Vuelta 2021 Route stage 9: Puerto Lumbreras - Alto de Velefique
Sunday 22 August - The 9th stage on La Vuelta takes in three intermediate ascents before the final haul up on the Alto de Velefique. The route adds up to 188 kilometres, while the finish climb is 13.2 kilometres long with an average gradient of 7.3%. The elevation gain adds up to almost 4,500 metres.
The first part of the race is not very remarkable. On rolling roads the riders travel in southwesterly direction until the first proper obstacle appears. The long Alto de Cuatro Vientos marks the start of the mountainous second part of the race.
The climb – 11.5 kilometres at 3.8% – is crested at kilometre 74.5. The real descent begins 5 kilometres later and continues onto an extended false flat. Then the riders enter the Alto Collado Venta Luisa, which is a climb of 29 kilometres long with an average gradient of 4.6%. The hardest part begins after 16 kilometres when the Venta Luisa climbs at double digit gradients for 4 kilometres.
Shortly after the downhill the Alto de Castro de Fiabres appears. This is a relatively easy test of 7.1 kilometres at 3.9%.
The route saves the best for last. The Alto de Velefique climb opens with 5 kilometres at 9% before the gradient levels out to roughly 6%. The ascent adds up to 13.4 kilometres, while the average gradient from base to top sits at 7.3%.
Situated at the base of the finish climb, Velefique is a former mining town in the Sierra de Filabres. In 2009, the summit with the same name was the end station of a stage with over 6,000 metres of vertical climbing. The now retired Ryder Hesjedal powered to the win.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds. Furthermore, 3, 2 and 1 seconds are available at the top of the Alto de Castro de Fiabres.
Other interesting reads: results 9th stage 2021 Vuelta.
Vuelta a España 2021 stage 9: route, profiles, more
Click on the images to zoom
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles Favourites stage 9: GC clash at the Velefique - Vuelta 20 The Route - Vuelta 20 Riders - Vuelta 20 Withdrawals - Vuelta 20 Route and stages - Vuelta 20 GC Favourites - Vuelta 20 More articles Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Route ITT (m/w)
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Start list + times ITT – men
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Start list + times ITT – women
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Route road race – men
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Riders road race – men
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Route road race – women
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Riders road race – women
Clásica de San Sebastián 2024: The Route
Tour de France Femmes 2024: The Route
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 1: Rotterdam - The Hague
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 2: Dordrecht - Rotterdam
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 3: Rotterdam ITT
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 4: Valkenburg - Liège
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 5: Bastogne - Amnéville
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 6: Remiremont - Morteau
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 7: Champagnole - Grand-Bornand
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 8: Grand-Bornand - Alpe d'Huez
Vuelta 2024: The Route
Vuelta 2024: Riders
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 1: Lisbon - Oeiras
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 2: Cascais - Ourém
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 3: Lousã - Castelo Branco
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 4: Plasencia - Pico Pitolero
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 5: Fuente del Maestre - Seville
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 6: Jerez de la Frontera - Yunquera
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 7: Archidona – Córdoba
Cycling Calendar 2024
Tour de France 2024: Withdrawals
Like our Facebook page and stay on top of all pro-race information!