Vuelta a España 2024 - Stage 18 preview
September 5, 2024: Vitoria-Gasteiz - Maeztu-Parque Natural de Izki, 175km
The peloton will tackle a 179.5km medium mountains stage 18 from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Maestu-Parque Natural de Izki at the Vuelta a España that could offer an opportunity for the general classification contenders to either gain or pull back time in the GC standings.
Only five seconds separate the current leader Ben O'Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), from runner-up Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). Therefore, the mid-race 'sprint' for time bonuses located at the top of the category 1 Puerto Herrera combined with a short but steep hill positioned at 5km to the finish, could bring Roglič even closer to the red jersey.
O'Connor's lead was reduced from 1:03 to five seconds on Lagos de Covadonga on stage 16 but it didn't appear to be under threat on the rain-soaked stage 17 into Santander.
However, his rival team's directeur sportif Patxi Vila noted that Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe had taken a more conservative approach ahead of the final four days of racing, picking a choosing the best places to slowly close the gap to O'Connor.
While Roglič and his team have opted to follow any threatening moves rather than outright attack as they inch closer to the red jersey, stage 18 could be the day when he strikes out for those valuable five seconds before the uphill finish in Alto de Moncalvillo on stage 19, the last mountain stage 20 into Picón Blanco, and the stage 21 individual time trial that closes out the Vuelta a España.
Stage 18 information
There are two classified climbs on the agenda, with the category 2 Alto de Rivas de Tereso followed by the category 1 Puerto Herrera. That second ascent comes with almost 50km left to race, but there is still plenty of rough ground to cover on the run-in.
The last kick with 5km or so remaining offers a possible springboard for late attackers, even if the odds are on a reduced bunch sprint.
Stage 18 starts and finishes in the Basque Country, but while much of the action takes place just south of the region, this is the kind of terrain that wouldn’t look out of place at Itzulia in April.
There is scarcely a metre of flat between Vitoria and Maeztu, and it seems likely that a severely reduced peloton, at best, will make it to the finish at Izki Natural Park.
Climbs
- Alto de Rivas de Tereso (11.1km at3.4%), 81km
- Puerto Herrera (5.6km at 8.3%), 134.5km
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
The 2025 UCI calendar could have a major gap as two February races are in doubt
Tour Colombia facing budget hurdles, could face cancellation, adding to potential absence of Volta a Valenciana -
Maxim Van Gils' contract battle with Lotto Dstny pushes pro cycling towards a football-style transfer market system
'Soon, a contract will no longer mean anything' team managers tells RTBF -
American Criterium Cup juggles eight-race US calendar for fourth edition in 2025
Racing begins June 6 at Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, with remaining schedule zig-zagging across central US -
Black Friday bike deals 2024: The best cycling deals this 'Fake Friday'
Save on bikes, clothing, accessories and tech from the likes of Castelli, Assos, Specialized, Wahoo and much more