Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Vuelta Hits the High Road
The first mountain stages in the big tours are always fun – at least for the spectators. This year the organizers of the Vuelta helped everyone out by letting the peloton warm op on category 2 and 3 climbs – you know, the ones the Spanish climbers like to take in the big ring – before hitting the final climb up a cat. 1 to Valdilineares.
Top favorite for the overall Roberto Heras confirmed his promise by taking the stage and the overall lead from second placed Russian Denis Menchov. Although Heras was able to shed all the pure climbers in the race – including significantly Francisco Mancebo, who remains a main threat to Heras’ ambitions – in all likelihood they’ll have their day in the upcoming high mountain stages. Still it is unlikely that Heras will roll over in the high mountains either. Though perhaps Menchov – who is not noted as a natural climber, making his ride today all the more impressive – will likely be more vulnerable. Still, having a minute’s lead already should reassure Heras – and put a bit more pressure on the contenders to prove they’re not pretenders. Meaning there should be some great racing over the weekend and especially on the stage to Lagos de Covadongas. Significantly for Mar-Jac a cycling celebration on September 10.
Top favorite for the overall Roberto Heras confirmed his promise by taking the stage and the overall lead from second placed Russian Denis Menchov. Although Heras was able to shed all the pure climbers in the race – including significantly Francisco Mancebo, who remains a main threat to Heras’ ambitions – in all likelihood they’ll have their day in the upcoming high mountain stages. Still it is unlikely that Heras will roll over in the high mountains either. Though perhaps Menchov – who is not noted as a natural climber, making his ride today all the more impressive – will likely be more vulnerable. Still, having a minute’s lead already should reassure Heras – and put a bit more pressure on the contenders to prove they’re not pretenders. Meaning there should be some great racing over the weekend and especially on the stage to Lagos de Covadongas. Significantly for Mar-Jac a cycling celebration on September 10.
