La Vuelta a Espana 22/8 - 13/9 2015 (here be spoilers)

[deptfordmarmoset]

Not wishing to contradict either of the last two posts in any way, Aru could win this tomorrow. I hope Dumoulin wakes up super strong tomorrow though.

 

[Crackle]

Personally I'd love to see Rodriguez risk everything and win or lose big time. Dumoulin or Aru are both dull but I favour Dumoulin slightly more as he is playing to his strengths whereas Aru is a bit of a bottler.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Ooh, just watched the highlights and it looks like Aru got a hand-sling from an Astana team mate in the final race to the line. I wonder what the commissaires will do about that....

Naive question: Is that bad? I'm sure I've seen it in road racing before.

ISTR Kwiat giving Cav a hand sling so he could jump to a break in crosswinds in the TdF a couple of years back.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

The race jury are going to review the tv footage tomorrow. Aru and Sanchez could both receive time penalties.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Naive question: Is that bad? I'm sure I've seen it in road racing before.

ISTR Kwiat giving Cav a hand sling so he could jump to a break in crosswinds in the TdF a couple of years back.

Banned, I'm pretty sure. Tolerated, perhaps, though I haven't seen it done. But in a red jersey fight it could be something the commissaires feel they have to rule on.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Banned, I'm pretty sure. Tolerated, perhaps, though I haven't seen it done. But in a red jersey fight it could be something the commissaires feel they have to rule on.

You're quite right. Punishment for "flying relay" in UCI Regulations part 12 Discipline and Procedures

9.1.2 Stage Race 200 et 10“ per offence. For offence in last km
of stage: 200 + 30“and relegation to the last place
in his group

You live and learn.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

You're quite right. Punishment for "flying relay" in UCI Regulations part 12 Discipline and Procedures



You live and learn.

Cojones test time for the commissaires.....

 

[Dogtrousers]

Cojones test time for the commissaires.....

From a theatrical point of view, it would rather spoil the denouement of the race if they slapped Aru with a 30" penalty.

 

[Jacqueslemac]

I switched from Eurosport's coverage to that of ITV4 a few days ago. I have to say I've been watching cycle racing since the great Hinault/Lemond Tour battle and I've learned more about tactics in half-a-dozen commentaries from David Millar than I've learned in the previous 30 years. His analysis of why it was Valverde's actions that enabled Dumoulin to take a few seconds was brilliant.

 

[Rustybucket]

Itv4 wins hands down for me! Any chance Nairo can blow everyone away today? Probably not - but I hope so.....

 

[HF2300]

Great finish, great use of an opportunity by Dumoulin.

From a theatrical point of view, it would rather spoil the denouement of the race if they slapped Aru with a 30" penalty.

Or it might make things even more competitive as others see an opening? It'll make Purito's, and possibly Majka's and even Quintana's gaps to 2nd / Podium look more bridgeable...

 

[Archie]

Hello! Just for a laugh I'll go breakaway for stage 20.

Kiryenka, Monfort, Brambilla.

Edit: Oops, in the punditry thread of course.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Cojones test time for the commissaires.....

No penalty due to lack of evidence it appears

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

No penalty due to lack of evidence it appears

!

 

[Rustybucket]

!

Apart from the television footage!? God forbid it would ruin the climax of the race. Aru = cheating nobber