You're probably wondering they would take the current shoe—considered by many to be the ultimate benchmark in road shoes—and walk away from it? The short answer is simple: its near-but-not-quite perfection was getting in the way of innovation.

The longer answer: They "burned down" that shoe, so they could let go of our own preconceived ideas and create something truly new. With a clean slate, and freedom to explore, they not only created an amazing and modern cycling shoe, the company changed the entire process of how Specialized designs and develops products.

As the day progressed it began to rain heavily much to the delight of the early riders that were able to sneak in their times before the deluge. Contador, resplendent in red, rode a safe effort ensuring no last minute disasters would derail his campaign. This is the third Vuelta title for Alberto and no doubt one of his most impressive efforts to date.