The professional cycling thread

[mcelliott]

More action in the last 10 minutes of this stage than the entire Tour de France. Wow.

[Dr Imran T]

Another great stage today, it's about time NQ showed us what he is made of

Hats off to AC for coming back at the end against Froome, that must have been brutally hard. Remarkable fighting attitude in the face of adversity.

Still all to play for - great to see Froome really challenging for the red jersey too.

One thing that is evidently clear is that Movistar badly want to win this race, perhaps now they're going to get behind NQ after he was stronger on today's stage?

[johnxjsc1985]

that type of climb is perfect for Quintana if there are anymore like that he will increase his lead for sure.

[Some Gump]

Brilliant stage. Bonus points for the ITV crew's totally bizarre commentary. "There's only 1 man that can live with him, and that's Alberto Contador". Cut to shot of 3 riders. 1 minute later - "the caption says group, but there's no group of more than 2, maybe 3 riders". Shot on screen at that exact moment? A group of 7 riders =)

Loved the tactics today, and as always the mental ability of the climbers!

[RemyMartin]

Every time Miller mentions a rider 'blowing up' have a shot.

You will pass out very quickly! :Hehe:

[Rich_W]

Ned and Millar may not be perfect, but they are a trillion times better at reading a race than Phil and Paul

[Dr Imran T]

The climb up Lagos de Covadonga was brilliant - proper battle between all the big guns

Peter Kennaugh looked absolutely spent over the line. Nice to see both him and Yates going well!

Gutsy ride by Froome to come back to claim 3rd.

Have to say NQ is looking supremely strong, I think the pundits were saying that the leader on the Covadonga will hold red till Madrid? I'm not so sure?

Anyone got details of the time trial?

[Don1]

Rich_W said:

Ned and Millar may not be perfect, but they are a trillion times better at reading a race than Phil and Paul

Agreed - much prefer this combination.

[louiebaby]

Dr Imran T said:

Anyone got details of the time trial?

http://www.cyclingstage.com/vuelta-2016-route/stag...

[Dr Imran T]

^^thanks

[Randy Winkman]

Pleased to hear tonight the discussion between Ned and David about reducing team member numbers in Vuelta and TDF. I think that bigger teams distract from the basic principle that the point of the race is to find the best rider.

[Some Gump]

Randy Winkman said:

Pleased to hear tonight the discussion between Ned and David about reducing team member numbers in Vuelta and TDF. I think that bigger teams distract from the basic principle that the point of the race is to find the best rider.

Surely reducing the numbers just means that there's be 3 pure gc teams, 3 pure sprint teams etc etc? No room for veriety in a team if you only start with 5.

[Magic919]

Can't see it happening.

[spikeyhead]

I'm enjoying La Vuelta more than the tdf. It all seems less predictable which makes for better viewing.

I can't see the bigger teams allowing the numbers to be reduced below eight, and even then only after a lot of argument.

[mcelliott]

Really enjoying the Tour of Spain, every stage has been exciting. Even today's 'transitional' stage has got over 3,500m of climbing! This weekend promises to be epic. The Vuelta never fails to deliver, Tour route planners take note.

[Rich_W]

Sick of seeing Valverde though!

3 GTs on the trot and always at or near the front? Sooner he goes the better! In fact maybe after his near banning and then subsequent actual ban. I don't think should be anywhere near a bike!


At least Contador and Froome have off days!

[johnxjsc1985]

Orica having a tactical masterclass today . what a stage this is building upto fantastic finish 22km to go

[johnxjsc1985]

Froome turning himself inside out with 3km to go here this is proper racing this and Yates still in with a chance of the win what a stage

[ewenm]

johnxjsc1985 said:

Froome turning himself inside out with 3km to go here this is proper racing this and Yates still in with a chance of the win what a stage

Epic stage!

[nammynake]

johnxjsc1985 said:

Froome turning himself inside out with 3km to go here this is proper racing this and Yates still in with a chance of the win what a stage

Looked fairly comfortable to me. Covered all of Quintana's attacks without any drama. I think he has more in the tank for the later mountain stages, and assuming he can take a good chunk of time in the TT I quite fancy him for the tour win.