Vuelta 2014: Favourites stage 9 - Break away boys or GC battle?

The first part of today’s race is on rolling terrain. After a 3rd category climb the stage explodes at kilometre 155: a two-stage ascent with a 2nd category and a top finish at Aramon Valdelinares (1.975 altimetres). That equals 25 kilometres of climbing interrupted by 5.5 kilometres descent. Is it going to be a day for the break away boys? Or are the GC men taking control? Interesting to see how Valverde – master in stage 6 – will cope with the long closing climb(s).

In last Giro Julián Arredondo (image) made a name for himself by being a prominent attacker in the mountain stages. He took the stage to Refugio Panarotta and was crowned mountain king. Other likely break away boys are Thibaut Pinot and Ryder Hesjedal.

Favourites

Joaquim Rodríguez
Nairo Quintana
Chris Froome
Alberto Contador
Julián Arredondo

Outsiders
Ryder Hesjedal
Alejandro Valverde
Fabio Aru
Thibaut Pinot

Vuelta 2014 stage 9: Images and more

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All stages

All stages

Route stage 11

Profile stage 9

Finish stage 9 (video)

Climb details Aramón Valdelinares

Final kilometres

Climb details

Scheduled times

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Start and finish at Google maps