Stage 8 of the 2013 Vuelta a Espana will bring with it the first real test for the contenders of this year’s race. We’ll have live updates from midnight.
The 170km route is the first of three Andalusian stages, with the peloton starting in Jerez de la Frontera and finishing in the town of Estepona, with a category one climb to the summit of Alto de Penas Blancas.
The 980m mountain-top finish will surely have the heavy-hitters jostling for supremacy out front and many behind them struggling to finish.
Two intermediate sprints will again be on offer for those interested in the points race and there are bound to be some for those Australian fans following the fortunes of Orica-GreenEDGE’s Michael Matthews.
It will be a tough one for the sprinters, however, with several climbs early-on sure to open up a gap between those with mountain legs and those who prefer the flat.
Matthews may have to be content in staying with his rivals and survive the day, rather than going for the points.
Look for Astana and Movistar to set the pace in this stage for their men Vincenzo Nibali of Italy and Alessandro Valverde of Spain.
Team Sky will also work for Rigoberto Uran, with the Colombian’s effort in the 2013 Giro (second overall) sure to make his rivals wary.
Uran will also be leaving Sky at the end of the season for Omega Pharma-Quick Step, so will hope to go out with a bang.
Tactics and energy retention will be key factors, with even the smallest mistake by those hoping to finish on the podium sure to be taken advantage of by their rivals.
We are sure to see some great racing tonight.
chrismason
Roar Guru
An entertaining stage for those who like bold moves and tactical climbing has reshuffled the order in the GC. With more climbing tomorrow and the day after, speculation will continue surrounding just who will survive and flourish to take a hold on the race, if anyone does. A big day today for Ireland's Nicholas Roche and Czech Republic's Leopold Konig. Looking forward to Stage 9, it's good night for now.
chrismason
Roar Guru
Top 10 for Stage 8: 1 Leopold Konig (Cze) Team NetApp-Endura 4:09:46 2 Daniel Moreno Fernandez (Spa) Katusha 0:00:01 3 Nicolas Roche (Irl) Team Saxo-Tinkoff 0:00:05 4 Thibaut Pinot (Fra) FDJ.fr 5 Ivan Basso (Ita) Cannondale Pro Cycling 6 Bart De Clercq (Bel) Lotto Belisol 0:00:08 7 Igor Anton Hernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 0:00:13 8 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Movistar Team 0:00:19 9 Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha 10 Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling 0:00:23 GC after Stage 8: 1 Nicolas Roche (Irl) Team Saxo-Tinkoff 31:39:30 2 Christopher Horner (USA) RadioShack Leopard 0:00:17 3 Daniel Moreno Fernandez (Spa) Katusha 4 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana Pro Team 0:00:18 5 Leopold Konig (Cze) Team NetApp-Endura 0:00:29 6 Haimar Zubeldia Agirre (Spa) RadioShack Leopard 0:00:30 7 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Movistar Team 0:00:31 8 Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling 0:00:42 9 Rafal Majka (Pol) Team Saxo-Tinkoff 0:00:52 10 Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha 0:01:03
chrismason
Roar Guru
Kreuziger crosses the line, he's lost over 5 minutes.
chrismason
Roar Guru
But Netapp have the stage win through Konig and some bold racing
chrismason
Roar Guru
Nice riding by Roche to break from Nibali with Basso, he will wear the Red Jersey for the second time in the race
chrismason
Roar Guru
Nibali comes over the line and loses time to some of his rivals. Basso and Roche attacked him and he couldn't keep up. We will have a new race leader heading into Stage 9 and it could be Roche.
chrismason
Roar Guru
Leopold Konig (NET) holds on and takes the stage win. A great attack and finish by the rider form the Czech Republic, holding of Moreno and Roche, who finish second and third respectively.
chrismason
Roar Guru
Basso trying to catch him but Koning looks strong. Merino coming now!
chrismason
Roar Guru
Koning (NAS) has caught Anton and flies past him!
chrismason
Roar Guru
0:06 Anton to Koning
chrismason
Roar Guru
Anton rides under the 1km banner
chrismason
Roar Guru
Basso is attacking now and trying to make up some time
chrismason
Roar Guru
1.5km to the finish and Anton is out of his saddle trying to stay out front for the stage win
chrismason
Roar Guru
Leopold Konig makes a move to catch Anton
chrismason
Roar Guru
Nibali, Basso and Horner now setting the pace at the head of the main group. 2km to go
chrismason
Roar Guru
He has 0.12 to make to catch Anton
chrismason
Roar Guru
Chris Horner (RAD) now make a break at the front, 3km to go
chrismason
Roar Guru
Eros Capecchi (MOV) has made a move now too
chrismason
Roar Guru
Anton has 0:21 on the peloton
chrismason
Roar Guru
Anton is 5:42 from the leader Nibali in the GC