Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, 4-9 April

[markene2]

I would list the favorites in this race as: Di Luca, Sammy Sanchez, Frank Schleck and finally Ivan Basso.
My outsiders would be: Vino, Duarte, Menchov and Martin.

Though I don’t think Martin will win this, as someone said before me it would be much more impressive if he did. Just think the climbs are a bit too step for him. And if you look at the start list he is not even close to be in the top 10 without the TT. Though it will be interesting to follow Di Luca, the race is suited for him, and it seems that he got form. So from my point of view it’s most likely that Sanchez or Di Luca takes this.

It will be fun to follow Vino in this race to, he must surely build up some forms for the Classics. Well can’t wait for this race, it’s a gem, and it will be unpredictable

 

[luckyboy]

I'd put Menchov in the favourites. Have to see how he's recovered from recent troubles though.

 

[Aguirre]

listen, I'm the parcours very well. Toni Martin might win only if:
-he comes in a super form
-he is fully motivated to win this hard race, quite technical
-he has very good luck
-he smashes everybody in the TT (which is not a flat TT but one sammy o gesink can be same level that Martin)

I think all this won't happen, simply because he has won P-N and from now he will be focused in the Tour.

SO, PLEASE, forget about Martin.

Instead you can count in someone like Uran. Beñat might be a dark horse too, but he is not in good shape. Sammy will be very up. And Horner too. Horner is very, very motivated in this race.

Wondering about LL Sanchez, does he come? He is failing his season...

 

[Aguirre]

I meant "I know the parcours" ooopppssss

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Same climb they went over last year when Rodriguez won

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnuNOr2DL4s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQJqybyI0hQ

I was quoting the query of which was the stage with the climb so hard even the purest climbers were throwing their bikes side to side in agony.

I don't think we have Aia this year, sadly.

How Amets Txurruka managed to climb that with a broken collarbone I'll never know.

 

[luckyboy]

Ah yeah, need to pay attention more.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Wondering about LL Sanchez, does he come? He is failing his season...

LL Sanchez comes as luxury helper for Gesink

 

[theyoungest]

LL Sanchez comes as luxury helper for Gesink

Does Lulu know that as well? He'll probably be second leader, or however you like to call it.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

LuLu said himself he'll work for Gesink in the races where Gesink is leader. Wether he'll do that, is the question.

In his Caisse time he was notorious for NOT working for Valverde and doing whatever he likes

 

[theyoungest]

LuLu said himself he'll work for Gesink in the races where Gesink is leader. Wether he'll do that, is the question.

In his Caisse time he was notorious for NOT working for Valverde and doing whatever he likes

Ah, so I see the procedure... when he doesn't work for Gesink, you get to say that he doesn't do what he's been told. Or what you think he's been told.

I think he'll get free reign in this race, the "working for Gesink" part only refers to the Tour AFAIK. Of course Gesink has a much bigger chance of winning this race, but whatever. Lulu hasn't really been an asset to Rabo so far.

 

[El Pistolero]

LuLu said himself he'll work for Gesink in the races where Gesink is leader. Wether he'll do that, is the question.

In his Caisse time he was notorious for NOT working for Valverde and doing whatever he likes

That's because he didn't like Valverde.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

In the week before Catalunya he had been ill, and got hit by a car, so I don't think we can judge his form by that race. In Murcia he was doing just fine.

yeah but in 2 weeks he's not just gonna be from really bad to one of the best. menchov is always slow in this

 

[theyoungest]

yeah but in 2 weeks he's not just gonna be from really bad to one of the best. menchov is always slow in this

I remember last year before the TDF, he rode the Tour of Belgium and was dropped from the peloton (!) on the first stage. Then in Dauphiné he already had a more or less decent level.

 

[roundabout]

i actually thought that Castilla y Leon was next for Menchov. guess he needs extra racing

 

[Aguirre]

LuLu said himself he'll work for Gesink in the races where Gesink is leader. Wether he'll do that, is the question.

In his Caisse time he was notorious for NOT working for Valverde and doing whatever he likes

well, if LL fails P-N and Basque Country, then what's left for him?
Lieje? Amstel? (again Gesink leader here) Tour (also the ducth)

Hope he can shine in Basque country, we need back the superLuisle again!

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

I remember last year before the TDF, he rode the Tour of Belgium and was dropped from the peloton (!) on the first stage. Then in Dauphiné he already had a more or less decent level.

yeah decent but not very good

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

well, if LL fails P-N and Basque Country, then what's left for him?
Lieje? Amstel? (again Gesink leader here) Tour (also the ducth)

Hope he can shine in Basque country, we need back the superLuisle again!

we all know ll sanchez never works for anyone, not even valverde in his days. so I doubt he will put out a finger to help gesink.

 

[luckyboy]

How much help will he give anyway? It's not like he's impressed this season.

This is the first time I've seen his name being mentioned.

 

[hrotha]

The thing is, after failing at Paris-Nice, what does Rabobank plan to do with LL? I figure he could go to the Dauphiné while Gesink does Suisse, but the Dauphiné is too hard for LL. And Gesink wants to do the Vuelta too, right? So... Poland and Eneco?

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

The thing is, after failing at Paris-Nice, what does Rabobank plan to do with LL? I figure he could go to the Dauphiné while Gesink does Suisse, but the Dauphiné is too hard for LL. And Gesink wants to do the Vuelta too, right? So... Poland and Eneco?

romandie

\.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

California? Probably his kind of race. Lengthyish time trial, most mountains being ones that the power climbers can hold on to and grind out.

Amstel Gold? San Sebastián? Burgos? Tour of Belgium? Quiznos?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

The thing is, after failing at Paris-Nice, what does Rabobank plan to do with LL? I figure he could go to the Dauphiné while Gesink does Suisse, but the Dauphiné is too hard for LL. And Gesink wants to do the Vuelta too, right? So... Poland and Eneco?

Actually, Gesink rides the Dauphine again this year, he feels it's a better prep. because he can stuff in another training camp at height between dauphine and tour.

So.... Romandie and Suisse for LL, thats it

 

[The Hitch]

That's because he didn't like Valverde.

From what ive read their good friends.

 

[Eric8-A]

Redemption for Basso?

 

[Ryaguas]

That's because he didn't like Valverde.

From what ive read their good friends.

Yep is true... They are good friends but LuLu just work for LuLu

Redemption for Basso?

The climbs are not long enough to put the diesel to work they are STEEP but explosiveness is a need here... Di Luca should be able to get a win here... Gesink absolutely! SS suxed hard in Crit International but He's always ready for Itzulia!
Would prefer to see here Fuji instead Castilla y Leon but whatever...

For me... hope to see this smile arriving 1st to the finish line! Go RIGO!