Vuelta stages that don't feature a categorised climb of any kind are rare things. Consequently, the sprinters will be doubly determined to make the most of this fleeting opportunity. The wind could complicate things for them, however. The road across the open plains to Albacete is wide open, although the prevailing wind from the south-east could well push the bunch along at an accelerated pace rather than splitting it apart.
The finish in the centre of Albacete is ideal for the sprinters. The last time the Vuelta raced into the city in 2003, defending champion Aitor González abandoned before the finish and the Spaniard's Fassa Bortolo team-mate Alessandro Petacchi beat Erik Zabel to the finish line in the bunch sprint.
Javier Guillén says: "This is the only stage of more than 200km, which is very deliberate on our part. We want every stage to be explosive, to provide a spectacle for the hour or two that it's on TV. In addition, the Vuelta's at the end of the season and we are aware the riders are quite tired."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
-
US Cyclocross Nationals: Eric Brunner goes solo to secure third elite men's title
In a battle between collegiate racers, Ivan Sippy takes second and Brody McDonald third in final race of event -
US Cyclocross Nationals: Pan American cyclocross champion Lizzy Gunsalus holds off Katherine Sarkisov to win elite women's title
U23 Sarkisov sisters chose to race elites, with both ending up on the podium as Alyssa Sarkisov takes third -
US Cyclocross Nationals: Ethan Brown races to solo win, secures men’s junior 17–18
Matthew Crabbe takes silver as Noah Scholnick fades to third place -
'It was certainly not the easiest course to open my winter' - Mathieu van der Poel overcomes early crash on cyclocross return
Seven-time world champion blames lack of preparation for technical mistakes
