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The stage 15 HC summit finish at Lagos de Covadonga has been used 17 times in Vuelta history with Carlos Barrado being the last winner in 2010
September 2 update: This year's Vuelta is showing why awarding bonus seconds on summit finishes can make for more exciting racing: when the GC contenders want the bonus seconds, a break has to really earn the win. And so far we've had nothing but GC contenders winning the mountainous or summit finish stages except for stage 4.
In 2010, Carlos Barrado (photo above) won the HC summit finish on Lagos de Covadonga (profile) in the Asturias from a break which has been used 17 times in Vuelta history and usually breaks have succeeded here. But, this year Alberto Contador is hungry for a stage win since he's been pipped several times and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) now have five wins between them. So look for Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank to drive the chase like they did on Saturday if Contador is feeling good. With the associated bonus seconds, Alberto Contador shouldn't relent on his late attacks because he has a much better record at being consistent at the daily grind of a Grand Tour and Rodriguez has obviously done more racing this year.
It should be another great battle on Sunday. Note the earlier live video time.
— Steve
Big Photos from Vuelta a Espana 2010: Solares → Lagos de Covadonga — sirotti/reuters
‘Fantastic 4’ ready for battle in Asturias — velonews
Covadonga: The Vuelta's Lucky Lakes? — cyclingnews