The sprinters had their fun in Argentina, now it is time for the climbers to host their party at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2023. Starting on 1st February 2023, the race will consist of 5 stages and is included in the Velogames Warm Up Championship.
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2022
Last year’s Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana race was a different affair with sprinters winning 3 of the 5 stages. Remco Evenepoel won the opening stage, Fabio Jakobsen the second and the last stage while Matteo Moschetti brilliantly placed himself for a win in the fourth stage. On his side, Aleksandr Vlasov made the difference on the third race day by taking the stage win and subsequently the general classification of Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2022.
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Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2023
Stage 1
The opening stage of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana will be a delight baroudeurs and climbers alike. An early breakaway will try to maximize their gap while teams with no representation at the front or those with fast men will move to the front and pace things up. Fast enough to catch the breakaway but not too fast to drop their designated sprinter of the day. The 2 second category climbs might as well give ideas to some opportunistic attacks.
My predictions is that it will be a sprint finish as most of the sprinters present in Valencia can get over climb fairly.
⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝ Omar Fraile
⚝⚝⚝⚝ Alex Aranburu
⚝⚝⚝ Biniam Girmay
⚝⚝ Edward Theuns
⚝ Alexander Kristoff
Stage 2
A 3.2 km ramp at 7.2% awaits the riders at the finish at Alto de Pinos. The 3.2 km might end up being a tad too long for some fast men and it will take a real long punching effort to win it here! The route leading to the finale one is not easy as well with 6 categorised climbs. It will take a real dedicated and collaborative effort from teams looking for a stage win to bring back the escapees and contend for victory at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.
⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝ Koen Bouwman
⚝⚝⚝⚝ Bauke Mollema
⚝⚝⚝ Alexandr Vlasov
⚝⚝ Lennard Kamna
⚝ Fred Wright
Stage 3
The riders will take on 3 massive climbs over 145 km. Climbers and general classification rider’s form will be assessed with respect to not only the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana but the season. However those who did not have the proper legs in the climbs will still get the chance to come back in the descent and challenge for victory in a reduced sprint.
⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝ : Alex Aranburu
⚝⚝⚝⚝: Matej Mohoric
⚝⚝⚝ Omar Fraile
⚝⚝ Luis Leon Sanchez
⚝ Biniam Girmay
Stage 4
With its mountain top finish, stage 4 of Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana looks like the queen stage of the race with the best climber of the race trying to blow the race apart. 182 km seems a rather lot of terrain for some teams to control though and this could favor a break-away win.
The last 3 km is ascending but the percentage is not more than 7%. While this is not hard enough for a violent decisive move, the long day of climbing might have worn out some men!
⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝ : Alexandr Vlasov
⚝⚝⚝⚝: Carlos Rodriguez
⚝⚝⚝ Brandon McNulty
⚝⚝ Pello Bilbao
⚝ Guilio Ciccone
Stage 5
The last stage one the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana traditionally join Paternna to Valencia. While last year, the profile was flatter and welcomed a sprint win, the two categorised climb suggest a differnet outcome this year. This 90 Km race will see some serious high temp racing right until the 50 km mark where the last summit will be reached. 40 km of cold descent ensues to the finish.
This is a Tom and Jerry day. 90 km long means that a group of really strong riders will attack from the start. Forcing what is left of the peloton and if they have a reason to do it to chase. As the race goes on the front group, depending on its composition will keep weaning out.
A scenario resembling stage 6 of Itzulia Basque Country 2021 is the best thing we can hope for. That day, Primoz Roglic and Brandon McNulty with the support of Pogacar went for the attack right from the first climb. Only 103 riders finished the stage…
⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝ : Pello Bibao
⚝⚝⚝⚝: Marc Soler
⚝⚝⚝ Mikel Landa
⚝⚝ Alexandr Vlasov
⚝ Bauke Mollema
Overall predictions of Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana
There are 3 world tour team who came here with their full armada in view of preparation for the Giro. We are still 3 months away though, and the big boys are not expected to be in full form.
Bora-Hansgrohe’s Alexandr Vlasov has clear ambition for the Giro and is bringing his A team here. Lennard Kamna, the man who exploded last year’s giro is here as well. The German will be expected to be in as many breakaways as possible, searching for own glory or used as a very efficient satellite rider.
Ineos Grenadiers is here with a very impressive team on paper. Carlos Rodriguez, Tao Georghegan Hart and new recruit Thymen Arensman could a pretend to victory. After a rather disappointing Tour Down Under and Vuelta San Juan, this is the stage third race where the British present itself with legitimate contenders.
One man we know is in stellar form is Pello Bilbao. His Bahrain Victorious team comes to the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana star stacked team. Damiano Caruso continued his impressive career resurgence in 2022 in one week stage races, despite not reaching then height of his Giro 2021 podium in Grand Tour. Mikel Landa‘s best performances have for some reasons been in Italy and is not expected to lead the line here. Wout Poels, Gino Mader, Matej Mohoric and Fred Wright are all popular riders among fans who will make winning a stage their priority.
