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.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
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.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
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"
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
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)
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Valverde was third, followed by Moreno, then Froome and Tolansky.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Joaquim Rodriguez take your hat off - he wins the stage and the maximum time bonus ahead of Contador. Incredible stuff.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Contador has attacked again, what a fighter. J-Rod is still there.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Rodriguez has made it up to Contador, outstanding effort from the red jersey.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Here comes Purito!!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Froome is in a world of pain as Rodriguez jumps and tries to catch Contador!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Alberto has under 1km to race.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
1km remains for Contador.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
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.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Contador has launched his most explosive attack yet! He looks to be off to the races. Will there be a response?
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
2km remain to the finish line.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
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.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
The heads of state are gathering off the front, playing a bit of cat and mouse!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Rodriguez has worked hard to reach Contador and Valverde. Impressive effort.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Valverde has attacked by himself, Contador has bridged the gap.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Contador and Valverde have been joined by Rodriguez and Moreno.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Contador has launched an attack, Valverde is the only man to have tacked on to his back wheel at this stage.