Vuelta 2024 Favourites stage 10: Attackers with fast descent

foto: Cor VosCovering a route of 159.6 kilometres, the riders tackle nearly 3,000 metres of climbing in the 10th stage of the Vuelta. Challenging, but probably not challenging enough for the GC contenders to go for the stage win, especially since the finish is not uphill. If so, this paves the way for a successful breakaway. (Slideshow route/profile)

The 15.4 kilometres long Alto de Fonfría (at 4.2%) stands out in the flat to rolling first 100 kilometres of the race. Then, within 40 kilometres, the riders crest three summits: Alto de Vilachán (6.3 kilometres at 5.5%), Alto de Mabia (6 kilometres at 5.7%), and Alto de Mougás (9.9 kilometres at 6%).

The Mougás is expected to play a crucial role in how the race unfolds. The first part of the climb is the most challenging, so attackers looking to thin out the breakaway can do so there.

From the top of the Alto de Mougás, it’s still over 20 kilometres to the finish in Baiona. It starts out with a descent, followed by an uncategorized climb of 1.2 kilometres at 5.5%. Then, it’s 2 kilometres downhill onto the final 4.5 kilometres on flat terrain.

The finale is not hard enough for GC contenders to gain time, so the most likely scenario is that the breakaway rides for victory. In other words, an exciting opening phase is on the cards, probably with the Alto de Fonfría as a perfect launchpad for attacks.

Favourites 10th stage 2024 Vuelta a España

*** Marc Soler, Pavel Sivakov, Harold Tejada, Mauro Schmid
** Brandon McNulty, Attila Valter, Isaac del Toro, Ion Izagirre
* Lorenzo Rota, Oier Lazkano, Carlos Verona, Bruno Armirail, Pablo Castrillo

Another interesting read: route 10th stage 2024 Vuelta.