The 168.6 kilometres between Jaén and Córdoba are very flat again. Like in stage two, there is only one categorised climb, but it is a category two and also closer to the finish. The Alto de San Jerónimo is less than 20 kilometres from the line. This will give chances to a breakaway. If they succeed depends on the mood of the sprinters, but being early and everyone feeling fresh the fast men may just get it together again.
But don't be surprised if a puncheur takes it. In 2006 it was Paolo Bettini who prevailed.
Córdoba is one of the hottest spots in Europe, with summer temperatures often exceeding 42.5 degrees centigrade. The weather may be just as decisive in the outcome of the races as all the other factors.
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