David Millar is running to become the next President of the CPA, the union of pro cyclists. He’s got a mountain to climb, he launched his bid just weeks before the vote and the voting system is likely to hinder him but whether you like him, loathe him or feel indifferent having a contest is a good thing. We’ll look at this contest tomorrow but for now here’s a brief history of rider unions which helps set the scene.
A rampon to the balcon, today’s stage features one of the longest climbs in the Basque Country with the finish at the Balcon de Bizkaia on the flanks of Monte Oiz.
Television is the driving force behind pro racing today and course design reflects this. The Vuelta is an interesting example because of the trend for uphill finishes. This year’s race has 11 of them.
A stage that is the antithesis of the Vuelta itself, a 32km time trial to the “Oscar Freire Sports Complex”, named in tribute to the three time world champion who is from the finish town. He’ll probably pop up later today when people least expect it.
The first long summit finish. The Vuelta doesn’t have many mythical climbs, there’s no Ventoux nor Stelvio but the Lagos de Covadonga are the closest the race gets, a climb that’s been a regular since the 1980s and climbed for the 21st time today.
A hard day in the Vuelta, what it lacks in high altitude it makes up for with steep roads and a very tough finish.
A summit finish at La Camperona, notionally 8km at 7.5% which would be hard enough but it’s got sections above 15% and moments above 20%.
On paper a day for a breakaway again, on tarmac there’s a chance for surprises in the finish. Tomorrow’s summit finish will weigh on the mind for the GC contenders but for the others there’s the stage win.
