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 20th time today.
Vuelta Stage 9 Preview
A mountain stage with some small ascents that have had a big impact. The final climb of the Alto del Naranco was where Chris Horner beat Vincenzo Nibali to win the Vuelta in 2013.
Vuelta Stage 8 Preview
The first mountain stage of the Vuelta, 173km and then the vicious climb of La Camperona with its 20% slopes.
The Rise of China and The Fall of Italy
Lampre-Merida been sold to a Chinese firm. It means there will be no Italian team in the top flight of the sport, a first. While welcoming interest from around the world it’s still astonishing to imagine that the land of Milan-San Remo and the Giro, Coppi and Barali, Nibali and Aru won’t have a major team.
Vuelta Stage 7 Preview
A lot of red in the profile above but this is a chance for the sprinters ahead of a mountainous weekend and if you get a sense of a déjà vu it’s normal as the route was used in 2013.
The Safety Question
Steven Kruijswijk is out of the Vuelta after crashing into an unmarked bollard during the finish of yesterday’s stage. It’s the latest safety concern. Each time there are calls for something to be done but what could be done and who could do it?
Vuelta Stage 6 Preview
A mountain stage? Certainly a mid-mountain stage with some awkward climbs and descents along the way including a difficult climb placed just before the finish.
Vuelta Stage 4 Preview
A decisive summit finish yesterday revealed who is climbing well and today brings another uphill test with a longer, steadier uphill run to the line to confirm the contenders for the overall classification.
Team Victory Rankings
A look at the win rates for the top teams and as ever a chance to look at some of the stories behind the wins and the stats relating to the teams especially as we’re in the middle of the transfer season.