Vuelta 2017 Favourites stage 13: For fast finishers with climbing legs

The 13th stage of the Vuelta a España travels on flat and hilly roads to a finale for fast finishers with climbing legs. Following tens of kilometres on the flat the last 3 kilometres are marked by uphill sections with ramps of approximately 5%. (Slideshow route/profile)

Chances are that the fast finishers in the Vuelta will get the opportunity to showcase their talents at the end of the 13th stage. Yet, it will be a rare breed of fast finishers. The last 3 kilometres are marked by uphill sections of around 5%. The third kilometres before the finish is all uphill, while short ramps appears 1.5 kilometres and 500 metres left to race.

The start of the stage is hilly with the biggest hurdle the Alto de Ardales, which is crested at kilometre 23.4. The route continues on similar terrain until the last climb is history with almost 90 kilometres done. A long drop leads down to the last 80 kilometres on the flat – that is, with the exceptions of the final 3 kilometres. The line is in Tomares, a suburb of Seville.

Usually, pure sprinters shy away from the Vuelta and fast men who dare to start in Spain are the more daring type. The kind of sprinters who are not afraid of an occasional climb. Chances are their teams will take the opportunity to control the race in order to deliver a special sprint in Tomares

Favourites 13th stage Vuelta 2017

*** Sacha Modolo, Rui Costa, Matteo Trentin, Edward Theuns
** Magnus Cort, Juan José Lobato, José Joaquin Rojas
* Tom Van Asbroeck, Michael Schwarzmann, Marco Haller