Vuelta stages don't come any more straightforward than this. The riders will cover eight laps of a 21km circuit in and around Logroño, one of the main centres for the production of Rioja wines. The circuit barely features any undulations and is consequently almost a dead cert for a bunch sprint in front of crowds treated to multiple views of the racers. In the 2012 edition of the Vuelta, what was exactly the same stage concluded with a sprint victory for John Degenkolb, who beat Daniele Bennati by half a wheel for the second of what would be five stage wins.
The GC contenders will be content to finish safely in the pack and know there's just one more stage to go before the serious high mountain action begins.
-
Geraint Thomas recovers from crash to complete 'gutsy ride' on stage 3 at Tour de Suisse
Former winner of the Swiss stage race admits 'muscles a bit strained' from twisting his knee -
Baloise Belgium Tour: Filippo Ganna set for path less travelled to Tour de France
Back after Paris-Roubaix, Ineos Grenadiers rider tipped to be top pre-race favourite -
'I wanted to win for him' - Quinn Simmons dedicates Tour de Suisse stage victory to Gino Mäder, two years after Swiss rider's fatal accident in same race
Lidl-Trek racer claims first victory as recrowned US National Champion after long breakaway -
'No bad feeling' towards Uno-X after Tour de France non-selection, says Alexander Kristoff
Norwegian's teammate Frederik Dversnes suspects his upcoming wedding may have played a part in his own non-selection
