........again.

 

[Mellow Velo]

In the ditch...XG having a mare!

 

[TRDean]

Nuyens wins in GP Wallonie!!

Rabo riding well.

 

[aarnold517]

matt keenan: "this breakaway is a bit like survivor. they had an alliance, but pretty soon they are going to have to start voting their companions off the island""

 

[Mellow Velo]

Thanks for that. I had recorded the race, to watch later.
Didn't expect to read the result on today's Vuelta thread.

 

[issoisso]

In a two-up sprint Maaskant would win, but they'll be caught

 

[issoisso]

Awesome Roux!!!

Where the heck did he find the legs?

 

[titan_90]

Awesome Roux!!!

Where the heck did he find the legs?

+1

That was so close, happy to see someone from the break get the win

 

[Mellow Velo]

Martin Mas can't!
Tony Roux..so clever. FDJ get a win.
Unbelievable....

 

[aarnold517]

that was fantastic to not only be able to catch maaskant back but then attack him not long after

 

[TRDean]

Thanks for that. I had recorded the race, to watch later.
Didn't expect to read the result on today's Vuelta thread.

Sorry Mello...I was just excited!!!

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Mosquera and Gesink both crashed some 30km before the finish. Because of their bike change they had no transponders and were not in the original result

They are now back at their respective GC places (2nd and 6th).

Both riders have visited the doctor in the race. Mosquera pretty long even. I hope it doesn't have any effect

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

that was fantastic to not only be able to catch maaskant back but then attack him not long after

When you catch a guy you know you are stronger (you have to ride faster to catch). And Maaskant was already going all out and pretty close to dying. It isn't a suprise to drop him then

Besides, Maaskant is not in great form in this Vuelta, I emailed him over the weekend (I do his website) and he said he didn't exactly have a best time. The double fall in San Sebastian and Vattenfall Cyclassics on the same knee didn't do him well

 

[aarnold517]

also, anthony roux is now my favorite rider

first he picks flowers from the bouquet to give to the podium girls, then he sprays the next podium girls with the champagne given to the winner of the stage. awesome