Vuelta Andalucia 2012. feb 19th - feb 23th(2.1 UCI Europe Tour)

[Froome19]

De Clercq isn't there (since he still raced in the Algarve yesterday). Vanendert could be a good bet. Gesink would really surprise me, Mollema as well, actually all the Rabo guys would.

De clerq was on the startlist and I predicted him since he had done decently in algarve not thinking that it meant he couldn't be racing in andalucia. Just said Rabobank as they have the strongest team with a lot of guys who can do well, but your'e right that I doubt they will do much. Gesink's prologue perfomance does give me a bit of hope though...

 

[Kwibus]

De clerq was on the startlist and I predicted him since he had done decently in algarve not thinking that it meant he couldn't be racing in andalucia. Just said Rabobank as they have the strongest team with a lot of guys who can do well, but your'e right that I doubt they will do much. Gesink's prologue perfomance does give me a bit of hope though...

It would be completely crazy if Gesink wins tomorrow. It's impossible really, allthough it would be pretty cool.
I don't think Mollema will have any decent form yet, allthough i have no clue where I base this on. Kruiswijk usually need more climbing.
Kelderman maybe?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

its not impossible at all. Gesink has a high base level and can train himself to a decent level very quickly even after injury.

From what I read of his twitter data he's already at about 90% of his old level. If he has any sort of form and the others don't he could win. But I don't expect it. I recon there are some guys who have better form already because htey have done TDU or other races.

But it's definately not impossible

 

[ferryman]

its not impossible at all. Gesink has a high base level and can train himself to a decent level very quickly even after injury.

From what I read of his twitter data he's already at about 90% of his old level. If he has any sort of form and the others don't he could win. But I don't expect it. I recon there are some guys who have better form already because htey have done TDU or other races.

But it's definately not impossible

Excellent news if he is at 90%. I had my worries that it would take him well in to Spring to get any sort of base form.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

its not impossible at all. Gesink has a high base level and can train himself to a decent level very quickly even after injury.

From what I read of his twitter data he's already at about 90% of his old level. If he has any sort of form and the others don't he could win. But I don't expect it. I recon there are some guys who have better form already because htey have done TDU or other races.

But it's definately not impossible

Do you really think he can drop Coppel?

 

[Havetts]

Nobody knows but Gesink, but I'm not sure whatever to expect from it. His wattage levels seem to be around 90% indeed, but to beat Coppel? We will have to see (hopefully not just a ticker !) tomorrow.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Do you really think he can drop Coppel?

If he has form sure. Gesink is a much better natural climber than Coppel. Coppel has the advantage of having more race fitness tho. So it's not likely tomorrow.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

If he has form sure. Gesink is a much better natural climber than Coppel. Coppel has the advantage of having more race fitness tho. So it's not likely tomorrow.

You're right, I guess. Valverde did a poor prologue and has already won this year, so yeah.

 

[will10]

Anton for tomorrow

 

[Kazistuta]

Normally I would peg a lot of the Rabo boys as favorites - it doesn't seem like they're quite there yet, though.

Coppel is proven fit atm, Taaramae should do well and I'm looking forward to seing König and Novikov - but actually my bet is one of the other orange boys: Samu, Anton or Astarloza.

Would love to see Beñat Intxausti win and be back after his black year with Tondos death.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

Anton is not known for his great early season form.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

from rabo boys kelderman probably has best form, but i don't expect anything special from him.. yet

gesink seems like he will give it a genuine go, will be intersting to see where he's at.

 

[roundabout]

Those finishing climbs seem like short explosive ones.

Can anyone tell me how well Gesink goes up those?

I forgot.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Those finishing climbs seem like short explosive ones.

Can anyone tell me how well Gesink goes up those?

I forgot.

In Quebec he momentarily put Gilbert at 2 bikelengths at a hill of 500m at 9%.

So in form he does quite well actually.

 

[roundabout]

I am kidding.

I think he can place high but isn't quick enough in the sprint to win.

 

[will10]

Those finishing climbs seem like short explosive ones.

Can anyone tell me how well Gesink goes up those?

I forgot.

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/2008/apr08/flechewallonne08/?id=results

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

shame there is no coverage, would have been fun to watch

 

[theyoungest]

Coppel to take the lead, a Spaniard will take the stage (Valverde, probably).

 

[theyoungest]

Those finishing climbs seem like short explosive ones.

Can anyone tell me how well Gesink goes up those?

I forgot.

Not great, since he became a time trial specialist

 

[classicomano]

Today the Condor will fly again!

 

[Kwibus]

There isn't any livestream right?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

nope only ticker

 

[LaFleur]

I found some coverage starting in 2 hours from now. The race should be ongoing then so it has to be live?

 

[Thibaut Pinot]

I found some coverage starting in 2 hours from now. The race should be ongoing then so it has to be live?

Nope, that's a summary of the 2nd stage.

 

[cineteq]

Km 90. breakaway Buffaz 5:04 over peloton