Tuesday, March 19, 2024

La Vuelta a España 2014 – Stage 2; Algeciras – San Fernando 174.4km. Bold Bouhanni

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HomeRaceRace ReviewsLa Vuelta a España 2014 - Stage 2; Algeciras - San Fernando...

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Stage Two had been hailed as one where the cross winds could blow things apart from the off but fortunately the Weather Gods remained benign and we were treated to a high speed finale where F des J and Bouhanni demonstrated again that they know exactly how to handle fast, technical finales.

The wiry Frenchman was in a class all of his own after a beautiful lead out by his boys and in particular last man in the train, Geoffrey Soupe who rode a magnificent finale for his Capo.

Bouhanni is now on 10 UCI wins for the season including four Grand Tour Stages and with his current form there’s little to indicate he won’t add more notches to his top tube before Santiago is reached in three weeks time.

Bouhanni
Nacer Bouhanni had a straightforward run to the line. Photo©Unipublic

Degenkolb was well beaten into second and it’s clear he’ll have to wait for the finishes where there’s more to it than a warp factor drag race.

In third spot was Lampre’s Roberto Ferrari, he likes the finales technical so this was maybe his best shot at topping the podium?

Respect to Caja Rural’s Francesco Lasca in fifth spot – always good to see the Pro Conti guys up there.

And good too that MTN were in the break of the day – ‘honouring the race.’

Tomorrow’s Stage Three starts on an aircraft carrier in the famous sea port of Cadiz and finishes 188 K later atop a short, sharp dig in Arcos de la Frontera.

It could be one for the breakaway but GreenEDGE may control it for Clarke and Matthews – and maybe Yates? – which would suit Rodriguez and Valverde just fine.

Bouhanni
Ale Valverde in charge for now. Photo©Unipublic

And on the subject of the ‘The Green Bullet’ – Valverde’s now apparently defunct nickname – I fail to see why he’s subject to so much commentator and Troll wrath.

He kitted up and was caught; if he wants to keep his mouth shut about it then that’s his choice.

Tour of Colorado ‘hero’ Tom Danielson is in exactly the same situation as Valverde, a rider who kitted up and was caught – but apparently a litre or two of crocodile tears is all you need to become a ‘good doper’ and make it all better…

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.

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