Vuelta 2022 Favourites stage 6: Climb fest at Pico Jano
image: Cor VosEn route in the 6th stage of La Vuelta, the riders tackle two official climbs and a series of unofficial climbs. Obviously, all this climbing will have added to the fatigue when they enter the Pico Jano. This is an unprecendented climb of 12.6 kilometres at 6.6%. GC clash, or attackers?
The riders conquer more than 4,000 vertical metres on the road from Bilbao to Pico Jano. Shortly after the start the route goes up. Altough there are some minor downhill sections, the first 37 kilometres run predominantly uphill. Which is the raw material for an enticing battle for the breakaway. And since most of it goes up, a lead group of strong climbers is to be expected.
Two classified climbs feature in the run-up to the Pico Jano. The Puerto de Alisa is 8.7 kilometres long and averages 5.8%, while the Collada de Brenes is shorter (6.8 kilometres) but steeper (8.2%). The Brenes peaks out with 35 kilometres remaining. The first half is on descent and then the route climbs false flat to the base of the Pico Jano.
The Asturian mountain was never before included in La Vuelta. The 12.6 kilometres climb averages 6.6%, but that statistic is misleading. The real test is the irregularity. The first half in particular serves a number of double digit ramps.
If a lead group with strong climbers does emerge in the mountainous first 37 kilometres, that’s good news for the breakaway to succeed. On the other hand, a huge battle for the breakaway could also imply that it’ll take more than 37 kilometres for a group to break free. Another option is that the GC teams keep the attackers on a tight leash, which would result in the first big GC clash on Pico Jano.
Forced to take a pick, we would opt for the GC clash. And yes, we know, that might be wishful thinking.
Favourites 6th stage 2022 Vuelta a España
*** Richard Carapaz, Simon Yates, Primoz Roglic, Sergio Higuita
** Jai Hindley, Wilco Kelderman, Thibaut Pinot, Mikel Landa, Miguel Ángel López
* Wout Poels, Carlos Rodriguez, Fausto Masnada, Rein Taaramäe, Santiago Buitrago
Another interesting read: route 6th stage 2022 Vuelta.
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Leave a comment
No comments yet, your opinion is most welcome.
Related articles Bennett keeps green jersey - Vuelta 20 The Route - Vuelta 20 Riders - Vuelta 20 Favourites - Vuelta 20 GC Favourites - Vuelta 20 More articles Tour of Valencia 2023: Girmay sprints to triumph and leader's jersey
Tour of Valencia 2023: The Route
Tour of Valencia 2023: Favourites
Tour of Valencia 2023: Riders
Tour of Valencia 2023 Route stage 1: Orihuela - Altea
Tour of Valencia 2023 Route stage 2: Novelda - Alto de Pinos
Tour of Valencia 2023 Route stage 3: Betera - Segunto
Tour of Valencia 2023 Route stage 4: Burriana - Alto de la Cueva Santa
Tour of Valencia 2023 Route stage 5: Paterna – Valencia
Ruta del Sol 2023: The Route
Cycling Calendar 2023
UAE Tour 2023: The Route
UAE Tour 2023: Riders
Giro 2023: The Route
Giro 2023: Riders
Giro 2023 Route stage 1: Fossacesia - Ortona
Giro 2023 Route stage 2: Teramo - San Salvo
Giro 2023 Route stage 4: Venosa - Lago Laceno
Giro 2023 Route stage 7: Capua - Gran Sasso
Tour de France 2023: The Route
Tour de France 2023: Riders
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 1: Bilbao - Bilbao
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 2: Vitoria-Gasteiz - San Sebastián
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 6: Tarbes - Cauterets
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 9: Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat - Puy de Dôme
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 13: Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne - Grand Colombier
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 14: Annemasse - Morzine
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 15: Les Gets - Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc
Tour de France 2023 Route stage 20: Belfort - Le Markstein
Vuelta 2023: The Route