Vuelta a España - Stage 13: September 12 - Berja - Sierra Nevada, 175km
Southern Spanish slope should sort things out
Proycling's Analysis: If the contenders for the overall title weren’t clarified on the Velefique, they almost certainly will be today. The first-cat is 25km and reaches 2000m, the second is half that but frighteningly steep at points. From there, it’s straight on to the climb to the Sierra Nevada ski station. It’s not steep, but will take a huge toll after what’s gone before.
Culture Vulture: Books written by Genesis drummer Chris Stewart have attracted lots of Brits to the Alpujarra mountains.
Local hero: This is a big day for Granada’s Manuel Calvente, who heads home as one of the key men in the Contentpolis-Murcia team.
Vuelta Retro: The most famous finish here was in 1995, when Laurent Jalabert slowed drastically to allow long-time solo breakaway Bert Dietz to sneak home for the stage win his bravery merited.
Neil Stephens says: Anything that's got an uphill finish is important to us because we're going for the overall. Alejandro Valverde will be up for the stage win if he's in a position to do so but as long as he's up there that's what we're looking for. We'd only look for the win if there's no break up the road and we are in a position to take the stage.
This stage is good for someone like Cadel Evans. He'll work out a happy medium about where he attacks, and there are enough areas in the Vuelta where he can light it up if he wants to and he can certainly make a difference.
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
-
La Flèche Wallonne Femmes Live - Classics stars battle on the Mur de Huy
The peloton race 143.5 kilometres from the start at the Grand-Place in Huy and the finish atop the Mur de Huy -
‘We’re not here to make everyone lunch’ - Ineos unfazed as Tobias Foss loses lead at Tour of the Alps
Norwegian limits losses with strong performance on brutally cold, wet day as Geraint Thomas drops out of GC contention -
As it happened: Stevie Williams sprints to win freezing Flèche Wallonne
The peloton tackle 199.1km and four times up the famed Mur de Huy -
La Flèche Wallonne: Stevie Williams dominates decisive Huy ascent for signature win
Vauquelin second, Van Gils third after harsh day in wet, wintry weather