2012 Vuelta a España, Stage 1 to Stage 11

Cycling race stages thumb|350px|Overview of the stages; red lines represent distances covered in the individual stages, while black dotted lines are the distances covered in transfers between the stages. The 2012 Vuelta a España began on 18 August, and stage 11 occurred on 29 August. The 2012 edition began with a team time trial stage – where each member of a team started together racing against the clock – in Pamplona, Navarre with the race remaining in Spain until the finish to the eighth stage, with a summit finish at the Collada de la Gallina in Andorra. After the ninth stage, the race's first rest day saw the riders travel across Spain by air from Barcelona to Ponteareas; a road stage was followed by the only individual time trial of the race, where each remaining member of the starting peloton of 198 riders competed against the clock. The MOV 2012 were the winners of the race-opening team time trial, recording a time ten seconds quicker than any other squad; their first rider to cross the line, Jonathan Castroviejo, became the first race leader as a result. He maintained his lead through the first mass-start stage the following day – the first of four stage victories for German sprinter John Degenkolb, who also won stages 5, 7 and 10 – but lost the lead following the first summit finish of the race in Eibar. The rojo jersey remained within the team however, as Alejandro Valverde picked up the race lead after pipping Joaquim Rodríguez in a photo-finish at the stage end. Valverde gave up the lead the following day, after crashing with several other members of his team just as the peloton's pace was being increased by the team on the front, SKY 2012. As a result, Valverde apportioned blame to SKY 2012 yes, while his team manager, at one point, pulled alongside his opposite number from SKY 2012 yes for discussions. Rodríguez assumed the lead of the race then, but held a marginal one-second lead ahead of Chris Froome. There were no changes in the classification until another summit finish on the sixth stage, when Rodríguez and Froome were the two contenders for the stage victory. Froome had attacked to bring himself and Rodríguez, but a second attack from Rodríguez brought him clear, and with time bonuses on the line, extended his lead to ten seconds. In Andorra, it again came down to the main favourites for the race; for a time, Alberto Contador attacked off the front and maintained a lead of around ten seconds – looking for his first victory since his return from a doping ban – before tying up and Valverde and Rodríguez beat him to the line, with Froome having cracked further back. Rodríguez put another twenty seconds into his lead the following day after attacking on the final climb, and his advantage of around a minute prior to the individual time trial was sufficient for him to maintain the lead after the stage; he put in the seventh-fastest time on the stage to keep the leader's jersey, but by only a second from Contador, who moved ahead of Froome in the classification. As a result, Rodríguez topped the overall standings with the more mountainous second half of the Vuelta still to race. LegendJerseys appearing in the table on the left of the page indicate those worn by the cyclist during the particular stage, while those appearing in the table on the right of the page indicate those awarded to the cyclist after the stage.   20px|alt=A red jersey   Denotes the leader of the General classification   20px|alt=A bluedotted jersey   Denotes the leader of the Mountains classification   20px|alt=A green jersey   Denotes the leader of the Points classification   20px|alt=A white jersey   Denotes the leader of the Combination classification   20px|alt=A jersey with a white rider number on a red background   Denotes the rider designated as the day's most combative s.t. A rider that crossed the finish line in the same group as the one receiving the time above him and was therefore credited with the same finishing time. Stage 1 18 August 2012 — Pamplona, 16.5 km 1 on, team time trial (TTT)http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=1 Pamplona – Pamplona Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120819205651/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=1 2012-08-19 dead For the third year in succession, the Vuelta began with a team time trial; on this occasion, it began in the Navarre city of Pamplona, hosting the Vuelta for the first time since 1994 when France's Laurent Jalabert won the thirteenth stage of that year's race. The stage itself was in and around Pamplona, with the final kilometre of the stage following the route of the Running of the Bulls, held as part of the festival of San Fermín the month before. Just like the bull-run, the stage finished in the middle of the Plaza de Toros, the city's main bullring. CJR 2012 were the first of the race's 22 squads to begin the stage,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pamplona-locks-into-final-countdown-for-vuelta-start Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 Pamplona locks into final countdown for Vuelta start wearing a different team kit to normal; having received dispensation from the Union Cycliste Internationale, the team wore white and red skin-suits instead of their customary green.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vuelta-a-espana-ttt-start-times-announced Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 Vuelta a España TTT start times announced However, with a time of 20' 18", the squad ultimately finished the stage in last place.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-1/results Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 Movistar wins Vuelta a Espana team time trial opener Daniel Benson The teams entered the 16.5 km 1 on course at four-minute intervals; OGE 2012b were the second team in and comfortably lowered the earlier benchmark, recording a time almost a minute quicker.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12664/Vuelta-a-Espana-Movistar-surprises-to-take-opening-team-time-trial.aspx Movistar surprises to take opening team time trial Ben Atkins VeloNation VeloNation LLC 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 GRS 2012b, who won the team time trial in May's Giro d'Italia, were also setting a good time on course before a crash took down three of the team's riders,http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/garmin-sharps-luck-finally-runs-out-in-vuelta-team-time-trial_234774 Garmin-Sharp's luck finally runs out in Vuelta team time trial Andrew Hood VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 and delayed Andrew Talansky, the team's main general classification contender. BMC 2012 were the next team to top the timesheets, setting a time of 19' 01" for the course, which held for some time. RAB 2012 started the stage slowly but a strong second half of the course pulled them into contention for stage honours, and ultimately edged out BMC 2012 yes by a small margin. They were followed by OPQ 2012, who also recorded a time of 19' 01", despite team members Tony Martin and Grand Tour debutant Zdeněk Štybar being led off course by a motorcycle.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12666/Omega-Pharma-Quick-Step-denied-possible-Vuelta-victory-by-wayward-race-motorbike.aspx Omega Pharma-Quick Step denied possible Vuelta victory by wayward race motorbike Ben Atkins VeloNation VeloNation LLC 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 However, they were marginally quicker than both RAB 2012 yes and BMC 2012 yes. It was not until the final team to start the stage that the time – and the 19-minute barrier – was beaten. MOV 2012 had the honour of starting last due to Juan José Cobo – the winner of the 2011 edition of the race for GEO 2011 – being amongst their nine riders. The team were only two seconds slower than SKY 2012 to the intermediate time-check, MOV 2012 yes kept their pace up and recorded a time of 18' 51" for the course, to record the first Grand Tour team time trial victory for a Spanish squad in nine years.