ALMERIA, Spain // The upcoming Andalusian mountain stages are likely to decide who wins the Tour of Spain, according to second-placed Cadel Evans.
After 11 stages, Australian Evans is seven seconds behind overall leader Alejandro Valverde of Spain. Dutchman Robert Gesink is third, a further 29 secs back.
"I think these stages are going to be where the Tour of Spain is decided," the 32-year-old Evans said yesterday as the riders enjoyed a rest day ahead of the three consecutive climbing stages.
"Up to now there's just little pieces, the leader's jersey has been decided by time bonuses so it has not been the Tour of Spain we've been used to.
"I know [tomorrow's final 17-km climb] of Sierra Nevada. It's windy and there's good roads to the summit, so there's a good chance of a small group finishing.
"The other two summit finishes [stage 12 to Velefique and stage 14 to La Pandera] should be more important.
"There's still a lot of guys in with a chance and that will make it interesting."
Evans was runner up in the 2007 and 2008 Tours de France but his best finish in the Vuelta was fourth two years ago.
Asked if he was hoping for his first victory in a Grand Tour, Evans joked: "With just a tiny difference overall, I'm certainly not planning on quitting."
Encouragingly for the Australian, Evans feels he is in much better shape for the race than in 2007.
"I'm in a lot better condition than two years ago, when I was absolutely exhausted after a lot of travelling and some criteriums in August when I started this race," he said.
"This time round, I'm feeling fresher."
* Reuters
MATCH INFO
Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')
Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')
Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)
Barbie
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Disturbing%20facts%20and%20figures
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