“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…
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!
