Vuelta 2015 Route stage 13: Calatayud

Vuelta 2015 Route stage 13: Calatayud - Tarazona

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Friday, September 4, 2015 - The 13th stage takes the riders in 178 hilly kilometres from Calatayud to Tarazona. No flat metre in sight, but no steep one either. The biggest obstacle is Alto de Beraton, a 2nd category climb unlikely to effect the stage-win since it is too far from the finish.

The route winds through a mountainous area and takes the riders seriously uphill for the first time after 53.7 kilometres. The Alto de la Crucija is 8.6 kilometres at 3.5%.

Following a short descent the road goes back up again. The Alto de Beraton is not much longer, but the climb is steeper. Beginning in Purujosa, the road takes the riders uphill for 8.1 kilometres at 5.3%.

During the climb the pack leaves Aragon and enters the province of Castilla y Leon. Then they re-enter Aragon again at the village Torrellas. Arrival place Tarazona is within easy reach, but instead of heading there the organization thought it appropriate to make a huge loop down south, aiming for the Alto del Montcayo – a long and regular climb with a steepest section of 9% right at the bottom. The top is crested with 27 km’s left.

In 2013 Alto del Montcayo was in the ITT of La Vuelta with Fabian Cancellara besting Tony Martin by 0’37” in 38.8 kilometres.

The finale brings a 2% grade in a 1.4 kilometre section with 2.4 kilometres left, while the last kilometre is completely flat.

Results/race report stage 13, Vuelta 2015.