The final grand tour of the year is upon us, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel like this race both crept up on us and simultaneously took ages to arrive. We probably have the new cycling world championships to thank for that, or maybe I just couldn’t wait for more grand tour racing after the Tour. Either way, it’s here and with one of the strongest start lists for a grand tour in recent memory, for the general classification anyway. We’ll get to the sprinters later. So here is your usual guide to the route and all the main players. Stay tuned to the end as well because they’ll be a fun announcement.
The Route
After a fairly tame parcours in 2022, by Vuelta climbing standards, we’re back with a bang this year. The legendary Alto de L’Angliru returns and there’s a summit finish atop the Tourmalet. There are steep climbs in every week in what should be a celebration of climbing and highlight the bonkersness of this race. There should be four or five opportunities for the sprinters and potentially a couple more for the punchier amongst the fast men. Maybe that’s why no A-list sprinters have decided to show up, but more on that later. In the time trial department, we kick off with a team time trial and we have one individual time trial at the start of the second week. All-in-all, I count four flat stages; five medium mountain stages; one higher mountain stage; nine summit finishes; one individual time trial; and one team time trial. Here are the key stages to watch out for.
Stage 1: 14.8km team time trial through the streets of Barcelona.
Stage 2: An interesting finish that takes in the same roads as the final stage of the Volta a Catalunya. A short sharp climb followed by a fast descent into a 4%, 1.5km drag to the line.
Stage 3: The first summit finish and it’s in neighbouring Andorra following 3500m of climbing. There are several stretches of the final climb over 10%.
Stage 8: A lumpy day culminates in the fearsome Xorret de Cati followed by a quick descent to the line. The climb is only 4km long, but regularly exceeds 20% in gradient.
Stage 10: The individual time trial and it’s pan flat over 25.6km.
Stage 13: A truly monstrous day out in the Pyrenees taking in the Col d’Aubisque and finishing on the Col de Tourmalet. Expect fireworks.
Stage 14: The second of a mountainous double header with more steep climbing, but the finale is slightly easier than yesterday.
Stage 17: The queen stage with the headline act of the race, the gruelling climb of the Alto d’Angliru. If you’ve never seen this in a race before, grab some popcorn, pull up a pew and enjoy!
Stage 18: As if the Angliru wasn’t enough, stage 18 is deceptively brutal. Over 4000m of climbing await with regular ramps in the double digits.
Stage 20: This stage is nothing short of the most bonkers finale for a grand tour I’ve ever seen. It reminds me partially of stage 20 from the 2021 edition, except this takes in 10 category 3 climbs, for 4500m of climbing. It looks absolutely bonkers and I can’t wait.
Velogames Category Guide
The formula of the year is once again followed with the majority of the favourites stacked in the all rounder category with bargains to be had elsewhere. The sprinter category is also primed for a cheap option. Mind you, I said this last year and Mads Pedersen made me look like a fool. I don’t see domination this year, but we’ll get into that in a bit. I do see a lot of potential from the unclassed category, and I hope to give them the attention they deserve. A main theme this year is youth, with many teams rolling out the grand tour debutants for their first taste of the action. Hopefully some show you all what they’re made of, but when the field is this top heavy, we have to wonder how they’ll get their chance.
All Rounders
Jonas Vingegaard, 28 Credits: Returning to the Vuelta after three Tours de France in a row. He’s been brought in to almost guarantee a Jumbo overall win in their attempt to take home all three grand tour general classification (GC) titles for 2023. He’s the best climber in the world, and a Jumbo 1-2 on the final podium is not out of the question.
Primož Roglič, 24 Credits: He has won all of his targets this year with multiple stage wins along the way. He has been Mr Vuelta in the past with his punch and strength on the climbs. He’ll try to race smarter than his rivals, and utilising two leaders against this next rider will almost certainly yield results.
Remco Evenepoel, 22 Credits: This will be a real test for the 23 year old going head-to-head with two of the most experienced grand tour racers of this generation. I can see him becoming frustrated by Jumbo’s tactics, but if he keeps a cool head, the battle will be insane.
Juan Ayuso, 18 Credits: 3rd place last year as a 19 year old. What can he do one year older and wiser? He started his season late after tendinitis and hasn’t really shown us what he’s made of. His Tour de Suisse was very impressive, but that’s the only form we have to go on. Maybe he’s been saving it all for La Vuelta.
Geraint Thomas, 16 Credits: Believe it or not, this is only his 2nd Vuelta appearance in his 19th grand tour. His last outing did not go well as he finished in 69th place, but he’s been on a tear in the last two years in grand tours with over 2000 velogames points in both of his last races.
João Almeida, 14 Credits: Excellent velogames value, but sharing duties with Ayuso and going up against serious competition. I can’t actually believe he’s still only 25 years old. It feels like he’s been around much longer than that.
Thymen Arensman, 10 Credits: He doesn’t have much flair or kick on him, but he’s been good for over 1000 points in his last two grand tours, including 1233 in the 2022 Vuelta. He will be helping Thomas, but can still achieve his own result and he really comes into his own in the 3rd week.