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/castroviejo-celebrates-breakthrough-lead-in-vuelta Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 Castroviejo celebrates breakthrough lead in Vuelta As the first rider to cross the line, Jonathan Castroviejo assumed the first red jersey of the race for the general classification leader,http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/534419/movistar-win-vuelta-s-opening-team-time-trial.html Kenny Pryde Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 18 August 2012 19 August 2012 Movistar win Vuelta's opening team time trial with four of his teammates in the same time and Cobo in sixth place, having been distanced, by four seconds, in the closing metres. Stage 1 result TeamTime 1 MOV 2012 18' 51" 2 OPQ 2012 + 10" 3 RAB 2012 + 10" 4 BMC 2012 + 10" 5 SKY 2012 + 12" 6 LTB 2012 + 12" 7 SAX 2012b + 14" 8 KAT 2012 + 15" 9 EUS 2012 + 28" 10 OGE 2012b + 33"General classification after stage 1 RiderTeamTime 1 Jonathan Castroviejo ESP 20px MOV 2012 18' 51" 2 Javier Moreno ESP MOV 2012 + 0" 3 Beñat Intxausti ESP MOV 2012 + 0" 4 Nairo Quintana COL MOV 2012 + 0" 5 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 + 0" 6 Juan José Cobo ESP MOV 2012 + 4" 7 Niki Terpstra NED OPQ 2012 + 10" 8 Dario Cataldo ITA OPQ 2012 + 10" 9 Kevin De Weert BEL OPQ 2012 + 10" 10 Kristof Vandewalle BEL OPQ 2012 + 10" Stage 2 19 August 2012 — Pamplona to Viana, 181.4 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=2 Pamplona – Viana Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120821232702/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=2 2012-08-21 dead The opening road stage of the 2012 Vuelta saw the riders head south from Pamplona, via a loop around Tafalla – where the race's first intermediate sprint point was held – and the first categorised climb, the third-category Alto de la Chapela, before heading towards Viana. In Viana itself, there was an intermediate sprint point on the first passage through the town, before the finish second time around. With most of the 181.4 km 1 on parcours being flat, it was expected to ultimately result in a sprint finish at the stage end.http://inrng.com/2012/08/vuelta-stage-2-preview/ The Spin: Vuelta Stage 2 preview The Inner Ring WordPress 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 Three riders – Spanish pairing Javier Aramendia of CJR 2012 and ACG 2012 rider Javier Chacón, along with Mikhail Ignatiev (KAT 2012) – went clear around 6 km 1 on after the start of the stage, making the early breakaway from the field, and the trio managed to extend their advantage over the main field to around five minutes.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12672/Vuelta-a-Espana-John-Degenkolb-takes-stage-two-in-tight-uphill-sprint.aspx John Degenkolb takes stage two in tight, uphill sprint VeloNation VeloNation LLC 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 Ben Atkins Niki Terpstra had also been a part of the breakaway at one point, but as he trailed overnight leader Jonathan Castroviejo of the MOV 2012 by just ten seconds, the breakaway were not allowed to gain a substantial advantage at that point.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-2/results Degenkolb sprints to Vuelta a Espana stage 2 win Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 Susan Westemeyer Terpstra ultimately dropped back into the main field to allow the gap to increase. Between the lead trio, they swept up most of the available points on offer at the two intermediate sprint positions, while Chacón assumed the first blue-and-white polka-dot jersey for the mountains classification but only after Aramendia was assumed to have sprinted irregularly while crossing the summit of the third-category Alto de la Chapela first. Having guaranteed a jersey at the end of the day, Chacón dropped back with around 20 km 1 on remaining, when the gap to the main field was around a minute; Alberto Contador (SAX 2012b) took two bonus seconds for third at the intermediate sprint point in Viana,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/contador-explains-bonus-sprint-ambush Contador explains bonus sprint ambush Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham moving level with his main general classification rival Chris Froome, of SKY 2012. Ignatiev and Aramendia were brought back several kilometres later, and despite several late attacks, the expected sprint finish materialised where ARG 2012b sprinter John Degenkolb took his first Grand Tour stage victory,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/degenkolb-claims-first-grand-tour-stage-win Degenkolb claims first Grand Tour stage win Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham beating OGE 2012b's Allan Davis and Froome's teammate Ben Swift to the line.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/534420/degenkolb-sprints-to-vuelta-stage-win-swift-third.html Degenkolb sprints to Vuelta stage win; Swift third Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited Kenny Pryde 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 Castroviejo maintained his overall lead by finishing with the peloton, although he was not confident of keeping it,http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/john-degenkolb-takes-stage-2-of-the-2012-vuelta-a-espana_234880 John Degenkolb takes stage 2 of the 2012 Vuelta a España VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 22 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120822232220/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/john-degenkolb-takes-stage-2-of-the-2012-vuelta-a-espana_234880 dead while Chacón added the white combination jersey to his mountains lead and Degenkolb took the points lead with his stage win.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/degenkolb-victorious-vuelta-stage-two-150015684.html Degenkolb victorious in Vuelta stage two Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group Felix Lowe 19 August 2012 19 August 2012http://www.1t4i.com/news/2444/ Degenkolb wins second stage Vuelta a España ARG 2012b Project 1t4i 19 August 2012 19 August 2012 Stage 2 result RiderTeamTime 1 John Degenkolb GER ARG 2012b 4h 38' 40" 2 Allan Davis AUS OGE 2012b s.t. 3 Ben Swift GBR SKY 2012 s.t. 4 Elia Viviani ITA LIQ 2012 s.t. 5 Klaas Lodewyck BEL BMC 2012 s.t. 6 Vicente Reynès ESP LTB 2012 s.t. 7 Davide Cimolai ITA LAM 2012 s.t. 8 Gianni Meersman BEL LTB 2012 s.t. 9 Manuel Antonio Cardoso POR CJR 2012 s.t. 10 Daniele Bennati ITA RNT 2012 s.t.General classification after stage 2 RiderTeamTime 1 Jonathan Castroviejo ESP 20px MOV 2012 4h 57' 31" 2 Nairo Quintana COL MOV 2012 + 0" 3 Javier Moreno ESP MOV 2012 + 0" 4 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 + 0" 5 Beñat Intxausti ESP MOV 2012 + 0" 6 Juan José Cobo ESP MOV 2012 + 4" 7 Dennis van Winden NED RAB 2012 + 10" 8 Niki Terpstra NED OPQ 2012 + 10" 9 Kevin De Weert BEL OPQ 2012 + 10" 10 Alessandro Ballan ITA BMC 2012 + 10" Stage 3 20 August 2012 — Faustino V to Eibar–Arrate, 155.3 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=3 Faustino V – Eibar (Arrate) Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120821232707/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=3 2012-08-21 dead Although there were four categorised climbs over the 155.3 km 1 on parcours, the final climb of the day – the first-category Alto de Arrate – was the key point of the stage. Frequently used in the Tour of the Basque Country stage race held in the spring, the Alto de Arrate climb with a gradient in places at over 11%,http://inrng.com/2012/08/vuelta-stage-3-preview/ The Spin: Vuelta Stage 3 The Inner Ring WordPress 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 crested out with around 2 km 1 on remaining of the stage, before a false flat to the finish line. With three-time Arrate winner Samuel Sánchez not competing in the Vuelta,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/samuel-sanchez-re-signs-for-three-years-with-euskaltel Samuel Sánchez re-signs for three years with Euskaltel Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 14 August 2012 21 August 2012 Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham His program will not, as had been previously announced, include the Vuelta a España, although he is expected to race in the world championships, Il Lombardia (The Tour of Lombardy) and the two Chinese ProTour stage races. KAT 2012's Joaquim Rodríguez – second in Eibar, in 2012 – was regarded as one of the stage favourites along with MOV 2012 rider Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador of SAX 2012b. The day's breakaway was made up of eight riders,http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-3/results Valverde claims photo finish on Eibar Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 Daniel Benson dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111103151926/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-3/results 3 November 2011 who all moved ahead of the main field inside the opening 10 km 1 on of the stage. The octet managed to establish a lead of almost four-and-a-half