Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast Vuelta a España 2025 - Stage 2
Aug 24, 2025
The discussion dives into the challenging 161-kilometer route of Stage 2 at the Vuelta a España, highlighting its climbing profile and slippery roads. Numerous tactics employed by teams during this stage are unpacked, including breakaway dynamics and energy conservation strategies. A recent cycling crash story emphasizes resilience amidst chaos. A hilarious incident with an inflatable pool during a team time trial adds to the drama. Emerging talents from South America and the thrilling competition dynamics are thoroughly explored, keeping the excitement alive.
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Hockey-Stick Climb Changes Race Dynamics
- The Limone Piemonte climb is a 'hockey stick' profile that gets progressively harder, with the final 2 km around 8% gradients.
- Rain made the stage more nervous and slippery, increasing crash probability despite no categorized climbs earlier.
Give Domestiques Purposeful Work
- Give domestiques purposeful work like controlling break formation to keep team structure and morale.
- Patrick argues meaningful tasks for support riders can 'nourish the soul' and develop team capability.
Visma Domino Crash In The Rain
- Visma suffered a huge rain echelon crash with multiple riders down but most escaped serious injury.
- Patrick recalled chaotic scenes and emphasized crashing is never good even when riders seem fine.