Vuelta 2018 Favourites stage 8: World Champion contra breakaway boys

Another typical stage on the Vuelta a España. Hardly a flat metre for almost 200 kilometres, but the route doesn't feature big climbs either. The Vuelta's 8th stage is perfect for a successful breakaway. On the other hand, if Peter Sagan puts his mind to it... (Slideshow route/profile)

The longest intermediate ascent is the Alto de Españares. It appears almost halfway and climbs in 10.3 kilometres at 3.6% to a plateau. The route continues on undulating terrain to the finale. Pure sprinters won’t like the profile, but don’t be surprised if Peter Sagan smells opportunities. Could be he will let his team work to opt for a group sprint. If not, chances are the fight for the stage honours will come down to the breakaway boys.

The finale opens with a 2.4 kilometres slope at 3.4% before a flat section of 1.6 kilometres runs to the last 2 kilometres. The drag up to the line is too tough to be a false flat and too easy to be a climb. The average gradient is 3.8%, while the road kicks up at 7% just before the finish.

Favourites 8th stage 2018 Vuelta a España

*** Peter Sagan, Thomas De Gendt, Stephen Cummings, Fabio Felline
** Bauke Mollema, Tiesj Benoot, Omar Fraile, Alessandro De Marchi
* Valerio Conti, Dylan van Baarle, Michael Albasini, Alexandre Geniez