Tour de San Luis 2015 – Stage 5 Preview
By David Hunter
Time Trial Day
The San Luis TT is another regular in the Tour de San Luis, however, the organisers have decided to change the route in 2015. It’s a fairly standard, out and back course, with a couple of corners. Note the big long straight, along Av. Eva Peron, this allow the big engines to get going.
The opening 9.5km is nearly all downhill. The riders will put it into the biggest gear and go for it. The closing 8km is uphill, but nothing too serious. The final 1.2km is the most challenging part of the course, a slight rise of 2.5%. This is a course for the TT specialists. Let’s take a look at them:-
Adriano Malori – Won this TT in 2014 and really made the step-up to elite level. He took wins in San Luis, Tirreno and the Vuelta. It was a big move for the Italian, who has made steady progress throughout his career. At 26 years old, he looks ready to hit his prime and challenge the top TT riders in the world.
Michal Kwiatkowski – The World Champion had some noticeable results in his 2014 TTs: 1st in Algarve, 3rd in Pais Vasco and prologue winner in Romandie. He’s not been chasing the GC here, but leading out Cav instead. This represents an opportunity to stretch his legs and gauge his form.
Jorge Giacinti – Now 40 years old, the old man of Argentine cycling can still deliver the goods. He finished 3rd in the TT last year, in San Luis. Can never be discounted but age is not on his side.
Eduardo Sepulveda – A solid TT rider but not wonderful. Will be searching for the top 10, to gain time on his rivals.
Leandro Messineo – Another of the old guard at Somos Todos. At 35 years old he can still perform well, he was 2nd in the TT back in 2013.
Mattia Cattaneo – Young star of Lampre-Merida. A strong, if not spectacular TT rider. 10th in the Tour de Suisse was his best in 2014, but a rider who will improve with age.
Serghei Tvetcov – New signing for Androni Giocattoli. Had some impressive TT results in 2014: 1st in Gila, 12th in California, 2nd in Beauce and 3rd in the US Pro Challenge. The shorter distance suits him, he was a poor 44th in the World TT race. His one and only goal in this race, is the TT.
Tom Danielson – Can be hit or miss in TTs. I think this is a miss!
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck – Another one who is hit or miss! Has a massive engine and will turn into a excellent, short distance TT rider. In these races he usually takes it easy.
Jani Brajkovic – Once upon a time he won the Dauphine TT and GC! His TT skills have been on the decline but has recently spent some time in a wind tunnel. He’ll be gunning for a top 5 position.
Rodrigo Contreras – 20 year old sensation from Colombia. He can climb and TT and is a massive star of the future. Was 2nd in the Colombian under 23 TT race and 1st in the PanAmerican under 23 too.
Prediction Time
No surprises, no shocks, this is a win for Adriano Malori.
David Hunter
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