Vuelta 2018, Stage 17: Getxo > Balcón de Bizkaia - 157 km *Spoilers*
blazing_saddles
Posts: 22,725
Getxo > Balcón de Bizkaia 12/09/2018 - Stage 17 - 157 km
Pretty much what you would expect, given it's location and the organizers love of "walls".
The 17th stage at the Vuelta a España is a Basque affair and therefore is packed with short, sharp climbs, rather than being mountainous. The race starts in Getxo to end after 157 kilometres in the saddle on a steep climb above Balcón de Bizkaia. The last 3.9 kilometres of the route is a toil at 11%.
Jonathan Castroviejo, the former European Champion time trialing who rides for Team Sky, lives in Getxo. Following the neutralized start the route continues to the proper start in Bilbao, near the Athletic Bilbao football stadium San Mamés. The riders head for the Alto de la Arboleda, a 6.9 kilometres climb at 5.2% with its peak at kilometre 16.7.
Following the descent the route is Spanish flat – which means the route is far from flat, yet there are no KOM points to be gained. For instance, the riders once again move through Bilbao (at kilometre 48) before they hit a 3 kilometres climb at 6.4%. Those eyeing up the polka dot jersey have to wait for the Alto de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 4.2 kilometres climb at 6.3% that leads to a gorgeous sea view at the top. The San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is crested at kilometre 85.
The riders drop down to a section of some 20 kilometres on the flat. Still almost 50 kilometres out and five climbs to go. First the Balcón de Bizkaia, a 10.2 kilometres slope at 3.7%. A right-hand turn while going downhill would lead to the finish, but no, that would be too easy. A loop northeast of the arrival takes in the Alto de Santo Eufemia, a 3.8 kilometres climb at 6.1% with some double digits ramps early on, before continuing onto the foot of the Gontzegaraine, which slopes at 4% for 5.3 kilometres.
Where the descent meets the old route – in Munitibar – the riders turn left to climb back up to the Balcón de Bizkaia. The first 3.2 kilometres climb at 6 to 7% and when the route turns left, the ascent gets steeper. Actually, this is the road to the summit of Monte Oiz, but the route doesn’t go all the way to the top. The Oiz peaks at 1,026 metres while the finish lies at an elevation of 925 metres.
Getting closer to the line, the road conditions worsen. It’s merely a narrow corrugated concrete track with impossibly steep ramps up to almost 24%. The last 3.9 kilometres to the finish ride at 11%, while the final climb from Munitibar is a 7.1 kilometres toil with an average gradient of 9.1%.
Video of the all important last 5kms.
https://youtu.be/2BDrknrMZIk
Finishing climb details.
Favourites 17th stage 2018 Vuelta a España
*** Nairo Quintana, Miguel Ángel López, Simon Yates, Steven Kruijswijk
** Wilco Kelderman, Thibaut Pinot, Alejandro Valverde, Enric Mas, the random breakaway.
* Bauke Mollema, Ilnur Zakarin, Rafal Majka, Dylan Teuns, Ben King
Team digs for this stage.
Getxo
Unprecedented departure
77,793 inhabitants
Bizkaia province
Getxo is a landmark destination for surfing aficionados. Its beaches, its cliffs and its pliable waves welcome thousands of tourists every year who come from all over the world to practice this sport. La Vuelta will depart from here for the first time and will, no doubt, visit the Bizkaia Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. The Getxo Circuit, the locality's most distinguished cycling trial, will celebrate its 73rd edition in 2018, as will La Vuelta.
Getxo is a very charming municipality. Its peculiar history has left vestiges of an exceptional past where Basque marine traditions and small beautiful palaces coexist. It is located 20 minutes from Bilbao by metro and nestled between cliffs and the Mouth of the Nervión Estuary, framed by the characteristic silhouette of the Bizkaia Bridge, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006. The Hanging Bridge, a Historical Artistic Monument that turns 125, is considered a work of art due to its beauty and functionality.
Thanks to various different interpretation panels, Getxo will not have any secrets from its visitors. Walking between the bridge and the old fishing port, the self-guided "Paseo de las Grandes Villas" tour, makes the stroll more pleasant and explains its architecture. As you reach the Old Port, the contrast is reflected with a hardworking past, steep streets and narrow houses that show the tough conditions in which the sailors once lived there.
The vocation for the sea and for sailing continues in the marinas. And for lovers of tranquillity, there are five beautiful well-communicated urban beaches where you can have a drink in its beach bars, or unique beaches far away from the centre, protected by cliffs where paragliding and surfing take place.
In Getxo, there is always a table in which to enjoy succulent pintxos and a great atmosphere.
