Vuelta 2014: Favourites stage 12 - Back to the fast men

Super flat, that's what stage 12 in the 2014 Vuelta is. Seven local rounds in Logroño are tailor made for the fast men. In edition 2012 John Degenkolb was fastest in the town in wine province La Rioja. (Slideshow route/profile)

The stage in 2012 race was almost similar to today's, so it's obvious Degenkolb is the man to watch. That said, he faces more rivals this year. The name of Nacer Bouhanni springs to mind. Degenkolb and Bouhanni both took two sprints, whilst Michael Matthews was the best in a tough uphill sprint. Since today's arrival is completely flat the German and French riders are in bonus, with Bouhanni being super favourite.

Favourites
John Degenkolb
Nacer Bouhanni

Outsiders
Peter Sagan
Jasper Stuyven
Andrea Guardini
Jens Debusscherre
Michael Matthews
Matteo Pelucchi