I’ve been crunching some potential numbers back and forth, and I believe the serious points from the whole race will mostly come from the riders mentioned above. So picking three of these guys is my recommendation. Also here is Bernal, Kelderman, Soler, and Mollema all at 8 credits. Of these, Soler is the most likely to be hunting for the stage wins and the most likely to succeed. Kelderman will be on domestique duties the entire race and Bernal is still working his way back. I’d love to see Bernal go well again, but we might have to wait until next year.
Climbers
Enric Mas, 16 Credits: This is the most expensive he’s been for years, and it’s probably all down to his incredible Vuelta record. His average points haul at the Tour is 603, his average at the Vuelta is 1564.4. He’s done some work to be ready for this race, so fingers crossed it all works out for him. If he’s not good here, then I’m really not sure who’s picking up the points in this category.
Aleksandr Vlasov, 14 Credits: He is so hit or miss it’s almost unbelievable. For sure, he’s had his bad luck, but in this company, I don’t see him going all that well, even if he is on decent form. A lot of things need to happen for him to finish in the top 5.
Lenny Martinez, 12 Credits: This is expensive for a 20 year old grand tour debutant, but he is an exciting prospect. He represents too much of a gamble for me. I will be cheering him on though.
Jay Vine, 12 Credits: He’s definitely kicked on after his double stage win last year, but he has three other teammates up for stages as well. Not going for GC means he’s possibly not worth it for 12, and there are some bargains to consider here.
Damiano Caruso, 10 Credits: The designated road captain for Bahrain so he’ll be on babysitting duties for the team leaders. That being said, he did manage 4th at the Giro this year, but that’s his home grand tour.
Mikel Landa, 10 Credits: And here is one of Caruso’s team leaders, he is just unfortunately on some questionable form and has never finished the Vuelta higher than 15th.
Sergio Higuita, 10 Credits: I’m not entirely sure what Bora’s plan is here, but he may either be helping or hunting the odd stage. Either way, probably not worth huge points.
Cian Uijtdebroeks, 10 Credits: Here is a young man who’ll be giving Carlton Kirby nightmares for years to come. He is also hoping to be Bora’s main GC man in the future and this is his first test. He’s 20 years old and a super prospect. Like Martinez, he’s been given a hefty price tag, so he’d be a gamble, but that’s often what the Vuelta is all about.
Hugh Carthy, 10 Credits: I’m expecting nothing from Carthy, so anything he achieves will be a pleasant surprise for me. I think the days of him winning on Angliru are behind him, but he may be fun to watch in the breakaways.
Sepp Kuss, 10 Credits: Super domestique extraordinaire, who’s been instrumental in all of Jumbo’s recent grand tour success. He’s been known to rack up decent points hauls himself at the Vuelta. Can he do it again?
Romain Bardet, 10 Credits: Stage hunting, but another rider who’s not been great this year.
Eddie Dunbar, 10 Credits: Had a reasonably successful outing at the Giro in his first proper GC lead for Jayco. Can he do it at the Vuelta?
This is already a huge list and we’re only just down to the sub-10 credit options! It gets slightly easier from here and I’m only going to mention those I believe could be good picks. You can see what I mean about this category always being a minefield. I don’t fully trust anyone I’ve already mentioned to have a great race, I mean, just look at all the riders competing for the same points. Anyway, onwards!
Einer Augusto Rubio, 8 Credits: 949 velogames points was his reward for an attacking Giro where he won a stage. He’s since followed that result with a 5th place finish at the Vuelta a Burgos. If Mas isn’t on it, then Rubio could be your man. He might be a good pick anyway!
Max Poole, 8 Credits: Continuing the toddler day-care theme with dozens of youngsters, Max is another 20 year old hoping to get their hands dirty at their debut grand tour. He has shown promising form for DSM this year and hopefully he goes stage hunting in the mountains.
Santiago Buitrago, 6 Credits: He is sharing leadership of Bahrain along with Landa, but at 6 credits, he’s significantly cheaper. He’s a real stage hunter and has a decent record from the Giro. Can he bring that form to the Vuelta for the first time?
Michael Storer, 6 Credits: He’s done alright recently, but he has yet to recreate his daring double stage win from the 2021 Vuelta.
Sprinters
With only four guaranteed sprints and no stand out names on the start list, this is where you can afford to take a fun punt. Especially if your other picks price you out of the two apparent big guns in this category. I don’t see anyone dominating like some have done in previous years and there are only three of these riders who’ve won at a grand tour previously. So plenty of scope, both for established sprinters to finally get off the mark, and for new kids on the block to make a name for themselves. Here they all are.
Kaden Groves, 12 Credits: A stage win at both of his last two grand tours, Vuelta and Giro. He should be the man who’ll find it easiest to win a stage or two.
