The battle for the red jersey is certain to heat up today. The stage mixes some renowned landmarks with new terrain. Chief among the former is the first pass of the day, the Collada de la Hoz. This was where Alberto Contador launched the stinging surprise attack that carried him to the overall title in 2012 at Joaquim Rodríguez's expense. The cat 1 San Glorio pass is long and sapping but there's plenty of time for the riders to recuperate before the final test, the cat 1 La Camperona.
The 10km climb starts easily enough but takes off over its final 3km, which averages 14 per cent. Several ramps are far more severe than that, up to 24 per cent in places, which will suit the pure climbers such as Contador and Nairo Quintana.
José Azevedo says: "A key day as it's the first of a series of three summit finishes. There are 40-odd kilometres after the cat 1 climb, so the gc riders will hold back to the final climb, which is very steep. If you don't have good legs here you won't be able to hide it."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
-
'I don’t feel satisfied' – Sarah Roy closes her 13-year career with unreached dreams but plenty to reflect on
Thirty-nine-year-old speaks to Cyclingnews about missing out on Classics glory, how much the sport has changed throughout her career, and post-career hiking plans -
Northampton Cyclocross: Dylan Zakrajsek and Sidney McGill win day one in Massachusetts
Lizzy Gunsalus and Cassidy Hickey take second and third in women’s race while Tofik Beshir and Ryan Drummond on the podium in men’s race -
Rapencross: Joris Nieuwenhuis solos to second victory of the season as Thibau Nys battles mechanicals and crashes
Michael Vanthourenhout takes second and Niels Vandeputte is third in Lokeren -
Rapencross: Lucinda Brand strikes again for fourth win in five races in 2025-26
Dutch racer beats Marion Norbert-Riberolle and Sara Casasola by 17 seconds in Lokeren
