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 la Vella, and Vincenzo Nibali turned 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’s 3rd stage is lumpy untill the riders reach the border. Once they enter Andorra there are 51 kilometres and two hard climbs remaining. The first one is the Coll d’Ordino, an ascent of 8.9 kilometres with an average gradient of 5.1%. Time bonuses of 6, 4 and 2 seconds are awared to the first three riders at the summit.
A 13 kilometres descent precedes the finish climb. As soon as the riders hit the valley floor the road goes up again. The climb to the line is 8.3 kilometres long and averaging 7.7%.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprint – as mentioned, situated at the Ordino – comes with 6, 4 and 2 seconds.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX 3rd stage 2023 Vuelta.
Another interesting read: results 3rd stage 2023 Vuelta.
Vuelta a España 2023 stage 3: routes, profiles, more
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