Vuelta a España: Stage 17 preview
Stage details and expert guide
Santander – Fuente Dé
Distance: 177km
Highest point: 1,088m
Category: Lumpy
Good day for breakaways
The second rest day will have been much needed after three summit finishes and this stage should provide a steady entry to the Vuelta’s final phase. Although Fuente Dé is the fourth summit finale in succession, it is far more straightforward than those that have preceded it and comes at the end of a much less intimidating stage. It heads into the Cantabrian mountains behind Santander and over two lower category climbs on the approach to the final ascent. Fuente Dé averages little more than 3 per cent, which should ensure that the overall contenders sit back and let breakaway riders fight over today’s honours between them.
Abraham Olano: "The climb is not that hard but it could result in some real damage being done. It’s new to the race and having looked it over I think that most riders will be in the big ring, so it suits the most powerful climbers. The views are really stunning."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
The unsigned riders that made a mark this Australian summer season
From Tour Down Under mountains jersey winners Fergus Browning and Alyssa Polites to the victors at the domestic staples -
Emily Newsom among 15-rider PAS Racing roster swarming start at Santa Vall two-day gravel event
US rider on the hunt for points in Gravel Earth Series and a wildcard berth in Life Time Grand Prix -
'He wasn't just a cycling legend, he was a true hero' - Miles Teller to play Italian champion Gino Bartali in new biopic
Upcoming movie based on the life of two-time Tour de France winner and recognised WWII-resistance hero -
'I really want to win the mountain bike world title' - Mathieu van der Poel adds fat tyre racing to Classics and Tour de France goals
Alpecin-Decuninink leader to debut at Tirreno-Adriatico and challenge Tadej Pogačar in Belgium