Every grand tour has its own character and style and once you understand that, you can understand who is likely to be a contender, what they need to do to win, where the other opportunities are for people not chasing the GC etc.
I get this with the TDF, but not the Vuelta. So, what is its character, what kind of rider does it suit? It seems like it’s skewed more towards the climbers, with rolling stages from early on in the schedule.
How would you describe it?
As with all grand tours it depends on the route.
If I was being cynical, I'd have said that the same way that the TdF this year removed the bias towards climbers (i.e. Contador and Schleck) to keep it more interesting, I think the Vuelta this year was made to favour the local boys who love their climbing.
For reference how would you describe the style and character of the TDF and Giro?
I think the Vuelta has always been a bit of the ugly duckling out of the three grand tours, and has suffered with its date being moved. It's also always been a bit chaotic, and poorly organized, so to make up for that the new thinking seems to be make it as crazy as possible these last couple of years. Insane climbs day after day, stages that include circuits of town centre's etc, and it seems to be working, best Grand tour this year by a country mile.
TdF = Relentless media juggernaut.
Giro = Style over substance.
Vuelta = A local race for local riders.
Vuelta, more like a (spanish) club run. The Tour ia a massive slick machine, which has its good and bad points. the Giro has managed not to be slick whilst still being orginised. The Vuelta is a bit mickey mouse, but still the better for it.
this years route has been swung very much in favour of the locals, but it keeps it different.
The only thing that let the Vuelta down in recent years was the shitty TV quality. As they're using the ASO for their website you think they'd ask them for some TV cameras too.
Dunno, first time I have taken an interest in Vuelta, & its been stunning.
I will make sure I catch all 3 next year.
Likewise. I couldn't analyse it's character but there has been some great racing. I've really enjoyed it so far, plus some of it has been where we were on holiday recently.
Tdf - corporate
Giro - shallow
Vuelta - mental
slainte ❓ rob
geetee1972 - Member
How would you describe it?
Cynical Eurodopers gang up on plucky Brit......