Balcón de Bizkaia
Unprecedented Vuelta finale
Autonomous Community of Cantabria
Few territories can compete with the Basque Country's passion for cycling: thousands of fans line the roads, a solid quarry of riders, and a privileged orography provide the local touch. This year, the prize for cycling lovers comes in the form of an unprecedented La Vuelta climb: the Balcón de Vizcaya, jewel of the village of Berriz, in Mount Oiz.
Bizkaia Bay is a privileged meeting between the sea and the mountains. The coast of Bizkaia is spectacular. From Muskiz to Ondarroa, it is full of life and beautiful postcards: picturesque fishing villages, traditions and gastronomy straight out of the sea in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Urdaibai. All types of sports, from surfing, canoeing, paragliding and volleyball, to discovering extraordinary sandbanks, take place in the 28 beaches located along the Bizkaia coastline.
Bilbao is the capital of Bizkaia. The city’s great transformation over the past two decades has turned it into one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and innovative cities. The Nervión Estuary is the artery that runs through the city and its surroundings. Travelling along its margins, visitors can discover landmarks of its industrial past and of its present such as the Bizkaia Bridge in Portugalete, Getxo’s majestic palaces and buildings and the Santurtzi Port.
But in order to fully know Bizkaia, one must also explore its inland: its mountains, its rivers and its caves. All of these form part of its history, culture and way of life. The Natural Parks leave us speechless; the aromas and flavours of the traditional fairs, make us fall in love.
Pretty much what you would expect, given it's location and the organizers love of "walls".
The 17th stage at the Vuelta a España is a Basque affair and therefore is packed with short, sharp climbs, rather than being mountainous. The race starts in Getxo to end after 157 kilometres in the saddle on a steep climb above Balcón de Bizkaia. The last 3.9 kilometres of the route is a toil at 11%.
Jonathan Castroviejo, the former European Champion time trialing who rides for Team Sky, lives in Getxo. Following the neutralized start the route continues to the proper start in Bilbao, near the Athletic Bilbao football stadium San Mamés. The riders head for the Alto de la Arboleda, a 6.9 kilometres climb at 5.2% with its peak at kilometre 16.7.
Following the descent the route is Spanish flat – which means the route is far from flat, yet there are no KOM points to be gained. For instance, the riders once again move through Bilbao (at kilometre 48) before they hit a 3 kilometres climb at 6.4%. Those eyeing up the polka dot jersey have to wait for the Alto de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 4.2 kilometres climb at 6.3% that leads to a gorgeous sea view at the top. The San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is crested at kilometre 85.
The riders drop down to a section of some 20 kilometres on the flat. Still almost 50 kilometres out and five climbs to go. First the Balcón de Bizkaia, a 10.2 kilometres slope at 3.7%. A right-hand turn while going downhill would lead to the finish, but no, that would be too easy. A loop northeast of the arrival takes in the Alto de Santo Eufemia, a 3.8 kilometres climb at 6.1% with some double digits ramps early on, before continuing onto the foot of the Gontzegaraine, which slopes at 4% for 5.3 kilometres.
Where the descent meets the old route – in Munitibar – the riders turn left to climb back up to the Balcón de Bizkaia. The first 3.2 kilometres climb at 6 to 7% and when the route turns left, the ascent gets steeper. Actually, this is the road to the summit of Monte Oiz, but the route doesn’t go all the way to the top. The Oiz peaks at 1,026 metres while the finish lies at an elevation of 925 metres.
Getting closer to the line, the road conditions worsen. It’s merely a narrow corrugated concrete track with impossibly steep ramps up to almost 24%. The last 3.9 kilometres to the finish ride at 11%, while the final climb from Munitibar is a 7.1 kilometres toil with an average gradient of 9.1%.
Video of the all important last 5kms.
https://youtu.be/2BDrknrMZIk
Finishing climb details.
Favourites 17th stage 2018 Vuelta a España
*** Nairo Quintana, Miguel Ángel López, Simon Yates, Steven Kruijswijk
** Wilco Kelderman, Thibaut Pinot, Alejandro Valverde, Enric Mas, the random breakaway.
* Bauke Mollema, Ilnur Zakarin, Rafal Majka, Dylan Teuns, Ben King
Team digs for this stage.
Getxo
Unprecedented departure
77,793 inhabitants
Bizkaia province
Getxo is a landmark destination for surfing aficionados. Its beaches, its cliffs and its pliable waves welcome thousands of tourists every year who come from all over the world to practice this sport. La Vuelta will depart from here for the first time and will, no doubt, visit the Bizkaia Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. The Getxo Circuit, the locality's most distinguished cycling trial, will celebrate its 73rd edition in 2018, as will La Vuelta.
Getxo is a very charming municipality. Its peculiar history has left vestiges of an exceptional past where Basque marine traditions and small beautiful palaces coexist. It is located 20 minutes from Bilbao by metro and nestled between cliffs and the Mouth of the Nervión Estuary, framed by the characteristic silhouette of the Bizkaia Bridge, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006. The Hanging Bridge, a Historical Artistic Monument that turns 125, is considered a work of art due to its beauty and functionality.