minutes,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12676/Vuelta-a-Espana-Alejandro-Valverde-sprints-into-the-lead-as-stage-three-hits-the-mountains.aspx Alejandro Valverde sprints into the lead as stage three hits the mountains VeloNation VeloNation LLC 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 Ben Atkins despite one of its members – BMC 2012's Philippe Gilbert, still winless for the yearhttp://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/winless-philippe-gilbert-gives-it-another-go-in-stage-3-at-the-2012-vuelta-a-espana_235083 Winless Philippe Gilbert gives it another go in stage 3 at the 2012 Vuelta a Espana Andrew Hood VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 – being just ten seconds behind the leader of the general classification, Valverde's teammate Jonathan Castroviejo. At each of the three categorised climbs prior to the finishing climb, Pim Ligthart of VCD 2012 took maximum points on offer, leading from Gilbert at two of them, while Nico Sijmens (COF 2012) crossed the third climb, the Puerto de Campazar, behind Ligthart and ahead of Gilbert. The lead group started to splinter with around 20 km 1 on, with the peloton's pace being set by the SAX 2012b yes and OPQ 2012 squads, bringing the gap under a minute. The latter team's Niki Terpstra was first to make a move on the Alto de Arrate, but was quickly closed down before he could establish any substantial headway off the front of the peloton. SAX 2012b yes maintained their position at the front, setting the pace for Contador, and were joined at the front by SKY 2012. Valverde was the first of the favourites to attack from the rapidly diminishing lead group, with Contador jumping onto his wheel with Rodríguez and SKY 2012 yes's Chris Froome eventually rejoining their fellow contenders. Contador then launched several more attacks – seven in allhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-satisfied-with-first-mountains-performance Froome satisfied with first mountains performance Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham – as the lead quartet moved their way up the climb, but each time, the other three riders in the group were able to come back to him. Valverde and Rodríguez contested the sprint for the line, with Valverde taking his sixth career Vuelta stage win in a photo-finish, after Rodríguez free-wheeled in the closing metres; a move that left him furious post-stage.http://www.katushateam.com/2012/08/vuelta-a-espana-rodriguez-2nd-moreno-5th-in-the-first-mountain-stage/ Rodriguez 2nd, Moreno 5th in the first mountain stage KAT 2012 Katusha Management SA 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 Valverde took the lead in the general, points and combination classifications,http://www.movistarteam.com/news/2012-8-20/valverde-extends-the-dream-atop-arrate Valverde extends the dream atop Arrate MOV 2012 Movistar 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 while Ligthart took the mountains lead.http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/alberto-contador-animates-race-as-alejandro-valverde-wins-stage-3-takes-lead-at-2012-vuelta-a-espana_235039 Alberto Contador animates race as Alejandro Valverde wins stage 3, takes lead at 2012 Vuelta a España VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 20 August 2012 21 August 2012 22 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120822011451/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/alberto-contador-animates-race-as-alejandro-valverde-wins-stage-3-takes-lead-at-2012-vuelta-a-espana_235039 dead Stage 3 result RiderTeamTime 1 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 3h 49' 37" 2 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP KAT 2012 s.t. 3 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 s.t. 4 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b s.t. 5 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 6" 6 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 6" 7 Eros Capecchi ITA LIQ 2012 + 6" 8 Beñat Intxausti ESP MOV 2012 + 6" 9 Andrew Talansky USA GRM 2012b + 6" 10 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 6"General classification after stage 3 RiderTeamTime 1 Alejandro Valverde ESP 20px20px20px MOV 2012 8h 46' 56" 2 Beñat Intxausti ESP MOV 2012 + 18" 3 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP KAT 2012 + 19" 4 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 20" 5 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 24" 6 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 28" 7 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 28" 8 Rigoberto Urán COL SKY 2012 + 30" 9 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 33" 10 Igor Antón ESP EUS 2012 + 46" Stage 4 21 August 2012 — Barakaldo to Estación de Valdezcaray, 160.6 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=4 Barakaldo – Estación de Valdezcaray Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120824000730/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=4 2012-08-24 dead Fresh from the punchy finish in Eibar the previous day, the race moved out of the Basque Country and headed towards the ski resort at Valdezcaray; the stage itself finished at the base of the resort – coming at 1540 m ft on above sea level – via a first-category climb of 13.4 km 1 on in length, at an average gradient of 5.2%, although reaching 9% in places at the lower slopes of the climb.http://inrng.com/2012/08/vuelta-stage-4-preview/ The Spin: Vuelta Stage 4 The Inner Ring WordPress 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 The primary breakaway of the stage was formed early in the stage, when a wave of five riders went clear.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-4/results Clarke wins stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espana Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 Barry Ryan Simon Clarke (OGE 2012b) was joined in the breakaway by OPQ 2012's Tony Martin and Assan Bazayev of AST 2012, as well as two riders representing UCI Professional Continental Teams; Luis Ángel Maté for COF 2012 and ACG 2012 rider Jesús Rosendo, with the quintet quickly gaining a substantial advantage over the main field, as they were over nine minutes clear after 28 km 1 on, and eventually established a maximum lead of just under 14 minutes.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12688/Vuelta-a-Espana-Simon-Clarke-wins-in-stage-four-breakaway-as-Valverde-loses-to-a-crash.aspx Simon Clarke wins in stage four breakaway as Valverde loses to a crash VeloNation VeloNation LLC 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 Ben Atkins With the leaders extending their lead to an insurmountable margin, the general classification contenders were looking to avoid any particular trouble during the parcours of 160.6 km 1 on in length. However, just after the field had passed through the town of Haro, the crosswinds that had set the course of the day played a factor in a crash. Just as Juan Antonio Flecha had accelerated on the front for SKY 2012, most of the MOV 2012 hit the tarmac, including the race leader Alejandro Valverde. After the stage, Valverde criticised SKY 2012 yes and blamed them for the incident.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/valverde-accuses-sky-of-provoking-vuelta-crash Clarke wins stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espana Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringhamhttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12689/Vuelta-a-Espana-Valverde-angry-at-Team-Sky-as-it-accelerates-in-crosswind-crash.aspx Valverde angry at Team Sky as it accelerates in crosswind crash VeloNation VeloNation LLC 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 Ben Atkins At one point, Valverde's team manager Eusebio Unzué, pulled up alongside the SKY 2012 yes car for a discussion with their sporting director Nicolas Portal.http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/to-wait-or-not-to-wait-sky-charges-valverde-falls-and-tongues-wag_235266 To wait, or not to wait? Sky attacks, Valverde falls and tongues wag Andrew Hood VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 23 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120823135737/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/to-wait-or-not-to-wait-sky-charges-valverde-falls-and-tongues-wag_235266 dead The ramping up of the pace had split the peloton into echelons on the road, with as many as five diagonal lines of riders seconds apart from one another. World time trial champion Martin attacked his companions at the bottom of the final climb, and took Clarke with him, as the other three riders could not follow the higher pace. As it transpired, Clarke had the stronger finish, and ultimately took his first professional victory on the line.