Proycling's Analysis: Inland from the Costa Blanca, this stage features three categorised climbs. The toughest is the second-cat Muela but that comes early on. The Millares and Beniganim ascents – both new to the race – are easier and may not prove decisive. There are also two laps of a circuit in Xàtiva and the finish line is adjacent to the castle for which the town is best known.
Culture Vulture: Named after a Lebanese gold and fabric merchant, Xàtiva stands at crossroads between trade and transport.
Local hero: The Contentpolis team will be looking to Valencia’s Adrián Palomares to impart his experience and know-how on the young team they’re set to field. Palomares has been enjoying his best pro season so far.
Vuelta Retro: This is the first time Xàtiva has hosted a stage finish. In 2004, the stage to the Alto de Aitana started here.
Neil Stephens says: It's pretty much a copy of the day before - all we'll be doing is keeping Alejandro safe and sound.
-
Six moments that defined the 2025 Vuelta a España
The turning points of a brutally difficult race and the 'saddest Vuelta in history' -
'It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us' – Jonas Vingegaard settles for improvised Vuelta a España podium celebrations
'The participants must be protected' - Visma team manager Richard Plugge appeals for rider safety -
'Next time it will only get worse' – Riders ask for solutions after Vuelta a España ends with protests and yet another stage cancellation
Michal Kwiatkowski vocal in criticism of handling of final stage in Madrid -
'I don’t feel part of this world anymore' – Marta Cavalli to retire as injuries and comebacks leave Italian climber exhausted
'I have been chasing a condition for a long time, that has never returned' says Italian who won Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne and was runner-up at Giro d'Italia in 2022
