August 25, Stage 3: Cádiz - Arcos de la Frontera 197.8km
Stage preview
The start in what is regarded as Spain's party city will be unusual to say the least. Bikes and boats aren't readily associated but they will be combined at the start, where the peloton will roll away from a Spanish aircraft carrier. Three cat 3 climbs on the sinuous roads that run through the beautiful Grazalema national park, with its cork trees and stunning vistas, will encourage the breakaway group to believe this might be a day when they stay clear all the way into the finish.
The finale in Arcos de la Frontera rises sharply, which won't suit the sprinters. It's the kind of finish where Alejandro Valverde's finishing punch may give him an edge over his rivals as he eyes a second Vuelta crown.
Javier Guillén says: "Starting in Cadiz harbour on the aircraft carrier Don Juan Carlos I will be a homage to the Spanish navy, to the reign of the former king and a show of support to the new king. it ties in with our desire to innovate and offer something original to the sport."
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
-
Defending champions Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe dominate at Belgian Waffle Ride California
'Matt Beers was the cat and I was his ball of yarn' reflects men's runner up Peter Stetina -
UCI Gravel World Series - Crystal Anthony and Skyler Taylor win Highlands Gravel Classic
Runner-up spots claimed by Jenna Rinehart and Tim McBirney in first of two American qualifying events -
‘The last kilometre was just a little too much’ - Lotte Kopecky takes fifth at Liège-Bastogne-Liège after dropping on Roche-aux-Faucons climb
'I think it is a race that I can win in the future but just not this year' says world champion who now turns attention to Tour de France Femmes -
Tour of the Gila: Galen Bolard and Eric Brunner win stage 4 bunch sprint
Lauren Stephens and Keiran Haug retain race lead after penultimate stage