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/simon-clarke-hits-jackpot-in-vuelta-stage Simon Clarke hits jackpot in Vuelta stage Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Bazayev finished third, while the peloton came in over a minute behind Clarke; Valverde lost almost a minute beyond that, and surrendered the overall lead to KAT 2012's Joaquim Rodríguez, who held a one-second advantage over Flecha's teammate Chris Froome.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/534441/rodriguez-takes-over-lead-after-valverde-crashes.html Hugh Gladstone Rodriguez takes over lead after Valverde crashes Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 Clarke assumed the lead of both the points and mountains classifications.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/clarke-takes-win-rodriguez-takes-lead-161704620.html Felix Lowe Clarke wins stage as Rodriguez takes lead Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 21 August 2012 21 August 2012 Stage 4 result RiderTeamTime 1 Simon Clarke AUS OGE 2012b 4h 30' 26" 2 Tony Martin GER OPQ 2012 + 2" 3 Assan Bazayev KAZ AST 2012 + 22" 4 Marcos García ESP CJR 2012 + 55" 5 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 55" 6 Linus Gerdemann GER RNT 2012 + 57" 7 Laurens ten Dam NED RAB 2012 + 57" 8 Andrey Zeits KAZ AST 2012 + 1' 01" 9 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 1' 04" 10 Jan Bakelants BEL RNT 2012 + 1' 04"General classification after stage 4 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px KAT 2012 13h 18' 45" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 1" 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 5" 4 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 9" 5 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 9" 6 Rigoberto Urán COL SKY 2012 + 11" 7 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 14" 8 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 24" 9 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 + 36" 10 Laurens ten Dam NED RAB 2012 + 46" Stage 5 22 August 2012 — Logroño to Logroño, 168 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=5 Logroño – Logroño Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120824190413/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=5 2012-08-24 dead Following two consecutive summit finishes, before another one in the succeeding stage of the race, the fifth stage of the race was a circuit race around the city of Logroño in the La Rioja region. Over the 168 km 1 on itinerary for the stage, a loop of 21 km 1 on was completed eight times,http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-5/results Degenkolb gets another Vuelta stage Daniel Benson 22 August 2012 22 August 2012 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120824204834/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-5/results 24 August 2012 with intermediate sprint points being held on the Avenida de la Paz, in the city. The sprint points were held 400 m onhttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12695/Vuelta-a-Espana-John-Degenkolb-sprints-to-second-victory-in-Logrono-circuit-race.aspx John Degenkolb sprints to second victory in Logroño circuit race Ben Atkins 22 August 2012 22 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC prior to the conclusion of the third and fifth laps, although it was widely expected that the stage would end up in a sprint finish.http://inrng.com/2012/08/vuelta-stage-5-preview/ The Spin: Vuelta Stage 5 The Inner Ring WordPress 22 August 2012 22 August 2012 ACG 2012 rider Javier Chacón broke away from the rest of the field almost from the start of the stage, and managed to get clear without the help of a breakaway companion. The main field decided not to follow him closely to begin with, as he was not a factor in the overall classification; over 26 minutes behind overnight leader Joaquim Rodríguez of KAT 2012. After a quarter of the stage, Chacón held a maximum lead of almost 12 minutes over the rest of the field, but ARG 2012b started to lift the pace in the peloton in the long bid to bring back Chacón. With added help from the teammates of Rodríguez, the peloton had reduced Chacón's advantage to around four-and-a-half minutes at the midpoint of the stage. He was ultimately brought back to the main field with just under 30 km 1 on of the stage remaining. The final lap of the circuit saw many of the sprint trains head towards the front of the group; under the flamme rouge, it was RNT 2012 – for Daniele Bennati – and Gianni Meersman's LTB 2012 outfit, that were at the head of proceedings with ARG 2012b yes close behind. Bennati launched his sprint first,http://www.radioshacknissantrek.com/news/bennati-shows-style-second-place-finish Bennati shows style in second place finish RNT 2012 Leopard SA 22 August 2012 22 August 2012 https://archive.today/20130201035706/http://www.radioshacknissantrek.com/news/bennati-shows-style-second-place-finish 1 February 2013 dead dmy-all but with help from teammate Simon Geschke, John Degenkolb followed Bennati for a time before sprinting past him and won his second stage of the race by around half a bike length.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/degenkolb-doubles-vuelta-stage-5-160025825.html Degenkolb doubles up in Vuelta stage five Felix Lowe Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 22 August 2012 22 August 2012 Meersman completed the top three of the stage results,http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/534470/degenkolb-wins-again-as-vuelta-returns-to-the-flatlands.html Degenkolb wins again as Vuelta returns to the flatlands Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 22 August 2012 22 August 2012 as Rodríguez maintained his overall lead.http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/john-degenkolb-wins-a-lackluster-stage-5-at-the-2012-vuelta-a-espana_235414 John Degenkolb wins a lackluster stage 5 at the 2012 Vuelta a España VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 22 August 2012 22 August 2012 24 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120824002428/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/john-degenkolb-wins-a-lackluster-stage-5-at-the-2012-vuelta-a-espana_235414 dead Stage 5 result RiderTeamTime 1 John Degenkolb GER ARG 2012b 4h 10' 37" 2 Daniele Bennati ITA RNT 2012 s.t. 3 Gianni Meersman BEL LTB 2012 s.t. 4 Nacer Bouhanni FRA FDJ 2012 s.t. 5 Elia Viviani ITA LIQ 2012 s.t. 6 Raymond Kreder NED GRS 2012b s.t. 7 Allan Davis AUS OGE 2012b s.t. 8 Lloyd Mondory FRA ALM 2012 s.t. 9 Leonardo Duque COL COF 2012 s.t. 10 Pim Ligthart NED VCD 2012 s.t.General classification after stage 5 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px KAT 2012 17h 29' 22" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 1" 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 5" 4 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 9" 5 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 9" 6 Rigoberto Urán COL SKY 2012 + 11" 7 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 14" 8 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 24" 9 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 + 36" 10 Laurens ten Dam NED RAB 2012 + 46" Stage 6 23 August 2012 — Tarazona to Jaca, 175.4 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=6 Tarazona – Jaca Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120824002313/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=6 2012-08-24 dead The sixth stage of the race was a return to the mountains and the emphasis was shifted away from the sprinters to the general classification contenders, in light of the two punchy, categorised climbs within the final 30 km 1 on of the day's stage.http://inrng.com/2012/08/vuelta-stage-6-preview/ The Spin: Vuelta Stage 6 The Inner Ring WordPress 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 Following a lengthy descent from the third-category climb of the Puerto del Oroel, the riders had to contend with the Fuerte del Rapitán into Jaca; although relatively short at just 3.8 km 1 on long, the climb had an average gradient of 5.4%.http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/joaquim-rodriguez-defends-vuelta-lead-with-stage-6-victory_235571 Joaquim Rodriguez defends Vuelta lead with stage-6 victory 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 3 October 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161003153950/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/joaquim-rodriguez-defends-vuelta-lead-with-stage-6-victory_235571 dead After the usual manic start to the day's proceedings on the road, it was a five-rider breakaway that was established at around the 10 km 1 on point of the stage.