Vuelta a Espana stage 14: Live updates, blog
Roar Guru Please join us for live blogging of stage 14 of the Vuelta a Espana. Live coverage will begin at 9.20pm AEST with comments added to this post as the race progresses.
There were no changes in the top ten overall following last night’s stage 13 of the Vuelta. Tonight, that is set to change, with the first of three consecutive days in the high mountains.
All eyes will be on the four-way battle between Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha), Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank), Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Chris Froome (Sky Pro Cycling).
The stage 14 map features no less than five categorised climbs, including a category one summit finish up Puerto de Ancares.
With four climbs already in the legs, the 9.5km ascent to the line is sure to sort the men from the boys.
To compound the burn, Puerto de Ancares comes on the back of the 9.7km Alto Folgueiras de Aigas to make it a twin first category finale.
Only 13 seconds separate red jersey holder Rodriguez and second-placed Contador. Even the smallest slip up could cause a shake up at the top of the general classification.
Rodriguez showed his climbing prowess at the extremely steep conclusion to stage 12, when he cracked Contador and gained handy time.
Tonight’s summit finish may be nowhere near as steep, but it is far longer. This could work to the advantage of Contador, who relishes genuine mountain stages.
The peloton will likely be whittled down to just a handful of men.
Contenders further down the list who feel they have the legs, riders like Robert Gesink (Rabobank) and Nicolas Roche (Ag2r La Mondiale), may look to attack.
Roche is sick of being the guy that is “there and thereabouts”. He wants a podium finish. With the Irishman moving to the Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank squad next season, Vuelta 2012 could be his last chance for a while to ride for himself in a Grand Tour.
Live blogging starts at 9.20pm, with all you need to know about what is sure to be a frenetic day of racing.
The Crowd Says (81) | Page 1 of Comments
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1:58am
Kit Harvey said | 1:58am | Report comment
Time for me to sign off after a great stage 14 of the Vuelta. Good night and thanks for following The Roar’s live cycling updates.
1:55am
Kit Harvey said | 1:55am | Report comment
General Classification after stage 14:
1. Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)
2. Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) + 22″
3. Christopher Froome (Sky Pro Cycling) + 1’41″
4. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) + 1’41″
5. Daniel Moreno (Katusha) + 4’16″
6. Robert Gesink (Rabobank) + 5’07″
7. Nicolas Roche (Ag2r La Mondiale) + 5’51″
8. Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp) + 6’13″
9. Laurens Ten Dam (Rabobank) + 6’34″
10. Igor Anton Hernandez (Euskaltel – Euskadi) + 7’16″
1:51am
Kit Harvey said | 1:51am | Report comment
Stage 14 Results:
1. Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)
2. Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)
3. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)
4. Daniel Moreno (Katusha)
5. Christopher Froome (Sky Pro Cycling)
6. Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp)
7. Igor Anton (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
8. Laurens Ten Dam (Rabobank)
9. Tomasz Marczynski (Vacansoleis-DCM)
10. Nicolas Roche (Ag2r La Mondiale)
1:43am
Kit Harvey said | 1:43am | Report comment
Valverde was third, followed by Moreno, then Froome and Tolansky.
1:43am
Kit Harvey said | 1:43am | Report comment
Joaquim Rodriguez take your hat off – he wins the stage and the maximum time bonus ahead of Contador. Incredible stuff.
1:42am
Kit Harvey said | 1:42am | Report comment
Contador has attacked again, what a fighter. J-Rod is still there.
1:42am
Kit Harvey said | 1:42am | Report comment
Rodriguez has made it up to Contador, outstanding effort from the red jersey.
1:41am
Kit Harvey said | 1:41am | Report comment
Here comes Purito!!
1:41am
Kit Harvey said | 1:41am | Report comment
Froome is in a world of pain as Rodriguez jumps and tries to catch Contador!
1:40am
Kit Harvey said | 1:40am | Report comment
Alberto has under 1km to race.
1:40am
Kit Harvey said | 1:40am | Report comment
1km remains for Contador.
1:39am
Kit Harvey said | 1:39am | Report comment
Chris Froome has made it back to Valverde, Rodriguez and Moreno. Gallant effort from the man they call Froome-Dog. And now he’s on the attack. My goodness me that shows heart.
