All the more so because the previous stages were very tough and the fatigue is adding up, chances are that the breakaway will be successful. A huge battle for the breakway is to be expected.
The first 12 kilometres are flat before the riders enter the Alto de Sela d’Entorcisa. A short drop follows the 9.9 kilometres climb at 3.9% and then the Alto de Garganta appears. This one is 10.3 kilometres long and climbs at 5.6%. Since the two climbs virtually overlap one could argue that it’s an ascent of 20 kilometres in which the breakaway could establish itself.
The riders descend to the foot of the Alto de Barbeitos, which is an irregular climb of 11.8 kilometres at 3.8%. The first 5 kilometres rise at 4 to 7% before continuing as a false flat. The last kilometre goes up at 8%.
The route continues in rolling fashion before dropping down to the sprinter’s friendly second half. A 4.4 kilometres ascent at 4% is the only obstacle left. It leads to the intermediate sprint in Oural with almost 30 kilometres remaining. The downhill leads onto the flat finale.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while there are 3, 2 and 1 seconds available at the intermediate sprint.
Another interesting read: results 19th stage 2021 Vuelta.
Vuelta a España 2021 stage 19: route, profiles, more
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