The 2013 Vuelta a Espana continues with a rugged Stage 4. As the peloton cycle 189km from Lalin to Fisterra. Join us for live updates from 12.00am AEST.
Revisiting the beautiful Galician coast during the later third of the stage, the strong North-Easterly winds predicted could cause some havoc.
With the wind possibly contributing to a fast finish as the peloton change direction approaching Fisterra, as they begin to benefit from a tailwind.
Used as the finish for Stage 12 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana, the Mirador de Ézaro could have an affect on the race.
While just 1.8km in length, an average gradient of 13 percent will cause some splits in the peloton. A perfect example of being slapped in the face by sudden rises in gradient.
Lying just 34km from today’s finish near Fisterra, it could be a struggle for those distanced by the Mirador de Ézaro to rejoin the action at the front of the race.
Anyone who does rejoin the front of the race could discover themselves spent come the time to contest the stage’s finish.
Whilst there is only a modest rise from the seaside town of Fisterra up to the finishing line. An average gradient of 3.4 percent spread over roughly 2.5km will challenge the strength and positioning of those contesting the stage victory.
An early breakaway should form once again. However, the breakaway may be on a tighter leash due to the Mirador de Ézaro’s presence.
I foresee three potential outcomes where either; the peloton fails to reel in the original breakaway, a strong group of riders later break away, or a weakened bunch sprint eventuates.
Prepare the caffeine and steady yourself for yet another exciting stage finale in the 2013 Vuelta a Espana. Remember to join us from 12.00am AEST for live updates.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Thank you for joining me for another enthralling stage in the 2013 Vuelta a Espana. Be sure to tune in to The Roar over the remainder of la Vuelta a Espana for more live race updates, stage previews, and race analysis. Tune in tomorrow for Stage 5 as we see whether or not the sprinters can finally claim a stage victory.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
(Provisional) Top 5 of the General Classification: 1st. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) 2nd. Chris Horner (Radioshack-Leopard) +3" 3rd. Nicolas Roche (Team Saxo-Tinkoff) +8" 4th. Haimar Zubeldia (Radioshack-Leopard) +16" 5th. Alejandro Valverde (Team Movistar) +21"
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Funny story for the day... Apparently Vincenzo Nibali had to be ushered by van up to the presentations. He did not know he had regained the Red Jersey and had already headed back to the team bus.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Vincenzo Nibali retakes the burden of the Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey). He steps out to accept the Red Jersey during the stage presentations. Chris Horner of Radioshack-Leopard confirmed to have lose six seconds during the stage's finale. Did Radioshack-Leopard make a mistake having Fabian Cancellara go for the stage victory?
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Another horrible day for reigning World Champion Philippe Gilbert of BMC, who just crossed the line some 14 minutes down on Stage 5 winner Daniel Moreno of Team Katusha.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Much to the dissatisfaction of Vincenzo Nibali, who does not wish to burden his team with the responsibilities of the race leadership so soon in to La Vuelta, he looks to have regained the race lead. Still just provisional result it should be mentioned.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Provisional results currently have Chris Horner of Radioshack-Leopard losing six seconds to Vincenzo Nibali of Astana. Should these results be confirmed, it would confirm the return of the Italian to the Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey) and first position in the General Classification.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
So our Top 10 for Stage 5 are: 1st. Daniel Moreno (Team Katusha) 2nd. Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack-Leopard) 3rd. Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEDGE) 4th. Gianni Meersman (Omega Pharma - Quick-Step) 5th. Bauke Mollema (Team Belkin) 6th. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Sky) 7th. Rinaldo Nocentini (AG2R La Mondiale) 8th Warren Barguil (Argos-Shimano) 9th. Sergio Luis Henao (Team Sky) 10th. Nicolas Roche (Team Saxo-Tinkoff)
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
So Daniel Moreno (Team Katusha) claims the stage victory ahead of Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack-Leopard), Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEDGE), Gianni Meersman (Omega Pharma - Quick-Step), Bauke Mollema (Team Belkin), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Sky), Rinaldo Nocentini (AG2R La Mondiale), Warren Barguil (Argos-Shimano), Sergio Luis Henao (Team Sky), and Nicolas Roche (Team Saxo-Tinkoff).
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Daniel Moreno has attacked within the final few hundred metres of the stage to claim the stage victory by the barest of margins ahead of the sprinters. As Fabian Cancellara of Radioshack-Leopard tried to close down the attack of Moreno.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Daniel Moreno wins Stage 4 of la Vuelta a Espana! A massive win for Team Katusha and Moreno!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Daniel Moreno of Team Katusha goes on the attack within the final kilometre!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Once againn Juan Antonio Flecha has gon on the attack!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Here we go! We have an attack!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
The Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey) of current race leader Chris Horner of Radioshack-Leopard is also near the fore.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Daniel Moreno of Team Katusha currently lurking in third position at the moment, with 1.5km left to go.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
The peloton now begin the final "climb" of the day. As Team Astana hit the front in time to setup the sprint!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Cannondale now take up pole position in the peloton. With Astana lurking just behind them!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Radioshack-Leopard have taken up pole position in the peloton again, driving the peloton on towards the finishing line with four kilometres left to go.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Just five kilometres to go, as the peloton cycle through the seaside town of Fisterra.