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12705/Vuelta-a-Espana-Joaquim-Rodriguez-gets-his-stage-on-the-steep-climb-to-Jaca.aspx Joaquim Rodríguez gets his stage on the steep climb to Jaca Ben Atkins 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC The riders in question were either Dutch or Belgian; GRS 2012b rider Martijn Maaskant, Joost van Leijen of LTB 2012 and OGE 2012b's Pieter Weening representing the former country, and OPQ 2012's Kristof Vandewalle and Thomas De Gendt (VCD 2012) representing the latter.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-6/results Joaquim Rodriguez claims Vuelta stage win Susan Westemeyer 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited De Gendt, who was third at May's Giro d'Italia,http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/red-hot-rodriguez-wins-stage-six-160050755.html Red-hot Rodriguez wins stage six Felix Lowe 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group was the best-placed rider out of the quintet in 60th place overall overnight, but he trailed the leader Joaquim Rodríguez by over seven minutes. Despite this, the lead group was allowed to establish a maximum lead of over four minutes around two-thirds into the stage, before Rodriguez's KAT 2012 squad as well as the MOV 2012 team in support of their team leader Alejandro Valverde started to bring them back. After van Leijen was dropped with around 25 km 1 on to go, De Gendt soon set off on his own to attempt a solo bid for victory; ultimately, he was caught before the final climb, after his near 50-second lead was negated. The pace set by the MOV 2012 yes dwindled numbers considerably on the Fuerte del Rapitán before SKY 2012 moved forward with Columbians Rigoberto Urán and Sergio Henao to protect Chris Froome.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uran-thinks-sky-is-on-the-right-track Uran thinks Sky is on the right track Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited After Urán took to the front inside the final kilometre, Froome was first to attack, with only Rodríguez able to respond; Rodríguez himself kicked for the line from 200 m on out,http://www.katushateam.com/2012/08/vuelta-a-espana-rodriguez-wins-and-extends-his-leadership/ Rodriguez wins and extends his leadership 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 KAT 2012 Katusha Management SA and with no response from Froome, he soon moved clear to take his fifth stage win at the Vuelta – having predicted that the climb would make "sparks fly" the previous dayhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rodriguez-predicts-sparks-will-fly-on-vueltas-third-summit-finish Rodríguez predicts sparks will fly on Vuelta's third summit finish Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham 22 August 2012 24 August 2012 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited – and extended his overall lead to ten seconds over Froome.http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/purito-king-of-punch-but-can-he-go-the-distance_235641 Andrew Hood 'Purito' king of punch, but can he go the distance? 23 August 2012 24 August 2012 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Stage 6 result RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px KAT 2012 4h 35' 22" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 5" 3 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 + 10" 4 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 19" 5 Eros Capecchi ITA LIQ 2012 + 19" 6 Rigoberto Urán COL SKY 2012 + 19" 7 Rinaldo Nocentini ITA ALM 2012 + 25" 8 Mauro Santambrogio ITA BMC 2012 + 28" 9 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 28" 10 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 33"General classification after stage 6 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px KAT 2012 22h 04' 32" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 10" 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 36" 4 Rigoberto Urán COL SKY 2012 + 42" 5 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 54" 6 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 + 54" 7 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 1' 04" 8 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 1' 12" 9 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 1' 17" 10 Juan José Cobo ESP MOV 2012 + 1' 34" Stage 7 24 August 2012 — Huesca to Alcañiz–Motorland Aragón, 164.2 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=7 Huesca – Alcañiz. Motorland Aragón Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120826121812/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=7 26 August 2012 The day's stage was entirely situated within the autonomous community of Aragon,http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-7 Stage 7 preview Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 14 August 2012 24 August 2012August 2026 InternetArchiveBot starting in the city of Huesca before heading south towards the outskirts of Alcañiz and the Motorland Aragón circuit, which has hosted several motorsport championship events since being opened in 2009. The finish of the stage itself came on the start-finish straight of the track, having completed almost one lap of the 5.078 km 1 on circuit. Despite the parcours of the 164.2 km 1 on stage being undulating, there were no categorised climbs during the stage,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12718/Vuelta-a-Espana-John-Degenkolb-motors-to-a-hat-trick-on-Alcaniz-race-circuit.aspx John Degenkolb motors to a hat-trick on Alcañiz race circuit Ben Atkins 24 August 2012 24 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC with the day's two intermediate sprint points both coming inside the final 50 km 1 on of the stage. As a result, the stage was again suited towards the sprinters due to the circuit's wide, sweeping bends.http://inrng.com/2012/08/vuelta-stage-7/ The Spin: Vuelta Stage 7 The Inner Ring WordPress 24 August 2012 24 August 2012 Four riders – Javier Aramendia (CJR 2012), ACG 2012's Pablo Lechuga, Bert-Jan Lindeman of VCD 2012 and OPQ 2012 rider František Raboňhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-7/results Degenkolb sprints to stage 7 victory at the Vuelta a Espana Susan Westemeyer Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 24 August 2012 24 August 2012 – provided the breakaway for the day, moving away from the rest of the field after only 2 km 1 on of racing. They established a maximum advantage of around five minutes in the opening half of the stage, providing no threat to the overall lead of Joaquim Rodríguez (KAT 2012) as Lechuga was best-placed at over 26 minutes behind. However, Lechuga was the first of the lead quartet to be dropped as the peloton started to bring the leaders back with around 30 km 1 on remaining.http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/john-degenkolb-wins-stage-7-of-the-2012-vuelta-a-espana_235819 John Degenkolb wins stage 7 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 24 August 2012 24 August 2012 27 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120827024526/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/john-degenkolb-wins-stage-7-of-the-2012-vuelta-a-espana_235819 dead The breakaway was eventually halted halfway towards the finish, and it eventually resulted in a sprint finish at the circuit, despite SKY 2012 trying to break the peloton, with Chris Froome, Ian Stannard and Ben Swift being part of a six-rider group off the front of the field. Ultimately, points leader John Degenkolb continued his good form in the sprint finishes, taking his third stage victory of the week,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/degenkolb-wins-third-vuelta-a-espana-stage Degenkolb wins third Vuelta a Espana stage Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 24 August 2012 24 August 2012 after a lead-out from ARG 2012b teammate Koen de Kort.