Bryan Coquard, 12 Credits: He’ll be licking his lips with this competition. He is in the no grand tour stage win club, and if he doesn’t win here, he probably never will.
Gerben Thijssen, 10 Credits: He’s had a couple of decent results this year, just not at world tour level. He will also fancy his chances.
Juan Sebastián Molano, 10 Credits: He won stage one at the Vuelta a Burgos with ease. He’ll be going solo a lot, or maybe with a teammate or two.
Marijn Van Den Berg, 8 Credits: Very good form at the recent Tour of Poland, so he’ll have the bit between his teeth. I’m very tempted with him. This Vuelta route might be the ideal place to test his strength.
Milan Menten, 8 Credits: He’s shown decent stuff at several races this year, including a win at a Spring Classic against four of the other sprinters appearing at this race.
Hugo Hofstetter, 8 Credits: He’ll probably good to top 10 the sprints, possibly better. It’ll be a hard task for him to win a stage though.
Alberto Dainese, 8 Credits: Another of the previous grand tour stage winners. At only 25 as well, he may be on for a good race here.
I would say pick from one of the above if you can, especially from the pool of 8s. If you have to go for a 6 crediter, I’d recommend either Vendrame, Theuns, and maybe Aular. Engelhardt is an exciting prospect, but I’m not sure if he’s totally a sprinter and this is a huge step up for him.
Unclassed
This category is once again stacked with potential and is more reminiscent of the Giro than the Tour. All kinds of riders here will be looking to be in the mix, in breakaways on all terrains. Let’s hope I get through everyone who’ll score good points and hopefully not omit the leading scorer, cough Gee cough.
8 credits
Romain Grégoire: This guy is the real deal. Only 20 and already competing and winning. He even managed 8th in Strade Bianche.
Filippo Ganna: Only one time trial for him and Remco is here too. He’d need to go for break wins to be good value. Not out of the question.
Attila Valter: Will be on domestique duty the whole race most likely.
Andrea Bagioli: If he’s not chained to helping Remco, then he should compete on several stages.
Kévin Vauquelin: Another promising youngster, but it’s hard to see where he picks up his points.
6 credits
Samuele Battistella: He hasn’t quite found the form this year, but he was very good in the 2022 Vuelta.
Nico Denz: Two stage wins from the Giro and Bora will be wanting more of the same here.
Jon Barrenetxea: If you want a cheeky side bet, this guy won the KOM at Itzulia.
Samuel Watson: Part one of a British Groupama double act.
Lewis Askey: And part two, He might get involved in the sprints.
Jonathan Castroviejo: Grand tour stage winner and a home grand tour.
Laurens De Plus: Managed 716 points at the Giro thanks to a decent GC performance.
Omar Fraile: He could score well, but never manages to. Will this race be different?
Rui Costa: He started the year well, tailed off, but did finish the San Sebastian Klasikoa in 8th place.
Rune Herregodts: He and a number of other Intermarché riders will be going for breakaways and Herregodts might be a good bet.
Jan Tratnik: Working for the team, but a strong rider in his own right. Same with Van Baarle.
Andrea Kron: An attacking rider and should be good on Vuelta terrain.
Lennert Van Eetvelt: Young and exciting climbing prospect on Lotto Destiny.
Oier Lazkano: Quite simply, he could be the guy this year. Spanish national champion and won a stage at the Vuelta a Burgos. Good on climbs, nice kick on him. This is his break out year. Can he cap it off?
Oscar Onley: Like Poole, he’s a new talent on DSM and you can bet he’ll try for a breakaway or two.
Matteo Sobrero: When he’s not helping Dunbar, he’ll be in the breaks.
Filippo Zana: Proven stage winner this year, he’ll try again for sure.
Finn Fisher-Black: He’s been a good cheaper pick in other Velogames competitions this year. It’s just a question of whether his teammates don’t gobble up the points first.
4 Credits
Jason Osborne: He looks like Alpecin’s best bet for any mountain success, but it is his grand tour debut.
Javier Romo: 7th at the Vuelta a Burgos and if Astana are to have any success, he may be the man.
Matevž Govekar: Designated sprinter for Bahrain, limited success this year so an outside bet.
Juan Pedro López: Hard to know what to expect of this guy. Has a great Giro in 2022 then has absolutely no good results after that.
Of course there are more, but these are the main riders I’m looking at. I will always add to this if another name catches my eye, and you can send suggestions to me in the comments. I will be doing another live stream tomorrow night, the 24th at 8pm BST, that’s CEST -1. You can find the stream here: https://www.twitch.tv/andytheciderman. We’ll have a good chat about the Vuelta and maybe see who I got hopelessly wrong in the Tour. If anyone is yet to join the league, it’s never too late. Here is the code: 986859730. The announcement I mentioned earlier is a prize for winning any of the grand tour in my mini-league. Whoever wins my mini-league in any of the grand tours will be rewarded with supporting member status on Velogames for the following year! I had the idea during the Tour and hopefully that makes things even more exciting.
The Pelotonian 