The toughest day of the Vuelta
Five climbs, over 5,000 metres of elevation gain, and the Alto de Hazallanas featured twice: this is without question the queen stage of this Vuelta. The Puerto de El Purche is sandwiched in between as an extra sting.
A category-Especial finale
The final climb, to Collado del Alguacil, is beyond category: 8.3 kilometres at nearly 10 percent average. The Sierra Nevada has decided the Vuelta before — and with the time trial only just behind them, the favourites can leave nothing to chance here.