Vuelta 2021 Favourites stage 9: GC clash at the Velefique
image: Cor VosFeaturing an elevation gain of almost 4,500 vertical metres, the 9th stage at la Vuelta is likely to see a GC clash on the finish climb. The Alto de Velefique is a 13.2 kilometres climb with an average gradient of 7.3%.
With a GC clash on the finish climb we mean a fight for the stage win and probably the red jersey. It’s easy enough for the GC teams to control the race. The riders penetrate the rolling plains of south-eastern Spain towards the Alto de Cuatro Vientos, which is a gentle way to stretch the legs with its 11.2 kilometres at 3.4%.
Shortly after the descent the riders enter the Alto Collado Venta Luisa. This is a massive test of 28.6 kilometres long and an average percentage of 4.5%. Not steep, but it will surely add to the fatigue. Same goes for the Alto de Castro de Fiabres, a 6.2 kilometres climb at 3.5%.
The Castro de Fiabres is crested at kilometre 160 and right after the descent the route goes back up again. This time for real. The first kilometres are a false flat run-up to the village of Velefique and then it ramps up to 11.4% in the first kilometre. The route continues to ascend at double digit gradients for 3 kilometres before it flattens out to roughly 6%. The last 2 kilometres before the line are a false flat again.
The average gradient of the 13.2 kilometres from Velefique village to the summit sits at 7.3%.
Favourites 9th stage 2021 Vuelta a España
*** Primoz Roglic, Adam Yates, Enric Mas
** Mikel Landa, Miguel Ángel López, Richard Carapaz, Egan Bernal
* Mark Padun, Romain Bardet, Ion Izagirre, Rafal Majka, Michael Storer
Another interesting read: route 9th stage of the 2021 Vuelta.
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles Route stage 9: Puerto Lumbreras - Alto de Velefique - Vuelta 20 The Route - Vuelta 20 Riders - Vuelta 20 Withdrawals - Vuelta 20 Favourites - Vuelta 20 GC Favourites - Vuelta 20 More articles Giro 2022 Route stage 10: Pescara - Jesi
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 10: For strongman sprinters
Giro 2022: Withdrawals
Giro 2022: The Route
Giro 2022: Riders
Giro 2022 Route stage 11: Santarcangelo di Romagna - Reggio Emilia
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 11: For fast men #4
Giro 2022 Route stage 12: Parma - Genoa
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 12: Strongmen sprinters, or attackers
Giro 2022 Route stage 13: San Remo - Cuneo
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 13: Sprint in Cuneo
Giro 2022 Route stage 14: Santena - Turin
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 14: Hilly race to suit attackers
Giro 2022 Route stage 15: Rivarolo Canavese - Cogne
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 15: Breakaway day at altitude
Giro 2022 Route stage 16: Salò - Aprica
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 16: For pure bred climbers
Giro 2022 Route stage 17: Ponte di Legno - Lavarone
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 17: Climbers eyeing pink
Giro 2022 Route stage 18: Borgo Valsugana - Treviso
Giro 2022 Favourites stage 18: For fast men #5
Giro 2022 Route stage 19: Marano Lagunare - Castelmonte
Giro 2022 Route stage 20: Belluno - Passo Fedaia
Cycling Calendar 2022
Tour de France 2022: The Route
Tour de France 2022: Riders
Tour de France 2022 Route stage 5: Lille - Arenberg
Tour de France 2022 Route stage 12: Briançon - Alpe d'Huez
Vuelta 2022: The Route
Like our Facebook page and stay on top of all pro-race information!