Distance: 168.4km
Category: Rolling
Highest point: 1,340m
A glance at the profile of this stage wouldn't suggest this is a day for the sprinters but that's how the organisers describe it. More than anything, that description underlines how incredibly mountainous this year's Vuelta route is as the stage into the Lake Sanabria national park features more than 2,000 metres of vertical ascent. The sprinters' teams will have some task keeping breakaway riders in check in this rugged terrain, crossing two pretty sizeable third category climbs. It would be no surprise to see the day's escapees stay clear to the finish, where one might be rewarded with the race leader's red jersey if the GC contenders decide to sit back a bit after the testing opening stages.
José Azevedo: "It's not a mountain stage but this parcours is very hard with hills of 3-5km, one after another. It will be very tough for the leader's team to control things. A lot of teams will want to get into the break and, if a lot of strong riders manage to do so, it could be a dangerous day for the leader."
-
'The pinnacle of bad weather riding gear, not just for the time being, but perhaps forever' - Rapha's best ever jacket goes on sale for Black Friday
No more of these mighty garments will be made again, so get one while you still can -
Fernando Gaviria handed two-year driving ban and two-month suspended sentence for drunk driving five times over the legal limit in Monaco
Colombian rider pleaded guilty to the offense in court on Tuesday, received ban, sentence and €5,000 fine -
Could Remco Evenepoel finally make his debut in the Tour of Flanders in 2026? Odds are increasing again, say Belgian media
Latest twist in Evenepoel's race program saga points towards Belgian potentially making it to De Ronde startline next April -
Best Black Friday kids' bikes deals: Cycling savings for your little shredder
Black Friday deals on kids' bikes from major brands like Cannondale, Specialized, and Giant
