La Vuelta 2023: Stage 4:- Andorra la Vella.Andorra - Tarragona, 184.6km ***Spoilers***
blazing_saddles
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Stage 4:- Andorra la Vella.Andorra - Tarragona, 184.6km
August 29th
Start Time: 12-20BST.
Stage 4 is the first chance to shine during the three-week race. A largely flat or downhill run for the final 30km means that there's likely to be a big bunch sprint at the end of the 184.6km day.
The hardest tests of the stage come in the final 50km with the Alto de Belltall (9.3km at 3.7%) and Coll de Lilla (5.2km at 4.9%), though neither of the third-category climbs look likely to pose much of a challenge for the sprinters.
The riders line up in Andorra’s capital to leave the dwarf state and, subsequently, the Pyrenees on a false flat dowhill. After some 50 kilometres they enter a more undulating phase in the race.
Despite 1,800 metres of ascent, from start to finish, the riders descend into Vall and continue gently downhill towards Tarragona. From here it’s 30.6 kilometres from the Lilla summit to the finish line.
Final Kms.
There are a number of "Kirby's" and slight rises within the final kms. The final, sharp turn is on roundabout being within 500 metres of the finish. (I can already sense the panic button being pushed)
What to Expect.
There may not be many sprinters here but after no chances, stage 4 will most likely be controlled in order those here get a chance.
Andorra la Vella.Andorra
10 Vuelta stage departures.
24,382 inhabitants.
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra, in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It lies near the confluence of the Valira and the Valira del Norte rivers in the narrow Gran Valira valley, on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. It’s known as a duty-free retail hub, with shops lining Meritxell Avenue. The mountainous Principality of Andorra is part of the history of La Vuelta and its capital, Andorra la Vella, already has extensive experience hosting the race. Thanks to its orographic characteristics, this cycling territory attracts numerous professional cyclists for training purposes.
Escudella
Widely known as Andorra’s national dish. This is mainly a winter dish, served in the cold months and on holidays. It’s a rich, hearty stew, containing a base of broth with cooked pasta, pulses, and different vegetables. The traditional Escudella also contains a few different kinds of meat – sausages, chicken, meatballs, and pork. Almost every restaurant in Andorra offers its version of the meal.
Tarragona
Tarragona has hosted 13 La Vuelta finishes
135,436 inhabitants
Tarragona is a port city in northeastern Spain’s Catalonia region. Many ancient ruins remain from its time as the Roman colony of Tarraco. The Amfiteatre Romà is a 2nd-century arena facing the Mediterranean, the Necropolis contains Roman tombs, and traces of the Forum stand among the alleys of the walled, medieval Old Town. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueològic, has sweeping views of the city.
Arroz Marinero
Rice and seafood are the key ingredients to making arroz marinero, a traditional specialty that originates from Spain. The main ingredients are usually combined with sautéed vegetables such as onions, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, and the combination is typically simmered in water or stock (seafood or fish stock) with the addition of various spices and seasonings.
Arròs negre
Arròs negre is a Spanish dish originating from Valencia and Catalonia, and it is the most popular in Castellon and Tarragona. It is made with white rice, squid or cuttlefish, and squid ink, which gives the dish its characteristical black color.
The dish is often enriched with the addition of garlic, onions, fish stock, cubanelle peppers, olive oil, and sweet paprika, and many cooks like to add other types of seafood into the paella pan, such as shrimp and crab.
August 29th
Start Time: 12-20BST.
Stage 4 is the first chance to shine during the three-week race. A largely flat or downhill run for the final 30km means that there's likely to be a big bunch sprint at the end of the 184.6km day.
The hardest tests of the stage come in the final 50km with the Alto de Belltall (9.3km at 3.7%) and Coll de Lilla (5.2km at 4.9%), though neither of the third-category climbs look likely to pose much of a challenge for the sprinters.
The riders line up in Andorra’s capital to leave the dwarf state and, subsequently, the Pyrenees on a false flat dowhill. After some 50 kilometres they enter a more undulating phase in the race.
Despite 1,800 metres of ascent, from start to finish, the riders descend into Vall and continue gently downhill towards Tarragona. From here it’s 30.6 kilometres from the Lilla summit to the finish line.
Final Kms.
There are a number of "Kirby's" and slight rises within the final kms. The final, sharp turn is on roundabout being within 500 metres of the finish. (I can already sense the panic button being pushed)
What to Expect.
There may not be many sprinters here but after no chances, stage 4 will most likely be controlled in order those here get a chance.
Andorra la Vella.Andorra
10 Vuelta stage departures.
24,382 inhabitants.
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra, in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It lies near the confluence of the Valira and the Valira del Norte rivers in the narrow Gran Valira valley, on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. It’s known as a duty-free retail hub, with shops lining Meritxell Avenue. The mountainous Principality of Andorra is part of the history of La Vuelta and its capital, Andorra la Vella, already has extensive experience hosting the race. Thanks to its orographic characteristics, this cycling territory attracts numerous professional cyclists for training purposes.
Escudella
Widely known as Andorra’s national dish. This is mainly a winter dish, served in the cold months and on holidays. It’s a rich, hearty stew, containing a base of broth with cooked pasta, pulses, and different vegetables. The traditional Escudella also contains a few different kinds of meat – sausages, chicken, meatballs, and pork. Almost every restaurant in Andorra offers its version of the meal.
