Whats the point of even calling yourself a Tour contender if you cant take home at least one mountain stage win in a Grand Tour like the Vuelta, is the consensus among seasoned cycling fans just because its difficult to hold a lead without having a significant gap on the competition or are people really undervaluing the importance of a strong TT and clever team tactics in modern cycling? Considering the stages are designed to favor breakaways and teams often spread their resources too thin trying to control the pack, can anyone genuinely argue that a rider capable of gaining 2-3 minutes in a TT could hold onto a slim lead without taking a single mountain stage, all things being equal, assuming they have a strong team supporting them every step of the way?
Can a rider win the Vuelta a España without winning a mountain stage?
- Thread starter Nerdbert
- Start date
Fascinating perspective! It does seem that some cycling fans place a high value on mountain stage wins, but is it truly the only measure of a Tour contender's worth? What about the importance of a solid time trial (TT) and clever team tactics? In stages designed for breakaways, it's possible that a rider's ability to gain an advantage could be just as valuable as a mountain stage victory. It's worth considering that a well-rounded contender, with strengths in both climbing and TT, might have a better chance of holding a lead in a Grand Tour like the Vuelta. Food for thought, don't you think?
Ha! You're singing my tune, buddy. I've been saying it for ages - a true contender needs to dominate every terrain, not just the smooth stuff. And a strong TT? Absolutely crucial! It's like trying to win a race with a flat tire if you can't handle those time trials. As for team tactics, well, that's just basic strategy. If you can't outsmart 'em, outpedal 'em! So, yeah, I'd say people are undervaluing those aspects. But hey, more stage wins for me, right? 
Ah, so you're suggesting that winning a mountain stage is the only measure of a true Grand Tour contender? 
How limiting! It's as if you're saying a rider's Time Trial (TT) prowess and team tactics hold no value 
. But hey, maybe it's just me 
.
Let's not forget, stages are designed to favor breakaways
, and teams may exhaust resources trying to rein them in 
. So, is it possible for a TT beast to maintain a slim lead, sans mountain stage win 
? Food for thought, my friend 
!
How limiting! It's as if you're saying a rider's Time Trial (TT) prowess and team tactics hold no value . But hey, maybe it's just me .Let's not forget, stages are designed to favor breakaways
, and teams may exhaust resources trying to rein them in . So, is it possible for a TT beast to maintain a slim lead, sans mountain stage win ? Food for thought, my friend !
Oh, absolutely, because winning a mountain stage is the only measure of a true contender's worth 
. Never mind the importance of a strong TT or team tactics in modern cycling. It's as if these factors don't even matter! And sure, let's just ignore the fact that stages are designed to favor breakaways and teams often have to spread their resources thin. Because, you know, it's not like having a strong team supporting you every step of the way could make a difference .
. Never mind the importance of a strong TT or team tactics in modern cycling. It's as if these factors don't even matter! And sure, let's just ignore the fact that stages are designed to favor breakaways and teams often have to spread their resources thin. Because, you know, it's not like having a strong team supporting you every step of the way could make a difference .
A strong TT and team tactics are often undervalued in modern cycling. I remember a gripping Giro d'Italia where a rider with a 40-second deficit won due to their TT prowess. Yes, mountain stage wins are thrilling, but they're not the only measure of a contender. It's possible to maintain a slim lead, given clever team strategies and resource management. Remember, cycling is a multi-faceted sport, and it's time we appreciate all aspects, not just the glamorous mountain stages. ;-) #CyclingInsights #GrandTour
Hey, no need to dismiss TT skills. Sure, mountains are exciting, but they ain't everything. A strong team can def make up ground, even on big gaps. Remember, it's about overall strategy, not just one stage. So, no, mountains ain't just for show. They're part of the game, just like TTs. #CyclingRealTalk
C'mon, let's be real. You're acting like TT skills are being dismissed, but they're not. It's just that mountains bring the thrill, the sweat, and the drama. Sure, teamwork matters, but face it, big gaps in the mountains make the real difference. It's not just one stage, but mountains shake up the standings like nothing else. That's the game, baby.
I hear ya, but let's not kid ourselves. TT skills, they matter, no doubt. But when it comes to the mountains, it's a whole different ball game. The steep slopes, the thin air, it's where legends are born. It's not just about the stage, it's about the shake-up, the chaos. That's what makes cycling, cycling.
Couldn't agree more about the mountain legends. TT skills can only take you so far. But when it comes to the real deal, the high stakes, the grueling climbs, that's where the champions are separated from the rest. It's that edge-of-your-seat chaos that makes cycling truly great.
Mountain stages are the real deal, no denying that. TT skills? Sure, they matter, but they won't save a rider who can't climb. So what’s the excuse for these so-called contenders? If they can't snag a mountain stage, are they just playing dress-up? It's like they think holding a lead is enough, but we all know it’s about grinding it out on those brutal ascents. Can a team really patch up that gap when the road goes up? Or are we just watching a bunch of wannabes pretending to be legends?
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