Vuelta a España: Stage 3 preview
Stage details and expert guide
Faustino V – Eibar (Arrate)
Distance: 153km
Highest point: 940m
Category: Medium mountains
First test for the contenders
Following last year’s highly successful return to the Basque Country after a very long hiatus, Basque fans only get one chance to cheer their orange-clad heroes on the Euskaltel team this year. However, what a stage for such an early point in a grand tour. There are three categorised climbs leading into the ascent of the Arrate – a traditional feature of the Tour of the Basque Country and the much-missed Bicicleta Vasca – that rises 410m in just 5km. There are steep pitches along the way, followed by two flattish closing kilometres. The big guns will emerge, although the gaps between them will be small.
Igor Anton: "We’re back to the Basque Country after the success of last year in Bilbao and Vitoria. What memories I’ve got of those days! This is a special stage as we are on home ground. On the Arrate, we will see who is in form and who’s a bit off."
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
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
British science and French panache: Simon Carr finds the perfect balance at Tour of the Alps
EF Education-EasyPost rider bounces back with 45km solo win after doubting his fitness on opening two stages -
Skjelmose recovered from hypothermic reaction, eyes Liège-Bastogne-Liège podium
'It was one of the most uncomfortable moments of my life' Dane recovers quickly from hypothermic reaction to cold at Flèche Wallonne and already rides recon for Monument -
'Walk first, ride indoors and then on the road' - Jonas Vingegaard's road to recovery after Itzulia crash
'In two weeks, we'll know what is possible' - Visma DS Frans Maassen on Dane's chances of riding the Tour de France -
'It was the same colour as the road' - Harper, O'Connor crash into kerb at Tour of the Alps
Jayco AlUla rider forced to abandon as Australians duo go down in high-speed descent of Passo del Vetriolo