Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast Vuelta a España 2025 - Stage 13
Sep 5, 2025
The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of Stage 13 of the Vuelta a España, focusing on the challenging route and key tactics used by various teams. They highlight the standout climbing skills of Nikolas Vinokurov and discuss the roles of riders like Almeida and Pitcock amid intense competition. The interplay between breakaway dynamics and spectator safety is also explored, peppered with humor and nostalgic anecdotes. Excitement builds as Almeida clinches the stage, setting the stage for future tactical battles in the race.
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Long Flat Approaches Favor Large Breakaways
- Long flat approaches make big breakaways more attractive because teams expect to control them later.
- A long pre-climb phase reduces peloton willingness to chase early, shaping the stage outcome.
Why Teams Send Non-Climbers Into Breaks
- Teams place non-climbers in breakaways to provide mid-race support or to avoid wasting energy later.
- Riders like Ivo Oliveira can be useful early even if they won't survive the final climb.
Vinokurov’s Unexpected Climb
- Nikolas Vinokurov surprised both hosts with a strong climbing display and took KOM points on the day.
- Benji mentioned personal familiarity with Vinokurov and praised his unexpected performance.