Author: M. Özgür Nevres

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 16 is a mountain stage with summit finish from Graus to Sallent de Gállego, Aramón Formigal ski resort. This is the third and last day in the Pyrenees, a very tough course with 146.8 km length. The peloton will have already pedaled for many, many kilometers and the pressure experienced in the mountain stages may take its toll on more than a few riders. This stage will pay homage to Fernando Escartín (see notes 1), one of the best climbers ever to emerge from Spanish cycling.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 15 is a mountain stage with summit finish from Andorra to Peyragudes. With 224.9 km length in the heart of the Pyrenees, this is the longest stage of this years’ Vuelta.

The stage will start in Andorra and finish atop the Peyragudes mountain pass, in France. This mountain stage will end at the summit where Alejandro Valverde won his last stage of the Tour de France. The day’s four mountain passes will mean changes in the general classification and will leave many riders out of the running to reach their final goal.

Those who obtain a good place during this tough stage will not necessarily win the Vuelta, but those who have a bad day will have definitely ruined their chances completely. The Vuelta a España will, once again, have a stage finish in France after the arrival at Cauterets back in 2003. In this way, the Vuelta pays homage to the 100th edition of the Tour de France.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 14 is a very tough mountain stage with summit finish, from Bagà to Collada de la Gallina (Andorra). The length of the course is 155.7 km. It is also the first stage in the Pyrenees.

With 2,410 m elevation, the Port de Envalira will be the Cima Alberto Fernandez^[1] (the highest point of the Vuelta a España, the Spanish equivalent of Cima Coppi) of this year’s race.
Last year, stage 8 of Vuelta a España finished atop Collada de la Gallina too, and Alejandro Valverde of Movistar won the stage.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 13 is a mountain stage from Valls to Castelldefels. The length of the course is 169.0 km. The stage will not finish atop any mountain but the course still tough.

The day before the Vuelta a España’s arrival in the Pyrenees could be marked by various aspects. Firstly, by the wind, which could greatly affect the day’s progress. If the wind is strong, the stage could be extremely challenging and complicated. All the riders will have to be careful not to lose everything they have worked so hard to gain thus far in the past two weeks.

Secondly, not many riders will be willing to spend all their energy on this stage, as reserves are already running low. The next three days will take place solely in the Pyrenees and every effort made could potentially take its toll later on. It will be a fast, anxiety-driven day. However, the climb up the Rat Penat mountain pass promises to be one of the day’s highlights.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 12 is a plain stage from Maella to Tarragona. The length of the course is 164.2 km. Despite there is a 3rd category climb in the middle of the route, the stage is suitable the pure sprinters, because there is a lot of flat course after that climb. The general classification contenders will want to save their energy just two days before reaching the Pyrenees.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 11 is an individual time trial stage in Tarazona. The 38.8 km course contains a 3rd category climb. After the rest day, it will be a real test for the GC contenders.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 10 is a mountain stage with summit finish, from Torredelcampo to Güéjar Sierra/Alto Hazallanas. The length of the course is 186.8 km.

The peloton will face the unprecedented Alto Hazallanas climb immediately after having endured the Monachil climb, making this stage highly complicated for all concerned. The difficulty faced in the final part of this stage will make it one of the Vuelta’s truly determining days.

Vuelta a España 2013 Stage 9 is a mountain stage with summit finish, between Antequera and Valdepeñas de Jaén. The length of the course is 163.7 km.

Valdepeñas de Jaén has one of the toughest ramps in the world of cycling. The gradient hits up to 30%, more than enough to ensure an epic day of racing for the aficionados. The stage will be tough and, after the previous day’s efforts, there could well be some differences at the finish line. A bad day at Valdepeñas de Jaén can affect the remainder of the race. Leaders will pay particular attention to the final movements in order to fight for the prestige of winning a stage.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 8 is a mountain stage with summit finish, between Jerez de la Frontera and Estepona (Alto Peñas Blancas). The length of the course is 166.6 km.

Vuelta a España 2013 stage 7 is a flat stage between Almendralejo and Mairena del Aljarafe. The length of the course is 195.5 km.