1:37am
Kit Harvey said | 1:37am | Report comment
Contador has launched his most explosive attack yet! He looks to be off to the races. Will there be a response?
1:37am
Kit Harvey said | 1:37am | Report comment
2km remain to the finish line.
1:36am
Kit Harvey said | 1:36am | Report comment
Froome and his Sky teammates are chasing hard to catch the Contador group. Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp) is the man bridging the gap. Yes, Talansky has made it to the lead group.
1:34am
Kit Harvey said | 1:34am | Report comment
The heads of state are gathering off the front, playing a bit of cat and mouse!
1:34am
Kit Harvey said | 1:34am | Report comment
Rodriguez has worked hard to reach Contador and Valverde. Impressive effort.
1:33am
Kit Harvey said | 1:33am | Report comment
Valverde has attacked by himself, Contador has bridged the gap.
1:33am
Kit Harvey said | 1:33am | Report comment
Contador and Valverde have been joined by Rodriguez and Moreno.
1:32am
Kit Harvey said | 1:32am | Report comment
Contador has launched an attack, Valverde is the only man to have tacked on to his back wheel at this stage.
1:31am
Kit Harvey said | 1:31am | Report comment
No real attacks have been launched by any of the top four (Contador, Rodriguez, Valverde, Froome). Losada’s lead is now 20 seconds.
1:28am
Kit Harvey said | 1:28am | Report comment
Losada’s lead is down to 30 seconds.
1:25am
Kit Harvey said | 1:25am | Report comment
Daniel Navarro is the man working hard at the front of the chase group in the interests of Contador.
1:23am
Kit Harvey said | 1:23am | Report comment
Losada’s advantage is being torn to shreds now. It’s down to just 50 seconds.
1:23am
Kit Harvey said | 1:23am | Report comment
The gap to Losada has been reduced to just 1’02″ with 6.2km remaining to the end of the climb and the stage. Gesink is going further and further back.
1:22am
Kit Harvey said | 1:22am | Report comment
Alberto Losada (Katusha) is now the lone man off the front as the remainder of the break is gobbled up by the main field.
1:20am
Kit Harvey said | 1:20am | Report comment
Robert Gesink (Rabobank) is in difficulty!
1:20am
Kit Harvey said | 1:20am | Report comment
The peloton has broken up under the impetus of Saxo Bank and Katusha. The gap to the break has started to close.
1:19am
Kit Harvey said | 1:19am | Report comment
Alberto Contador has cheekily dropped back to take a look at Froome and assess the situation.
1:18am
Kit Harvey said | 1:18am | Report comment
Chris Froome is already isolated. It looks like his long season has finally taken its toll on the second-place finisher at this year’s Tour de France.
1:17am
Kit Harvey said | 1:17am | Report comment
David Moncoutie has just been popped off the back of the peloton as the climb starts!
1:17am
Kit Harvey said | 1:17am | Report comment
Losada aside, the men remaining in the break are: Serge Pauwels, Juan Manuel Garate, Javier Moreno, Amets Txurruka and Jan Bakelants.
1:14am
Kit Harvey said | 1:14am | Report comment
Losada has close to two minutes on the main bunch.
1:13am
Kit Harvey said | 1:13am | Report comment
I’d say Losada is going for the stage victory because it’s doubtful he would have the legs to perform the classic “yo-yo” move with Rodriguez.
1:11am
Kit Harvey said | 1:11am | Report comment
Simon Clarke waves goodbye to the camera as he falls back to the peloton, he could be in the KOM jersey tomorrow. Hailing from the Dandenongs in Victoria, Clarke has proved himself to be a more than capable climber.
1:08am
Kit Harvey said | 1:08am | Report comment
Riders are not quite onto the final climb of the day, which takes the race all the way to the finish line. Roughly 4km until the start of the ascent.
1:04am
Kit Harvey said | 1:04am | Report comment
The peloton remains 1’30″ behind the escape group proper.
1:04am
Kit Harvey said | 1:04am | Report comment
Losada has established a lead of 20 seconds over the rest of the breakaway.
1:03am
Kit Harvey said | 1:03am | Report comment
Gastauer bounced up remarkably quickly after his hard tumble on the descent off Alto Folgueiras de Aigas.