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/hat-trick-degenkolb-vuelta-stage-7-win-103426286.html Hat-trick for Degenkolb after Vuelta stage 7 win Felix Lowe Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 24 August 2012 24 August 2012 Rodríguez maintained his overall lead of the race, by ten seconds, over Froome. Stage 7 result RiderTeamTime 1 John Degenkolb GER 20px ARG 2012b 3h 48' 30" 2 Elia Viviani ITA LIQ 2012 s.t. 3 Allan Davis AUS OGE 2012b s.t. 4 Nacer Bouhanni FRA FDJ 2012 s.t. 5 Daniele Bennati ITA RNT 2012 s.t. 6 Gianni Meersman BEL LTB 2012 s.t. 7 Dennis van Winden NED RAB 2012 s.t. 8 José Joaquín Rojas ESP MOV 2012 s.t. 9 Lloyd Mondory FRA ALM 2012 s.t. 10 Ben Swift GBR SKY 2012 s.t.General classification after stage 7 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px KAT 2012 25h 53' 04" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 10" 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 36" 4 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 54" 5 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 + 54" 6 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 1' 04" 7 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 1' 12" 8 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 1' 17" 9 Juan José Cobo ESP MOV 2012 + 1' 34" 10 Sergio Henao COL SKY 2012 + 1' 39" Stage 8 25 August 2012 — Lleida to Andorra–Collada de la Gallina (Andorra), 174.7 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=8 Lleida – Andorra. Collada de la Gallina Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120825151247/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=8 2012-08-25 dead The only stage finish outside of Spain in this year's Vuelta, the eighth stage saw the peloton head north from the start city of Lleida in Catalonia towards the Catalan-speaking microstate of Andorra. After carrying out a loop around the capital Andorra la Vella, via the second intermediate sprint point – the first coming just before the border between Spain and Andorra, in the town of La Seu d'Urgell – and the second-category climb of the Alto de la Comella. After several kilometres of descending, the first-category Collada de la Gallina awaited the riders; the 7.2 km 1 on climb had an average gradient of 8%http://inrng.com/2012/08/vuelta-stage-8/ The Spin: Vuelta Stage 8 The Inner Ring WordPress 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 – with the gradient reaching 15% in certain places of the climbs – while there were also 18 hairpin bends on the climb,https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/19380713 Alejandro Valverde wins stage eight BBC Sport BBC 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 drawing comparisons to Alpe d'Huez,http://www.cyclingworld.it/it/vuelta-espana/6858-spettacolo-alla-vuelta-valverde-primo-sul-col-de-la-gallina Spettacolo alla Vuelta: Valverde primo sul Col de la Gallina Italian Entertainment at the Vuelta: Valverde first at the Col de la Gallina CyclingWorld.it Cycling World Simone Santucci 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 https://archive.today/20130218080654/http://www.cyclingworld.it/it/vuelta-espana/6858-spettacolo-alla-vuelta-valverde-primo-sul-col-de-la-gallina 18 February 2013 dead dmy-all where that climb has 21 such corners. Helped by a tailwind, the peloton covered over 52 km 1 on in the first hour of racing,http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-8/results Valverde denies Contador the Vuelta stage win Susan Westemeyer Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130921120126/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-8/results 21 September 2013 and it was not until nearly halfway into the stage that the breakaway for the day was formed. Six riders – CJR 2012 rider Javier Aramendia (for the second day running), VCD 2012's Martijn Keizer, Cameron Meyer of OGE 2012b, ACG 2012 rider Javier Ramírez, BMC 2012's Amaël Moinard and Mickaël Buffaz of COF 2012http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12724/Vuelta-a-Espana-Alejandro-Valverde-wins-again-in-Andorra-as-Contador-strikes-out.aspx Alejandro Valverde wins again in Andorra as Contador strikes out Ben Atkins 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC – went clear and achieved a maximum lead of around nine-and-a-half minutes but hit the bottom of the Collada de la Gallina, with the exception of Keizer and Aramendia, who had been dropped,http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/valverde-reels-contador-win-stage-eight-180553764.html Valverde reels in Contador to win stage eight 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group with a lead of around two-and-a-half minutes over the peloton led by SKY 2012. Moinard was dropped in the early stages of the climb, while Meyer launched an attack on his own. Meyer was eventually caught by the top four overall and Daniel Moreno (KAT 2012), who had all broken clear of the main field. Moreno and Meyer fell away from the group, and it was left to the quartet to battle it out. Froome launched an attack from the front just inside the final kilometre, but was quickly covered by his three Spanish rivals; however, Alberto Contador of SAX 2012b launched his own counter-attack having brought Froome back. He held an advantage of several seconds in the closing stages, but he started to slow within sight of the finish line.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12728/Contador-goes-close-to-first-win-since-return-to-cycling.aspx Contador goes close to first win since return to cycling 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC Froome had been left behind by the other two riders in contention – KAT 2012 yes's race leader Joaquim Rodríguez and Alejandro Valverde of the MOV 2012 – and the pairing caught Contador out of the final corner, with Valverde taking his second stage victory of the race, just ahead of Rodríguez and Contador. Froome crossed the line fifteen seconds in arrears,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-suffers-but-limits-gap-on-collada-de-la-gallina Froome suffers but limits gap on Collada de la Gallina Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 which combined with eight bonus seconds gained by Rodríguez at the line, gave Rodríguez a 33-second lead over Froome; although Rodríguez remained pessimistic about his chances overall.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rodriguez-i-cant-win-the-vuelta-unless-froome-and-contador-crack Rodriguez: I can't win the Vuelta unless Froome and Contador crack Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 Valverde took the blue polka-dot jersey for mountains classification leader, by winning the stage.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/valverde-continues-movistars-strong-vuelta-but-says-gc-hopes-are-limited Valverde continues Movistar's strong Vuelta but says GC hopes are limited Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 25 August 2012 26 August 2012 Stage 8 result RiderTeamTime 1 Alejandro Valverde ESP MOV 2012 4h 06' 39" 2 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px KAT 2012 s.t. 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b s.t. 4 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 15" 5 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 23" 6 Beñat Intxausti ESP MOV 2012 + 33" 7 Igor Antón ESP EUS 2012 + 33" 8 Winner Anacona COL LAM 2012 + 39" 9 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 39" 10 Przemysław Niemiec POL LAM 2012 + 42"General classification after stage 8 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px KAT 2012 29h 59' 35" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 33" 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 40" 4 Alejandro Valverde ESP 20px MOV 2012 + 50" 5 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 1' 41" 6 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 1' 48" 7 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 2' 14" 8 Igor Antón ESP EUS 2012 + 2' 47" 9 Laurens ten Dam NED RAB 2012 + 2' 58" 10 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 3' 07" Stage 9 26 August 2012 — Andorra (Andorra) to Barcelona, 196.3 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=9 Andorra – Barcelona Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120828165640/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=9 2012-08-28 dead The final stage before the race's first rest day saw the riders return to Spanish soil, after its finish in Andorra the previous day. The 196.3 km 1 on parcours was gradually downhill from the start, except for two third-category climbs along the route; the second of which, came within the final 5 km 1 on of the stage. With the stage finish in Barcelona, the race returned to the city for the first time since 1999, when a strike by riders over stage conditions reduced the fourteenth stage of that year's race by 50 km 1 on.