September 10, Stage 18: Roa de Duero - Riaza 204 km
The winner should come from a breakaway but the GC men will have work to do
This is a stage that looks odds-on for a breakaway to make it to the finish, although there’s a possible complication in the shape of the first-category Puerto de la Quesara, which tops out just a dozen downhill kilometres from the line.
The stage starts easily enough but begins to roller-coaster after the climb of the Campanario. This terrain should suit the break’s chances but the GC contenders will certainly give the final ascent of the Quesara everything, which won’t suit those out front. They’ll come at it via its steeper flank from Guadalajara.
The final 7km averages a modest six per cent but even a small advantage gained by the summit could well be maintained to the finish.
David López (Team Sky rider):
"I don’t know this area at all but the profile makes very clear that it’s going to be a tough day, constantly up and down. I’d almost guarantee that a breakaway with some strong riders will go away and will probably stay clear to the finish, as that final climb will be too tough for most of the sprinters."
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!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
'I surprised myself' - Luke Plapp grasps GC advantage ahead of Tour de Romandie TT
Australian jumps over to break on final climb of stage 2, gains valuable seconds on other overall contenders as he takes third -
Tour of the Gila: Marlies Mejias Garcia wins stage 2 as Stephens retains race lead
Repeat victory for Cuban, who out-sprinted Kuskova on stage to Fort Bayard -
Tour of the Gila: Scott McGill wins men's stage 2 Inner Loop Road Race
Stites moves into race lead with third at Fort Bayard -
Lizzie Deignan gets green light to race La Vuelta Femenina
'My recovery has maybe been better than we even expected' says Deignan after suffering a broken arm in Tour of Flanders crash