Vuelta 2014: Favourites stage 9 - Break away boys or GC battle?

In stage 9 riders are to crest two categorized cols before they head for today's eagles nest: skiresort Valdelinares. The finale is a monster with 19.5 climbing kilometers out of the last 25 kilometres. Mountain goats will be salivating. (Slideshow route/profile)

The first part of today's race is on rolling terrain. After a 3rd category climb the stage explodes at kilometre 155: a two-stage ascent with a 2nd category and a top finish at Aramon Valdelinares (1.975 altimetres). That equals 25 kilometres of climbing interrupted by 5.5 kilometres descent. Is it going to be a day for the break away boys? Or are the GC men taking control? Interesting to see how Valverde - master in stage 6 - will cope with the long closing climb(s).

In last Giro Julián Arredondo (image) made a name for himself by being a prominent attacker in the mountain stages. He took the stage to Refugio Panarotta and was crowned mountain king. Other likely break away boys are Thibaut Pinot and Ryder Hesjedal.