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/barcelona-receives-first-vuelta-a-espana-visit-for-13-years Barcelona receives first Vuelta a España visit for 13 years Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 August 2012 26 August 2012http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/1999/vuelta99/stage14.html Aggresive [sic] riding from Roscioli finally pays off after riders protest delays start Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 19 September 1999 26 August 2012 The finish itself came at Montjuïc – near the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys – which was used for the last Grand Tour stage to finish in the city, when Thor Hushovd won the sixth stage of the 2009 Tour de France.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/8142927.stm Hushovd overhauls Millar for win BBC Sport BBC 9 July 2009 26 August 2012 Almost immediately after the peloton rolled out of the start, the breakaway was formed by four riders.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12733/Vuelta-a-Espana-Philippe-Gilbert-wins-in-Barcelona-at-the-head-of-a-two-man-break.aspx Philippe Gilbert wins in Barcelona at the head of a two-man break Ben Atkins 26 August 2012 26 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC For the second day in succession, COF 2012 rider Mickaël Buffaz was among the leaders, and he was joined by VCD 2012 rider Bert-Jan Lindeman, Martijn Maaskant of GRS 2012b and, for the third time in the Vuelta, ACG 2012's Javier Chacón. They managed to gather up a lead of almost five-and-a-half minutes during the early kilometres of the stage before they were gradually brought back by the main field. Despite the best efforts by the leaders to prolong their stay out front, they were caught with around 25 km 1 on remaining.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-9/results Gilbert nabs Vuelta stage win in Barcelona Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 August 2012 26 August 2012 Chacón's teammate Jesús Rosendo went on an immediate counter-attack, but he too could not stay clear over the field.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rodriguez-extends-lead-gilbert-wins-barcelona-181808634.html Colin McGann Rodriguez extends lead as Gilbert wins in Barcelona Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 26 August 2012 26 August 2012 Rosendo ultimately crashed after being absorbed back into the main field, and had to wait for his front wheel to be changed. Back at the front, the field remained together on the run into Barcelona, with the teams of the general classification contenders – KAT 2012, SKY 2012 and SAX 2012b – heading the field as they did so. Alberto Contador attacked prior to the Alto de Montjuïc, but could not get clear enough for the attack to stick. However, a plannedhttp://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/philippe-gilbert-seizes-opportunity-as-joaquim-rodriguez-steals-seconds_236374 Philippe Gilbert seizes opportunity as Joaquim Rodriguez steals seconds Andrew Hood VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 26 August 2012 26 August 2012 29 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120829021917/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/philippe-gilbert-seizes-opportunity-as-joaquim-rodriguez-steals-seconds_236374 dead attack by BMC 2012's Alessandro Ballan gained more headway, with race leader Joaquim Rodríguez chasing him down. Ballan's teammate Philippe Gilbert set off in chase of Rodríguez, with the two riders joining together prior to the top of the climb. Gilbert and Rodríguez managed to remain off the front of the field by several seconds, and Gilbert took the stage honours for his first victory of the season, ahead of Rodríguez.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gilbert-delighted-with-comeback-win Gilbert delighted with comeback win Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 August 2012 26 August 2012 With eight bonus seconds on the line, Rodríguez put around twenty seconds into his rivals,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rodriguez-extends-vuelta-advantage-in-barcelona Rodríguez extends Vuelta advantage in Barcelona Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 August 2012 26 August 2012 with his overall lead over Chris Froome increasing to fifty-three seconds, heading into the rest day. Stage 9 result RiderTeamTime 1 Philippe Gilbert BEL BMC 2012 4h 45' 28" 2 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px KAT 2012 s.t. 3 Paolo Tiralongo ITA AST 2012 + 7" 4 Tomasz Marczyński POL VCD 2012 + 9" 5 Daniele Bennati ITA RNT 2012 + 9" 6 Alejandro Valverde ESP 20px MOV 2012 + 9" 7 Nacer Bouhanni FRA FDJ 2012 + 9" 8 Gorka Verdugo ESP EUS 2012 + 12" 9 Gianni Meersman BEL LTB 2012 + 12" 10 Igor Antón ESP EUS 2012 + 12"General classification after stage 9 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px20px KAT 2012 34h 44' 55" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 53" 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 1' 00" 4 Alejandro Valverde ESP 20px MOV 2012 + 1' 07" 5 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 2' 01" 6 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 2' 08" 7 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 2' 34" 8 Igor Antón ESP EUS 2012 + 3' 07" 9 Laurens ten Dam NED RAB 2012 + 3' 18" 10 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 3' 27" Stage 10 28 August 2012 — Ponteareas to Sanxenxo, 190 km 1 onhttp://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=10 Ponteareas – Sanxenxo Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120829215125/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=10 2012-08-29 dead Having transferred from the easternmost point of the race, in Barcelona, the Vuelta recommenced after the rest day, in the town of Ponteareas in the west of Spain – a transfer of some 1200 km on in distance,http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/531402/vuelta-2012-route-leaves-time-triallists-out-in-the-cold.html Alasdair Fotheringham Vuelta 2012 route leaves time triallists out in the cold Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 11 January 2012 29 August 2012http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/2012-vuelta-a-espana-serves-up-a-mountainous-unpredictable-course_234601 2012 Vuelta a España serves up a mountainous, unpredictable course VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 16 August 2012 29 August 2012 Andrew Hood 20 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120820134143/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/2012-vuelta-a-espana-serves-up-a-mountainous-unpredictable-course_234601 dead the third-furthest transfer in the race's history – with a near-flat 190 km 1 on itinerary. There was only one categorised climb during the stage, coming after only 14.5 km 1 on at the third-category Alto de San Cosme,http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-10/results Degenkolb takes his fourth Vuelta stage Susan Westemeyer Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 August 2012 29 August 2012 with its summit coming 400 m on above sea level. The riders also had to complete a circuit of around 40 km 1 on before the finish in Sanxenxo.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12747/Vuelta-a-Espana-Quatro-victorias-for-Degenkolb-after-stage-10-to-Sanxenxo.aspx Quatro victorias for Degenkolb after stage 10 to Sanxenxo Kyle Moore 28 August 2012 29 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC The flat parcours made it ideal for another sprint finish, as ARG 2012b's John Degenkolb looked to regain the points classification lead from race leader Joaquim Rodríguez of KAT 2012. CJR 2012's Javier Aramendia once again took up a position in the breakaway of a stage, and was joined out front by the most combative rider of the 2011 edition of the race, Adrián Palomares,http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/degenkolb-sprints-fourth-win-vuelta-155558325.html Felix Lowe Degenkolb sprints to fourth win on Vuelta Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 28 August 2012 29 August 2012 representing the ACG 2012 team. The duo managed to establish a maximum lead of around seven minutes at one point during the stage, before the rest of the field gradually brought the time gap down. They managed to survive off the front until the finishing circuit, where they were brought back around a quarter of the way around the lap. The sprinters' teams moved forward towards the end of the lap, where VCD 2012, SKY 2012 and ARG 2012b yes all looked to set it up for their respective sprinters. Ultimately, it was Degenkolb that was able to out-sprint his rivals – despite having to launch his sprint earlier than he wantedhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/degenkolb-forced-to-sprint-early-but-still-wins Degenkolb forced to sprint early but still wins Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 August 2012 29 August 2012 – to take his fourth stage victory of the race, becoming the first rider to do so since countryman André Greipel in 2009.