Elsewhere, the fight for a Tour de France spot along Tadej Pogacar starts here. Brandon McNulty made his intention of going for glory in one week stage races clear. Marc Soler and Rafal Majka are both proven climbers who will seize one of the few opportunities of having the spotlight on them. New addition to the Domen Novak is an exellent climber as well.
Bauke Mollema, Rui Costa and David De La Cruz are all very experienced riders whose ambitions for the season are not clear yet. The likes of Koen Bouwman, Guilio Ciccone and Luis Leon Sanchez carry the responsibility of a stage win for their team.
Finally and more interestingly, Eddie Dunbar is finally given his own chance as success. After 5 years of faithful service at Inoes, the 27 year old Irishman is highly rated as a general contender for the final victory.
⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝ Pello Bilbao. The course fits the Basque to perfectly. He is a good sprinter, the toughest climb are long and regular and more importantly are far enough from the finish for him to fly his way back. He will try to make the difference in those long descent to the finish.
⚝⚝⚝⚝ Alexandr Vlasov. He would have preferred more mountain finish where he could have shown his class as one of the best sprinters. Yet he remains the best climber here.
⚝⚝⚝ Eddie Dunbar. He has a team dedicated to his cause. He is a good sprinter as well and we have seen him excelled in punchy finishes. With the proper support to overcome his non proven yet ability to fight among the elites, a podium finish seems realistic.
⚝⚝ Carlos Rodriguez. A stellar Vuelta performance has put him high up in the hierarchy at Ineos Grenadiers. A win on home ground will be nothing less than a confirmation of his potential. The current climbing form shown by Ineos Grenadiers leaders such as Plapp, Thomas and Dani Martinez might however be an indication as to where their form stands very early in the season.
⚝ Mikel Landa. You can’t just ignore the man. Never spectacular, more often disappointing but when he decides to show up, he means it.
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana Velogames guide
If you have been been doing satisfactorily well in the warm up championship so far, then it is probably better that you look away as whatever you are doing is probably better. If not already done, you could also see and subscribe to Paddy Blake’s OW DO cycling youtube channel. No one does it better than him.
But if like me, you are struggling, then lets fight our way back together. The Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana is a the perfect occasion to get back. There are quite a few very high priced riders and this where those who have not much to lose like have to aim to maximise on the cheaper options. For example: you would not gain much from having the very expensive riders like Vlasov (24) or Bilbao (20). They will be on everyone’s team. Yes you could choose one but the core of the team should be taking risk with cheaper options and hoping for decent performances.
Aleksandr Vlasov
BORA – hansgrohe 24 :
The most expensive rider is the favourite to win the overall. For those who like thrill and are willing to take risks. The 24 points could be split over other riders. He should bring back his fair share of points as long as he stays safe for the man who finished 5th at the 2022 Tour de France.
Carlos Rodríguez
INEOS Grenadiers 22:
Ineos Grenadiers riders current form make him a big risk to take. Also, the presence of Geoghegan Hart and Arensmen suggest that he is not the only man mighty Ineos will be betting on.
Pello Bilbao
Bahrain – Victorious 20
The form is here. The course suits him. The safest bet among the expensive riders.
Thymen Arensman
INEOS Grenadiers 20:
The Dutch talent will be making his debut with his new team. He climbs well but prefers to have sling shot victories rather than climbing with the best.
Mikel Landa
Bahrain – Victorious 18
This is a choice that only the pure of the Landismos could make.
Damiano Caruso
Bahrain – Victorious 16:
He is the least likely in his team to get into breakaways and win stages. At 16 coins, he is too expensive of a risk to take.
Brandon McNulty
UAE Team Emirates 16
With Juan Ayuso absent from a scheduled start here, the American will be the leader. He did make winning a stage race overall his aim but he would prefer one with time-trial in it.
Lennard Kämna
BORA – hansgrohe 14
He will be a regular break away and the design of the course suits him well. Should the breakaway fail, he will then be used as a satelittle rider for Vlasov. We just wished he was cheaper.
Tao Geoghegan Hart
INEOS Grenadiers 14
In which form will we find the 2020 Giro winner? At 14, he could prove to be a good risk to take for those who believe in his condition. A rather too big risk actually
Gino Mäder
Bahrain – Victorious 12
The young Swiss rider will want to prove himself as a potential leader. He will probably be worth it just like his 6 other team-mates
Matej Mohorič
Bahrain – Victorious 12 There are 3 stages that ends following a long descent. Surely will be worth it as well
Biniam Girmay
Intermarché – Circus – Wanty 12
Hello! The latest addition to the startlist recently finished on 2 podiums in 3 of the races he started. It Is noteworthy to say that his chances of stage victory are limited to 2 out of 5 stages. But 2 really good chances.
