Vuelta a Espana 2013: X-Factor Riders to Watch in Stage 11 Time Trial

After enjoying a rest day on Tuesday, the Vuelta a España resumes with this Wednesday’s individual time trial with Christopher Horner currently placed as the leader of the pack.

Having won his second stage on Monday, the American headed into the halfway break with his head held high, but knows as well as anyone  the time trial phase could make or break his challenge for overall victory.

All that stands between the current Tour of Spain leaders and someone emerging from the field is the 38.8-kilometre ride in Tarazona.

Ahead of that, it’s time to take a look at just who will be most likely to come out in first place when all is said and done after Stage 11, as well as who bears the heaviest burden.

Vincenzo Nibali

While he may still be in second place and 43 seconds behind Horner, Vincenzo Nibali has the potential to significantly reduce, if not overcome that deficit in Wednesday’s speed-based test.

The Italian remains favourite to claim his second tour of the season after winning the 2013 Giro d’Italia earlier this year.

Although Wednesday’s relatively short ride is quite flat for the most part, the hilly region of Tarazona does have its inclines as well as a category 3 climb, a mixture of which could work well in the favour of Nibali.

One man who’s confident in the Italian’s hopes is Team Astana director, Alexandre Shefer who, per Velo News, said: “If we can get within 15 seconds of the jersey [after the time trial], then we’ll be in the chocolate.”

Christopher Horner

As the official Sky Sports Cycling account posted, Tuesday saw Chris Horner overcome the odds again on Monday when the 41-year-old rebelliously took his second stage win of the Vuelta a España campaign.

Horner is wary of the advantage Nibali may have over him when it comes to the time trial and was reported by Road Cycling UK as saying: “I have a little bit of a time cushion now but I’m sure Nibali knew he could give me some time before the time trial and not worry about it.”

Whether that reaction be to add pressure to the Italian favourite or more in the pursuit of taking it off himself, it’ll be intriguing to see just how Horner stands up to the pressure many won’t have been expecting him to be under at this point.

Alejandro Valverde

Cycling for the first time this tour in individual circumstances, Alejandro Valverde is undoubtedly Spain’s best hope of winning the Vuelta and should thrive under home support.

The 33-year-old is still in running to win this year’s tour and is currently one minute and two seconds behind leader Horner, slightly more of an ask than what Nibali has to conquer.

Valverde is yet to win a stage in this year’s Tour of Spain but has achieved numerous top-three finishes and continues to put himself in the reckoning for silverware.

On Wednesday, the Movistar rider will have a chance to showcase some of the strength he’s shown in the mountain stages while making the climb which occurs about halfway through the time trial, followed by a lengthy descent of 20 kilometres where speed really comes into play.