The Daily Race: Vuelta a España Stage 20
by Jen See on Sep 18, 2010 6:33 AM EDT
in Vuelta a España
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Stage 20: San Martín de Valdeiglesias — Bola del Mundo
What is it? The climbing finale of this year's Vuelta.
Got Climbs? Three major climbs, uphill finish.
Red Jersey Battle: Last chance saloon. The Vuelta will be won and lost here.
Ideal Rider: Why a climber, of course. There's nothing easy about the final climb.
@Gavia: Nothing like finishing a grand tour with a mountain stage.
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Alto del León
Puerto de Navacerrada
Bola del Mundo
Video of the final climb
It's a hard hilly ride from San Martín de Valdeiglesias to the mountain top finish at Bola del Mundo. Only the climbers will enjoy this stage which will decide who wears the Red Jersey in Madrid. There are four categorized climbs, though the Puerto de la Cruz Verde at kilometer 31 is comparatively short. After this category 3, it's all mountainous to the finish. The final climb of the day to Bola del Mundo is a doozy. It's 22 kilometers of climbing to the finish and it boasts a maximum gradient of 20%. Conveniently, the maximum gradient comes close to the finish. Only the best climbers will survive this one. It should be a hard fought battle for the Red Jersey, especially as the time gaps at the top of the general remain relatively close. Bad legs on this final climb could mean big time losses for an unlucky rider. By the end of this stage, we'll know who will win this year's Vuelta.
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With that kind of long finishing climb, I'd be surprised if he doesn't pedal away in the final few kms.
I had no idea it was so lengthy. Liqui will be hard pressed to deliver Nibs to a place where he can shadow Zeke without losing too many seconds.
The final hour of racing will be fantastic. This race has more uncertainty than either of the other GTs. Once Basso got close in the Giro, it was as good as over; ditto when it was clear Andy would have to TT beyond his capabilities in order to win.
Dat was echt een schwalbe!
Take a second to imagine
how nervous these guys are going to be. Someone’s first GTGC will be handed out tomorrow. Even my stomach is in knots!
just pixels with personality
I am not Frinking off course, but...
Sleepless Night.!
Starless Night!
Queen Stage!
Judgment Day!
Life on the line!\
Life for the Line!
The Finish line on the Mountain Top.
Hey you the cheek magnet,
Young and Handsome.
All splendid in the Red and Green!
All I need from you is 51 sec.
Isn’t this so much to ask?
I can hold my breath for 51 sec!
I can hold my hurt on fire for 51 sec\
I can die if it comes to that for 51 sec.
Sleepless Night!\
Starless Night!
Judgment Day!
It is so hard to be me!
What you know about pressure?
I need the tow line.
I need the life line no more then 49 seconds long!
Roman, Oliwer, Ivan, Maciej, Jacopo, Daniele and Frederik,
You are my salvation!
I need you to shield me from the World!
I need you to hide my blood and pain from the Vultures!
I need you to be my ladder.
Podium is so unbelievably high!
Sleepless Night!
Starless Night!
Judgment Day!
Loud World, Weeps and laughs.
Sleep and works.
Making love and War.
Indifferent!
But we are the chosen one!
We know what is coming tomorrow!
Cheers for us!
Café!
I used to be a big fan of the Racer Formerly Known as Bert! But then again, I used to believe in Santa ,Tooth Fairy and innocence of Floyd!
.
Bravo Holmovka !
My heart is pounding from restless legs turning here,at home, in anticipation.
"We just nick them. God makes the beer." Inspector Lewis
Hawking rethinks the Universe."In the end..there is only one Force..Jens!"
by frans verbiage on Sep 17, 2010 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Can’t hardly wait myself!
I used to be a big fan of the Racer Formerly Known as Bert! But then again, I used to believe in Santa ,Tooth Fairy and innocence of Floyd!
.
Bravo! Will we see you later or will you be pacing?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Danish TV are showing f***ing, g** d**n, SOB, bulls*** handball so I can’t watch this on TV. First they show the chicken gyrating his bony hips and now this. Is there limit to the harm they are willing to inflict upon mankind?
Bugger! Even Oz has TV coverage :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
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