Given the COVID-19 situation, nobody knows how long the Vuelta will actually last, so it is a solid guess that the GC riders will put pressure on one another from day one onwards. Stage 4 and stage 5 are not suited for that, but the ascent to Laguna Negra is.
Large time gaps are not to be expected on the climb, but – just like in shorter stage races – every second counts. Furthermore, the first three riders on the line gain time bonuses.
The course of stage 3 is vintage Vuelta. The route until the finishing climb is not too demanding. To be frank, the Laguna Negra ascent is not very trying either. It commences as a false flat, takes it up a notch and continues at 6% gradients before the last kilometre goes up at almost 10%.
The Jumbo-Visma/Team Sky approach is likely to be applied. High pace on the climb and the leader’s acceleration after the flamme rouge.
Favourites 3rd stage 2020 Vuelta a España
*** Richard Carapaz, Michael Woods, Primoz Roglic
** Tom Dumoulin, Esteban Chaves, Davide Formolo, Thibaut Pinot,
* Daniel Felipe Martínez, Chris Froome, Daniel Martin, Andrea Bagiolo, Alex Aranburu
Another interesting read: route 3rd stage of the 2020 Vuelta.
Vuelta a España 2020 stage 3: profiles
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