Vuelta a España - Stage 12: September 11 - Almería - Velefique, 174km
Alto de Calar Alto also on the menu
Proycling's Analysis: This marks the start of four tough stages in Andalucía. There are two first-cat climbs, the first of which is climbed twice. The toughest sections of the Velefique come early. There are pitches of up to 14 per cent but the gradient eases towards the summit. However, the 3,550m of climbing that the riders will do is plenty for one day.
Culture Vulture: The region is the driest in Europe, averaging 330 days without rain each year.
Local hero: Expect mayhem if Almería’s biggest star, Grammy Award-winning singer David Bisbal, turns out to promote his new album. He has a big following in Spain, Latin America and the US.
Vuelta Retro: The Calar Alto observatory has hosted two summit finishes in the past. Back in 2004, Roberto Heras triumphed spectacularly, bumping Floyd Landis out of the leader’s jersey on the way to his third Vuelta victory.
Neil Stephens says: This is one of the hardest days of the Vuelta. I drove around it and there's a lumpy section in the middle that's hard. This day and the next is going to be a critical part of the Vuelta and it's going to offer some severe type of racing. When I was driving around it the temperature was 40-45 degrees Celsius, so although it should be a bit cooler it's still going to be brutal.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Tour of the Gila: Marlies Mejias Garcia wins stage 2 as Stephens retains race lead
Repeat victory for Cuban, who out-sprinted Kuskova on stage to Fort Bayard -
Tour of the Gila: Scott McGill wins men's stage 2 Inner Loop Road Race
Stites moves into race lead with third at Fort Bayard -
Lizzie Deignan gets green light to race La Vuelta Femenina
'My recovery has maybe been better than we even expected' says Deignan after suffering a broken arm in Tour of Flanders crash -
Gravel's newest star Torbjørn Røed leaves road behind with Unbound in mind
Conclusion of Tripel Crown of Gravel takes place this Sunday then Norwegian resets for Unbound Gravel