The race organisation is clearly hoping for a repeat of last year's penultimate day cliff-hanger on the Angliru, where Chris Horner managed to fend of Vincenzo Nibali's last-ditch offensive. Today's climbs get progressively tougher, culminating in the Vuelta's first ascent of the stunning Ancares by its most difficult side, via Pan do Zarco.
Averaging 11 per cent for the first eight of the 12 kilometres, there are frequent ramps where featherweight climbers such as Nairo Quintana and Joaquim Rodríguez will be in their element. The grade eases towards the top before a tough final kilometre.
Today's winner will also be awarded the José María Jiménez Trophy, in tribute to the great Spanish climber who died a decade ago.
Javier Guillén says: "This isn't the toughest mountain stage. I think the Farrapona is what you'd call the 'queen' stage. But because this is the penultimate day and we are tackling the Ancares via its hardest Pan do Zarco route, it could be more decisive than the Farrapona."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
-
'Gnarly conditions', a long break away and searing sprints – Rosa Klöser and Matt Beers victorious at Gravel Worlds
Sticky mud splits race with $100,000 prize purse early, leaving Klöser and Geerike Schreurs in 200km break as Beers beats Keegan Swenson in sprint -
Thumbs-up for Vuelta a España GC bid for Ben O'Connor but thumbs-down to 2025 World Championships
2024 World's road race silver medallist and Vuelta runner-up throws hat in ring for 2025 Grand Tour overall bid -
How to watch the Vuelta a España 2025: TV, streaming, official broadcasters
Where to watch the third and final men's Grand Tour of the season from August 23 to September 14 in Spain -
'It's been a very difficult year' - David Gaudu resurfaces once again in Vuelta a España with spectacular uphill win against Pedersen and Vingegaard
Frenchman revives disastrous 2025 season after poor Giro d'Italia and missing Tour de France
