Vuelta a Espana 2022 – Stage 10
The second day of rest is done and dusted. It is time for a flat-time trial from Elche to Alicante. It is a flat and straightforward one.
The little hill.
Just count it off, they will have so much momentum going in to it that most will fly right over.
Weather
The wind is coming from SSE. This gives a cross headwind in the first half, more or less, and a cross tailwind home. Sunny and the same weather forecast for everyone.
Contender
Evenepoel – the big favorite to take his first win despite having a very comfortable margin. Most of his rivals would have hoped to have two minutes or more on him tomorrow but they do not. If he stays on his bike, he should win. Bear in mind, that he does not need to risk anything in the corners – something that could put him a bit slower tomorrow. Nonetheless, the amount of rolling straight-forward terrain is fantastic for him.
Roglic – he will likely be best of the rest by the GC men. I don’t see him winning, I would not even have him beating Evenepoel if he was 100% on this route. Still, he is a solid podium contender.
Dennis – is on paper the man to beat Evenepoel. He is on the best gear possible but I have a hard time rating his current level. Winning the Commonwealth TT was a good sign, but I still think he will come short tomorrow.
Cavagna – he will like the route. The TGV has become more of a tractor meaning he will not be as fresh as everyone else, but after a rest day, he should be relatively fresh. I expect a top-5.
Mads Pedersen – flying, but normally does better on shorter TT’es. He may also decide to take it easy with a good stage coming for him in the next days. Top-10.
Hayter – should be going well. He really has improved a lot this season. I expect to see him fighting for the podium.
Arensman – won the TT in Pologne, but this one is easier. He normally gets better and better throughout a GT, but this TT should be too easy for him to fight for the win. I expect a solid top-10.
Wright – flying and is doing good against the clock. A top-10.
Simon Yates – he has improved a lot against the clock, I think he will be a positive surprise tomorrow.
Craddock – I liked what I saw from him on stage 5. He is a TT specialist – and the length and parcours suit him well.
Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Evenepoel
⭐⭐⭐ Dennis, Hayter
⭐⭐ Cavagna, Arensman, Roglic
⭐ Pedersen, Wright, Yates, Craddock
Who will win?
I will point my fingers at Evenepoel.
