2021 Vuelta a Espana

[Dees]

KOM battle in the break, and given the gaps between the climbs I reckon GC battle will only be on Covadonga. Movistar are crucial to how interesting the rest of the Vuelta is. Hopefully they're not just happy going for 2nd and 3rd on GC.

 

[Over The Post]

Another confusing map (they love these in the Vuelta). Ride from Unquera to Cangas de Onis, up to Santillan, ride around the La Collada Llomena loop twice, then back the way they came and up to Covadonga.

 

[eth-dog]

It's on already everyone!

 

[Drummond]

It's on already everyone!

Hoping this stage delivers the goods. If I’m being honest apart from Storer and Lopez looking in reasonable form, this tour has been hugely underwhelming. Still could have a cracking final week but I just see Roglic cruising to an easy win.

 

[eth-dog]

FREE LANDA

 

[Over The Post]

Away goes Bernal 4.5km from the summit... Roglich on his tail. This will not end well for Bernal.

 

[drd23]

Bernal and Roglic going on the penultimate climb is a bit of a surprise given the length of the valley to come

 

[eth-dog]

Bernal and Roglic going on the penultimate climb is a bit of a surprise given the length of the valley to come

Roglic didn't "go", he just responded to the move. But yeah, bold move from Egan

 

[eth-dog]

Poor Odd. And it looks like Vuelta done for Vlasov unfortunately.

 

[eth-dog]

 

[Over The Post]

Bernal explodes.

 

[drd23]

There we go - Roglic likely riding off with the win while Bernal shows signs of cracks. Does Haig et al catch Berbal before the top?

 

[eth-dog]

Roglic is so much better than everyone not named Tadej Pogacar in the world, isn't he?

 

[eth-dog]

I feel like Keenan's puns get underappreciated. He's fantastic

 

[drd23]

Rog just too good in the end. Bernal really lost out by having to expend all that extra energy for no time gained on most of the GC guys

 

[Over The Post]

I'm glad he was able to hang on to come through with the chasing group.

 

[eth-dog]

So GC is over. Points classification is virtually over, unless Jakobsen misses a time cut. So, do we think Bardet wins polka dots? Will Roglic make a late play?

 

[Dees]

KOM battle in the break, and given the gaps between the climbs I reckon GC battle will only be on Covadonga. Movistar are crucial to how interesting the rest of the Vuelta is. Hopefully they're not just happy going for 2nd and 3rd on GC.

Sure got this wrong haha.

 

[eth-dog]

Sure got this wrong haha.

Eh, it was one we could assume that would happen. Tonight I think they'll let a break go, last night was all about Roglic flexing his muscles.

 

[eth-dog]

Holy cow that last climb is brutal

 

[Over The Post]

San Llaurienzu:

Cobertoria:

Gamoniteru:

 

[eth-dog]

Gamoniteru looks amazing

 

[drd23]

17% right at the top

 

[eth-dog]

17% right at the top

Even km 1.8-8 look brutal, the average gradient there must be about 12 or 13%

 

[eth-dog]

I really hope that it becomes an iconic Vuelta climb, similar to the Zonkolan for the Giro or Alp D'uez for the Tour. It looks brutal.