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I was totally excited that Universal had the rights to the Vuelta, and then I realized that their stream is probably geo-restricted and I won't be able to watch now that I've moved overseas. Then I realized it will probably be on my television here and I got happy again.
http://velonews.com/article/96153/andy-schleck-basso-headline-strong-vuelta-field Andy Schleck amongst others will plan to ride the Vuelta to set themselves up for the Worlds. This could also see the return of Vino to Grand Tour racing.
Quite a suprisingly strong field this year, though a bit disappointing that the majority of those names aren't likely to be going full out. Still, should be a better Vuelta than the last few we've had.
I'd like to see ****** put a big push for the top spot on the podium because I think he wasn't 100% fit by the end of le Tour. However, he may not do it and since Bert is likely to be there it may be immaterial anyway.
I thought that odd as well. With nearly an even split between flat and mountain stages, this is certainly a climbers Vuelta. From the stage profiles I read on the race site, the two that really stand out are Berja-Sierra Nevada and Granada-La Pandera. Too bad this race isn't later in the season so as to allow the riders a bit more rest after Le Tour and not conflict with the Worlds. I still hold hope that this is one of the better Vuelta's in recent years.
Promotional reasons of course. Also: I assume that the average Moto GP loving Spaniard is very much familiar with the town of Assen. (Assen: home of the Dutch TT, BTW the only TT ficture left on the Moto GP schedule, and soon home of the opening race of the Vuelta a Espana. Hurray! 20 km off!)
It's a brilliant idea to start in Holland! If a bit odd. They pass only a half an hour's drive from me so I'm definitely going to watch. Also: go Gesink!
Will Gesink be ready to ride? Since you'll be on the side of the road, you need to make a sign that calls out BigSoccer's cycling forum and find a way to get on TV
I'm an extremely lazy person so probably can't be bothered to make a sign! I will try and take some pics though.
I'm the one with the shovel burying my FC Groningen hopes for this season along the side of the road.
Awww. Early days FCGrunn. You're in the same position as AZ was this time last season. I'm the one with the anti-Ten Hag banner!
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/2009-vuelta-a-espana-preliminary-start-list Here's the preliminary start list for the Vuelta. No reals surprises other than Vino tentatively being listed as a reserve. The article before the link stated that changes to the actual teams are likely. Personally I'd love to see Vino's reaction if he were to not be selected to ride. I'm going to go out on a limb and claim a victory for an American and if not Roman Kreuziger.