Vuelta 2014: Favourites stage 15 - Especial finish requires special climbers

Vuelta 2014: Favourites stage 15 - ‘Especial’ finish requires special climbers

Yesterday´s extremely steep arrival was fodder for the mountain goats, today´s closing climb of for the men with the diesel engines aboard. It´s an ´especial´ category climb but it goes up gradually in 12.2 kilometres. No inhuman grades suits a climber like Dutchman Robert Gesink, but of course top favourites like Froome and Contador feel at ease at this terrain also. (Slideshow route/profile)

Chris Froome
Froome is one of the best climbers in the peloton and this makes him a favourite in every mountain stage. This seaon team his team is not like it used to be, but Froome´s talent is without a doubt. Extra ambitious after his disappointing Tour de France

Alberto Contador
Prior to the start of La Vuelta 2014 El Pistolero told the world he is aiming at stage victories in the final week of racing. Well, we all have seen the story unfolded in quiet a different manner. Go for it, Alberto! By the way, La Vuelta’s closing week begins tomorrow…

Robert Gesink is a diesel. The Dutch rider La Vuelta is in his first Grand Tour after surgery to correct a heart condition.