The 2013 Vuelta a Espana resumes after the second rest day with a stage nominally for the sprinters, but with the opportunists poised to ruin the day as the peloton journeys 189km from Calahorra to Burgos. Join us for live updates from 12.00am AEST.
An uncategorised climb, the Calle Eras de San Francisco, happens to lie within ten kilometres of the finishing line. If the climb does not stretch out the peloton and eliminate several riders, the narrow and technical descent will.
The climb is a perfect launchpad for cyclists like Fabian Cancellara, of Radioshack-Leopard, to chance their arm at the stage victory.
The weather could play a deciding role during the day, with strong headwinds and crosswinds likely to occur throughout the stage and a favourable tailwind forecast to usher the peloton home after the ascent of the third category Alto de Valmala, whose summit lies roughly 50km from the finishing line.
With the teams of the sprinters weakened we could see the breakaway claim yet another stage victory. Its success, however, will depend on the severity of the wind and the breakaway’s ultimate composition.
However, should there be no reason for the General Classification teams to become involved in chasing, it may be difficult for the sprinters’ teams to both chase the breakaway and successfully lead-out their sprinters during the stage’s finale.
We should be set for yet another exciting battle between the sprinters, the breakaway, and those plucky opportunists. So prepare the caffeine and steady yourself for yet another exciting stage of la Vuelta a Espana.
Remember to join us from 12.00am AEST for live updates.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
2013 Vuelta a Espana - General Classification Top 10: 1st. Nibali 2nd. Horner +28 3rd. Valverde +1:14 4th. Rodriguez +2:29 5th. Roche +3:43 6th. Pozzovivo +5:09 7th. Pinot +6:08 8th. Konig +6:17 9th. Sammuel Sanchez +7'33" 10th. Tanel Kangert +10'52"
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
One final comment. I am hearing reports that the new provisional General Classification Top 10 is: 1st Nibal 2nd Horner +0.28 3rd Valverde 1.14 4th Rodriguez +2.29 5th Roche +3.43 6th Pozovivo 7th Pinot 8th Konig 9th Sanchez 10th Kangert No firm idea on the time gaps from 6th downwards yet.
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 recaps, stage previews, and race analysis. Tomorrow’s Stage 18 should be fiercely contested by the General Classification. With a 186.5km stage from Burgos to Peña Cabarga that should suit punchy explosive pure climbers.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Unfortunately Eurosport's coverage has ended before viewers get an opportunity to examine the provisional General Classification standings. So I am currently unaware of any other changes to the General Classification.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
So far the biggest winner from today's stage is Nicolas Roche and Team Saxo-Tinkoff. With the Irishman moving up a position in the General Classification to fifth, from his previous sixth position.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
No other notable losers confirmed just yet.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
So far the greatest losers in the General Classification after Stage 17 will be Thibaut Pinot of FDJ.fr and Domenico Pozzovivo of AG2R Le Mondiale.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Bauke Mollema outfoxed the other riders to gain a gap within the final 1000 metres and hold on to claim the stage victory. As he said in his post-stage interview, the plan worked.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
All the major favourites were in the lead group; so Horner, Valverde and Rodriguez should remain on the same time in the General Classification.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
As far as we know, he finished with Nibali and co in the lead group.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Edvald Boasson Hagen finishes second, Riecheze of Lampre-Merida nabs third, with Tyler Farrar fourth, and Fabian Cancellara fifth in the end.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
The group of Pinot and Pozzovivo eventually cross the line some 1'30" behind stage winner Bauke Mollema and the lead group.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Bauke Mollema holds on to claim the Stage 17 victory!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
A Team Belkin rider has gone on the attack, it is said to be Bauke Mollema!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
1.5 kilometres remaining, with Lampre-Merida marshalling the lead group.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Euskaltel-Euskadi now come to the front, as have NetApp-Endura.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Lampre-Merida setting up on of their riders for the sprint. With the Astana rider caught.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
3 kilometres remaining. With an Astana rider still just very slightly off the front of the group.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
The Astana rider is reportedly Tanel Kangert. He has the narrowest of margins back to the group behind.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Martinez and Ulissi have been swallowed up by the pack.