1:01am
Kit Harvey said | 1:01am | Report comment
What was 16-man escape group has been whittled down to just seven men. Rodriguez’ teammate Alberto Losada has embarked on a solo move from the break.
1:00am
Kit Harvey said | 1:00am | Report comment
Nasty crash on the descent, Ben Gastauer (Ag2r La Mondiale) taking one too many risks and is narrowly avoided by one of the TV motorbikes.
12:56am
Kit Harvey said | 12:56am | Report comment
Clarke took the honours at the top of the category one Alto Folgueiras de Aigas, extending his virtual lead in the KOM standings. He was followed by David Moncoutie (Cofidis) and Serge Pauwels (Omega Pharma-Quick-Step).
12:55am
Kit Harvey said | 12:55am | Report comment
Simon Clarke has started to suffer but still remains in the front group.
12:52am
Kit Harvey said | 12:52am | Report comment
The official time gap at the top of the day’s penultimate climb is 1’37″. Things are going to start to heat up now!
12:50am
Kit Harvey said | 12:50am | Report comment
There is no small amount of skill required to successfully complete a natural break while remaining on the bike.
12:48am
Kit Harvey said | 12:48am | Report comment
Contador’s teammate Jesus Hernandez selflessly performs a simple wheel swap with his team leader. Rodriguez has taken the opportunity to take an indiscreet natural break.
12:47am
Kit Harvey said | 12:47am | Report comment
Alberto Contador has suffered a front wheel puncture!
12:47am
Kit Harvey said | 12:47am | Report comment
The breakaway is starting to be reeled in now, their lead is sitting at 1’19″ with 25km to go.
12:43am
Kit Harvey said | 12:43am | Report comment
It’s a hub of strong riders at the front of the main field, with Saxo Bank and Katusha leading the way.
12:41am
Kit Harvey said | 12:41am | Report comment
Australian hopeful Simon Clarke is still present in the leading group on the road and is currently the virtual wearer of the KOM jersey.
12:39am
Kit Harvey said | 12:39am | Report comment
Saxo Bank is still driving the peloton, but Rodriguez and his Katusha teammates are waiting in the wings.
12:38am
Kit Harvey said | 12:38am | Report comment
Alessandro Ballan and Rudy Molard have been dropped from the break.
12:38am
Kit Harvey said | 12:38am | Report comment
Contador, Rodriguez and Froome all have teammates with them in the peloton, but Valverde is riding as a lone wolf.
12:32am
Kit Harvey said | 12:32am | Report comment
Riders are starting to struggle at the rear of the breakaway. Blel Kadri (Ag2r La Mondiale) is the first victim of this challenging climb, he is gradually falling back to the peloton.
12:29am
Kit Harvey said | 12:29am | Report comment
Contador is the the third man in the line of Saxo Bank rider at the head of the peloton. He looks comfortable.
12:27am
Kit Harvey said | 12:27am | Report comment
The leading group on the road has started the penultimate category one climb up Alto Folgueiras de Aigas – will there be any early fireworks?
12:25am
Kit Harvey said | 12:25am | Report comment
To the old man walking along the road and not looking in the direction the cyclists are travelling – change your behaviour before the peloton reaches you.
12:17am
Kit Harvey said | 12:17am | Report comment
The gap to the break is expanding on this descent, out to almost three minutes with 37km left on the stage.
12:11am
Kit Harvey said | 12:11am | Report comment
Cunego. Outlandish I know. But if it happens you heard it here first!
12:10am
Kit Harvey said | 12:10am | Report comment
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-ISD) has been quieter than quiet at the Vuelta thus far. Maybe he can launch an attack and cause an upset on Puerto de Ancares?
12:07am
Kit Harvey said | 12:07am | Report comment
Saxo Bank continue to toil away at the front of peloton. I hope Alberto remembers to thank them come stage end.
12:04am
Kit Harvey said | 12:04am | Report comment
German Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quick-Step) has dropped back to his team car for a bottle. He’ll be looking to perform well in the battle for TT rainbow stripes at the upcoming world championships.
12:03am
Kit Harvey said | 12:03am | Report comment
The trio that were off the front just moments ago have been reeled in by the remainder of the breakaway group, driven by Simon Clarke.
