Vuelta 2018 Favourites stage 9: Climbers in La Covatilla

La Vuelta serves a tough summit finish in its last stage before the first rest day. The race begins with two ascents in the first half to conclude with a final haul up to La Covatilla of 12.5 kilometres with an average slope of 6.4%. (Slideshow route/profile)

The climb to La Covatilla was included for the last time in the Vuelta a España of 2011. Daniel Martin took the win as he bested Bauke Mollema in a two-up sprint.

The 9th stage of the Vuelta a España amounts to 200.8 kilometres and takes in three climbs in the first 100 kilometres. The Puerto del Pico is a long drag up of 15.3 kilometres with an average gradient of 5.5%, Alto de Gredos amounts to 10.1 kilometres at 3.7%, while Puerto de Peña Negra climbs for 13 kilometres and its average slope is 4.5%. Following a prolonged transition on the flat the final haul up starts to present itself with 24 kilometres out, although the actual (KOM) climb begins with 9.8 kilometres remaining.

The climb to ski resort La Covatilla begins and ends with slopes of 4%. The section in between is averaging 8.5% and features several double digit stretches. The last 10% kick lies just before the flamme rouge.

Favourites 9th stage 2018 Vuelta a España

*** Nairo Quintana, Simon Yates, Wilco Kelderman, Steven Kruijswijk
** Daniel Martin, Bauke Mollema, Fabio Aru, Miguel Ángel López
* Enric Mas,Rigoberto Uran, George Bennett, Emanuel Buchmann