Alex Aranburu
Movistar Team 12
Descent, step ahead Aranburu. The only question should Ivan Garcia Cortina be part of the same group as him, will he still be allowed to chase glory.
Giulio Ciccone
Trek – Segafredo 12
The feisty Italian made a cross on general glory for the foreseeable future. He sure does like stage glories.
Marc Soler
UAE Team Emirates 12
With no Ayuso, Almeida or Pogacar, will do what he wants. Well, he always did what he wanted anyways. Attacks when he feels good.
Diego Ulissi
UAE Team Emirates 12
He will have the luxury of having a very talented team at his disposition in case he makes the group for a reduced sprint.
Samuele Battistella
Astana Qazaqstan Team 10
He will be a serious contender for a final top 10 finish. Should also spend at least one day in the break.
David De La Cruz
Astana Qazaqstan Team 10
He had a very decent 2022 under the radar. He should be able to climb with the elites. Possible top 10 as well.
Luis León Sánchez
Astana Qazaqstan Team 10
He will be having a lot of fun with a handful of great descenders here.
Wout Poels
Bahrain – Victorious 10
He might be allowed a day or two out to chase KOM points but he is the most likely to work as captain should the team wish to win the general.
Fred Wright
Bahrain – Victorious 10
The new chouchou du peloton will be given a free pass to get in as many break aways as he wishes. Will he finally win a stage?
Bob Jungels
BORA – hansgrohe 10
The team wasted no time to recuit him as he showed he is back to his best. He goes perfectly into Bora-Hansgrohe tactics of sending men up the road before the embuscade.
Rui Costa
Intermarché – Circus – Wanty 10
He contributed heavily in making team Intermarche Circus Wanty the actual number by winning the Trofeo Calvia. He will enjoy the freedom given to him.
Olav Kooij
Jumbo-Visma 10
The mountains might prove to be a little hard for him. His team should however have a reason to send him here. Whether for experience or he actually get over the mountain in the best group is something we will know more soon
Gonzalo Serrano
Movistar Team 10
The Spanish won a very punchy Tour of Britain 2022 in front of the like of Pidcock and Dylan Theuns. Should Cortina or Aranburu be dropped, he represents a real sprint threat.
Eddie Dunbar
Team Jayco AlUla 10
He will have a full team to work for him. At 10 points, he is a good bargain. Should he falter, it will be just 10 points wasted, half of what bilbao would cost. I am definitely going with him
Bauke Mollema
Trek – Segafredo 10
He will handle 5 days of racing very well. He will particularly enjoy the finish of stage 2. Whether as GC contender or break away rider, we will see plenty of him
Rafał Majka
UAE Team Emirates 10
Drafted in in the place of Ayuso, he is a force to reckon with although Brandon Mcnulty usually show better early season from
Anthon Charmig
Uno-X Pro Cycling Team 10
The Danish started the season 2022 in great shape by winning a stage in Tour of Oman and finishing 5th in the overall. While he did have a god Sazka Tour and Tour of Denmark, his 10 credits price might prove to be too high this team given the field he is facing. But UNO-X riders are all ridier for a spot on the Tour de France team.
Torstein Træen
Uno-X Pro Cycling Team 10
The Norvegian has more proven results against stronger field. 3rd in Petronas behind Ivan Sosa and Hugh Carth. 9th in Catalunya in 2022..
Matteo Fabbro
BORA – hansgrohe 8
Another breakaway/ satellite rider from Bora Hansgrohe. The only difference is that he might be given the green light in the event of reduced sprint.
Orluis Aular
Caja Rural – Seguros RGA 8
The man from Venezuela is a very strong finisher who should be considered. In 2022, he finished 5 and 6th in 2 stages in Itzulia in an uphill finish behind the likes of Alaphillipe and Bilbao
Eduard Prades
Caja Rural – Seguros RGA 8
At 8, he could do well but there a better options.
Stanisław Aniołkowski
Human Powered Health 8
Cheaper and safest sprint options available
Mike Teunissen
Intermarché – Circus – Wanty 8
He has shown his worth already and will be aiming for stage victory from a break away, He could also sprint, should Girmay not be present.
Koen Bouwman
Jumbo-Visma 8
The KOM winner of last Giro is back and he will be showing his baroudeurs skills again and is probably the best choice from his team in Velogames
Sam Oomen
Jumbo-Visma 8
Probably the best climber from Team Jumbo Visma in this race
Iván García Cortina
Movistar Team 8
He won gran Piemonte in 2022 beating the likes of Mohoric and Mihkels, Strong and Baglioli
Antonio Pedrero
Movistar Team 8
A baroudeur climber.
