He may not be sporting a red, white and blue goatee, but Peter Sagan is certainly serious about racing in the US of A. The Velvet Samurai has won two of the last three stages in the USA Pro Challenge. Unfortunately, one of those wins meant his Cannondale team reeling in the solo figure of Jens Voigt. It was Sagan’s 16th win of the season.
After Philippe Gilbert’s crash in the Eneco Tour the other day that resulted in 8 stitches, it’s been a worry that he won’t be able to race the Vuelta. He’s in Spain now, testing his legs on some rides, to see if he can put the power down. Fingers crossed that the world champion will start on Saturday.
This year’s Vuelta is even more difficult than last year’s – and that was full of chills and spills and cunning and guile. So how much more exciting will it be over the next three weeks, especially as two of the main contenders from last year’s race are back for more – Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez. Add to the mix Vincenzo Nibali, some young guns like Carlos Betancur and Sergio Henao and you’ve got one spicy race. So what might be the pivotal stages this year? Let’s have a look. Continue reading