Vuelta a España - Stage 9
Sunday, September 5 - Calpe - Alcoi, 187 km
Distance: 188km
Highest point: 1,030m
Terrain: Medium mountains
Category: Road stage
Take the high ground
Today's stage starts off easily enough, but there's barely a metre of flat road in its final two-thirds. The six categorised climbs are split between four cat 2 and two cat 3 hills, so the challenge isn't excessive for the main contenders, who should stay pretty tightly packed. However, a few of the overall title outsiders may get shaken out of contention as the pace heats up towards the finish. For those just looking for a stage win, today offers a good opportunity of a break succeeding, but they'll need their climbing legs.
Inside knowledge:
This stage offers a chance to join the battle for the mountains title, which has been won for the past two years by David Moncoutié. The Cofidis climber has made taking a third title a major objective in what could well be his final pro season, but might still decide against a long day in a break collecting a relatively insubstantial amount of points on these middle-ranking mountains. More likely to join the fray are riders from less powerful teams, such as Footon, Bbox and Française Des Jeux. The latter's Thibaut Pinot and Arthur Vichot are in line for their major tour debuts and will target days like this.
Those looking for mountains classification points will have to do battle with two-time Vuelta King of the Mountains, David Moncoutié. Spaniard Egoi Martínez could potentially make taking a third title difficult for the Frenchman.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Cyclingnews Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Stairs are eye candy but barriers a bigger hurdle for Hoogerheide Cyclocross Worlds
'They are really in a very crucial place and are high' notes former World Champion Sven Nys -
On a roll: how Intermarché-Circus-Wanty are capitalising in 2023's early battles
Belgian squad currently standout leaders of UCI teams rankings -
Tao Geoghegan Hart relegated for obstructing Bilbao at Volta Valenciana
Ineos rider loses six valuable bonus seconds due to irregular sprint -
'We need to play it smart' - Waiting game nets Ciccone summit win and race lead at Valenciana
'We only have five riders, so it’s a question of quality, not quantity' says Trek-Segafredo leader