Tuesday, March 19, 2024
HomeNuggetsThe Aitana today...

The Aitana today…

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“Today the 204.7km eighth stage from Azlira to Alto de Aitana tackles seven rated climbs before the finish-line summit at the Aitana climb, rated ‘especial’ in the Vuelta as a stage ending atop a climb.

At 21.7km long with an average grade of 5.7 percent, the Aitana climb will give a first good indication of who’s up to winning the race.”

I couldn’t have put it better me self; but that’s what the Cervélo: press release had to say tonight.

I was supposed to have an interview with Tyler Farrar tonight but I didn’t hear from him. He’s a very reliable man to deal with but things happen – long drives to hotels, broken down buses, late meals…

Aitana
Ezequiel Mosquera is Ed’s pick for today.

Or maybe he’s in shock at the thought of the Aitana?

The time trial went as expected, but a good ride from Millar to split Cancellara and Grabsch. The trouble with sprint and time trial stages is that there’s the win – then nowhere.

However, if Cancellara decides to go for the road race at Mendrisio then Millar must fancy his chances for the world title against the watch.

Millar is far more flexible and acrobatic than Grabsch who is in the “pure strength” bracket of chrono men.

Ignatus Konovalovas (Cervélo), who won the final Rome TT at the Giro has done nothing since, producing another damp squib at Valencia.

That’s me home from Ullapool, it’s strange to be back among the traffic and the bustle.

I caught up with Evan Oliphant tonight, to talk about the Wanlockhead race – won by Gary Hand. ‘Gaz’ isn’t a man for keeping the mobile on – I kinda respect that, I’m ruled by mine.

I was chatting with Dan Fleeman, today, he’s riding the Tour of Britain and wants a full VeloVeritas interview – “sitting down with a coffee ” looking forward to that.

The Aitana? Mosquera! Adios!

Ed Hood
Ed Hood
Ed's been involved in cycling for over 50 years. In that time he's been a successful time triallist, a team manager and a sponsor of several teams and clubs. He's also a respected and successful coach and during the winter months was often working in the cabins at the Six Days for some of the world's top riders. Ed remains a massive fan of the sport and couples his extensive contacts with an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the minutiae and the history of our sport. In February 2023 however, our dear friend and beloved colleague Ed suffered a devastating stroke and faces an uncertain future; Ed has lost his ability to speak, to read, and has lost movement on the right side of his body. He's working with speech and physical therapists on rehabilitation, but all strokes are different and each patient responds differently, so unfortunately recovery is one day at a time. Ed ran his own business installing windows, and will probably not be able to work again. Please consider joining us to make a contribution to Ed's GoFundMe page to help stabilise and secure his future.