For many years the Vuelta tended to bypass Galicia, which is not regarded as one of the country’s heartlands. However, after large crowds turned out when the region hosted the opening stages of the 2012 edition, race director Javier Guillén was determined to come back for a significant number of days. Consequently, the final five stages take place in, or at least very close, to Galicia, including this tricky test that tackles the cat 2 ascent of Mont Castrove, which featured on the 2012 Pontevedra time trial.
Rising to almost 500 metres over 10km, it’s not overly difficult but the riders are nearing the fourth weekend of this grand tour and fatigue is sure to take a toll, perhaps even on some of the very best performers.
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Mathieu van der Poel expected to peak later this cyclocross season
All eyes were on the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider as he returned to cyclocross for the first time this season. -
Mathieu van der Poel asserted his dominance yet again in Zonhoven World Cup
World Champion takes record five wins at Zonhoven on his return to cyclocross -
‘I was giving it my all’ - Zoe Backstedt on career-best World Cup second place
Brit led for half of the race in treacherous conditions -
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado conquers Zonhoven World Cup in brutal conditions
Zoe Backstedt holds off Lucinda Brand to take second place