Thanks to various different interpretation panels, Getxo will not have any secrets from its visitors. Walking between the bridge and the old fishing port, the self-guided "Paseo de las Grandes Villas" tour, makes the stroll more pleasant and explains its architecture. As you reach the Old Port, the contrast is reflected with a hardworking past, steep streets and narrow houses that show the tough conditions in which the sailors once lived there.
The vocation for the sea and for sailing continues in the marinas. And for lovers of tranquillity, there are five beautiful well-communicated urban beaches where you can have a drink in its beach bars, or unique beaches far away from the centre, protected by cliffs where paragliding and surfing take place.
In Getxo, there is always a table in which to enjoy succulent pintxos and a great atmosphere.
Balcón de Bizkaia
Unprecedented Vuelta finale
Autonomous Community of Cantabria
Few territories can compete with the Basque Country's passion for cycling: thousands of fans line the roads, a solid quarry of riders, and a privileged orography provide the local touch. This year, the prize for cycling lovers comes in the form of an unprecedented La Vuelta climb: the Balcón de Vizcaya, jewel of the village of Berriz, in Mount Oiz.
Bizkaia Bay is a privileged meeting between the sea and the mountains. The coast of Bizkaia is spectacular. From Muskiz to Ondarroa, it is full of life and beautiful postcards: picturesque fishing villages, traditions and gastronomy straight out of the sea in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Urdaibai. All types of sports, from surfing, canoeing, paragliding and volleyball, to discovering extraordinary sandbanks, take place in the 28 beaches located along the Bizkaia coastline.
Bilbao is the capital of Bizkaia. The city’s great transformation over the past two decades has turned it into one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and innovative cities. The Nervión Estuary is the artery that runs through the city and its surroundings. Travelling along its margins, visitors can discover landmarks of its industrial past and of its present such as the Bizkaia Bridge in Portugalete, Getxo’s majestic palaces and buildings and the Santurtzi Port.
But in order to fully know Bizkaia, one must also explore its inland: its mountains, its rivers and its caves. All of these form part of its history, culture and way of life. The Natural Parks leave us speechless; the aromas and flavours of the traditional fairs, make us fall in love.
"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
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Comments
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Great thread starter as always.
The bookies' odds (for final GC) make interesting reading.
Simon Yates 8/15
Miguel Angel Lopez 11/2
Nairo Quintana 13/2
Alejandro Valverde 12
Steven Kruijswijk 14
Enric Mas 28
Thibaut Pinot 40
Yates at odds on is surprising to me. I agree he's the favourite but I'd have expected evens at least. That Lopez is seen as more likely to win than Quintana is no surprise but the odds on Valverde seem quite generous.0 -
LB has come up with a more detailed look at the finishing run in and it's lesser climbs.
"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
For today, Lopez is the bookies favourite at 3/1 at most places.
Then Yates around 9/2, 5/1, followed by Quintana at 6/1, 7/1. Nobody else inside 10/1 (Majka can be found at 9/1 at a couple of places but he's generally 11-12/1).
This is interesting as Inrng doesn't mention Quintana, he has Yates and Lopez as 2* favourites.0 -
Live coverage of the whole stage is about to start.
The battle for the all important break should be interesting.
Having achieved his goal of winning the ITT, Rohan Dennis decides not to bother turning up at the start."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
DeadCalm wrote:Great thread starter as always.
The bookies' odds (for final GC) make interesting reading.
Simon Yates 8/15
Miguel Angel Lopez 11/2
Nairo Quintana 13/2
Alejandro Valverde 12
Steven Kruijswijk 14
Enric Mas 28
Thibaut Pinot 40
Yates at odds on is surprising to me. I agree he's the favourite but I'd have expected evens at least. That Lopez is seen as more likely to win than Quintana is no surprise but the odds on Valverde seem quite generous.
The odds follow the money not the actual likelihood and the market is fairly limited plus possibly British biased if a UK bookie. The bookie is just looking to guide people towards backing someone that will make them money.0 -
Pross wrote:DeadCalm wrote:Great thread starter as always.
The bookies' odds (for final GC) make interesting reading.
Simon Yates 8/15
Miguel Angel Lopez 11/2
Nairo Quintana 13/2
Alejandro Valverde 12
Steven Kruijswijk 14
Enric Mas 28
Thibaut Pinot 40
Yates at odds on is surprising to me. I agree he's the favourite but I'd have expected evens at least. That Lopez is seen as more likely to win than Quintana is no surprise but the odds on Valverde seem quite generous.
The odds follow the money not the actual likelihood and the market is fairly limited plus possibly British biased if a UK bookie. The bookie is just looking to guide people towards backing someone that will make them money.
