Vuelta 2018 Favourites stage 14: High altitude triptychs second installment

Vuelta 2018 Favourites stage 14: High altitude triptych’s second installment

The 14th stage of La Vuelta takes in four intermediate climbs to conclude with a final haul up Les Praeres, which is a 4 kilometres toil at 12.5%. This is the second of three tough mountain stages in the northwest of Spain. (Slideshow route/profile)

The 13th stage was marked by an excessively steep final climb, while the 14th stage is tougher overall. Once the flag is dropped the riders hit an unclassified hill before the route continues false flat to the Puerto de San Isidro, a pass with its highest point at kilometre 60. La Vuelta leaves Castilla y Léon to re-enter Asturias, and the route toughens up. With intervals of around 30 kilometres the race travels over the Alto de la Colladona (5.3 kilometres at 7.1%) and the Alto de la Mozqueta (9.4 kilometres at 6.2%), while the two last ascents are only 20 kilometres apart. Following the Alto de la Falla de Los Lobos – 5.2 kilometres at 6.7% – the riders tackle the final haul up 17 kilometres. Les Praeres climbs for 4 kilometres at 12.5%.

With its hilly profile the route is perfectly suited for a breakaway to take shape early on. If attackers from far out are given to much leash and they arrive at the foot of Les Praeres with a 2 minutes lead they might have a chance to climb to glory. If not, it’s up to the punchy climbers in the peloton.

Favourites 14th stage 2018 Vuelta a España

*** Simon Yates, Nairo Quintana, Miguel Ángel López
** Thibaut Pinot, Bauke Mollema, Wilco Kelderman, Steven Kruijswijk
* George Bennett, Thomas De Gendt, Ion Izagirre, Alejandro Valverde