Vuelta a España 2014 – Stage 17 Preview

By David Hunter

Etapa 17 Ortigueira – A Coruña

Welcome to Galicia.

Just one look at the map and you know this isn’t going to be an easy day.The profile does not do this day justice. The roads in this region are extremely up and down and this is going to be a very hard day. With no categorised climbs, you would normally think of a sprint, but it’s not guaranteed. However, this is the last stage where a big, sprint can happen and a few teams want it to be. Giant, Orica and Lampre will work to limit the break, but if the right mix make the break, it’ll be very hard to bring back.

Looking to get in the break, will be riders who have been in multiple breaks, during the race. That means we should see Le Bon, Lutsenko, Trofimov and Aramendia. I also think that David Millar and Rohan Dennis will have a go. The course suits a TT rider and any of these guys, can win the stage.

What if the break fails?

Nothing in the profile that will deter any of the sprinters that remain in the race.

The end of the stage, continues along the coast. This could prove difficult, if the wind blows. There is a prediction of crosswinds, for the final 4km, so it could get very interesting.

John Degenkolb is the stand out sprinter, remaining in the race. Already with 3 stages, there’s no pressure on his shoulders, but he would like 4! His competitors are way below his level: Matthews, Guardini, Gilbert, Boonen, Stuyven, Ferrari, Richeze and Debusschere. It would be a big surprise if any of these riders beat Degenkolb.

This is the problem for Giant! Why work all day, when Degenkolb is the best? It makes sense to send a rider in the break and hope that Giant use up their resources. With 3 wins to his name, Giant, may sit up and call their bluff.

After the spectacular mountain stages, it should be an easy day, for the GC riders.

Prediction time…

I’m going for the break and a sentimental win for David Millar.

David Hunter

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