Vuelta a España 2024 - Stage 21 preview

After saving something for the sprinters on the last day in Madrid for the past two years, the Vuelta has again opted for time trial finale in 2024. The remaining riders will face a long transfer south from Burgos ahead of the last test of this year’s race, a 22km time trial into the heart of the Spanish capital.

The course is flat and fast, winding southwards from the headquarters of Movistar owner Telefónica and into Madrid, passing Plaza Cibeles en route to the finish line on the Gran Vía. It’s a course “without any significant technical or orographic difficulties,” per Fernando Escartin. That should favour the pure rouleurs, but three weeks into a Grand Tour, freshness can count almost as much as aptitude. A dramatic finale could be in store here.