Vuelta 2016 Route stage 3: Marín – Mirador de Ézaro (Dumbria)

Monday, August 22, 2016 – At 176.4 kilometres, the 3rd stage of the 2016 Vuelta a España leads from coastal town Marín to Mirador de Ezaro in Dumbria. The last 65 kilometres feature two categorized climbs plus the short and steep closing climb with sections at up to 29%.

Marín is located 10 kilometres South-East of Pontevedra, the capital of the province with the same name. Just like in the first two stages the decor is Galicia.

Stage 3 opens with a more or less flat section of 110 kilometres before the Alto de Lestaio looms. Upon cresting a flat section of around 10 kilometres takes the riders to an uncategorised climb that’s leading to the highest point of the day, located at an elevation of 535 metres. Only then they plunge down to sea level.

The penultimate climb lays waiting with 30 kilometres left. Alto das Paxaireiras is 9 kilometres and peaks at an elevation of 500 metres.

In 2012 the closing climb took care of a mesmerizing finale of stage 12 with Joaquim Rodríguez besting Contador and Valverde. Mirador de Ezaro is a wall of 2 kilometres. The average grade is 14%, while the steepest section goes up at 29%.

At the finish wait 10, 6 and 4 seconds for the first three riders, and 3, 2 and 1 seconds can be gained at the intermediate sprint after 166 kilometres.

Results/race report 3rd stage 2016 Vuelta a España.