Palas de Rei – Puerto de Ancares
Distance: 152km
Highest point: 1,661m
Category: High mountains
The first of the key stages
The Vuelta takes on a much tougher complexion in its final week. The decisive action begins with an extremely tough stage to the Puerto de Ancares, which appeared for the first time in the race last year. Back then, it featured in the middle of the stage won by Michael Albasini but even though it was some way from the finish, it was clearly tough. This year, four climbs precede the Ancares, each one more difficult than the last. Rated by some as the most beautiful pass in Spain, the Ancares averages 8 per cent and is extremely tough in its mid and final sections. There will be no holding back here.
Igor Anton: "Ancares is one of Galicia’s toughest passes and this is a leg-breaker from start to finish. Because it’s short, it will animate the race and the speed will be high. A really strong group will get away at the end and the last 3km are hard."
-
'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
