A surprisingly tough stage, there's something for everyone, including three intermediate sprints, a cat 3 and a cat 1 climb to the finish in Valdelinares, plus two cat 2 climbs - the Alto de San Rafael and Puerto el Cubillo. It's difficult to tell who could benefit from this stage, but there may be an early move by one of the GC favourites. The Vuelta moves up from the south during stage 6, and temperatures should be a little more comfortable for riders which may be some reward for reaching the first of the bigger climbs.
TOPICS
-
'A free mind equals fast legs' – How my mental state helped me wear the yellow jersey for two days at an unforgettable Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In Luke Tuckwell's latest column for Cyclingnews, he recalls his memorable week in France, and how he went from tears in training to his first yellow jersey -
Tour de France prize money explained: What is at stake for the 2026 edition?
Over €2.5 million in prize money up for grabs this July, and plenty of ways to earn a slice of it -
American Criterium Cup: New Zealand riders sweep elite races at Downer Classic in Wisconsin and hold off series leaders in tight sprints
Bryony Botha and George Jackson win second stop of ACC and score titles across 11-day regional racing calendar at Tour of America's Dairyland -
Giant overhauls gravel range with two new bikes and a suite of gravel components
Just when we thought the gravel releases were over for the year, Giant has released a slew of new gravel products
