Vuelta 2016 Route stage 12: Los Corrales de Buelna

Vuelta 2016 Route stage 12: Los Corrales de Buelna – Bilbao

Thursday, September 1, 2016 – At 193.2 kilometres, stage 12 of the 2016 Vuelta a España serves a menu that's tailor made for attackers. Four climbs before a downhill finale leads the riders into Bilbao.

After leaving departure place Los Corrales de Buelna the toughest climb is crested with 49 kilometres done. The Puerto de Alisas is a 12.6 kilometres challenge at 4.9%.

The first climb is 1st category, the other three are 3rd category. With the top 89 kilometres into the race the Alto de la Escrita is a steady climb. Starting in Riancho the first section is a false flat before the last 5 kilometres are steeper with gradients at around 5%.

With 53 kilometres remaining the peloton enters Bilbao for the first time. Two local rounds take the riders two times over the Alto de Vivero, which is a 4.2 kilometres climb with steepest sectors at over 10% halfway up the hill. The last 1.5 kilometres flatten out to 5% before a fast 13 kilometres drop takes the riders to the line.

The Vuelta a Espana visited Bilbao in 2011. Back then, stage 19 featured exactly the same closing circuit. Igor Anton soloed to victory.

Bonus seconds at 10, 6 and 4 seconds lay waiting for the first three riders, while 3, 2 and 1 seconds are to be gained at the intermediate sprint at kilometre 164.7.

Results/race report 12th stage, 2016 Vuelta a España.