La Vuelta Stage 2 - 's-Hertogenbosch to Utrecht (175.1km)

mewso · 20-08-2022 1:51pm #1

First stage for the sprinters and there isn't much for them over the 21 stages so the finish could be a more nervous one than usual. Of course with our Irish bias most of us would love to see Sam take it but the big favourite is Merlier. Sam, Ackermann, Pedersen and Groves will all fancy their chances. Not the most exciting of stages but definitely plenty of interest in the finish. Fingers crossed.

Morris Garren · 20-08-2022 2:30pm

I tuned in to see a five man break, which includes Xabier Mikel Azpurren, yet another chap stright off the Euskatel Basque production line.

Now if the chap sat on my knee and did a Spanish jig, I wouldn't have the first notion who he is. I know absolutely nothing about his cycling prowess. But I happened to put him on my velogames team, purely because there is always at least one Basque banger who does the business in the Vuelta, plus he has a sexy name. Probably a good enough reason to pick him-- slightly better than picking Tom Van Assbroke perhaps.

mewso · 20-08-2022 2:40pm

Strange stage so far. None of the lads on Eurosport have any idea what Alpecin are up to. If they don't catch the break before the KOM then it really does make no sense.

breezy1985 · 20-08-2022 2:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119497698#Comment_119497698

Azpurren is good but not as strong as Tramadol.

eagle eye · 20-08-2022 2:52pm

I think this is Sam's day. He's got the best train and I think his form has improved enough over the last month for him to have a great chance today.

Morris Garren · 20-08-2022 3:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119497750#Comment_119497750

Boom! Lars Boom....

happytramp · 20-08-2022 3:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119497769#Comment_119497769

Hope so, he looked a bit out of it in Poland but then a bit better in the Euro Champs.... Most seem to think Merlier has it nailed on.

retalivity · 20-08-2022 3:47pm

Pretty honest interview from Sam there

dastardly00 · 20-08-2022 4:20pm

Come on Sam 🤞

mewso · 20-08-2022 4:26pm

You beauty

20-08-2022 4:26pm

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AxleAddict · 20-08-2022 4:26pm

Nice one Sam!

dastardly00 · 20-08-2022 4:27pm

YES!!!

Torrey · 20-08-2022 4:27pm

Fantastic! He's back

Morris Garren · 20-08-2022 4:28pm

Now that's just about as good a lead out as you will ever see; thankfully Sam is back!

Brilliant.

Kelly says 'He's gonna be MAYYYJORLY HAPPY!' 😀

happytramp · 20-08-2022 4:30pm

Great movement through the group in the final km... Van Popple picking the right gaps to get into and Sam comfortably the fastest in the end.

20-08-2022 4:30pm

I'm surprised there weren't more crashes in that run in.

Daroxtar · 20-08-2022 4:33pm

Well that's just a fantastic result for Sam. I honestly didn't think he had it in him but that was brilliant to see

breezy1985 · 20-08-2022 4:35pm

yes

Morris Garren · 20-08-2022 4:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119498152#Comment_119498152

Yes, brilliant bunch surfing

breezy1985 · 20-08-2022 4:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119498167#Comment_119498167

Thought they were boxed in all the way. Some guys holding out for the road to open.

retalivity · 20-08-2022 5:02pm

A number of (possible) GC people lost time today

Higuita 31s

Juan Lopez, Pinot, Plapp 35s

Uran, Jungels, Pozzovivo, Buitrago, TGH 43s

Valverde 1m

Lutsenko 1m9s

CantGetNoSleep · 20-08-2022 5:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119498284#Comment_119498284

How & where? Missed a bit but no mention of that on TV

Dodge · 20-08-2022 5:18pm

Sam back in green too. Suits him…

Doc07 · 20-08-2022 5:46pm

Fantastic from Sam, delighted for him, great job from lead out man also

at1withmyself · 20-08-2022 7:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119498330#Comment_119498330

It seems to depend on what site your reviewing but the official site seems to have neutralized the time as most incidents were within the 3km rule.

Don't see any big names with a loss for now.

CramCycle · 20-08-2022 8:10pm

Was out all day and managed not to have it spoiled. Absolutely fantastic.

happytramp · 20-08-2022 8:39pm

Same deal again tomorrow, intermediate very close to the end.... I wonder if he'll let pedersen take the 20pts again.

20-08-2022 9:01pm

I see they amended the points there, both TV and procyclingstats had Mullen 2nd in the intermediate. Sam is now on 67points with Pederson on 50,

happytramp · 20-08-2022 9:03pm

That makes a lot more sense... especially since he'd been talking about going for points during his interview

lawrencesummers · 20-08-2022 9:04pm

Savage finish, looked a long sprint where he was still clearly ahead on the line, hes back!

La Vuelta Stage 2 - 's-Hertogenbosch to Utrecht (175.1km)

Comments