August 29, Stage 7: Alhendín - Alcaudete 169km
Stage preview
About as flat as stages come in this part of southern Spain, this one does give the sprinters good reason for optimism. It is not problem-free, though. There are two categorised climbs and plenty of ups and downs in between them. The tougher of the two ascents comes early on, while there are almost 40 kilometres to the finish from the top of the cat 3 climb. The final 5km into new stage town Alcaudete rises steadily at around 4 per cent, which may well bring some punchier riders into the frame as well as the sprinters.
It's the kind of day where a rider such as Orica's Michael Albasini could lead the pack home, with the GC contenders happy to roll in behind him with their eyes already on Sunday's summit finish.
Fernando Escartín says: "Coming right after the first summit finish, the gc riders will be happy to let an escape go away and let the sprinters' teams control things. The climbs aren't hard but the roads are narrow. I'd expect a breakaway or a big group of 100-120 riders to contest it."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
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
-
Pogačar, UAE Team Emirates top UCI rankings, Astana losing fight against relegation
Kopecky, SD Worx-Protime top women's rankings -
Wiebes, Vollering aiming for Tour de France Femmes repeat on home soil
Dutch riders excited for Grand Depart in the Netherlands and first maillot jaune -
The Pogacar Premium? Colnago bucks the market trend and triples turnover in three years
‘Our mission is to be the most desirable bicycle brand in the world’ says CEO Nicola Rosin after turnover reaches €55 million -
Ruth Edwards seals two-year extension with Human Powered Health
US climber named team leader for Vuelta Femenina