Friday File: La Vuelta A Nasty Stage 11, Betancur is special, the oldest racer, Team Canada in Quebec City/Montreal & Classic Cool X3

La Vuelta is tomorrow and here's some interesting tidbits leading into what could potentially become the most exciting edition. 

The Fab Four: Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, Nairo Quintana & Tejay Van Garderen will slug it out as GC favorites. On the outside looking closely in, to spoil the GC party, are these guys: Domenico Pozzovivo, Purito Rodriguez, Mikel Landa, Andrew Talansky & Rafal Majka. 

Prize purse is €1,059,805. 

Stage 11 will be the ultimate in climbing probably the hardest stage: Andorra la Vella to Cortals d'Encamp 138km. Five ascents 1800 to 2100m...

Just plain nasty!

This mountainous Vuelta will be a super challenge for the Fab Four... Let' not forget there will be sauna like conditions (40C +) and depending on how well they will be supported by their respective teams and what shape they'll be in coming into La Vuelta after an exhausting Tour... it's going to be a great fight.

2015 Vuelta a Espana start list 

What better way to go to the team presentation, double ride...

His 2015 season has stalled...

The roller coaster ride of Carlos Betancur has been just that. A mutual agreement split with Ag2r is the latest news for the talented climber. Now, he's without a team for the duration of the season here's hoping he finds a lifesaver very soon.

“It’s annoying, there’s always problems with him. Betancur is special. I don’t know if other Colombians are as complicated as mine. It’s true that one of the hardest things with Carlos is that he’s attached to his home and he always wants to go home early to stay as long as possible. Staying in Europe has always been difficult for him.”

- Vincent Lavenu, GM Ag2r

Canadian buildup...

Team Canada is looking to pounce in 6th edition of the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Quebec (Sept.12) and Montreal (Sept.14). Cycling Canada has selected eight elite riders for Canada's only two UCI WorldTour events in the Americas.



"The objective of the team will be to have one rider ranked in the Top 10 at the Quebec City event, and activate the peloton and be part of key breakaways in Montreal. The event will also be a great preparation tool for the 2015 UCI Road World Championships to be disputed in Richmond, Virginia, later in the month. All eight Canadian riders have qualified for the selection pool for this event."

- Kevin Field, Cycling Canada's Road Managerddff


Team Canada:
Ryan Anderson (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies)
Guillaume Boivin (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies)
Rob Britton ( Team Smartstop)
Alex Cataford (Siber Pro Cycling)
Adam de Vos (Team H&R Block)
Benjamin Perry (Siber Pro Cycling)
Ryan Roth (Siber Pro Cycling)
Michael Woods (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies)

Today's Classic Cool X3...

This is a very inspirational video of 75 year old, Mick Ives 5-times world champion...

Here's cycling legend Francesco Moser working at his winery today.

Eddy at work on his Cinzano...