Vuelta 2016 Route stage 8: Villalpando – La Camperona (Valle de Sabero)

Saturday, August 27, 2016 – At 181.5 kilometres, stage 8 in the Vuelta a España takes the riders from Villalpando to La Camperona. A race with two different faces as the first 168 kilometres look extremely peaceful while the 8 kilometres closing climb involves ramps at 19.5%...

We are traversing the Castila and León, meaning no flat metre in sight, yet the route on rolling roads is easy. That is, to begin with. Time for a chat and to enjoy the scenery.

The finale of the stage is something else. La Camperona is a 1nd category climb that was in the Vuelta before. In 2014 Ryder Hesjedal climbed to victory on these steep slopes totalling at slightly over 8 kilometres.

It all starts out quietly, yet in the village Olleros de Sabero the roads get steeper with gradients up to 10%. Once in Sotillos de Sabero the party really gets going, while the last 3 kilometres come with gradients at 19.5%. Let’s be fair, that’s a Wall. The Wall of Camperona.

The road of horrors is tailor made for the likes of Dani Moreno and Alejandro Valverde. Power management is the key to success. In 2014 Valverde himself jumped too early and eventually he lost time to his opponents. If he stays focused this time, chances are he will take the red jersey.

Check underneath slideshow for details of the closing climb.

Time bonuses at 10, 6 and 4 seconds lay waiting at the finish line, while 3, 2 and 1 seconds are to be gained at the intermediate sprint after 104 kilometres.

Live race report 8th stage 2016 Vuelta. The finish is expected around 17:40, local time.