La Vuelta 2024:- Stage 15: Infiesto – Cuitu Negru, 142.9km ***Spoilers***

blazing_saddles
blazing_saddles Posts: 22,730
in Pro race

Stage 15: Infiesto – Cuitu Negru, 142.9km

Sunday 1st September.

Start Time: 12-50BST.

The second week of competing will conclude with a tough Asturian mountain stage. The double climb of Colladiella will add difficulty to a stage that will culminate at the Cuitu Negru – a true Asturian colossus whose toughest kilometres are found beyond Pajares Ski Resort. It's an extremely long drag with an inhumanly steep finale. Operating since 1954, the Valgrande Pajares ski resort is one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain.

The first and only Vuelta stage finish at Cuitu Negru dates back to 2012. Before that it was a rocky dust road, which was asphalted for the occasion. As a thank you to the road workers, Dario Cataldo dug deep on the Cuitu Negru to hold off his breakaway companion Thomas De Gendt. In the fight for GC Joaquim Rodríguez dropped Alberto Contador in the dying metres to gain 2 seconds, while Alejandro Valverde crossed the line 19 seconds later. Chris Froome – third on GC at that moment – lost 2.32 minutes. Perhaps a sign of what is in storm for some unlucky contender?

Profile.

stage-15-vuelta-24[1].jpg

Map.

stage-15-route[1].jpg

The Climbs.

stage-15-colladiella[1].jpg
stage-15-cuitu-negru[1].jpg

The Finishing Kilometres.

Cuitu Negru is 19.5 kilometres with an average gradient of 5.2%. The first 7 kilometres are negligible, but then it begins. A section at 11% welcomes the riders roughly 7.5 kilometres from the finish, while the last 2.5 kilometres are especially brutal. This section goes up at almost 13% and peaks out at 24% just before the finish.

Infiesto

Infiesto makes its debut hosting a La Vuelta stage departure.

2,367 inhabitants.

Infiesto is the main village and capital of the council of Piloña, although it was not part of an independent parish until 1892, when it separated from that of San Juan to form that of San Antonio. Located within the Council of Piloñas, in the heart of the Principality of Asturias, this locality has already seen the La Vuelta peloton ride through its streets, but in 2024 it will become the host of a stage departure for the first time by firing the starting gun for the stage prior to the rest day.

Cachopo

Cachopo is a meaty delicacy from the Spanish region of Asturias, consisting of two veal or beef steaks filled with cheese and a slice of ham. The whole concoction is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried in hot oil. The dish is traditionally served with roasted potatoes, grilled peppers, and mushrooms on the side.

e5d5e35f487f433da8337b4e413ae354[1].jpg

Cuitu Negru

Cuitu Negru has already hosted a La Vuelta finish-line once before.

10,499 inhabitants.

The peak is located on the boundary between Asturias and Castile and Leon, in the northern part of the country. The great Asturian colossus returns to La Vuelta 12 years after its debut.

PajaresCuituNegru04[1].jpg
big-ride-144-asturias-01[1].jpg


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

  • DeVlaeminck
    DeVlaeminck Posts: 9,108

    Another transition stage I see !!

    [Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
  • No_Ta_Doctor
    No_Ta_Doctor Posts: 14,691

    Cian Uijtdebroeks DNS, another Covid case

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  • orraloon
    orraloon Posts: 13,268
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094175#Comment_21094175

    Well, those pro pelotoners don't follow the 2m 'rule' do they? 😉

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094175#Comment_21094175

    Probably didn’t help having him pulling the break back yesterday. He did a huge turn before parking up.

  • DeadCalm
    DeadCalm Posts: 4,249

    I'm working and furtively following on my phone so it's not easy to follow what is going on. But it looks kind of nuts.

  • No_Ta_Doctor
    No_Ta_Doctor Posts: 14,691
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094207#Comment_21094207

    As far as I can see, UAE are trying to see if they can put Jay Vine in the mountains jersey (and maybe bump Sivakov into the top 10 GC?)

    Quickstep are all in for Landa, Asgreen has dropped back from the break and they're pulling the peloton with a full team

    Gaps are all pretty small, given there are 70km and a cat 1 and HC to go.

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  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,833

    Sunday afternoon Vuelta drinking game. Drink a shot every time Carlton says "indeed". Do 20 press-ups every time Sean says "number of kilometres".

  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 27,482
    edited September 1
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094211#Comment_21094211

    Hardcore if you can do that! 😂😅🤣. Most CK sentences would have you in a pickle.

    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588

    Does Castrillo realise what he’s got ahead? That was a ridiculous attack!

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094211#Comment_21094211

    Just don’t try it with every “for goodness sake” for goodness sake.

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588

    Roglic has opened a bit of a gap

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588

    Just hope Castrillo can hold off Roglic. 1:37 with 1.7km left. Chasers could still get back too.

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588

    Vlasov closing now. O’Connor fighting but struggling

  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,912

    Lol

    "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: 18,912

    Use a big gear

    "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: 18,912

    Mas drops roglic in the gloom

    "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
  • No_Ta_Doctor
    No_Ta_Doctor Posts: 14,691

    Stephen Roche is coming over that line any minute, I can feel it

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  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,912
    edited September 1

    O Conner hangs on to the jersey

    "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
  • No_Ta_Doctor
    No_Ta_Doctor Posts: 14,691

    *cough cough* Skjelmose brilliant ride again, came in with Roglic. That's going to put him close to the white jersey


    I know you all like me to keep you updated on the important stuff 😉

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  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588

    That was an impressive win by Castrillo, broke Vlasov with those multiple kicks at the end. Can’t work out if he naturally looks like a bag of shit on the bike or if it is an attempt to bluff. If it’s the latter it’s not going to work for long.

    O.Connor holds on for another day but it feels like it’s no longer a matter of if but when he loses the jersey. Have to admit I thought today would finish him.

  • dabber
    dabber Posts: 1,982

    Castrillo.... one tough guy.

    “You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”

    Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut
  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,912

    Good stage

    "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
  • kingstongraham
    kingstongraham Posts: 28,226
    edited September 1

    I thought Vlasov was definitely going to take him. Chapeau to Castrillo.

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588

    I hope for Ineos’ sake they’ve already got Castrillo’s signature on a contract. They’ve been slow to commit on contracts in the past and there’ll be a few others making him offers if it isn’t a done deal. If they have they may have finally found their new star. Not sure what his TT is like though.

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,588

    Sivakov being UAE’s best GC rider in 10th is a surprise.

  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,912
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094228#Comment_21094228
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094228#Comment_21094228

    We were waiting for the update

    "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: 18,912

    Insane incline

    "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
  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,833

    That was compelling stuff

  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,730
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21094228#Comment_21094228

    He does seem to climb well on the steeper stuff, not that I give two stuffs!!!😆

    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,912

    Castrillo is highly entertaining

    "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

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