Málaga is proud that it’s the first province to host four Vuelta stages in the same year, and particularly so of this one, which takes the race to one of the region’s most renowned sights.
Cut high into the cliff face in the early 20th century to allow workers access to hydroelectric installations, the Caminito del Rey (the king’s pathway) became a hotspot for climbers until it fell into disrepair. Now restored, it will provide a spectacular backdrop to the first of nine summit finishes.
The concluding ascent of the Alto de la Mesa is short but sharp. It extends to 2.5km at an average of almost nine per cent, with sections at 15 per cent. It will test the GC contenders’ mettle from the very start.
Fernando Escartín (two-time Vuelta runner-up):
"I’d classify this stage as rompepiernas [leg-breaking]. It isn’t hugely difficult but the road goes up and down constantly and that will definitely take a toll. I’d guess that there will be about 20-25 riders in the lead group coming into the finish and there won’t be too many seconds between them."
The text in this preview originally appeared in the September edition of Procycling magazine.
-
Megan Jastrab scholarship to be awarded this Sunday to women's junior GC winner at Valley of the Sun Stage Race - North American Roundup
Alberta Velodrome now open to the public, and Team Winston-Salem names men's and women's rosters with debut at Ronde de l’Isard on calendar -
'I didn't think I deserved all the support I get' - Tour de France top-five finisher Niamh Fisher-Black reveals how her 2025 exit from her comfort zone continues to spur her on
World Championships runner-up says second straight year of major changes expected at Lidl-Trek -
'I do feel closure on that part of my career' - Skylar Schneider leaves WorldTour behind for fresh beginning at age 27 with L39ION of Los Angeles
US sprinter begins 2026 season at Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Arizona -
Lotto-Intermarché rider the latest member of the peloton to be hit by a driver of car
Robin Orins will miss the Vuelta a Murcia and take 10 days off the bike after being hit while training in Spain
