September 13, Stage 21: Alcalá de Henares - Madrid 93.7 km
The Vuelta returns to Madrid for a processional stage that concludes with a fast sprint finish
After last year’s finale in Santiago de Compostela, the Vuelta returns to the traditional location for its final flourish: Madrid.
Despite all the mountains the organisers put in their path, a handful of sprinters always make it to the Spanish capital for a short stage that starts in festive mode and concludes in a frenzy after 12 laps of a short circuit in the heart of the city. As has recently been the case with the Tour de France’s finale on the Champs-Élysées, this stage will take place in the early evening, which adds to the atmosphere and brings out bigger crowds as the heat of the day will have passed.
Will they be acclaiming a home winner of the race for the fourth time in five years?
José Luis Arrieta (Movistar DS):
"The stage when the fiesta can start. The circuit will highlight all of Madrid’s great sights. I’d be very surprised if it finished in anything other than a bunch sprint. Hopefully our party will have a special edge as we’ll be riding in with the red jersey."
The text in this preview originally appeared in the September edition of Procycling magazine.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
'Pro cycling is on a precipice right now' - One Cycling vows to push on with their plans to shake up the sport despite UCI refusal
One Cycling reveals more details of their business model and take aim at the UCI and ASO -
'They should try for it' – Eddy Merckx argues for Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel to both attempt the Hour Record
Belgian all-time great says that 'my own career would not have been complete without the Hour' -
Shimano brings Di2 shifting to its budget Deore groupset for the first time
Hot on the heels of Shimano's recent XTR Di2 release, electronic shifting is now available on Deore M6200 Di2 and Deore XT M8200 Di2 groupsets -
Baloise Belgium Tour: Tim Merlier sprints to stage 1 victory
Jasper Philipsen almost taken down in chaotic finish that saw Merlier outsprint Molano and Vernon