August 27, Stage 5: Priego de Córdoba - Ronda 180km
Stage preview
The Vuelta's route management team seem to have been unable to resist including a climb late on in what otherwise would have been a perfect stage for the sprinters, who continue to have a hard time throughout Spain's grand tour. Today's cat 3 test is not overly tough but the twisting roads that feature all day support the belief that this is a day on which a break could survive to the finish.
With the first mountain test to follow the next day, the main contenders may be quite happy to allow one of the lesser lights from a team seeking momentary breakaway glory to take the red jersey, knowing that it is sure to come back to one of them imminently. The gently rising finish in the beautiful city of Ronda will be spectacular.
Fernando Escartín says:
"We did think about finishing in the old part of the city but the roads aren't wide enough to accommodate a sprint. The third-category climb is a leg-breaker as it's quite long. It should be a spectacular finish as Ronda is such an amazing spot."
Copyright: lavuelta.com

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
New elite rules, fast southern course for packed 2023 Unbound Gravel field – Preview
Cyclocross, mountain bike and Grand Tour riders join gravel elite to fill start lists for weekend in Kansas -
Chloé Dygert says she will struggle with 2020 leg injury 'for the rest of my life'
American encouraged by podium at RideLondon Classique -
Thibaut Pinot pushes for farewell Tour de France selection after Giro d’Italia 'high'
'With the legs I have and with this top five in the Giro, I’ve proven what I can do,' says Frenchman