Stage 12: Andorra la Vella — Lleida
What is it? Climbing early, then a long descent to the finish. Breakaway likely.
Got Climbs? Just one. It's rather lengthy, but it comes early in the stage.
Red Jersey Battle: Probably not, though it's the sort of stage where inattentiveness could open a split in the field. Presumably the teams all learned that lesson at the Giro, didn't they?
Ideal Rider: Pick your favorite breakaway guy. He'll need good climbing legs and a fast finish.
@Gavia: Breakaway. Gav, I do not think that word means what you think it means.
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This is a mullet of a stage, or more accurately a reverse mullet, since all the party is at the front. From Andorra la Vella, the stage starts out hilly, then it's a long descending race to the finish. The coll de Bóixols is the main climb of the day and it summits at kilometer 54. A category 2, the Bóixols is 15.5 kilometers of climbing, and should send a breakaway on its way. The bigs don't have too much to fear here, though they would do well to pay attention and avoid any dangerous splits. If twenty riders go up the road, you might want to go along. Just trying to help. The finish is flat, so the winning rider will need a bit of speed to take the victory in Llieda. The break should go all the way on this one (Yes, I keep saying that. Maybe I'll even be right).
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No, Gav, that word does not mean what you think it means.
Cavendish Wins! Igor Anton is still in the Red Jersey of the race lead.
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