Vuelta a Espana Stage 2: La Nucía - Playas de Orihuela 175.5 km

[Ferminal]

To give this some perspective, the Tropea finish of the Giro which Gatto won/Contador attacked was 650m @ 7.8%, with a double hairpin at the steepest part of the climb. On the other hand, in the Giro there was still a good km to the finish.

If I had to pick something which this finish resembles, it would be Toledo last year, which Gilbert won over Farrar, with Velits and Nibali in the top10.

Sagan will attack half way up the climb, otherwise a sprinter wins (perhaps not Cav, but a sprinter nonetheless).

 

[mewmewmew13]

I would guess that Boonen would really love a stage win.

 

[royalpig180]

Sagan or Breschel.

Is the finish really that difficult? The profile of the final kilometer makes it look like it, but we're talking a total rise of what? 20 or 30 metres?

Edit: never mind I looked at the profile again and it is harder than that. If petacchi has regained his odd early season climbing form then he could win otherwise sagan has a real good shot at this

 

[dlwssonic]

With that incline, GVA could really do something today.

 

[Scansorial]

Sagan could become race leader with time bonuses, couldn't he? Same for Kittel.

 

[royalpig180]

Sagan could become race leader with time bonuses, couldn't he? Same for Kittel.

Yes, several riders could. Bennati, Dekegnolb, and several others in addition to Sagan and Kittel...

 

[Tank Engine]

To give this some perspective, the Tropea finish of the Giro which Gatto won/Contador attacked was 650m @ 7.8%, with a double hairpin at the steepest part of the climb. On the other hand, in the Giro there was still a good km to the finish.

If I had to pick something which this finish resembles, it would be Toledo last year, which Gilbert won over Farrar, with Velits and Nibali in the top10.

Sagan will attack half way up the climb, otherwise a sprinter wins (perhaps not Cav, but a sprinter nonetheless).

I was thinking about Toledo when tipping Tyler. Overall this stage is easier so there will be more sprinters contending, so I expect the GC guys to be a bit lower down than in Toledo. Looks like a strongman/sprinter finish. Tyler wasn't too bad at ENECO and looked fine in the TTT. Boonen ..mmm.. right sort of finish, but has he got the form?

 

[greenedge]

I think Kittel is a great hope for this. Cav 2nd( because i think he can survive if he is well positioned ) and Sagan 3rd. Chavanel to try a break inside 4km to go maybe???

Farrar and Breschel will be close as well

 

[Hugo Koblet]

I had a dream this night that Farrar will win while Cavendish fails and Goss does very well. Hoping that GVA can do well today!

 

[Kwibus]

Bennati gets red tomorrow. But he won't win the stage!

This. Bennati is an expert at getting 2nd or 3rd and rarely wins. He lacks the topspeed, but always seems to manage to be well positioned atleast.
With the bonusseconds he'll get the red jersey.

I'm putting my money on Kittel, because I just really hope so and it's possible as well

Cav never wins the first bunchsprint.

edit: Just looked at the last 2km and I don't think this is made for Kittel. I've seen some interesting names and I'd like to add Breschel to the mix.

 

[theyoungest]

I've looked at the final k in Google streetview. That 250 m ramp has Sagan written all over it.

As for Breschel or Freire, the two of them were the weakest links in the TTT yesterday, so don't expect too much.

 

[Tuarts]

What's an on form Breschel like? Can he get over hills like Freire or Sagan?

 

[Hugo Koblet]

What's an on form Breschel like? Can he get over hills like Freire or Sagan?

This stage suits an on form Breschel like almost nothing else. However I doubt that he's in that good shape but he's building at the moment. I wouldn't expect much from him though, since the deal was that Freire helped Matti in Post Danmark Rundt while Matti should help Freire here. Of course if something unexpected happens or if Freire just doesn't have it, I would expect Breschel to do OK here.

 

[Descender]

This stage looks like the traditional worlds-lookalike stage from every year's Vuelta.

 

[maltiv]

This stage has Hushovd written all over it...oh wait.

 

[Poursuivant]

Was cav ill yesterday? Or was it that little climb that done him? Didnt he say he didnt feel good?????

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

Was cav ill yesterday? Or was it that little climb that done him? Didnt he say he didnt feel good?????

MarkCavendish Mark Cavendish
Well, after single-handedly supplying all of failblog.com with material yesterday, let's hope today's a bit better. #bunchsprint

 

[Jamsque]

The only racing he's done since the Tour was that London Olympics test event so it's not surprising his legs are a bit rusty. A short TTT is a hard way to get back in to top-level racing after a break.

 

[auscyclefan94]

When does today's stage start?

 

[jsem94]

Eurosport is airing Cyclassics at 15.00 CEST, then the Vuelta stage live @ 16.30.

 

[icefire]

When does today's stage start?

They should be starting now. Live coverage will start at 16:00 CEST, a bit less than 3 hours from now. Stage finish expected between 17:30 and 18:00 CEST

 

[The Hitch]

Cancellara ftw

Or maybe break.

will Htc chase down a stage they should know by now does not suit Cav like most do.
Garmin likewise.
Liqui have the favourite for the stage but have Nibali as well.
Leopard have the most reason to chase it down i suppose but they will be on the front all day.
Rabo might want to help, but how much help would it be.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Cancellara ftw

Or maybe break.

will Htc chase down a stage they should know by now does not suit Cav like most do.
Garmin likewise.
Liqui have the favourite for the stage but have Nibali as well.
Leopard have the most reason to chase it down i suppose but they will be on the front all day.
Rabo might want to help, but how much help would it be.

HTC will definetly chase with guys like Goss and Degenkolb. Garmin will certainly and of course Leopard Trek will do it's fair share. Rabo are a team who may not do the work.

 

[auscyclefan94]

37.5oC at the start line today. Lets hope for the riders it isn't too hot during the rest of la vuelta.

 

[hrotha]

37.5oC at the start line today. Lets hope for the riders it isn't too hot during the rest of la vuelta.

I haven't ridden my bike in like 10 days because it's always over 37º. I'd need to get up at 8 am to go for a proper ride, but I lack the determination.