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/534526/degenkolb-continues-unbeaten-sprint-record-in-spain.html Nick Bull Degenkolb continues unbeaten sprint record in Spain Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 28 August 2012 29 August 2012 Degenkolb finished ahead of FDJ 2012's Nacer Bouhanni and RNT 2012 rider Daniele Bennati. Stage 10 result RiderTeamTime 1 John Degenkolb GER ARG 2012b 4h 47' 24" 2 Nacer Bouhanni FRA FDJ 2012 s.t. 3 Daniele Bennati ITA RNT 2012 s.t. 4 Gianni Meersman BEL LTB 2012 s.t. 5 Manuel Antonio Cardoso POR CJR 2012 s.t. 6 Lloyd Mondory FRA ALM 2012 s.t. 7 Pim Ligthart NED VCD 2012 s.t. 8 Davide Viganò ITA LAM 2012 s.t. 9 Ben Swift GBR SKY 2012 s.t. 10 Elia Viviani ITA LIQ 2012 s.t.General classification after stage 10 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px KAT 2012 39h 32' 23" 2 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 53" 3 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 1' 00" 4 Alejandro Valverde ESP 20px MOV 2012 + 1' 07" 5 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 2' 01" 6 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 2' 08" 7 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 2' 34" 8 Igor Antón ESP EUS 2012 + 3' 07" 9 Laurens ten Dam NED RAB 2012 + 3' 18" 10 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 3' 27" Stage 11 29 August 2012 — Cambados to Pontevedra, 39.4 km 1 on, individual time trial (ITT)http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=11 Cambados – Pontevedra Vuelta a España Unipublic 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120831133210/http://www.lavuelta.com/12/es/recorrido/index.html?e=11 2012-08-31 dead The only individual time trial stage of the Vuelta, the halfway point was marked with an itinerary of 39.4 km 1 on, with the parcours split into three distinct sections; the first section was relatively flat all the way from the start in Cambados, to the intermediate time-check at the 13.5 km 1 on point of the stage, just outside the town of Barrantes. The second consisted of a 10 km 1 on long, 4.4% average gradient climbhttp://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/534542/rodriguez-hangs-onto-lead-as-kessiakoff-wins-time-trial.html Rodriguez hangs onto lead as Kessiakoff wins time trial Hugh Gladstone Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 29 August 2012 30 August 2012http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rodriguez-holds-red-kessiakoff-wins-155300190.html Rodriguez holds on to red as Kessiakoff wins ITT Felix Lowe Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 of the third-category Alto Monte Castrove,http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/kessiakoff-wins-vuelta-time-trial-as-rodriguez-holds-red_236705 Kessiakoff wins Vuelta time trial as Rodriguez holds red VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 31 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120831051434/http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/08/news/kessiakoff-wins-vuelta-time-trial-as-rodriguez-holds-red_236705 dead where points for the mountains classification were on offer for the top three riders to that point, before the descent down to Pontevedra. As was customary of time trial stages, the riders set off in reverse order from where they were ranked in the general classification at the end of the previous stage. Thus, Joost van Leijen of LTB 2012, who, in 193rd place – of the 198 riders who started the race – trailed overall leader Joaquim Rodríguez (KAT 2012) by one hour, thirty-eight minutes and fifty-seven seconds, was the first rider to set off on the stage.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rodriguez-last-off-in-vuelta-a-espana-stage-11-time-trial Rodríguez last off in Vuelta a España stage 11 time trial Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 Van Leijen was not the first rider to finish the course however, as Rodríguez's teammate Mikhail Ignatiev was the first to do so. Ignatiev, who started three minutes after van Leijen, at one-minute intervals, ultimately recorded a time of 58' 55" for the course, a time which held for around ten minutes until GRS 2012b rider Martijn Maaskant lowered the best time by over a minute. MOV 2012's Jonathan Castroviejo was next to hold top spot,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12752/Vuelta-a-Espana-Kessiakoff-holds-off-Contador-in-Pontevedra.aspx Kessiakoff holds off Contador in Pontevedra Shane Stokes 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 VeloNation VeloNation LLC beating Maaskant's time by over three minutes as he completed the course in a time of 54' 10". It was not until Cameron Meyer started 45 minutes later for OGE 2012b that has time was threatened, with the former track world champion eventually recording a time of 53' 53".http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-11/results Kessiakoff wins TT as Purito clings on to lead Peter Cossins Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 Meyer's time was good enough to not be beaten by the current world champion Tony Martin (OPQ 2012), but his countryman Richie Porte did eventually slip underneath that time, moving quickest by just two seconds for SKY 2012, before the stage-winning performance was completed by AST 2012 rider Fredrik Kessiakoff. Kessiakoff, the time trial winner at the Tour de Suisse in June,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kessiakoffs-wait-pays-off-in-vuelta-time-trial Kessiakoff's wait pays off in Vuelta time trial Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 beat Porte's time at the respective time-points, and ultimately beat his time by a minute and a quarter. Kessiakoff's time of 52' 36" was not breached by anybody else to start the stage, and enabled him to take his second time trial win of the season. In the battle for overall honours, Rodríguez was able to maintain his lead in the general classification standings despite losing time to all of his rivals. Alejandro Valverde (MOV 2012 yes) had been the first of the contenders to start, and he also put in a solid time trial performance with a time of 53' 44", a time that was eventually good enough for fourth on the final stage results. Chris Froome (SKY 2012 yes) had been expected to win the stage, but could only record a time of 53' 15"; as a result, he lost second place overall to SAX 2012b's Alberto Contador, who, apart from Kessiakoff, was the only other rider to record under 53 minutes for the course with a time of 52' 53", 17 seconds down on Kessiakoff. Rodríguez, who thought he would lose his race lead during the stage, managed to hold on by a solitary secondhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/contador-has-no-complaints-after-missing-vuelta-stage-and-race-lead Contador has no complaints after missing Vuelta stage and race lead Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 after completing the course with the seventh-fastest time of 53' 52", labelling his performance as a "big step forward".http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rodriguez-takes-big-step-forward-at-vuelta-time-trial Rodríguez takes big step forward at Vuelta time trial Alasdair Fotheringham Alasdair Fotheringham Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 August 2012 30 August 2012 Stage 11 result RiderTeamTime 1 Fredrik Kessiakoff SWE AST 2012 52' 36" 2 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 17" 3 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 39" 4 Alejandro Valverde ESP 20px MOV 2012 + 1' 08" 5 Beñat Intxausti ESP MOV 2012 + 1' 09" 6 Richie Porte AUS SKY 2012 + 1' 15" 7 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px KAT 2012 + 1' 16" 8 Cameron Meyer AUS OGE 2012b + 1' 17" 9 Andrew Talansky USA GRS 2012b + 1' 24" 10 Jonathan Castroviejo ESP MOV 2012 + 1' 34"General classification after stage 11 RiderTeamTime 1 Joaquim Rodríguez ESP 20px20px KAT 2012 40h 26' 15" 2 Alberto Contador ESP SAX 2012b + 1" 3 Chris Froome GBR SKY 2012 + 16" 4 Alejandro Valverde ESP 20px MOV 2012 + 59" 5 Robert Gesink NED RAB 2012 + 2' 27" 6 Daniel Moreno ESP KAT 2012 + 2' 54" 7 Nicolas Roche IRL ALM 2012 + 3' 39" 8 Andrew Talansky USA GRS 2012b + 4' 08" 9 Laurens ten Dam NED RAB 2012 + 4' 22" 10 Bauke Mollema NED RAB 2012 + 5' 10" Notes N References 30em 2012 Vuelta a España 1 11 12 21 Vuelta a Espana Category:2012 Vuelta a España Category:Vuelta a España stages Category:Cycle races in Andorra