Vuelta 2024 Favourites stage 7: For fast men #4

foto: Cor VosThe 7th stage of La Vuelta takes place on undulating terrain, until the Alto del 14% spices up the route within the last 30 kilometres. Chances are that the strong sprinters in the Tour of Spain will not shy away from the 7.4 kilometres climb at 5.6% to deliver a fast finishers showdown in the streets of Córdoba. (Slideshow route/profile)

Doubtless, the heat will take centre stage. After the start in Archidona, the riders race over the rolling roads of central Andalusia. Expect to see many olive trees and sun-scorched fields along the way.

Three years ago, the Vuelta also visited Córdoba. Back then, the Alto del 14% was included in the finale as well, but it was preceded by an additional climb, making the race a bit harder. Still, a sprinter crossed the finish line first. It was Magnus Cort, who took the spoils ahead of Andrea Bagioli and Michael Matthews. All three fast men with the skillset to thrive on terrain where pure sprinters suffer.

A clash of strongmen sprinters is the most likely outcome this time too, although we can expect some riders to try to force a different outcome on the Alto del 14%. The third kilometre before the top is the prime spot to attack, as it has double-digit gradients. After that, the road levels out, and from the summit, it’s an 8 kilometres descent towards Córdoba. The final 10 kilometres are flat.

The first three sprints were won by three different riders – Kaden Groves, Wout van Aert, and Pavel Bittner.