September 4, Stage 13: Catalayud - Tarazona 168 km
Many will be keen to get in the breakaway on a day suited to an escape
A day for the smaller teams and those that have so far had no luck.
With three summit finishes ahead and the race’s hierarchy by now well established, expect the battle to get into today’s break to be particularly frantic. The lumpy terrain will bolster the escapees’ hopes, although the strong winds that frequently blow through this part of Spain may test their enthusiasm and strength as they near the finish in Tarazona.
The last of the three categorised climbs, the Alto de Moncayo, which featured in the 2013 time trial won by Fabian Cancellara, comes 35km from the finish and it may spur the peloton into a concerted pursuit if the breakaway’s lead is less than five minutes.
Javier Guillén (race director):
"This stage has three climbs, the last of which is the Moncayo. We chose this area because we know that the route through it will take a heavy toll. It was important for us to have the final climb very close to the finish, just 15-20km away, which should make a great sporting spectacle."
The text in this preview originally appeared in the September edition of Procycling magazine.
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!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Josh Tarling shows Classics potential with determined Dwars Door Vlaanderen performance
Welshman takes sixth after dangling on and off the front group for final 50 kilometres -
Dwars door Vlaanderen crash update – Surgery for Van Aert, Stuyven and Kirsch
Crash impacts riders and teams ahead of Sunday's Tour of Flanders -
‘A beautiful sport with a dark edge’ – Wout van Aert suffers the cruellest blow
Belgian's ill-fated relationship with Ronde and Roubaix continues after crash ends his Classics campaign -
'A number you don't dare think about' – Marianne Vos celebrates 250th road win
First-time victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen ticks off landmark number for unrelenting Visma-Lease a Bike rider