'That's one to forget' - G on stage three at the Vuelta and the wild start in Spain | Watts Occurring
Aug 29, 2023
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Discussion about chaotic crashes and injuries at the Vuelta cycling race, including Remco's crash in Barcelona. Also, a failed plan involving olive oil and a dangerous protest. They discuss upcoming stages and tactics with limited opportunities for sprinters.
34:01
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Quick takeaways
The podcast discusses the chaotic sprint finish and multiple crashes during a stage of the Vuelta a España, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance and not blindly following teammates.
The episode brings attention to the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding rider safety in professional cycling, mentioning the efforts made by the CPA group to lobby for changes and improvements in rider safety.
Deep dives
Stage Summary: Chaotic sprint finish with crashes and slippery roads
The podcast episode recounts the details of a recent stage in the Vuelta a España. The stage was characterized by a straightforward start in Andorra, with a small breakaway forming early on. However, the main focus of the episode is on the chaotic sprint finish, with slippery roads causing multiple crashes. The hosts express their frustration with the lack of caution exhibited by some teams, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance and not blindly following teammates. Despite the challenging conditions, one team managed to avoid the crashes and secure the stage victory. The hosts also discuss the neutralization of another stage due to poor weather conditions and highlight the difficulties of participating in multiple grand tours. Overall, the episode provides an inside look at the intense and unpredictable nature of professional cycling.
Implications of the crashes and neutralization
The crashes during the sprint finish and the subsequent decision to neutralize a stage due to bad weather are discussed in this episode. The hosts express their concern about the dangerous conditions and emphasize the potential risks and consequences of such incidents. They also mention the efforts made by the CPA group, a professional cyclists' association, to lobby for changes and improvements in rider safety. The hosts further reflect on the challenges faced by the race organizers and the difficulty of finding a balance between competitive racing and ensuring the well-being of the riders. Overall, the episode brings attention to the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding rider safety in professional cycling.
Looking ahead to future stages and strategies
The hosts share their thoughts and predictions for future stages in the Vuelta a España. They highlight the upcoming sprint stage and anticipate a fierce competition among the sprint teams. One host suggests the possibility of a late attack in the final kilometer in certain stages, taking advantage of potentially weaker lead-out trains. They also reflect on the mental and physical challenges of participating in multiple grand tours and the need for careful planning and recovery. The hosts express confidence in the overall performance of the team and their determination to bounce back from a challenging day. The episode concludes with a positive outlook for the rest of the race and a commitment to taking each stage as it comes.
Four days in at the Vuelta and it was only today where we saw a relatively drama-free day. We've had biblical weather, organisation chaos, high-profile crashes, and a big GC battle already.
G lost a bit of time on the race's first mountain stage yesterday, but he's remaining optimistic - and he's got cheerleader Luke in his corner. The boys caught up on the action over the last few days and look ahead at what's to come. Some big mountains, probably. It is the Vuelta, after all.
We've given Tom a call and he'll be joining Luke for a few bonus episodes soon, as G cracks on in Spain. See you later in the week.