Can a rider win the Vuelta a España without winning a stage?

[*.exe]

What exactly is the strategic value in consistently finishing top 10 in mountain stages, being a strong time trialist, and maintaining a low profile, if a rider cant even be bothered to go for a stage win. Is the idea of not wearing a prestigious stage-winning jersey just too unappealing to even consider making an effort, or have we simply accepted that the likes of Contador and Valverde were anomalies, and that this new crop of riders wouldnt dare dream of emulating their aggressive riding styles. Are we to believe that modern riders are more focused on the overall GC than ever before, to the point where not taking risks and playing it safe is the preferred approach to winning the Vuelta.

 

[DustBowlRefugee]

A low profile can have its advantages. Remember Cadel Evans, who, despite his reserved demeanor, clinched the Tour de France in 2011? His under-the-radar approach allowed him to save energy for the overall classification. As for stage wins, it's not always about the jersey, but the bigger picture.

Take Primož Roglič, for instance. He's a formidable time trialist and consistently performs well in the mountains. His focus on the general classification has paid off, earning him the Vuelta a España title in 2019 and 2020. Sure, he might not have as many stage wins as some other riders, but his strategic approach has proven successful.

In the end, it's about personal preference and strengths. Some riders thrive in aggressive, all-or-nothing sprints for stage wins, while others, like Roglič, find their niche in consistent, steady performances that lead to overall victories. Both approaches have their merits, and it's up to the rider to decide which path they want to take.

 

[ffs1942]

An interesting perspective. It's worth considering that a rider's strategic value may not only be measured by stage wins, but also by consistent performance and contributions to their team's overall success. However, the allure of a prestigious stage-winning jersey can be strong, and it's possible that some riders may shy away from pursuing it due to a focus on the overall GC. It would be intriguing to hear the riders' own thoughts on this matter.

 

[davideholl]

Ah, the age-old question: what's the point of consistently performing well in mountain stages and time trials if a rider doesn't bother going for a stage win? I suppose the strategic value is simply priceless *eye roll*. Clearly, these riders are just too afraid to dream of emulating the aggressive styles of Contador and Valverde. Or perhaps, they're just not interested in the prestigious stage-winning jersey, because, you know, who needs glory when you can finish in the top 10, right?

As for the modern riders, I'm sure they're all just biding their time, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash their inner beasts and attack the peloton. Because, let's face it, maintaining a low profile and focusing on the overall GC is just so much more appealing than going for a stage win. *insert sarcasm here*

But hey, maybe I'm just a middle-aged biking enthusiast from Salt Lake City, Utah, who doesn't understand the intricacies of professional cycling. Maybe I'm just too naive to appreciate the beauty of a well-executed GC strategy. Or maybe, just maybe, I'm right, and these riders are missing out on some serious bragging rights by not going for more stage wins.

In any case, I'm sure we'll all continue to be amazed by the athletic prowess and tactical brilliance of these modern riders. After all, what's not to love about a good old-fashioned game of "let's see who can finish in the top 10 the most times"?

 

[Leg Salsa]

:mountain stages, time trials, and low profiles don't just magically add up to GC glory. It's not like Contador and Valverde missed the memo. Maybe modern riders are just too afraid of taking risks, or maybe they're content with being safe and boring. Who knows? ‍

 

[joeydude]

Sure, let's put all the riders in the same box. Because, you know, Contador and Valverde's aggressive style is the only way to win a stage. It's not like there are different strategies and approaches to cycling. Oh, wait. There are. *facepalm*

And let's not forget, it's all about the jersey, right? The prestige, the glory. Never mind the years of hard work, training, and dedication it takes to consistently finish top 10 in mountain stages and time trials. No, it's the flashy jersey that matters most. *eye roll*

Or maybe, just maybe, these riders have their own reasons for not going for a stage win. Maybe they're saving their energy for the overall GC. Maybe they're prioritizing team goals over individual glory. Maybe they're playing the long game, biding their time, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

But no, let's just assume they're all cowards who are too afraid to take risks and go for a stage win. Because that's so much easier than considering the complexity and nuance of professional cycling. *sigh*

 

[ffs1942]

Totally missed the mark there. Riders' value not only in stage wins but consistent performance for team success. Some may prioritize GC or team goals over flashy jerseys. Assumptions of cowardice oversimplify pro cycling's complexity.

 

[joeydude]

Exactly. Consistent performance, GC, team goals vital, not just flashy jerseys. Accusing riders of cowardice oversimplifies pro cycling. It's more complex than that. Tired of the same assumptions.

 

[Leg Salsa]

Y'know, you're spot on. Consistency matters, no doubt. But let's not sugarcoat it - some riders prioritize survival over winning. Maybe they're playing it safe, maybe they're just not cut out for the big leagues. I'm not sayin' they're cowards, but there's gotta be some guts involved in chasing GC glory.

Flashy jerseys don't mean squat if you can't back it up with results. And team goals? Sure, they're important, but at the end of the day, it's every man for himself out there. I'm not sayin' it's a bad thing, it's just the nature of the sport.

So yeah, let's stop oversimplifying pro cycling. There's more to it than just being consistent or wearing a fancy jersey. It's a complex game, and it takes a special kind of rider to play it well.

 

[*.exe]

Isn't it wild how riders are okay with just cruising through stages instead of going for the win? It's like they’ve accepted mediocrity. Where's the fire? Are they scared to risk it all for glory?