Vuelta a España: Stage 14 preview
Stage details and expert guide
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."
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
'They need me there' - Biniam Girmay convinced to ride Rwanda World Championships
Intermarché-Wanty rider to fly the flag for Eritrea in the first ever African World Championships -
'Absolutely gutted' – Jay Vine absorbs sting of missing win at shortened Vuelta a España time trial by one second
Australian looks to turn disappointment into World Championships motivation -
Coppa Sabatini: Isaac del Toro surges from three-rider breakaway on uphill charge in Peccioli for victory
Benjamin Thomas second and Ben Granger third as UAE rider scores third victory of the week