The Puerto de Montserrat is 8.2 kilometres long and the average gradient sits at 6.9%. The descent begins a kilometre after the summit and leads the riders to a flat run-in of 10 kilometres into Igualada.
Is the pay-off worth the investment? Obviously, this question will loom large in the buses of the sprint teams. Pure sprinters are sure to crack on the Puerto de Montserrat, but the likes of Bo Hagen and Gaviria might stand a chance. A fast descent could repair possible damage.
If sprint teams don’t feel tempted to control the break, odds are that (late) attackers will get the spoils. Although a sprint with a reduced peloton is another possibility.
Favourites 8th stage 2019 Vuelta a España
*** Philippe Gilbert, Tao Geoghegan Hart
** Edvald Boasson Hagen, Fernando Gaviria
* Thomas De Gendt, Luis León Sánchez, Patrick Bevin
Take a look at the route of the 8th stage of La Vuelta.
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Vuelta a España 2019 stage 8: profile and finale
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