Distance: 170km
Category: Mountains
Highest point: 970m
Although there are plenty of well known climbs in Andalucia, the Vuelta organisers have turned up another new one to test out the riders. The climb to Peñas Blancas should be impressive, too, as it climbs up from the shores of the Mediterranean at Estepona into the Bermeja massif that runs just behind and parallel to the coast. The approach to the final climb is not too tough and it would be no surprise to see the break of the day make it to the final ascent, which rises to 1,000 metres over 16km, giving an average of seven per cent. Although there are one or two much steeper ramps, mostly in the opening 3km, the climb's difficulty stems mainly from its length.
-
'We're confident that I'm in good shape' – Remco Evenepoel positive ahead of Critérium du Dauphiné time trial and first GC test
Belgian upbeat about TT showdown with Pogačar and Vingegaard, but shifts focus to mountains for Tour de France -
As it happened: Breakaway survives to win Critérium du Dauphiné stage 3
Iván Romeo goes clear from break with 9km to go to race into yellow jersey -
Critérium du Dauphiné: Iván Romeo solos to victory from breakaway on stage 3
Spaniard tops Tejada, Barré as Van der Poel-powered attack sticks -
Sprinter Arnaud De Lie's rollercoaster 2025 continues apace with podium, crash, abandon and injuries – all in just 24 hours
Belgian national champion down to race Tour de Suisse but pending on final checkup
