Vuelta 2018 Favourites stage 2: Uphill sprint, or opportunity for attackers

The Vuelta a España's 2nd stage is played out on a hilly terrain. The route is far from flat, but far from steep either. The closing climb is 5.1 kilometres at 3.3%. (Slideshow route/profile)

The finale suits his abilities perfectly. Movistar could set the pace on the climb to the line and Alejandro Valverde – who is a master of timing – could keep his explosive sprint in check until the final metres.

Yes, there is an imminent danger… Peter Sagan is riding La Vuelta, too. As is Michal Kwiatkowski. Both riders are explosive and don’t shy away from a 5.1 kilometres climb at 3.3%.

The route of the 2nd stage is hilly but far from steep. Talking about gradients, the climb to Álora features the steepest stretches. The 1 kilometre climb, which is averaging 8%, is crested with 18.5 kilometres and with 92.5 kilometres (twice, as it is part of a circuit that’s ridden 1.5 times) to go.

Obviously, the race could come down to the breakaway, too. Stephen Cumming’s name springs to mind…

Favourites 2nd stage 2018 Vuelta a España

*** Alejandro Valverde, Michal Kwiatkowski, Peter Sagan, Daniel Martin
** Stephen Cummings, Thomas De Gendt, Valerio Conti, Fabio Felline, Alexis Gougeard
* Tiesj Benoot, Iván García Cortina, Lukas Pöstlberger, Tony Gallopin, Mark Padun