Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. Reaching to 1993 metres above sea level, Torre is not only the highest peak in the system, it is also accessible by a paved road.
The riders clip into their pedals in Lousã and head in northeasterly direction to penetrate the Serra da Estrela. Following a section with climbing metres the route leaves the mountain range to continue south to the line Castelo Branco. Except for the climbs in the Serra da Estrela, the race is played out on flat to undulating terrain.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while there are 3, 2 and 1 seconds available at the intermediate sprint.
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