This is quite similar to the sixth stage to La Zubia, although the final climb up to the monastery of San Miguel de Aralar is considerably tougher. The stage starts of easily enough from Pamplona, home of the Movistar team and stomping ground of five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain. The difficulties all lie in the final 40km, beginning with the cat 2 climb of the Lizarraga. The fast drop of that summit leads quickly to the final climb, which is another that's new to the Vuelta.
Averaging 8 per cent over 11km, it includes some very steep ramps, which will perfectly suit the likes of Alberto Contador and Joaquim Rodríguez. Riding it earlier in the year, Indurain described it as "very hard".
Fernando Escartín says: "This area is windy for most of the year but not usually in September. The final climb is a new one. It's a cement surface, which is a little less forgiving than asphalt. The steep ramps on here will suit the likes of Rodríguez and Contador if he's fit."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
-
Primož Roglič stays realistic about lack of Tour de France on race programme in 2026 and going all in for record fifth Vuelta a España title
'If I can choose one race to win, I would sign the Tour de France, it's not a secret, but the reality is different' admits Slovenian -
Keep the bike thieves at bay with the OnGuard RockSolid U-Lock – it’s normally one of the most expensive bike locks on the market, but right now it's 20% off at Amazon
OnGuard claims the RockSolid bike lock provides "An impenetrable fortress against even the most determined thieves" Invest in keeping your bike safe, with this angle grinder-resistant bike lock at one of its best prices -
'A clear signal for the years ahead' – Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sign Florian Lipowitz and Giulio Pellizzari to long-term deals
18-year-old under-23 world champion Lorenzo Finn also on board with long-term contract renewal -
Lotto-Intermarché official with 30-rider merged squad as Uno-X Mobility promoted, Cofidis relegated in 2026-2028 WorldTour
Lotto-Intermarché Women's team final with 14 riders
