The 168.6 kilometres between Jaén and Córdoba are very flat again. Like in stage two, there is only one categorised climb, but it is a category two and also closer to the finish. The Alto de San Jerónimo is less than 20 kilometres from the line. This will give chances to a breakaway. If they succeed depends on the mood of the sprinters, but being early and everyone feeling fresh the fast men may just get it together again.
But don't be surprised if a puncheur takes it. In 2006 it was Paolo Bettini who prevailed.
Córdoba is one of the hottest spots in Europe, with summer temperatures often exceeding 42.5 degrees centigrade. The weather may be just as decisive in the outcome of the races as all the other factors.
TOPICS
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'I had a lot of doubts before the race' - Célia Gery upsets pre-race favourite Amandine Fouquenet for French Cyclo-cross national title
U23 World Champion on the road earns two tri-colour 'cross jerseys in one race -
British Cyclo-cross National Championships: Cameron Mason secures fourth consecutive elite men's title in challenging conditions at South Shields
Toby Barnes earns silver and Ben Askey takes bronze on slippery course with high winds -
Belgian Cyclo-cross National Championships: Thibau Nys holds off Emiel Verstrynge for second elite men's title
Last-lap charge by Verstrynge leads to silver, with Michael Vanthourenhout taking bronze -
Dutch Cyclo-cross National Championships: Tibor Del Grosso powers to successful title defence in tight, exciting elite men's race
Lars van der Haar second in final Dutch championships, Pim Ronhaar third
