September 13, Stage 20: Santo Estevo de Riba de Sil - Puerto de Ancares 185.7km
Stage preview
The race organisation is clearly hoping for a repeat of last year's penultimate day cliff-hanger on the Angliru, where Chris Horner managed to fend of Vincenzo Nibali's last-ditch offensive. Today's climbs get progressively tougher, culminating in the Vuelta's first ascent of the stunning Ancares by its most difficult side, via Pan do Zarco.
Averaging 11 per cent for the first eight of the 12 kilometres, there are frequent ramps where featherweight climbers such as Nairo Quintana and Joaquim Rodríguez will be in their element. The grade eases towards the top before a tough final kilometre.
Today's winner will also be awarded the José María Jiménez Trophy, in tribute to the great Spanish climber who died a decade ago.
Javier Guillén says: "This isn't the toughest mountain stage. I think the Farrapona is what you'd call the 'queen' stage. But because this is the penultimate day and we are tackling the Ancares via its hardest Pan do Zarco route, it could be more decisive than the Farrapona."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Flandriencross: Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado holds off Lucinda Brand for victory
Sara Casasola third in Hamme -
Remco Evenepoel heads to Specialized HQ as preparation continues for 2025
Double Olympic champion back training after wisdom teeth removal -
Muriel Furrer remembered as investigation into her tragic death continues
18-year-old Swiss rider died after crashing during UCI World Championships -
‘I honestly thought I’d never leave’ - Luke Rowe on life after Ineos Grenadiers and how Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale won his signature
Welshman spoke openly at Rouleur Live about why he needed to leave the British squad to stay 'uncomfortable'