La Vuelta 2012

[Amy]

No comment on this tour? I think the racing has been cracking so far - and I love that bit of Spain they're in

Think Froome has bit off more than he could chew though, what with the Tour de France and the Olympics as a warm up

[Phil H]

I was thinking the same. It has been far from a "yawnfest in a dustbowl" so far. Some heroism in the leader's jersey too - which is doubly satisfying when he's leaving Bertie in the dust.

[Andrew G]

Been thinking the same. Lovely lumpy countryside.

Definately a tour geared to the Spanish climbers with so many mountains, 10 uphill finishes and even the one TT had a 3rd cat climb taking up a fair amount of the 40k.

Even if rested an not tired don't think Froome could have coped. He likes long even gradients and these are uneven very steep ramping climbs.

[Marcus]

Me three

There has been some cracking battles in the mountains.
It's great to have the Cont back.

[Phil H]

[quote="Andrew G"] ...

Even if rested an not tired don't think Froome could have coped. He likes long even gradients and these are uneven very steep ramping climbs.

[Marcus]

Rodriguez has saved himself for this tour and has set out to win. He may be fortunate Contador has had no racing recently. I think Froome will always find it difficult against the Spaniards as will Brad. Although he has has a very long seaso
N and must have tired and heavy legs.

On another note what a brilliant win for Cummings on stage 13. Fantastico.

[Amy]

I have to say that that bit of northern Spain is now on my list of places to visit - looks lovely to ride there. ACC 'training' camp?*

*that is when I have a job and can afford the money

[Phil H]

Well that looked like a barrel of laughs today.

[Amy]

oooh wasn't that just evil - 1 in 5 to nearly 1 in 4 inclines Hurt just watching it on the telly

And it looks like they found the biggest Spanish policemen going - and still they had a hard time holding some of those nutters, I mean, fans back

And as for that moto-photographer....

[Phil H]

Unfortunately a bit too steep to punch the spectators. Shame - I like it when that happens.

Bertie: is that all you've got?

[Phil H]

Well, I take it back. Contador looked absolutely transfused - sorry, transformed after the rest day.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

[quote="Phil the Pie"]Well, I take it back. Contador looked absolutely transfused - sorry, transformed after the rest day.

[Marcus]

Contador is an absolute monster.
Whatever maybe eaten, drunk or injected doesn't increase the will or in his case the need to win . This makes you train / work harder and harder to achieve your goals. This man like current nemesis Lance has a stronger will to win than most.

Cracking race

[Marcus]

Really thought Swift had got that, B*ms. Should have had the Beef for dinner the night before. It's working for the leaders.

[Marcus]

Come on Roche,you can do it. Come on Roche.
Come on Swift, come on Swift....
Ah, oh well.