Spain doesn't have many one-day races, but the Clasica San Sebastian is normally a cracker, and a worthy addition to the classics pantheon. Valverde took the win last year, and will be coming into this edition with even better form, which should make him even harder to beat.
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Well, that was a an action packed three weeks, but it's not quite over yet, as the riders still have their traditional jaunt round Paris left. Prepare for champagne swigging, lingering shots of Paris scenery and criterium style racing. Also, look forward to La Course, where the women get to strut their stuff in front of the big crowds.
The last two editions of the Alp d'Huez have resulted in French triumph, with Pierre Rolland in 2011 and Christophe Riblon in 2013. Both are present again in this edition, and could try and go again for victory on this famous mountain.
A day of scrambling for the GC contenders on Stage 18, but in the end it was largely status quo in the race for yellow. The summit finish on today's stage will see sparks fly again, but the climbing to the finish almost guarantees some gaps.
An exciting last stage looks like it will only be topped here, as some really attacking racing by the main contenders could be on the cards. Even if that doesn't occur, it will be an interesting fight amongst the breakaway, with a lot of the top climbers likely to join the early escape.
As seen in the Dauphine! This stage is an exact replica of the Dauphine stage where Romain Bardet escaped on the descent and then held off the peleton on the final climb. Behind him, Tejay Van Garderen caused an upset as he overtook Chris Froome in the final kilometre and let off a warning that he would be in good form for the Tour.
The stage into Gap is always a day for the breakaway, and it has become a fairly regular feature of the Tour. The final descent into Gap may also be the scene for attacks by the favourites.
An intriguing finish here, nicely balanced between the classics riders and the climbers. There will be some big time gaps for the unwary here, as the final climb is very tough.
The puncheurs will get their chance to shine today, on a lumpy day into Rodez which ends with a steep pinch up to the line.
After stages and stages of yucky climbing at the finish the sprinters get their chance here on a stage that, whilst difficult to control, should see a bunch finish in Valence.
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AuthorI'm Jamie Finch-Penninger, better known as Fishy, the best DS to ever sit a couch. Anything which I don't cover for a bigger site will be up here. Archives
October 2015
CategoriesCome here for the previews of all the World Tour races this season, plus any Pro Continental/NRS/tricycle races that take my fancy. Along as it's pro cycling I'll have some sort of opinion on it. I'm Australian, so be prepared for a healthy Orica-Greenedge bias. Please feel free to request any changes or previews, and stay up to date on Twitter and Facebook.
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