Distance: 195.5km
Category: Rolling
Highest point: 755m
This is the second consecutive stage for the sprinters as the race heads down into Spain's deep south, where the first big climbs lie just ahead. Expect a big turn-out of Alberto Contador fans at the start in Almendralejo if El Pistolero opts to defend his title as his parents' home patch at Barcarrota is just 40km of to the west towards the Portuguese border. Apart from the final day in Madrid, this is the flattest stage of the race. It heads south towards Sevilla, veering towards the small town of Mairena de Aljarafe on its outskirts. The riders will pass through the finish, then complete a loop back into the town, giving the sprinters plenty of opportunity to see what lies in store in the final.
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