Vuelta 2023 Favourites stage 5: Breakaway day

image: Cor VosNo sprinters team is likely to be eager to control the breakaway in a stage with an elevation gain of approximately 2,400 metres. And GC riders will have the finish climb of the 6th stage on their minds. So, dear attackers, go for it! (Slideshow route/profile)

Or is Alpecin-Deceuninck in the mood to double up after Groves’ win on stage 4?

The route traverses the remote Maestrazgo region. Flat sections are hard to find, but still, riders who are eyeing up the polka dot jersey come off badly. There is only one chance to gain KOM points. The Collado de la Ibola is a climb of 11.4 kilometres at 3.9%.

The Ibola climb is crested with over 50 kilometres remaining. The first 15 kilometres of which are on descent before a false flat leads to another descent. The last 14 kilometres are played out on the flat.

A select group of attackers sprinting for the win, that’s a likely scenario. Although a solo from the breakaway is just as likely. And, if Alpecin-Deceuninck is willing to take on the workload, the race could also pan out in to a full-blown sprint.

Favourites 5th stage 2023 Vuelta a España

*** Andrea Vendrame, Iván García, Matteo Sobrero, Nico Denz
** Kaden Groves, Stefan Bissegger, Rune Herregodts, Andreas Kron
* Thomas De Gendt, Luis León Sánchez, Marijn van den Berg, Julius Johansen

Another interesting read: route 5th stage 2023 Vuelta.