Pross: You will be interested. Dai, Chris and the two youngest will be on the final climb today. Watch out for the flag.
Kirby was caught out, totally making stuff up, within 5 minutes of the start. :oops:"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
Most of the usual suspects in the break....about 4mins ahead
Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida), Alexandre Geniez (AG2R-La Mondiale), Omar Fraile (Astana), Alessandro De Marchi, Dylan Teuns (BMC Racing Team), Rafal Majka, Lukas Pöstlberger (Bora-hansgrohe), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Soudal), Andrey Amador (Movistar Team), Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier (Dimension Data), Simon Clarke, Michael Woods (Education First-Drapac), Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin), David De La Cruz, Jonathan Castroviejo (Team Sky), Jai Hindley (Team Sunweb), Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo), Cristian Rodríguez (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Jesus Herrada, Stéphane Rossetto (Cofidis) and Hector Saez (Euskadi).0 -
Gap up to 8mins with around 70km to go. Could be a Happy Birthday breakaway for Majka.0
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Blazing Saddles wrote:Pross: You will be interested. Dai, Chris and the two youngest will be on the final climb today. Watch out for the flag.
I saw one of his rides on Strava earlier. It was a flat one, I don't think he was looking forward to the hills!0 -
Pross wrote:Blazing Saddles wrote:Pross: You will be interested. Dai, Chris and the two youngest will be on the final climb today. Watch out for the flag.
I saw one of his rides on Strava earlier. It was a flat one, I don't think he was looking forward to the hills!
He doesn't even enter his own doorstep competition, so that's a cert.
Astana have finally turned up at the front, with 22kms to go."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
The games have begun in the breakaway, with Nibali being very active."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0
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Aru down on the deck with another rider, very angry.0
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A bit x-rated there from Aru! Ouch0
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You Me Bum Bum TrainNapoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter.0
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Shortless Aru complaining bitterly about the bike."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0
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How much support is SY getting from his two teammates (I'm relying on text updates!). It occurred to me this morning that SY often drops in "depending on how much support my team can give me" comments, and wondered whether that was a) him making a veiled dig at his teammates or b) just him thinking out loud knowing they've had a plan to rest their domestiques in anticipation of needing to support him over the next few days. I don't recally SY relying too much on his teammates in the climbs so far (contrast the way Sky ride - and I'm a fan of theirs!)2015 Canyon Nerve AL 6.0 (son #1's)
2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (son #4s)
2013 Decathlon Triban 3 (red) (mine)
2019 Hoy Bonaly 26" Disc (son #2s)
2018 Voodoo Bizango (mine)
2018 Voodoo Maji (wife's)0 -
Quintana losing touch with Yates group before the kick-up0
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Valverde quietly puts Quintana out the back door, early on. :oops:"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0
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Woods wins, Teuns 2nd de la Cruz 3rd.
Director finds fog more exciting than the GC battle."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
Was that Roche? (Stephen)0
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Valverde and Mas leave Yates behind for a massive ..............8 seconds.
Kruijswijk and Quintana the major casualties."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
Quintana exploded. 1 minute or so lost on Yates, Valvede gains a little bit.0
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Valverde gets around 7” back from Yates in the GC. Yates seemed unhappy with something at the finish there. Might just be emotions of the moment though.0
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It'll only take a few more of those for Valverde to ride into red. I'd not bet against him based on today, much as I want Yates to win it. Be interesting to hear how grumpy Yates is.2015 Canyon Nerve AL 6.0 (son #1's)
2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (son #4s)
2013 Decathlon Triban 3 (red) (mine)
2019 Hoy Bonaly 26" Disc (son #2s)
2018 Voodoo Bizango (mine)
2018 Voodoo Maji (wife's)0 -
Yates and Valverde back to within 1 second of where they were before the ITT.
Mas up to 3rd as others falter.
This GT continues to be mostly about the breakaways and very little to do with any GC battle."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
Two separate races really. Interested to watch highlights tonight.2015 Canyon Nerve AL 6.0 (son #1's)
2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (son #4s)
2013 Decathlon Triban 3 (red) (mine)
2019 Hoy Bonaly 26" Disc (son #2s)
2018 Voodoo Bizango (mine)
2018 Voodoo Maji (wife's)0 -
"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0
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Disappointing stage. Partly because of the coverage which was not helped by the fog. Mainly though because Quintana has just not had the legs to influence the GC and Lopez hasn't been able to back up his team's efforts.
Disappointing also that Kruijswijk and Pinot folded. Mas looks like a proper talent for the future.
Mitchelton-Scott have played a tactical blinder effectively giving Adam the first two weeks off to ensure he is there in the last week.
GC is nicely poised between Valverde and Yates.0 -
Any post-stage interview for Woods and Yates?0
