Stage 8 - September 7: Andorra - Pla de Beret, 151km

The peloton won't enjoy the downhill out of Andorra for long. After only 23 kilometres the grind of the day starts, with the category one Cantó the first obstacle of the day along the 151-kilometre long route. It is quickly followed by the Alto de Enviny.

Then the tough Puerto de La Bonaigua stands in the way of the riders. It is a stair-step like climb that forces the cyclists to constantly change their rhythm. The summit is at 2070 metres, the highest point of the 2008 Vuelta a España.

The final will be the hors-category finish climb to the Pla de Beret. It is only 1880 metres high and not quite as steep, but it is the finishing climb after all and deserves its higher ranking.

The Pla de Beret was used as a stage finish three times so far. It was scheduled one more time, but in 209.51 the stage was cancelled due to snow in the Puerto de la Bonaigua. With the move from the spring to late summer, this should not happen this time.

Coming!

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