It's been almost three weeks since we last saw the state-of-the-art time trial machines, but finally we come to a test that should have the TT specialists drooling if they're not running on empty.
The course is majestic, running out of Bordeaux and past some celebrated grand cru vineyards. The rolling terrain should suit TT world champion Fabian Cancellara, but after three weeks of racing today's performance will be as much about who's got some form left as ability against the clock.
Stage profile
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'I'll give it a shot' - trailblazing Monaco pro Victor Langellotti ready to challenge for Vuelta a España first summit finish on stage 2
Ineos Grenadiers racer was a recent surprise winner on a similar finale in Tour de Pologne -
'I've got a set of boxers, a set of socks, so it's no stress' - Finlay Pickering unfazed by last-minute plunge into Grand Tour debut at Vuelta a España
22-year-old Briton super-late substitute for injured Bahrain Victorious teammate Damiano Caruso -
'It's never as easy as it looks' - Jasper Philipsen's rollercoaster 2025 season continues with fourth stage win and first lead in the Vuelta a España
Alpecin-Deceuninck sprinter bounces back after crashing out of Tour de France -
The current GC standings at the Vuelta a España 2025
Jasper Philipsen leads the race overall after he took the victory on the opening stage in Italy
