Vuelta 2016 Favourites stage 8: Punchers to strike at 'Wall of La Camperona'

Stage 8 in the Vuelta a España leads to a closing climb in La Camperona. In the last 3 kilometres it's safe to speak of a Wall as the gradients go up to 9.5%. Who are the major contenders to strike at the end of stage 8 in the Vuelta a España? (Slideshow route/profile)

In 2014, an overconfident attacked too early and he was brought back and lost time to his rivals, while eventually Chris Froome turned out on top as the best GC-rider, despite being dropped on the lower slopes. Day victory was Ryder Hesjedal's. The tough Canadian diesel bested his fellow escapee Olive Zaugg in the last kilometre after a long chase on the closing climb.

The stage itself is on rolling roads, making it a long warm-up for the closing climb. Totaling at 8 kilometres, it basically boils down to the last 3 kilometres. These are so steep it's safe to speak of a Wall. The Wall of Camporana.

Favourites 8th stage Vuelta a España

*** Esteban Chaves, Alejandro Valverde, Chris Froome
** Alberto Contador, Nairo Quintana, Louis Meintjes
* Daniel Moreno, Jan Bakelants, Leopold König, Pierre Latour