- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
La Vuelta a Espana journeys to the Principality of Asturias and the city of Oviedo, capital city of the Principality and hometown of Euskaltel-Euskadi cyclist Sammuel Sanchez.
While easier than Stage 18, the 181km stage from San Vincente Barquera to the Category 2 Alto del Naranco will still challenge the peloton.
Weather-wise the peloton should be in for another enjoyable day, with the sun shining and the temperature around a moderate 20-degrees celsius.
With the wind currently forecast to be a tailwind, beginning light but becoming stronger towards the first intermediate sprint at Villaviciosa (103km).
However, there is a chance of more crosswinds as the race route changes direction to tackle the stage’s three categorised climbs.
Stage 19 will feature 2,504 metres of accumulated climbing, with the vast majority of that coming during the remaining 80 kilometres of the stage.
The peloton will tackle three three categorised climbs, as well as several uncategorised obstacles, with the first categorised climb of the day arriving with just 32.7 kilometres remaining.
On the agenda for the peloton are the two Category 3 climbs of the Alto de San Emiliano and the Alto de la Manzaneda, followed by a finish upon the Category 2 Alto del Naranco.
The Alto de San Emiliano’s slopes measures 6.3 kilometres in distance at an average gradient of 4.6 percent. Whilst the Alto de la Manzaneda’s slopes have an average gradient of 6.2 percent over a distance of 3.6 kilometres.
Before beginning the ascent of the final climb for the day, the Alto del Naranco, the peloton shall first cycle through Oviedo.
Upon reaching the outskirts of the city the peloton will begin the ascent of the 2nd Category Alto del Naranco, whose slopes measure 5.7 kilometres in length and feature an average gradient of 4.2 percent.
However, my own personal calculations have the average gradient at 6 percent.
Unfortunately race organisers Unipublic have neglected to provide details on the climb’s gradient on a kilometre by kilometre basis.
However, sources I trust are reporting that there in a section of 10 percent to be found some three kilometres from the conclusion of the climb and the stage, while the final two kilometres are reportedly at an average gradient of 6.5 percent.
The breakaway are on a role at the moment, and tomorrow could be no different with the immensely challenging Alto de L’Angrilu looming the next day.
With several teams still chasing a stage victory, as well as Euskaltel-Euskadi and Movistar fighting for the Team classification, the composition of the breakaway tomorrow could make or break it.
There are several strong candidates who could attempt to involve themselves in the breakaway. With Lampre-Merida possessing two great contenders with Michele Scarponi and Diego Ulissi.
Posing no threat to the General Classification it wouldn’t also be a surprise to see Bauke Mollema attempt to snatch a second stage victory, while Euskaltel-Euskadi have the trio of Mikel Landa, Igor Anton, and Mikel Neive to choose from.
It certainly would not be a surprise to see someone like Warren Barguil, Luis Sergio Henao, or Rigoberto Uran involved again.
While NetApp-Endura’s Bartosz Huzarski could also attempt to involve himself in the breakaway again.
We can also expect to see at least one rider from Spanish Pro-Continental team Caja Rural.
Team Movistar will also be eager to get involved, who surprisingly are still lacking a stage victory.
Unfortunately Sammuel Sanchez would be too great of a threat in the General Classification to get involved.
However, the local Asturian cyclist may attempt something should the breakaway be close on the final climb, or ultimately chased down by the peloton. Sammy Sanchez has been riding himself in to form over these last three weeks, and while not as good as the major General Classification riders he could be allowed some breathing room.
Fancy a wager on your favourite sport? Head on over to PlayUp for great odds and friendly customer service and pick a winner. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.