Stage 17: Villadiego to Los Machucos. Monumento Vaca Pasiega, 180.5km
Amid Cantabria's mountain riches, the Vuelta has found an unused gem for a key summit finish. The cat-1 Collado de Espina is 9km long, derided by some as a goat track climb. Its first kilometre averages 13.3 per cent. There's a second steep section in the middle with ramps up to 18 per cent. It reaches a plateau for a kilometre of flat to the line.
TOPICS
-
Wout van Aert reportedly still on course for March road racing debut despite ankle fracture
Belgian could soon return to training on the rollers following successful surgery -
'When you still have the fire in you, it's a good sign' - Julian Alaphilippe hungry for 2026
33-year-old Tudor rider to target Strade Bianche, the Ardennes and then the Tour de France in 2026 -
'Next Chapter, New Wings' – Remco Evenepoel shows off new colours as next phase of sparkling career with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe gets underway
Double Olympic Champion and time trial World Champion wears new team kit featuring a white base and bright blue stripes -
'You have to be brave to quit' - Riders react to Simon Yates' sudden retirement
Matteo Trentin and Larry Warbasse highlight the stress of modern pro cycling
