La Vuelta 2024:-Stage 1: Saturday 17th August, Lisbon – Oeiras, 12km, ITT ***Spoilers***

Stage 1:- Lisbon – Oeiras, 12km, ITT

August 17th.

Start Time: 16-30BST.

The inaugural stage of La Vuelta will, once again, be an individual time trial – this time consisting of a 12 km route near the mouth of the Tagus River. The riders set off from Lisbon and finish 12 flat kilometres later in in Oeiras. It will be the fifth time in La Vuelta’s 79-year history that the race starts outside Spain. Lisbon also hosted the first foreign start in 1997. The start podium is situated near the Belém tower, where the river flows into the ocean. The route is virtually flat. It will be a powerful, speedy time trial designed for true specialists. The coastal wind may play a pivotal role.

Profile.

Map.

What to Expect.

The only obstacle on the course from Lisbon to Oeiras appears at kilometre 4.2. The road for 300 metres at almost 5% near Cruz Quebrada beach. The likes of Wout van Aert and Josh Tarling will already be licking their lips.

Lisboa

Lisbon has already hosted a La Vuelta stage departure once before, in 1997.

545,796 inhabitants

The Portuguese capital, located along the banks of the Tajo (Tagus) River, will showcase all the charm of its cobblestone streets. From the Fado chords that echo in Alfama to the modernity of the avant-garde Barrio Alto, Lisbon is brimming with life. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Museums like the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum bring the past to life, while music and film festivals mark its cultural pulse. Each and every corner of Lisbon is a masterpiece, while its hills offer a beautiful skyline, making it the ideal starting point for La Vuelta 24.

Petiscos

Petiscos are the lesser-known Portuguese relatives of tapas, essentially small versions of large plates. The practice of eating petiscos originates from the Iberian Peninsula. They can be found in taverns or cafés called tascas, or in petisqueiras, bars and restaurants that serve them with beer and Portuguese wines. These snacks vary from one bar or petisqueria to another, and some of them include salada de polvo (octopus salad), pipis or moelas (chicken giblets), caracois (snails in a garlic broth), bifanas (pork sandwiches), bolinhos de bacalhau (cod croquettes), presunto (cured Iberian ham), pica pau (small pieces of marinated meat and pickled vegetables), porco na banha (pork cooked in lard), choco frito (fried cuttlefish), and many more.

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart that is popular throughout the world. It is believed that for the best result, the filling should not be too sweet and should not have flavors of lemon nor vanilla. Instead, the tarts should be sprinkled with cinnamon and, ideally, paired with a cup of coffee.


Originally, this treat was made before the 18th century by Catholic monks and nuns in Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon.

Oeiras

Oeiras makes its debut hosting a La Vuelta finish-line.

171.658 inhabitants.

The municipality is part of the urban agglomeration of Lisbon and the town of Oeiras is about 16 km from downtown Lisbon. Oeiras is an important economic hub, being one of the most highly developed municipalities of Portugal and Europe. It has the highest GDP per capita in the country

Oeiras, Portugal’s hidden jewel, captivates visitors with its coastal charm and historical heritage. The Marquis of Pombal Palace and its gardens are one of the city’s most treasured assets. The beaches of Oeiras, such as Praia de Santo Amaro, invite us to relax in front of the Atlantic near the mouth of the Tajo River. With its mellow atmosphere and its historic monuments, Oeiras is a truly unique destination, where the peaceful sea comes together with cultural wealth.

Frango assado com piri piri.

Frango assado com piri piri, which is often simply referred to as frango assado (roasted chicken), is a Portuguese dish with vague origins. It is usually made with a whole butterflied chicken that can be marinated in a combination of olive oil, seasonings, and crushed piri-piri peppers.

After it is roasted or grilled, the chicken is served with a piri-piri sauce—a mixture of dry or fresh chili peppers and oil, along with other optional ingredients.


"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
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Comments

  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,726

    Mikel Landismosaurus Rex is ready to rumble.🤣

    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • Mad_Malx
    Mad_Malx Posts: 5,183

    Can’t say that fado makes for a cheerful evening

  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,908

    Are UAE going to have a in house visma situation... I went with Roglic for GC ...just don't know if almeida is going to ride for Yates or vice versa

    "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 pm
  • m.r.m.
    m.r.m. Posts: 3,475

    I was told in Cape Town that Piri Piri chicken does not originate in Portugal, but rather comes from Mozambique. 🤷‍♂️

    PTP Champion 2019, 2022 & 2023
  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,908

    It's a good chance for josh here

    "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 pm
  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,726

    The Portuguese version is closely associated with the African dish, although it's not clear where it originated. The most common theory is that the dish appeared in the 1970s when many Portuguese expats returned home from overseas colonies such as Angola and Mozambique.

    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • kingstongraham
    kingstongraham Posts: 28,161

    I like it, has a T Rex on the back as well, so easy to identify from the helicopter shots.

  • wakemalcolm
    wakemalcolm Posts: 911

    Thinking back to last year: do any of the teams have a decent light sponsor?

    ================================
    Cake is just weakness entering the body
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,463

    Well Nando’s is South African. First time I ever went in one was when a South African colleague dragged me into one as he was homesick.

  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,908

    Course is blistering fast

    "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 pm
  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,908

    Earlier contenders north of 56kph

    "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 pm
  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,726

    Wind causing a few problems with the TT bikes disc wheels.

    As James May likes to say: “buffeting.”

    Affini current leader.

    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,726

    I see that the Vuelta is once again capturing people's imagination..........not.

    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,818

    Tarling looks so aero for a big unit.

  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,818

    FFS. The lad is cursed.

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    Tarling missed out by 0.28 secs after Carlton suggested he would have a handsome lead when there was about 500m to go. CK has zero idea.

    Afini remains in hotseat.

    A Yates decent ride.

  • orraloon
    orraloon Posts: 13,232

    So will Wout be on his double discs? In the crosswindies?

  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,726
    edited August 17

    Yup.

    The Idiot formerly known as Carlton Kirby keeps calling the results 2 corners and 400 metres too soon.

    You would think that Adam Yates was leading, now listening to him. It was a decent ride: the end.

    Meanwhile, if Wout can win, Visma would pick up this Vuelta, almost where they left off, last year. As it stands, they will retain the red jumper.

    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    No, a VLaB bod said it was too windy today, but the plan was for a lot of the team to have gone double disc.

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    Vacek takes the lead by 6 seconds.

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    Sepp Kuss 51 seconds down on leader.

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    Almeida at 17 secs looks best of GC riders.

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    UCI should introduce a maximum width for TT helmets that outlawa the hideous Star Wars lids.

    Roglic on the ramp

  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,726
    edited August 17
    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,818

    Those flaps on the Ineos helmet will surely be on the UCI hitlist soon.

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    Max width and a max length are needed.

    Roglic with a good time.

    Wout hitting the split 1 sec ahead of Vacek

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    Brando McNulty into lead by 2 secs.

    Looks like Wout may take it though.

  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,572

    Or not. Wout 3 seconds down.

  • orraloon
    orraloon Posts: 13,232

    Erse! I thought about PTPing Brandon. But just went with The Herd. 🫤 oh well.