Tarragona
Tarragona has hosted 13 La Vuelta finishes
135,436 inhabitants
Tarragona is a port city in northeastern Spain’s Catalonia region. Many ancient ruins remain from its time as the Roman colony of Tarraco. The Amfiteatre Romà is a 2nd-century arena facing the Mediterranean, the Necropolis contains Roman tombs, and traces of the Forum stand among the alleys of the walled, medieval Old Town. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueològic, has sweeping views of the city.
Arroz Marinero
Rice and seafood are the key ingredients to making arroz marinero, a traditional specialty that originates from Spain. The main ingredients are usually combined with sautéed vegetables such as onions, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, and the combination is typically simmered in water or stock (seafood or fish stock) with the addition of various spices and seasonings.
Arròs negre
Arròs negre is a Spanish dish originating from Valencia and Catalonia, and it is the most popular in Castellon and Tarragona. It is made with white rice, squid or cuttlefish, and squid ink, which gives the dish its characteristical black color.
The dish is often enriched with the addition of garlic, onions, fish stock, cubanelle peppers, olive oil, and sweet paprika, and many cooks like to add other types of seafood into the paella pan, such as shrimp and crab.
"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
4
Comments
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Really struggling to find the motivation to watch this year. Today might be the first stage I put on as it can keep me company while I work but I'm not exactly enthused by the prospect.1
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Today is a sprint stage featuring only one of PCS top 20 ranked sprinters. And even that's Coquard.Pross said:Really struggling to find the motivation to watch this year. Today might be the first stage I put on as it can keep me company while I work but I'm not exactly enthused by the prospect.
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Police arrest two men attempting to sabotage today's stage with 400 litres of olive oil
The video is a worth a watch
Warning No formatter is installed for the format1 -
Agree, definitely a slick operation.ddraver said:Properly good policing that...
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Cake is just weakness entering the body2 -
Like a well oiled machinewakemalcolm said:
Agree, definitely a slick operation.ddraver said:Properly good policing that...
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Holy fuck.
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Yeah, sorry, some of those puns a shocking. No idea how they slipped through the quality filter.kingstongraham said:Holy censored .
Warning No formatter is installed for the format2 -
Just start oilNo_Ta_Doctor said:Police arrest two men attempting to sabotage today's stage with 400 litres of olive oil
The video is a worth a watch1 -
Be a shame to have a normal day of racing without some weirdness, I suppose.0
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Looks like there's a doomed break of 3, including the requisite Burgos and Caja Rural lambs, not being given much leeway. Some normality returning there at least.0
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Disappointed not to see Dastardly and Muttley being among the ones being arrested or ACME painted on the barrel.
Edit - first mugshots from the police station have been released
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God, Wittermouth with 100km+ of not much action
Could be a lot of imagined conversations0 -
Turned on about 15 minutes ago, it's a relief to here Blythe talking now.poweredbyidris said:God, Wittermouth with 100km+ of not much action
Could be a lot of imagined conversations1 -
I think there's at least an hour before the prospect of anything happening. Got to love Sean Kelly telling it like it is.0
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At least the sun has come out.
Mercifully 45 minutes respite as Dan Lloyd takes over to describe the non-action"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.1 -
Sadly am I correct in thinking it's only ck and no hatch at all?Pross said:
Turned on about 15 minutes ago, it's a relief to here Blythe talking now.poweredbyidris said:God, Wittermouth with 100km+ of not much action
Could be a lot of imagined conversations
On the stage I watched yesterday it seemed to me that lloyd was taking the part of lead commentator when ck was resting his vocal cords.
I have thought he has been good for a while, and he's one of the best imho, very natural, good sense of humour, and also knowledge of the sport and the riders. I hope he moves more into the role and ck gets gently eased out.Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 181 -
Just 35kms of calm commentary and he’s back already.
Now we have the joy of him and all those roundabouts looming.
Deadly dull thus far."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
Jumbo and ineos showboat a fair bit don't they"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
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**ROUNDABOUTS CHAT KLAXON**0
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So now ck has named all the start list as potential winners and now he is on to......... yes, you've guessed it..... roundabouts“You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”
Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut0 -
I did wonder if Robbie's comment along the lines of 'I'm just enjoying the peace and quiet' was a slight dig shortly before CK returned.blazing_saddles said:Just 35kms of calm commentary and he’s back already.
Now we have the joy of him and all those roundabouts looming.
Deadly dull thus far.
We've just had the full list of riders read out as a list of possible contenders and a mention of town planners and roundabouts.2 -
Jumbo you can understand, Ineos less so these daysmididoctors said:Jumbo and ineos showboat a fair bit don't they
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Bonus seconds in 4km - could be the first point of interest.0
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nopekingstongraham said:Bonus seconds in 4km - could be the first point of interest.
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What are Ineos doing?0
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Holding the front until it matters - it's their trademark move these daysPross said:What are Ineos doing?
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If they're trying to base their tactics on the TV coverage it could be anythingPross said:What are Ineos doing?
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Crash.
Coquard out of the sprint, Buitrago out of the race by the looks."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
Crash 4 k to go"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
