Waiting for the Vuelta

[Bala Verde]

It's doesn't carry the nickname, "The Wall", for nothing.
Remember Fabio Roscioli, in 2000?
He hit the climb with a lead of 6 or 7 minutes and it's not a long climb.
Yet, he was caught by Eladio Jimenez, within metres of the top, having rode the final couple of kms, at a snail's pace, weaving from one side of the road, to the other.

Unfortunately, having looked, I can't find it on the "Tube".
However, these "clubbies" give an impression of what it's like:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwlp_nLVaMI&feature=related

Great vid.

Funny, it never looks really steep, but the fact that they are pedalling backwards - that second guy was doing minus 2mph and the third guy affectionately called Pantani with his weird bars was overtaken by a snail - reveals something. They should probably not have chosen the 39x26 gear and perhaps lost some weight

These guys are only going marginally faster, and the acompanying music is a bucketload of fun...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPlT4cuYylI&feature=related

The pros are doing it here in 1998 stage 6 of the Vuelta with a cycling news report from the old box

 

[issoisso]

Here's a pro video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1F2txM3TTA

Notice how "fast" such vaunted climbers as Chaba Jiménez, Heras, etc. climb it at the height of the EPO age

Bonus: see if you can spot Armstrong suffering in the pack as the climbers attack

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Which of the 2 Garmin climbers will be the best in this years Vuelta?
Danielson or Martin. I read that Danielson had a great tour before this.
But is Martin better than him this year, I read that he just recovered from an injury. So who do you think will be the best Garmin climber, although Danielson is the leader on paper.

personally i don't really rate TD. I think martin should have a free role, allowing to show who the stronger of the two is.

 

[amp300]

Here's a pro video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1F2txM3TTA

Notice how "fast" such vaunted climbers as Chaba Jiménez, Heras, etc. climb it at the height of the EPO age

Bonus: see if you can spot Armstrong suffering in the pack as the climbers attack

Good find! those first few minutes looked sooo painful.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Can't wait! Only 10 days away!

 

[ak-zaaf]

first the cota de witteveen \o/

 

[Mellow Velo]

Not the best profile, but there you go. I wish they had Fabio Rosciloi's edition on the Tube.
Such pain and suffering!

 

[AdK1991]

Is this the hardest mountain stage?

 

[Mellow Velo]

No, but it will be the most explosive.
Don't expect huge time gaps on a 4km wall.

 

[Bala Verde]

That little icon - the mountain with the miniature cyclist - with the name of the creator under it, says it all.

It's close to vertical...