Vuelta 2024 Route stage 3: Lousã - Castelo Branco

Monday 19 August - At 191.2 kilometres, the 3rd stage of La Vuelta is played out in the Portuguese interior. The riders set off from Lousã to head for the Serra da Estrela before finishing in Castelo Branco.

Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. Reaching to 1993 metres above sea level, Torre is not only the highest peak in the system, it is also accessible by a paved road.

The riders don't go that high though. The highest peak of the day is the Alto de Teixeira, at 855 metres and reached after 17.4 kilometres of ascending at 3.2%. The other KOM is the Alto de Alpedrinha - 6.4 kilometres at 3,4% -, and with its summit over 40 kilometres from the finish line in Castelo Branco.

The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while there are 3, 2 and 1 seconds available at the intermediate sprint.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX 3rd stage 2024 Vuelta.

Another interesting read: route 3rd stage 2024 Vuelta a España.