Vuelta a España - Stage 4
Tuesday, August 31 - Málaga - Valdepeñas de Jaén, 177 km
Distance: 184km
Highest point: 1,100m
Terrain: Medium mountains
Category: Road stage
A decisive break
Breakaway riders have a good chance of staying clear right to the finish here. While the sprinters may fancy a final fling in Valdepeñas de Jaén, the cat 2 Puerto de Valdepeñas that tops out inside of the final 10km should persuade most to hold fire. The stage's opening kilometres along the Costa del Sol should see high speeds, though, as the riders fight to get into the break that's sure to form and consolidate on the 910m, cat 2 Zafarraya. From there, the route bumps northwards over parched terrain to the decisive final climb. A rider with a 30-second gap at the summit should be able to maintain their advantage to the finish.
Inside knowledge:
With the race just four days old, a successful breakaway could well result in one of its members taking the leader's red jersey. Getting one of their riders into red is sure to appeal to all those teams who don't have to defend the interests of an obvious overall contender, including Andalucía, Footon and all the French teams. Cofidis's Leonardo Duque is one to watch on stages like this. He's gone close many times before at the Vuelta and certainly has the all-round skills to win here.
Leonardo Duque was awarded the Tour de France combativity title after stage 19 last year and has made his mark during a few Vuelta stages too. The Colombian has a mean sprint and decent mountain legs, so look out for him.
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
-
Tadej Pogačar can dominate the Giro d’Italia but nobody can control its chaos – Analysis
Slovenian the overwhelming favourite but the Corsa Rosa always produces unexpected drama -
Stages Cycling ceases operations and lays off entire staff, report suggests
Supplier orders cancelled, products out of stock at esteemed power meter and indoor cycling brand -
'This course was almost perfect' - Late call-up for Cameron Scott leads to Tour de Romandie prologue podium
Australian comes second on opening day of racing at his first European WorldTour stage race -
Pogačar, UAE Team Emirates top UCI rankings, Astana losing fight against relegation
Kopecky, SD Worx-Protime top women's rankings