Andorra was created by Charlemagne in 803 to keep the Muslim Moors of Spain from advancing into Christian France. The surrounding mountains were quite helpfull in that respect.
Those mountains usually play an important role when a cycling race finishes in Andorra. The last time that La Vuelta was here, in 2017, the race exploded on the last climb, the short but steep Alto de la Comella. It came down to a sprint of a select group in Andorra le Vella, and Vincenzo Nibali turnde out on top.
Two years ago a Tour de France stage ended in Andorra la Vella as well. That day, Sepp Kuss soloed to victory from the breakaway.
The route of la Vuelta 3rd stage is lumpy untill the riders reach the border. Once they enter Andorra there are 50 kilometres and two hard climbs remaining. The climb to the line is 6 kilometres long and averages 8%.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprint comes with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Vuelta a España 2023 stage 3: profile, more
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