Tarazona – Jaca
Distance: 174.8km
Highest point: 1,070m
Category: Medium mountains
A sting in the tail
This stage isn’t complicated at all until the final 20km or so. Heading from Rioja into Aragón, it finishes in the winter resort of Jaca. Just before Jaca, the riders will tackle the first of two cat 3 climbs. This is the Puerto de Oroel, which is the highest of the pair but far easier than the Alto Fuerte de Rapitán that quickly follows. The Rapitán looks tougher than most cat 3 ascents, climbing for almost 4km at more than 8 per cent, with sections of 14 per cent and the stage finish at the summit. It will be interesting to see how the flyweight climbers match up against the puncheurs and more powerful riders.
Abraham Olano: "The contenders will have to be on their guard during the finale of this stage. It finishes in the old part of Jaca after a 3km climb that could be explosive. It will suit power riders and their attacks could split the bunch before the finish."
-
Rochester Cyclocross Day 2: Maghalie Rochette and Eric Brunner ride to solo wins in C2 races
Through four USCX Series events, Rochette extends women's lead on Bakker while Brunner tied with Strohmeyer at top for elite men -
'LA Games are massive objective for me' - Ashlin Barry ends junior career with Worlds time trial silver medal, turns attention to Visma-Lease a Bike and 2028 Olympics
'I was nervous...thinking about the race' US rider admits going into Kigali ITT as his recent preparations were not consistent -
'The national federation had to make choices' – Michiel Mouris adds to Dutch junior World Championships success despite youth cuts
The Netherlands take both junior TT world titles, but under-23 pathway currently suspended amid budget restraints -
'I'm sure it won't affect him' – Tadej Pogačar expected to fight back at World Championships after TT disappointment
Slovenian takes on final block of road training in Rwanda
