The Vuelta continues, heading into the mountains again, as if that's a surprise on the most climbing of the Grand Tours. Thursday's stage was another one for the sprinters, or at least the non-climbers, It was won by Morkov in a grandstand finish, stealing it in the final metres of the race to decidedly spoil Tony Martin's day after his epic solo break came so close. Nibali defended his 3 second lead even if he still would like to not be in the red jersey this early on.
Away from the road the mountain bike World Championships are already on in Pietersmaritzburg. There's plenty of cross country action over the weekend, but I'll be set up in front of the internet-connected telly to watch the Downhill action on Sunday afternoon. While the World Cup series shows the top names and rewards consistency, it's all or nothing on the World Championship race for the honour of wearing the rainbow stripes. This means it can be a chance for a new name to burst through, and with that in mind Ngubane will be the first black downhiller to compete for South Africa. He's unlikely to beat his team mate, hot local favourite and defending champion Greg Minnaar, but that probably won't worry him. In similar news Oakley have supported a downhill team competing from Lesotho.
With such a range of ability from all over the world here to give it a go expect big crashes early on, the likes of which you don't get on the pro circuit. Along with Minnaar, Gee Atherton will hope to continue his great season, and the usual names will be hoping for a big win, expect performances from Steve Smith, Aaron Gwin, Sam Hill, while Rachel Atherton has to be the big tip for the women's race, with Ragot and Carpenter snapping at her heels. Peaty might be up for a go as well, and he has the bike to do it on.
Here she is!!! Lovely little thing eh?? santacruzbicycles http://t.co/3hCLVW5WNc
— steve peat (@StevePeat) August 28, 2013
Check out all the action here on Sunday.
Keeping it gravity-assisted we can start to get excited about Rampage as the invited rider list has been released. Sorge is out injured, but there should be big things form the other riders. I, for one, hope that Gee can stay in one piece and show us all what he's come so close to doing at the last few events.
If that's all a bit too far from any concrete for you then I suggest you check out Erik Elstran just killing it in Berlin. Actually do it even if you loved all the rest of today's post.
Erik Elstran Goes to Berlin from Sunday Bikes on Vimeo.
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