The 92nd Edition of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya is a stage race covering some 1200kms. Eight out of the last ten results have gone to Spanish riders, including the last four years. The most recent multiple winner was the Spanish great, Miguel Indurain, who won three times in 1988, 1991 and 1992. It’s a significant test for climbers over an entire week of riding.
MONCOUTIE David 100: 39th last year and more than 5 minutes down on the winner, but at this stage of the season it’ll be more of a fitness test than an honest examination. Could surprise with a top-5 result, but unlikely this early. Take on trust.
URAN Rigoberto 11: Finished 5th here last year, and whilst a good climber it may be too early in the season to see him get on the podium. Overlook.
SORENSEN Chris Anker 150: Excellent climber who came into 30th place in this race last year. Too many unknown factors to gauge his performance. Odds appear about right. Take on trust.
PORTE Richie 75: In good form after winning the Volta ao Algarve overall. Perhaps though, the amount of difficult climbs will not suit him here. Overlook.
WIGGINS Bradley 40: In top form after winning Paris-Nice overall, and finishing 3rd in the Volta ao Algarve. Without his teammate Froome in the race, he’ll want to confirm his climbing legitimacy within the team with a good result. Should finish in the top-10, however a podium result would surprise. Nevertheless, he has surprised so far this season, so do not discount. Worthy of EACH-WAY consideration.
FUGLSANG Jakob 36: Likely to be in the race to offer support to his high profile teammate Schleck. Could finish in the top-10 given several important factors. Too many question marks. Take on trust.
SCHLECK Andy 25: Appears as if though he’ll give it a fair shake to test himself on the climbs at this early part of the season, however if down on form he will throw the towel in with some bogus excuse. No surrpise to learn that he’s withdrawn from the race at some stage. Wait to see.
SANCHEZ Luis Leon 60: Missed a podium (4th) position in 2010 by only 2 seconds. Has given a small sign of climbing form by winning the hilly stage six of Paris-Nice, which he targeted. Would not surprise with a top-5 finish. Good EACH-WAY value. Consider closely. Danger.
LEIPHEIMER Levi 22: Finished 21st in this race in 2010. In good form so far this season, however the climbs will be to great a test for hims to finish on the podium. Top-10 result is most likely. Overlook.
VALVERDE Alejandro 2: Won this race in 2009. So far this season he is showing fine form by finishing 2nd in the Tour Down Under overall, then winning the Vuelta a Andalucia overall, and recently finishing 3rd in Paris-Nice on GC – winning three stages in total. Will be suited by the conditions and the parcours, and has an excellent chance of winning. Legitimate favourite. Best bet. Not worth risking.
MENCHOV Denis 30: Not outstanding form so far this season, and this race will only be more difficult. Perhaps a top-10 showing wouldn’t surprsie, but unlikely to get on the podium. Ignore.
MARTIN Daniel 8: Had some excellent results last season. Has likely been working toward this race. Nevertheless, there’s not enough information to gauge his performance, and whilst a top-5 finish is likely to envisage on last year’s 3rd place finish, he’ll need to be up to his very best to go close again. Odds too short. Take on trust.
CASAR Sandy 200: Likely to be in some of the selective moves, and may finish in the top-5 on one good day, however he won’t have enough to trouble some of the more fancied riders. Top-20 finish at best. Ignore.
SANCHEZ Samuel 7: Has likely targeted this race for a good result, and on his best performance he’ll finish on the podium. However, question marks exist about his form so far this season. Odds way too short. Take on Trust.
TXURRUKA Amets 240: Always gave the promise of being a prolific climber, but never made the consistent breakthrough to establish his position. Should be one of the main contenders here, however a DNF at Milan-SanRemo a few days ago suggests he won’t figure in the final calculations, even though he may have one or two good days where he’s part of the selective moves. Nevertheless, is still worthy of consideration for an EACH-WAY bet at such large odds on account of his perceived talent as an attacking breakaway climber.
HUSHOVD Thor: Whilst he won’t figure in calculations for a top-10 result, it’ll be interesting to observe if he has taken another step toward re-branding his riding style to be a more powerful climber. Scratched due to illness – confirmed.
BRAJKOVIC Janez 30: 9th 2010, 16th last year. Unlikley to finish in the top-10 this year. Ignore.
ROCHE Nicholas 75: 5th in 2010, 33rd last year. Will be unsuited by the amount of difficult climbs and will lose time to the fancied riders. A top-10 result would surprise. Ignore.
BASSO Ivan 75: 38th in 2010, he improved dramatically to finish 7th last year. Will look to give himself a real test here, however he fell in Paris-Nice stage race, and some question marks remain concerning his fitness. Take on trust.
1st: VALVERDE Alejandro
2nd: SANCHEZ Luis Leon
3rd: WIGGINS Bradley
Roughie: TXURRUKA Amets