Kenny Elissonde
Trek – Segafredo 8
King Kenny loves Spain and mountains. He will probably try to finish with the best in the first stages before trying from long shot in the 4th stage.
Edward Theuns Trek – Segafredo 8
Juan Sebastián Molano UAE Team Emirates 8
Alexander Kristoff Uno-X Pro Cycling Team 8
All 3 of them are good sprinters who will absolutely worth it IF they can get over the climbs in stage 1 and 3. Otherwise total wase of credit points!
Christian Scaroni
Astana Qazaqstan Team 6
The Italian won 2 stages under the Italian team in Adriatica Ionica last season. He has a taste for eschapees but this is a stronger field.
Simone Velasco
Astana Qazaqstan Team 6
Another very good Italian climber who likes his days out. With no pressure of having leaders like Lutsenko or Lopez to protect, he will be given even more freedom.
Daniel Navarro
Burgos-BH 6
Now 39, the Spanish has not had really impressice performances to show off.
Mikel Bizkarra
Euskaltel – Euskadi 6
After an eye catching 2021, where he regularly climbed with the best in the early part of the season in Catalunya, he lost some of his form and failed to replicate his from in 2022. This a new season as he is one to watch.
Mikel Iturria
Euskaltel – Euskadi 6
His career highlight remains a stage win in Vuelta 2019
Antonio Jesús Soto
Euskaltel – Euskadi 6
If there was a 6 credit rider from Euskaltel-Euskadi to choose from, it would be this man. He has an excellent season debut. 6th at Classica Valencia, 19th in Trofeo Clavia, 5th at Port Adulcia and 18th in Trofeo Palma.
Benjamin Perry
Human Powered Health 6
The Canadian finished 7th at Tour of Antalya and 4th of Tour of Britain last year.
Laurens De Plus
INEOS Grenadiers 6
His move to Ineos has not really been up to what he wanted.
Omar Fraile
INEOS Grenadiers 6
Omar Fraile, one of the best descender in the world is the fastest sprinter of team Ineos Grenadiers and cost 6 coins. This is where you put your firs6 6 chips.
Madis Mihkels
Intermarché – Circus – Wanty 6
A fast finisher who will only be given a shot if he Girmay is absent from the finish group.
Georg Zimmermann
Intermarché – Circus – Wanty 6
A very brave and powerful rider who possess some punch finish. A very interesting 6 credit finish.
Thomas Gloag
Jumbo-Visma 6
He attracted interest following his very good end of season 2022. He is very young and will be one for the future. He could do really well in stage 2.
Tosh Van Der Sande
Jumbo-Visma 6
He made the move to Team Jumbo Visma. A good classic rider who does well on uphill finishes.
Matteo Moschetti
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team 6
He won a stage here last year but is hard to see him making it over the climbs this year.
Kamiel Bonneu
Team Flanders – Baloise 6
He won in a stage in the Tour of Britain in very impressive manner last season.
Welay Berhe , Lawson Craddock, Alessandro De Marchi, Blake Quick
Team Jayco AlUla 6
This is a very good mixture of baroudeurs riders who will most probably be first asked to work for new rider Eddie Dunbar.
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier
Trek – Segafredo 6
A real baroudeurs who does well on all terrain. With only 5 men at the start, Team Trek-Segafredo will surely not ask him to control the peloton. Break away it is.
Domen Novak
UAE Team Emirates 6
After a very good Giro with Team Bahrain in 2022, he earned himself a transfer to Team UAE Emirates. He finished 2nd in the penultimate Giro stage last year and 3rd of the Tour of Slovenia.
Niklas Eg
Uno-X Pro Cycling Team 6
Once considered a big prospect, the Dane moved to UNO-X last year after failing to make the grade at Trek-Segafredo. A decent climber but no very explosive, he could be as surpised top 10 finisher. Finished 6th at Tour of Hungary last year. He will aim for a good performance to earn a place at the Tour de France.
Finally the 4 credit riders for the 2023 Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana Velogames guide has been kindly brought to you by Dan Deakins
Michel Hessmann (Jumbo-Visma): Climber, 3rd Tour de L’Avenir 2022.
Samuele Zoccarotto (Green Project-Bardiani): Climber, a handful of top 20s in Italian races. Might be good for breakaways.
Pelayo Sanchez (Burgos): Climber, 2nd at Trofeo Andratx 2023 and top 30 all four Challenge Mallorca races he did.
August Jensen (HumanPoweredHealth): Sprinter, versatile sprinter who can climb and do classics.
Tsgabu Grmay (Jayco-Alula): Climber, reliable teammate and good for breakaways. Might be working for new teammate Eddie Dunbar.
Filippo Conca (Q36.5): Climber, has been pro for 2 years but hasn’t had a break out result yet. Came 5th on a punchy finish from the breakaway at 2022 Vuelta.
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