Vuelta 2023 Route stage 18: Pola de Allande - La Cruz de Linares

Thursday 14 September - At 178.9 kilometres, the 18th stage of the Vuelta a España takes in five ascents. Following four intermediate climbs the climb to the line is 8.3 kilometres long and averaging 8.6%.

In fact, the finish is tackled twice. The riders enter a finishing circuit with 33 kilometres remaining to get a first taste of the Puerto de la Cruz de Linares. The gradients are hovering around 10% for 4 kilometres before it levels out to 7% in the second half. The concrete slabs near Castañeo del Monte go up at 20%.

So, that's a finale to look forward to!

In the run-up the riders tackle the Alto de las Estacas (5.1 kilometres at 7.5%), Puerto de San Lorenzo (9.9 kilometres at 8.6%) and Alto de Tenebredo (3.4 kilometres at 9.5%). The latter ramp is crested with 58 kilometres remaining. The route then continues with a loop southwest of Oviedo before the double ascent of La Cruz de Linares rounds out the route.

The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprint - first time atop La Cruz de Linares - comes with 6, 4 and 4 seconds.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX 18th stage 2023 Vuelta.

Another interesting read: results 18th stage 2023 Vuelta.