Vuelta 2021 Favourites stage 12: Attackers with fast descent

The riders cross the finish line for the first time with 69 kilometres remaining. Two different circuits north of Córdoba round out the route. Both laps feature a different climb. The first one tackles the Alto de San Jeronimo: 13 kilometres at 3.3%, and unlikely to have any notable influences on the outcome.

The impact of the climb on the second lap – the Alto del 14% – will be something else entirely. The 7.2 kilometres test averages 5.6%, while the third kilometre before the summit is a good place to strike, as this is ramp at double digits before it flattens out towards the top.

The riders fly down into Córdoba before the last 10 kilometres are played out on the flat city roads.

As the ascends north of Córdoba are not so hard, the GC riders are expected to keep their powder dry. Chances are that the breakaway will be successful, so an exciting first phase of the race is on the cards. In terms of the stage victory the Alto del 14% will play a pivotal role, either in the ascent or in the descent.

A sprint of a select group is another likely scenario.

Favourites 12th stage 2021 Vuelta a España

*** Matteo Trentin, Michael Matthews, Magnus Cort, Jan Tratnik
** Lawson Craddock, Omar Fraile, Gianluca Brambilla, Michael Storer
* Wout Poels, Jetse Bol, Andrea Bagioli, Luis León Sánchez, Tom Pidcock

Another interesting read: route 12th stage of the 2021 Vuelta.