La Vuelta

[scaramanga]

Absolute brilliant this year, Quintana v Froome half way through with some brilliant mountain finishes. Much better than football. Come on Froomie who is 54 seconds behind the Colombian but a 37Km time trial looming large which could change everything.

 

[Lionel Bart-At]

Come on Froomie

How did that happen? Photos please.

 

[fencer/bee]

sod it for a second I thought we had signed a Spanish striker

 

[Chipper]

Stunning performances in the last two stages from Froome and Quintana. Will it be the time trial that decides it?

 

[Manchester_Bee]

If Froome manages to pull this and the Tour off, then he joins a fairly elite group of professional cyclists. No one has ever done the big 3 i.e. Vuelta, Giro and the Tour in the same year. I wonder if Froome will some day.

 

[scaramanga]

My heart says Froome could, but my head sadly says not possible. We saw in the Olympic road race Froome was handicapped without his usual Sky train and he needs as any rider would some leg rest between big tours. He seems to be more on a loose lead in La Veulta compared to Le Tour which makes this a much more interesting and genuine race. The next 10 days will tell.

 

[scaramanga]

Saturday looks good.

http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2016/us/stage-14/news/cph/urdax-dantxarinea-aubisque-gourette.html

 

[Paul O'Brien]

Speaking of tours etc, a friend of mine has just produced this book:

 

[scaramanga]

Thanks Paul, sod riding a bike up a goat road but these boys do it day in / day out.

A very good day for team Sky and Froome today, Quintana just didn't have the legs to distance our man yet again. Froome looking comfortable and I hope I'm not wrong but looks set for a Le Tour & La Veulta double. British cycling riding the crest of a wave of post - Brexit euphoria and special mention to the diminutive Simon Yates for an amazing tactical and very brave ride.

 

[Chipper]

Today it did look as if Quintana threw everything he had at Froome and couldn't distance him. Was a bit disappointed with the Eurosport commentary suggesting that Froome couldn't respond when everybody (apart from them) knows that he takes time to get going but usually manages to get back. Not saying he will for the rest of the race as he must be tired. Some tremendous racing, Contador seems to have problems understanding his capabilities but he's unbelievably brave although ultimately doomed in this race.

 

[scaramanga]

In fairness Chipper Carlton Kirby and Sean Roche had to commentate for 7 hours today, I really enjoy their informative observations. Also the local cameras were on Contador down the road which again is forgivable because it is a Spanish race. I love and respect Contador, same as as Nibilli . Valverde and Quintana, but for me Chris Froome is the ultimate athlete of our times.

 

[Chipper]

Bloomin' heck, what a start. I usually say that Sky don't make mistakes, they seem to have today. Will we hear of sickness in the camp?

 

[scaramanga]

Team Sky blown out of the water, great tactics from Tinkoff and Movistar. Fair play to Quintana today and this might be the day La Veulta was won and lost. Froome over 3 and a half minutes down.

 

[Billy Hunt]

:yawn:

Get 'em to do it on unicycles and I'll be impressed.

 

[RoyBee]

Phenomenal TT by Froomey. Takes over 2 mins back on Quintana. Game on!!!

 

[scaramanga]

Fair play to Quintana. He stuck to our man's wheel all the way to the top and fully deserves the crown. This has been the most exciting grand tour for a long time. More mountain finishes please next year.

 

[Paul_T]

been a brilliant race this one, quintana deserves his victory but froome did good to make it exciting until today.