September 4, Stage 12: Logroño - Logroño 166.4km
Stage preview
Vuelta stages don't come any more straightforward than this. The riders will cover eight laps of a 21km circuit in and around Logroño, one of the main centres for the production of Rioja wines. The circuit barely features any undulations and is consequently almost a dead cert for a bunch sprint in front of crowds treated to multiple views of the racers. In the 2012 edition of the Vuelta, what was exactly the same stage concluded with a sprint victory for John Degenkolb, who beat Daniele Bennati by half a wheel for the second of what would be five stage wins.
The GC contenders will be content to finish safely in the pack and know there's just one more stage to go before the serious high mountain action begins.
Sean Kelly says: "Even though it's a city circuit, the wind could still be a factor in this region. If it is blowing, the riders will quickly realise when it becomes a crosswind and will all want to be at the front at that point on the next lap. It'll make for aggressive racing."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
‘After the surgery I feel so much stronger’ – Sarah Gigante goes on the attack on return to the Women’s WorldTour at Tour de Suisse
Australian captures mountains jersey on stage 1 after a powerful performance on Juanpass -
Unbound Gravel 200 live coverage draws more than 300,000 views in 50 countries
Sean Christian takes first leader's jersey at Tour de Beauce with Oscar Sevilla in the hunt, Marlies Mejías earns double titles at Cuban Nationals - North American Roundup -
Tour de Suisse 2025 start list
Official start list for 2025 Tour de Suisse -
'I think she could give a bit extra' - Vollering out-matched by Reusser in Tour de Suisse Women stage 1
Reusser explains how 'second group syndrome' played a crucial role in her stage-winning tactics