Vuelta 2017 Favourites stage 5: Attackers or GC guys on punchy last climb

The 5th stage of the Vuelta a España runs over five climbs to a punchy finale with a summit finish. The last climb is 3.4 kilometres at 9.7% with steepest ramps of 16.5%. (Slideshow route/profile)

Approximately every 30 kilometres the riders are to crest a peak in the 5th stage of the Vuelta Vuelta a España. In succession, the route takes in Alto del Desierto de las Palmas, Alto de Cabanes, Coll de la Bandereta and Alto de la Serratella. No inhumanly steep ramps, but the race will exhaust the riders, especially because in between those climbs the course is never flat. So that’s perfect terrain for attackers to try their luck.

After dropping down the Serratella the route continues on rolling and descending roads to the foot of the last climb. The ascent to Ermita Santa Lucia amounts to 3.4 kilometres, while it is averaging 9.7%. Because the first half is steepest – almost 15% – we can expect a puncher to head for glory on these punchy slopes, be it with an attack from the peloton or from the front group.

Favourites 5th stage 2017 Vuelta

*** Esteban Chaves, Adam Yates, Simon Yates, Julian Alaphilippe
** Rui Costa, Diego Rosa, Wout Poels, Domenico Pozzovivo, Alexandre Geniez, Michael Woods
* Daniel Navarro, Daniel Moreno, George Bennett, Rubén Fernandez, David de la Cruz