Congratulation Juanjo Cobo!

For many years I have waited for the day when Juanjo Cobo would take his first big win and yesterday it finally happened. Being one of the very underdogs before the Vuelta started, Cobo turned out to be the strongest in the mountains and his stage win on Angliru pretty much speaks for itself.

Denis Menchov lost valuable time in the first couple of days – without that he would probably have won the Vuelta – but still showed his class by helping Cobo in the last week. Even one-captain-only Carlos Sastre was up pulling the peloton for Cobo. It really was an outstanding performance by the whole GEOX team who rightfully could be celebrated as the best team during the race.

So once again; Congratulation Juanjo Cobo and congratulation Team Geox for this spectacular Vuelta!

Vuelta Expert Preview: Stage 21

David Etxebarria:

I think Peter Sagan will win this last stage. He has been saving energies the last couple of days and should be the fastest in a sprint. Do doubt that Juanjo Cobo will win the Vuelta.

Vuelta Expert Preview: Stage 20

David Etxebarria:

It’s the penultimate stage and not much will change in the GC. Team Sky still has to block the race and fight for the bonus seconds. My big favorite for today is Peter Sagan. It could be a break away like yesterday but there is still so many kilometers after the last climb that it easily could end up in a sprint between 25-35 riders.

Vuelta Expert Preview: Stage 19

David Etxebarria:

I still think that this is the only day left where the GC can be changed in the top. Froome needs the bonus seconds and therefore Team Sky has to keep the peloton together at the last climb. My Favorit is Vincenzo Nibali and I really don’t think the red jersey will change shoulders.

Vuelta Expert Preview: Stage 18

David Etxebarria:

Today it has to be a rider from Euskaltel. They are motivated and they need it! Igor Antón is the logical choice, but Mikel Nieve has also shown his is very strong now. It will be interesting to see if Team Sky wants to block the race and race for the bonus seconds. It could be the last day for take the jersey – or not! This is cycling gentlemen!

Vuelta Expert Preview: Stage 17

David Etxebarria:

My favorite for today is Igor Antón, for more or less sentimental reasons. Last year he lost the Vuelta on this stage and today he can take revenge. He was already a lot better on Angliru and maybe even stronger today. The bonus seconds are important today for the GC so I wouldn’t be surprised if Cobo took more time on his rivals, not much but maybe 10-15 seconds.

Vuelta Expert Preview: Stage 16

David Etxebarria:

Today’s stage in Haro in very complicated to predict. Usually it will end with in a bunch sprint, but it’s not easy for the teams to control the race in the third week. I don’t think the whole peloton will arrive together and if so my pick today is John Degenkolb. If a breakaway makes it, I think it will be a rider from Radioshack. Sergio Paulinho is one who could do it, but it’s never easy to pick a winner on a day like today.