Arrival-place Aia had its last prominent appearance in the 2010 Tour of the Basque Country. In the penultimate stage the renowned Muro de Aia was the executioner in a stage leading from Eibar to Orio. Joaquim Rodriguez took the lead in the descent and won the stage with a 14 seconds gain.
This time the finish is atop of the renowned Muro de Aia. The 1.36 kilometres climb is reminiscent of the Muro di Sormano, another cruel climb notorious from the Tour of Lombardy. Every hundred metres up the Wall of Aia the grade looks like this: 11%, 8%, 11.7%, 16.2%, 21%, 15%, 18%, 9.1%, 8.9 %, 7%, 13%, 19%, 25% and 13%. The steepest sector at 25% is with 1.3 kilometres done. The average grade is 14.4%.
Before even getting there riders have to crest in number of appearance Alto de Kalbario, Alto de Itziar, Alto de Garate, Alto de Urraki and Alto de Alkiza. Then the last 20 kilometres bring three times the climb up Alto de Aia AKA Muro de Aia(iaiai).
So that’s ample ammunition for severe violence in the peaceful surroundings of Aia, picturesquely located at the forested slopes of Pagoeta Natural Park.
Here you’ll find rare result and race report.
Tour of the Basque Country 2015 stage 5: Route/profile and more
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