Vuelta 2020 Favourites stage 1: GC Punchers for first red jersey

The finale of the 1st stage of the Vuelta is a steep climb before and undulating plateau of 2 kilometres. Chances are that the GC contenders will dive right into it. (Slideshow route/profile)

Given the current situation it remains to be seen how long the Vuelta lasts. It’s possible that every day is the last day, so it’s a likely scenario that the GC battle will be on from day one onwards.

The course is no too complicated. Following flat roads in the first half the riders tackle three moderate climbs – Puerto de Udana (6 kilometres at 2.3%), Alto de Kampazar (6.7 kilometres at 4.1%), Alto de Karabieta (6.2 kilometres at 5.2%) – before the ascent to the Sanctuary of Arrate appears.

The first 2 kilometres are nothing special. The Arrata climb comes down to the 3 ensuing kilometres, a section with an average gradient of almost 10% before it levels out in the last 300 metres. The last 2 kilometres of the race are an undulating run-in to the line.

A likely scenario is that a select group survives the steep ramps to enter the plateau at the top together. A GC sprint at breakneck speeds is to be expected.

Favourites 1st stage 2020 Vuelta a España

*** Primoz Roglic, Alejandro Valverde, Richard Carapaz, Andrea Bagioli
** Tom Dumoulin, Enric Mas, Thibaut Pinot, Davide Formolo, Michael Woods
* Wout Poels, Chris Froome, Daniel Felipe Martínez, Alex Aranburu

Another interesting read: route 1st stage of the 2020 Vuelta.