Vuelta España 2016 – Stage 1 Preview
By David Hunter
Thermal Ourense – Castrelo de Miño Nautical Park 29.4km TTT
The race begins with a long TTT. There are a few technical sections, but nothing to worry any of the teams. This should be a day for powerful riders.
Contenders
BMC – the current world champions, but only Dillier was part of that squad. Saying that, this is not the world championship! They have a relatively strong group of riders: Drucker, Gilbert, Hermans, Van Garderen, Sanchez, Teuns, Wyss and Dillier. Of their group, only Atapuma would be a concern, so they are strong.
Movistar – on home soil, Movistar always perform well. Fresh from his brilliant performance in Rio, Jonathan Castroviejo, will be expected to bring his A game. Most of their team goes well in this discipline, so the Spaniards will expect a big result. Given his season, it would be wonderful to see Erviti take the red jersey.
Etixx – another strong squad. In Terpstra, Lampaert and Velits, they have three very strong TT riders. The rest of the team is full of powerful men, they have no passengers. Expect a big performance from the Belgians.
Orica – the Aussies have a great record in TTTs. Their team is strong, without being exceptional. Saying that, a strong unit goes a long way. With Bewley, Cort, Gerrans, Haig, Howson, Keukeleire and Tuft, they have some power. I think they miss some proper TT riders. A win would be a surprise.
Team Sky – another strong looking team: Froome, Boswell, Konig, Puccio, Kwiatkowski, Golas, Kennaugh, Knees and Lopez. I expect big things from Sky, as they seem to have plenty of a mix of riders.
Tinkoff – usually are a solid TTT outfit. Contador will demand a big performance from his team and he’ll get it. I doubt they’ll be strong enough to win, but will hope to make the top 5.
Prediction Time
It’s a TT in Spain. Movistar will win!
David Hunter
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