Vuelta 2016 Favourites stage 9: Attackers versus GC-guys

In theory, stage 9 in the Vuelta a España is perfect for attackers. After a 2nd category peak and a long descent most climbs are in the second half of the race. Cyclingstage. com brings you the major contenders to win the 9th stage in the 2016 Vuelta. (Slideshow route/profile)

In stage 9 of the Vuelta a España it boils down to the last 55 kilometres when the riders face one uncategorised climb and three 3rd category ascents before the Alto del Naranco (2nd category) brings the last uphill sections. The Naranco is a 6.6 kilometres climb at 6.1% with a maximum gradient at 8.9%. So that’s rather steady.

Is it going to be up to the the attackers, or do teams of the GC-favourites take control? We are halfway the Vuelta and chances are quite a lot of riders will be down in the overall, which should clear the road for a successful escape. Especially since there is not a lot to gain for the GC-guys. Yet, you’ll never know…

In 2013 Joaquim Rodriguez climbed to victory at the Alto de Naranco.

Favourites 9th stage Vuelta a España

*** Thomas De Gendt, Alberto Contador, Davide Formolo, Bart De Clercq, Gianluca Brambilla
** Alejandro Valverde, Esteban Chaves, Nairo Quintana
* Chris Froome, Robert Gesink, Darwin Atapuma, Joe Dombrowski, George Bennett