Vuelta 2016 Favourites stage 6: Versatile stage, versatile contenders

Stage 6 in the Vuelta a España is 163.2 kilometres. A challenging finale is ushered in by a 2nd category ascent that's crested with 48 kilometres left before a steep climb in the last kilometres intensifies the race to the extreme. Climbing sprinters, early escapees, late attackers, or bold descenders - who are most likely to turn out on top in stage 6 of the Vuelta a España? (Slideshow route/profile)

The first half of the race is played out on rolling roads, while the last 80 kilometres face four harsh climbs, one of them categorised. The summit of the Alto Alenza (2nd category) is reached with 48 kilometres remaining and after another long climb the 2 kilometres Pobar-climb pops up in the finale. This last one looks like a perfect place to go on the attack. At the top it’s around 3 kilometres left to the finish line.

The last kilometre comes with a 3% grade.

Favourites 6th stage Vuelta a España:

*** Philippe Gilbert, Michal Kwiatkowski, Rein Taaramäe
** Simon Gerrans, Pierre Latour, Moreno Moser, Dario Cataldo
* Jonathan Castroviejo, Yuri Trofimov, Ben Hermans, Johan Le Bon