Vuelta 2022 Favourites stage 5: Winning on descent
foto: Cor VosFollowing an undulating run-up the riders tackle five intermediate climbs in the second half of the race. The finale is made up of a 4.6 kilometres climb at 8% and an ensuing drop down to the finish line. Which is perfect for the likes of Alaphilippe and Valverde, one could argue.
It remains to be seen what happens with the breakaway. If they are given free reign, the chances of the World Champion diminish considerably. After all, it’s unlikely that the GC teams will be comfortable with him up the road.
On paper, the parcours is suited for a successful breakaway. GC riders have little to gain and it’s too hard for the fast men. After almost 100 kilometres on rolling terrain the riders tackle the Gontzagarigana (5.3 kilometres at 4.5%), Balcon de Bizkaia (4.2 kilometres at 5.6%) and Alto de Morga (8.6 kilometres at 3.5%) before entering a circuit around Bilbao.
The circuit is almost 30 kilometres long, and it’s raced 1.5 times. The Alto de Vivero is included twice. The 4.6 kilometres climb at 8% peaks out 14 kilometres before the finish line. The first 12 kilometres go downhill, the last 2 are flat.
As said, the route is tailored for attackers. Riders with a good descent and fast legs are hard-wired for the win. Alaphilippe is unlikely to be given much space, but possibly the peloton is more lenient with Valverde in his last Vuelta.
Of course, Alaphilippe’s team can also opt to control the breakaway. If so, all good descenders with fast legs – who survive the Alto de Vivero – are given the opportunity to shine.
Favourites 5th stage 2022 Vuelta a España
*** Julian Alaphilippe, Alejandro Valverde, Primoz Roglic
** Thomas De Gendt, Alessandro de Marchi, Bob Jungels, Remco Evenepoel
* Alexey Lutsenko, Vincenzo Nibali, Marc Soler, Lawson Craddock, Rein Taaramäe
Another interesting read: route 5th stage 2022 Vuelta.
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles Bennett still in green - Vuelta 20 The Route - Vuelta 20 Riders - Vuelta 20 Favourites - Vuelta 20 GC Favourites - Vuelta 20 More articles Tour de France 2025: Yates edges out Arensman in a nail-biter, Healy takes yellow
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 10: Ennezat - Le Mont-Dore
Tour de France 2025: Withdrawals
Tour de France 2025: The Route
Tour de France 2025: Riders
Tour de France 2025: GC Favourites
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 11: Toulouse - Toulouse
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 11: For fast finishers #5
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 12: Auch - Hautacam
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 12: First high-mountain finish
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 13: Loudenvielle - Peyragudes
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 13: ITT into thin air
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 14: Pau - Superbagnères
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 14: GC Showdown in the Pyreneees
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 15: Muret - Carcassonne
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 15: For fast finishers #6
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 16: Montpellier - Mont Ventoux
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 16: Dominating Ventoux
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 17: Bollène - Valence
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 17: For fast finishers #7
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 18: Vif - Col de la Loze
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 18: Demolition work at high altitude
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 19: Albertville - La Plagne
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 19: Elite climbers face off
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 20: Nantua - Pontarlier
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 20: Breakaway day
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 21: Mantes-la-Ville - Paris
Tour de France 2025 Favourites stage 21: Heroes on the Champs-Élysées
Cycling Calendar 2025