Vuelta a España discussion (spoilers)

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by fignon's barber

Roglic docked 20 seconds for drafting. I was wondering why Bobke or CV didn't talk about it when the tv motorbike was right next to them.

If you're going to do that, youve got to pretend like it's a real mechanical, not a bike preference change. Then you get more leniency on using the cars to rejoin the group.

[Hilltopwalters]

Wout going down before Primoz? What is this? The bizzaro tour?

[Waldo62]

Originally Posted by Hilltopwalters

Wout going down before Primoz? What is this? The bizzaro tour?

Primoz goes down in the TdF and wins Vueltas.

[Elefantino]

Originally Posted by Hilltopwalters

Wout going down before Primoz? What is this? The bizzaro tour?

At some point, considering all his accidents in recent years, WVA appears to have outdone Roglic in the untimely exit department. It's sad, no doubt painful physically and mentally, but at this point Wout is almost a crash meme.

[denapista]

Originally Posted by Elefantino

At some point, considering all his accidents in recent years, WVA appears to have outdone Roglic in the untimely exit department. It's sad, no doubt painful physically and mentally, but at this point Wout is almost a crash meme.

I couldn't sleep this morning, so was awake at 3am.. Watched a documentary on Netflix just to make it to the Vuelta stage, post their rest day. I expected a battle and I couldn't stay awake. Fell asleep on my couch and had a wild dream that Wout crashed in my dream.. I wake up and 6min later he crashes. That was some Universe talking to me in the 4th dimension type of dream.

[gone]

Saw that Michael Woods didn't take the start on todays stage (17), not sure of the reason. Sorry to see that.

[gone]

This thread has petered out - has everyone lost interest in the Vuelta?

Yesterday's stage (18) was fairly exciting IMHO despite not having any HC climbs. Kern won their third stage which is amazing considering they were an invited team. Kudos to them.

And in possibly the stupidest example of racing tactics in quite some time:

• Euskatel missed the break in their home region. Chased on for a while but there is no way they're going to catch a 40 strong break.
• T-Rex sent Cattaneo back from the lead group with an excellent chance to win the stage to help Landa who was 10 minutes back with only 12K left to go. Dumbest thing I've seen in pro racing in a while.

O'Connor is still in red! He'll likely keep it today but keeping it on stage 20 is going to be a challenge.

[fourflys]

I'm still watching it.. I think today maybe and for sure tomorrow will be good days to watch..

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by gone

This thread has petered out - has everyone lost interest in the Vuelta?

I will admit that Wout getting injured put me off. It just felt like the results were capricious and random. I'll tune back in for the end, though.

[flying]

After todays stage it is now Ben in 2nd place with Mas @ 26 seconds back in 3rd & Carapaz another 34 seconds behind Mas

Would be nice if Ben could hold 2nd

[novacyclist]

Now, the question for me is if Ben can stay mentally focused to try and stay on the podium or will he crumble.

[charliedid]

Hoping for some fireworks today and an uncertain final TT tomorrow.

[trener1]

I am still watching.
The way Ben rode yesterday, I don't know if he will still be on the podium by this afternoon.
I think EF and Movistar will be putting some serious pressure today, they sense blood in the water, heck even FDJ might get into the mix as Gadau is looking really strong.

Kern Pharma!! I mean what a story, that is fantastic.
As much as I love Pogi and what he brings to the sport, I don't think anyone can say that this Vuelta hasn't been a more exciting race with better story lines then the Giro.

Wout what else can you say, man he must have pissed off someones black cat.
I was really looking forward to see if he could hold the Polka dot all the way to Madrid, not to mention that he was looking in great shape for Worlds.

[gone]

Today (stage 20) is going to be exciting to watch for sure. Pretty much everything to play for among the top 5 and both the red and polka dot jerseys are still on the table.

TBH, after watching the whole Vuelta I’m not sure how I *want* it to come out. O’Connor has done a yeomans job of defending the red jersey and certainly deserves to be on the podium.

Mas and Carapaz have both animated the race and fought hard to both maintain and improve their standing.

Soler has been in the break just about every day, won a stage and attacked more times than I can count. The KOM jersey certainly would be well deserved.

I’m also disappointed that Wout crashed out. He was in absolutely super form and would have really been a contender at the worlds.

Even without having seen the last two stages, this has been a great race to watch.

[GregL]

Peacock just reported salmonella food poisoning in the Red Bull team. Multiple support riders dropping out today and a staff member hospitalized. Nothing like some drama for the red jersey on the penultimate stage!

Greg