Stage 2 looks a lot like the opener, and it could bring the same names back to the front.
After Noemi Rüegg’s opening strike, La Vuelta stays in the Galicia region for a second stage that looks just as testing, if only a smidge less explosive at the line. But it’s still going to be tough on the legs.
On paper, the route from Lobios to San Cibrao das Viñas avoids major climbs.(Don’t you worry, sports fans, they are a-comin’.)
There’s still more than 2,100 m of elevation. That means it’s a day of constant pressure rather than one decisive ascent. Those looking for a stage win–or those looking to stay in contention for GC, will have to be at the front at key moments. One of those comes late: a 3.1-kilometre rise at a steady gradient. The ramp crests just 1.5 km from the finish before a short descent and flat run-in.
Stage 2 favourites
That setup should again suit a reduced sprint. Lotte Kopecky will be in the mix, while Rüegg has every reason to back up her win in red. Depending on how team leader Visma-Lease a Bike’s Marianne Vos wasn’t able to fully recover from her crash on Sunday, which means Victoria’s Sarah Van Dam may have free rein to go for it. A reduced bunch sprint after a tough stage suits her finishing kick perfectly.
EF Education-Oatly’s Rüegg won the opening stage of La Vuelta with a terrific win. She flew past Lotte Kopecky in a reduced sprint after a wet, technical 113.9 km run from Marín to Salvaterra do Miño. The lumpy stage kept things tense all day, and a late crash split the bunch, leaving Marianne Vos chasing. She made it back in time to contest the finish, taking seventh.
Action for every stage is being broadcast on Flobikes.com at 6:30 a.m. EDT. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have a report after as well if you miss it.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…