The finale suits his abilities perfectly. Movistar could set the pace on the climb to the line and Alejandro Valverde – who is a master of timing – could keep his explosive sprint in check until the final metres. The Unbeatable is unlikely to wear the red jersey until the end, but why not go for it when the opportunity presents itself?
Yes, there is an imminent danger… Peter Sagan is riding La Vuelta, too. As is Michal Kwiatkowski. Both riders are explosive and don’t shy away from a 5.1 kilometres climb at 3.3%.
The route of the 2nd stage is hilly but far from steep. Talking about gradients, the climb to Álora features the steepest stretches. The 1 kilometre climb, which is averaging 8%, is crested with 18.5 kilometres and with 92.5 kilometres (twice, as it is part of a circuit that’s ridden 1.5 times) to go.
Obviously, the race could come down to the breakaway, too. Thomas De Gendt’s name springs to mind…
Favourites 2nd stage 2018 Vuelta a España
*** Alejandro Valverde, Michal Kwiatkowski, Peter Sagan
** Tiesj Benoot, Thomas De Gendt, Giovanni Visconti
* Enric Mas, Lukas Pöstlberger
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Vuelta a España 2018 stage 2: Route maps, height profiles, and more
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