Vuelta 2016 Route stage 5: Viveiro

Vuelta 2016 Route stage 5: Viveiro – Lugo

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 – The 5th stage of the 2016 Vuelta a España is the last one in Galicia. La Vuelta leaves the most northwestern region of Spain after a 171.3 kilometres race with a bunch sprint the most likely outcome.

Leaving the Atlantic, the riders head for the historical town of Lugo. The first half of the race is at sea level. With 118 kilometres done the Puerto de Marco de Álvare is crested, a 3rd category climb. A short descent takes the riders to a plateau at an elevation of around 450 metres. The rest of the race is mostly on flat roads.

After a passage through arrival place Lugo a local circuit at 24.5 kilometres awaits the riders. The finale is an interesting one with a 5% gradient in a 1 kilometre climb with 3 kilometres to go. Ten years ago Aleksandr Vinokourov attacked on this climb to solo to victory.

Lugo dates back to Roman times. In fact, worldwide it is the only city surrounded by Roman walls that are still intact.

Time bonuses at 10, 6 and 4 seconds lay waiting at the finish line, while 3, 2 and 1 seconds are to be be gained at the intermediate sprint at 98.2 kilometres.

Results/race report 5th stage, 2016 Vuelta a España.