Running steeply up to the old town, the two ascents will, however, prove tempting for any puncheurs using the Vuelta as a build-up for the World Championships in Richmond. The 1,500m run up to the finish rises through the narrow streets of this classic Andalucian pueblo blanco that looks across the Straits of Gibraltar.
With bonus seconds available to the first three finishers, the overall favourites will also be tempted to the fore with the aim of striking an early psychological blow on their GC rivals.
Although essentially a flat stage, the sprinters’ teams won’t be keen on chasing down any breaks due to the two climbs on the finishing circuit in Vejer de la Frontera.
José Luis Arrieta (Movistar DS):
"I don’t know this finish, but the stage looks very similar to the recent ones we’ve had to Valdepeñas de Jaén, where Joaquim Rodríguez has been hard to beat. It’s quite a long stage for the modern Vuelta and much will depend on the weather but this should be a finish that suits our leaders."
The text in this preview originally appeared in the September edition of Procycling magazine.
-
Sarah Gigante breaks femur in training, ending hopes of racing World Championships in Rwanda
Australian climbing star undergoes successful surgery and starts long road to recovery once again -
UCI Gravel World Championships winners
Past champions from the first three editions, 2022-2024 -
'Collaboration, not coercion' - Teams disqualified over GPS safety trackers at Tour de Romandie concerned about lack of consent and fairness
'We are shocked and disappointed by the UCI’s decision to disqualify several teams, including ours' says Lidl-Trek -
Circuit Franco-Belge: Jonas Abrahamsen charges from breakaway on uphill finish for victory
Corbin Strong second, Eduard Prades third as chasers swarm all but one in lead trio on final 1km ascent