12:01am
Kit Harvey said | 12:01am | Report comment
Just 50km remain to the finish line and the break’s lead is currently 2’43″.
11:59pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:59pm | Report comment
Alessandro Ballan (BMC), Rudy Molard (Cofidis) and Jan Bakelants (Radioshack-Nissan) have jumped off the front of the breakaway.
11:58pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:58pm | Report comment
Robert Gesink (Rabobank) has suffered a mechanical issue and is working his way back towards the back of the main field with the help of a teammate.
11:55pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:55pm | Report comment
Aussie Simon Clarke (Orica-GreenEDGE) took the honours atop the category three Alto de O Lago, putting him back into the lead in the King of the Mountains.
11:47pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:47pm | Report comment
With 60km remaining the break has snuck back out to a lead of 2’20″.
11:44pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:44pm | Report comment
Don’t forget about Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) either! The man once dubbed “the Unbeatable” is always a chance, particularly at home on familiar Spanish soil.
11:40pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:40pm | Report comment
Although some are talking up the chances of Contador and Froome on the lengthy final climb, Joaquim “Purito” Rodriguez has been in fine form this season and will surely be hard to trump.
11:30pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:30pm | Report comment
The breakaway has been reeled in somewhat by the powerful job of work being done by Saxo Bank, back to 1’24″.
11:19pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:19pm | Report comment
As has been the trend at this year’s Vuelta the weather is HOT. This makes it all the more important for riders to hydrate effectively in order to stay at their best for the duration of the stage.
11:08pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:08pm | Report comment
Earlier, David Moncoutie (Cofidis) was the first man to summit the category three Alto de Castro. One climb down, four to go!
11:05pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:05pm | Report comment
The gap to the breakaway is officially out to two minutes.
11:04pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:04pm | Report comment
Saxo Bank have been setting the pace at the head of the main field from the outset. Their man Alberto Contador is likely to launch an attack on the final climb of the day, a longer drag that suits his climbing style.
11:01pm
Kit Harvey said | 11:01pm | Report comment
It’s going to be hard for the escape group to develop a significant gap over the peloton on such a short stage (149.2km). But don’t write them off, particularly with riders of the quality of Alessandro Ballan (BMC), Juan Manuel Garate (Rabobank) and Australian Simon Clarke (Orica-GreenEDGE) among their ranks.
10:53pm
Kit Harvey said | 10:53pm | Report comment
The break has an advantage of around two minutes over the main field with approx. 100km remaining.
10:51pm
Kit Harvey said | 10:51pm | Report comment
The break has expanded from four men to 16: Laurent Didier (RadioShack-Nissan), Jan Bakelants (RadioShack-Nissan), Juan Manuel Garate (Rabobank), Simon Clarke (GreenEdge), Serge Pauwels (QuickStep), Dario Cataldo (QuickStep), Maciej Paterski (Liquigas-Cannondale), Alberto Losada Alguacil (Katusha), Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) Rudy Molard (Cofidis), David Moncoutie (Cofidis), Alessandro Ballan (BMC), Adrian Palomares Villaplana (Andalucia), Blel Kadri (AG2R), Ben Gastauer (AG2R) and Javier Moreno Bazan (Movistar). Long list.
10:00pm
Kit Harvey said | 10:00pm | Report comment
Four riders have abandoned the race since the finish of yesterday’s stage; Spanish speedster Jose Joaquin Rojas (Movistar) left the race with a trio of Lotto-Belisol riders consisting of Jens Debusschere, Olivier Kaisen (who abandoned in the early kilometres of today’s stage), and their leader Jurgen van den Broeck. A virus had been going around the Belgian team earlier this week, and it appears to be taking its toll.
9:48pm
Kit Harvey said | 9:48pm | Report comment
The day’s first break is off the front, the early move consists of Johan van Summeren (Garmin-Sharp), Tiago Machado (RadioShack-Nissan), Juan Jose Oroz (Euskaltel), Biel Kadri (Ag2r-La Mondiale) and Dario Cataldo (Omega Pharma-QuickStep).
9:44pm
Kit Harvey said | 9:44pm | Report comment
Hello and welcome to stage 14 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana. Tonight’s stage is a modest distance of 149.2 km, but passes over five categorised climbs, including the summit finish atop the Puerto de Ancares.