2008 Vuelta

[ScottM]

The organizers have released the route for 2008 and they are trying something new. Faced with a lot of indifference at this race they are going to push more mountain stages.

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]This will be the Vuelta of hope, a chance for a new cycling," said race director Victor Cordero as he unveiled the 63rd edition of the Spanish national tour.[/FONT] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The three-week, 3173km race begins August 30 in the southern city of Grenada and ends September 21 in Madrid. Its 21 stages include three time trials, among them a team time trial, which opens the Vuelta in Grenada, and four summit finishes among its 40 rated ascents.

http://velonews.com/race/int/articles/13761.0.html[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]I think part of their problem is that they go too late in the year and most of the fans are burned out post Tour d'France with yet another grand tour. That and it seems that only the Spaniards are racing in the Vuelta, too much of a local race.
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