The route starts to climb once the flag is dropped, but initially at shallow gradients. After moving through Ribes de Freser the inclination goes up to 5%, while the last 4 kilometres of the Port de Toses rise at 9%.
The Toses climb peaks out at 1,775 metres at sea level. A long descent takes the riders to Adrall, a small town at the base of the Port Del Cantó. Which is a climb of almost 25 kilometres with the hardest part at the bottom. After 6 kilometres the inclination drops and the average gradient of the Cantó climb hovers around 4%. The riders reach the summit with 45 kilometres left to race.
Following the descent and a section in the valley the finish climb to Port Ainé looms. The last time that the Volta a Catalunya visited the ski resort was in 2016. Back then Thomas De Gendt soloed to victory, while eventual GC winner Nairo Quintana climbed to second place ahead of Richie Porte.
The finish climb adds up to 18.5 kilometres, in which the riders brave an average gradient of 6.8%. The first 3 kilometres are steepest, although you’ll find a 800 metres section at more than 10% just before the finish. The dying metres of the race level out to 5%.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while intermediate sprints come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Another interesting read: results 4th stage 2021 Volta a Catalunya.
Volta a Catalunya 2021 stage 4: route, profile, more
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