Blimey. 11 summit finishes, penultimate stage ending on the Angliru. All three of the biggies look absolute mofos this year.

Blimey. 11 summit finishes, penultimate stage ending on the Angliru. All three of the biggies look absolute mofos this year.

Looking at the 3 grand tours I think we're in for a cracking year.

Predictions? The only one I'm prepared to go out on a limb for is Alberto Contador in the Tdf.

As for the Giro and the Vuelta.....I think we're going to see some surprises.

I can see the Vuelta going Purito's way (if Katusha get an invite), on the basis that there won't be many top names doing that so soon after a brutal Tour and the relative lack of time trialling.

I really don't think Rodriquez will be at Katusha for too much longer - expect to see him at either BMC or Lotto shortly.

Not long now. Henao v Nibbles v Valverde v Rodriguez. Vanendert, Roche/Kreuziger, Sammy Sanchez as outsiders.

Well I was spot on with that Alberto Contador prediction...........

Vuelta - looks like it may be Nibbles to lose but with so much climbing perhaps it will be the Columbian cherry on the cake.

Actually - big question mark over Nibbles.

What does he want to achieve this year? Does he want two grand tours or a grand tour and a home world championship win? Either way it would be a superb season for him.

If I was him I'd hang around at the Vuelta and see where he is going into the third week. He claims to be at 75% but he looks far better than that. If he is still in contention by not going too deep then stick around. If he is adrift he'll make up an injury and pull out.

Chris Horner.



Discuss.

Hmm, didn't think we'd still be discussing him this late into the race; incredible ride yesterday and he managed to get himself a decent lead going into tomorrow's time trial. It'll be very close after the TT for the Red Jersey, Horner can certainly ride with more confidence than if he had a 5 or 6 second lead however.

Is it just me or has the Vuelta really not caught fire yet this year? Absolutely loved last year's race with its constant attacks & counter-attacks but with the exception of yesterday's stage & Tony Martin's immense attempt to time-trial 170 KM to a stage victory, there's been very little to get me out of my seat so far.

It would be great if Horner can keep rolling back the years to hold out for the victory & give all us 40 somethings an extra spring in our step. If he can minimise his losses to Nibali tomorrow then who knows.

It's been interesting without being groin-grabbingly thrilling. There's no shortage of people animating the stages, including Sky which is unusual, so each stage retains something, but the overall just looks like a case of when Nibali wants to take control.