Head in any direction in Asturias and you’ll find a little known but fearsome ascent that’s waiting to have its reputation sealed by the Vuelta’s passing.
On this occasion, it’s the Jitu de Escarandi, which rises from the town of Cabrales up to and beyond Sotres. Although not especially high, it’s tough enough to rattle anyone’s composure this far into a grand tour and beautiful enough to make a lasting impression on spectators.
Its gradient of eight per cent over 13km doesn’t appear obscenely difficult but it almost flattens out for a kilometre between some steep ramps on the first half and some super steep ones in the second, particularly above Sotres. It could produce quite a shake-up.
Fernando Escartín (two-time Vuelta runner-up):
"The second consecutive stage in the mountains finishes on another climb new to the race. Sotres Cabrales is not a very long test but the final two kilometres are extremely demanding and should split the GC favourites, although the gaps may not be all that significant."
The text in this preview originally appeared in the September edition of Procycling magazine.
-
USA CRITS: Skylar Schneider and Marcos Mendez score decisive wins at Greenville Cycling Classic
Argentinian rider with Foundation New York earns third victory in first four races of US series -
15,000 calories burned, three toilet stops, one faint – Maddy Nutt breaks down her remarkable debut victory at Traka 560
What does this debut victory at Traka Adventure mean for her Unbound Gravel plans? -
Victor Bosoni defends men's title at The Traka Adventure while Maddy Nutt earns women's victory in 560km endurance test
24-year-old Frenchman overtakes Max Agut late in 22-hour race while Marei Moldenhauer secures second after suffering overnight crash -
'His achievements and legacy will never be forgotten' – Decorated para-cyclist Alex Zanardi dies at age 59
Italian became a highly-decorated para-cyclist after losing both legs in a motor racing crash
