Vuelta 2019 Favourites stage 11: Sprint of brave attackers

The 11th stage of the Vuelta a Espana is emblematic of the Spanish Grand Tour. Although one of the easiest of this edition, this is a demanding race that is likely to see a large group of attackers fight for the stage honours. (Slideshow route/profile)

Once the flag drops the route climbs to the village Lohitzun-Oyhercq. This sets the tone. The 11th stage does not feature any long or steep climbs, but the roads are far from flat. Which will surely do damage. Not to mention that it disheartens the sprinters.

The route includes three uphills for mountain points: Col d’Osquich (at kilometre 77 – 4.9 kilometres at 6.1%), Col d’Ispeguy (at kilometre 123 – 7.2 kilometres at 7.1%) and Col de Otxondo. That last climb is 7.6 kilometres long and the average gradient sits at 4.7%, while the summit is reached inside the last 40 kilometres. Also, the route features a false flat drag with 8 kilometres remaining.

We are in the second week of action and the race has been energy-spanning, so chances are that the breakaway is going to survive. La Vuelta is often a race for attackers and this is likely to be an emblematic stage with strong riders surviving the warm weather conditions. A sprint of a select group is the most likely outcome.

Favourites 11th stage 2019 Vuelta a España

*** Patrick Bevin, Philippe Gilbert, Tao Geoghegan Hart
** Edvald Boasson Hagen, Jean-Pierre Drucker, Luka Mezgec
* John Degenkolb, Fernando Gaviria, Robert Power, Zdenek Stybar

Take a look at the route of the 11th stage of La Vuelta.