A rampon to the balcon, today’s stage features one of the longest climbs in the Basque Country with the finish at the Balcon de Bizkaia on the flanks of Monte Oiz.
Gradient Inflation
Television is the driving force behind pro racing today and course design reflects this. The Vuelta is an interesting example because of the trend for uphill finishes. This year’s race has 11 of them.
Vuelta a España Stage 16 Preview
A stage that is the antithesis of the Vuelta itself, a 32km time trial to the “Oscar Freire Sports Complex”, named in tribute to the three time world champion who is from the finish town. He’ll probably pop up later today when people least expect it.
Vuelta a España Stage 15 Preview
The first long summit finish. The Vuelta doesn’t have many mythical climbs, there’s no Ventoux nor Stelvio but the Lagos de Covadonga are the closest the race gets, a climb that’s been a regular since the 1980s and climbed for the 21st time today.
Vuelta a España Stage 14 Preview
A hard day in the Vuelta, what it lacks in high altitude it makes up for with steep roads and a very tough finish.
Vuelta a España Stage 13 Preview
A summit finish at La Camperona, notionally 8km at 7.5% which would be hard enough but it’s got sections above 15% and moments above 20%.
Vuelta a España Stage 12 Preview
On paper a day for a breakaway again, on tarmac there’s a chance for surprises in the finish. Tomorrow’s summit finish will weigh on the mind for the GC contenders but for the others there’s the stage win.
Vuelta a España Stage 9 Preview
The first big summit finish of the Vuelta to the ski station of La Covatilla. It’s live on TV from start to finish.