Vuelta a España 2020: Stage 5 preview
October 24: Huesca to Sabiñánigo, 184.4km
Stage 5: Huesca to Sabiñánigo
Date: October 24, 2020
Distance: 184.4km
Start time: 12:54 pm CEST
Finish time: 5:15-5:45 pm
Stage type: Hilly
This is the toughest stage of the race so far in terms of vertical gain, clocking up a touch over 3,000 metres of climbing across 184.4km on a long loop between Huesca and Sabiñánigo and runs in the shadow of some of the highest peaks in the Pyrenean range.
It starts from Huesca by bumping eastwards to reach Barbastro. Beyond this town, the route starts to veer to the north, passing through El Grado and running up the western side of the immense Grado reservoir. The road is straight and wide in this valley as it heads for Aínsa and then Escalona. Here, though, the route’s topography changes considerably.
Starting a long swoop westwards to the finish, the road begins to climb, but unfortunately not on the twisting road through the spectacular Añisclo canyon, which is one of the most dramatic anywhere in the Pyrenees. Instead, the riders head to the 13.5km second-category ascent of the Alto de Vio. After a quick drop away from that, they’ll be climbing again to the third category Alto de Fanlo, from which there’s a longer descent to the intermediate sprint at Fiscal.
The stage’s final climb also begins in this little town. The Alto de Petralba will be familiar to some as the final climb of the Treparriscos sportive that is the shorter option to the Quebrantahuesos, Spain’s most renowned sportive. A steady 5 per cent or so on a beautifully surfaced road, the Petralba is unlikely to cause any problems for the GC riders. It will, though, offer a useful launch pad for the better climbers in the breakaway group, who will be confident of staying clear today with the first major rendezvous on the Col du Tourmalet arriving 24 hours later.
Cresting the Petralba, the next 15km are downhill towards Sabiñánigo, the road rising, but quite steadily, for the final two kilometres up to the line.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
The first jersey of the new season has landed – Cofidis reveal new multi-coloured racing kit for 2025
French team work with Etxeondo after swapping to Campagnolo components -
'No one asks a fisherman when he's going to retire' - Mark O'Brien signs up for Melbourne to Warrnambool defence
2024 winner of 269km event may be re-focussed on work and family but lure of racing with number 1 on back means there'll be no last minute entry in 2025 -
Safety, salaries and fair working conditions - Grace Brown discusses agenda as new TCA president
'The role of president was the perfect opportunity for me to continue having a positive impact on women’s professional cycling' says time trial World Champion -
Giro d'Italia route reveal 'finally' reset for January 13 in Rome
Organisers promise to announce 'goodies' for men's and women's Grand Tours