Stage 1: A twisting, technical flat-out TTT in Barcelona
Stage 1 — Saturday, August 26
Barcelona-Barcelona
Distance: 14.8km (9.2 miles)
Profile: Flat team time trial
This year’s Vuelta a España begins with what is one of one two races against the clock, with this opening stage a 14.8km team time trial snaking through the streets of Barcelona. The city has hosted no less than 50 Vuelta stage departures, with a previous Gran Partida (overall race start) taking place there in 1962.
On that occasion the stage ended with a two up sprint between the Spaniard Antonio Barrutia Iturriagoitia and Irishman Shay Elliott, who lost out in the gallop but went on to win stage four, lead the race for three days and finish third overall.
The fast, flat TTT begins at the Playa del Somorrostro beach, immediately heads inland and passes a number of distinctive landmarks, including the Parc de la Ciutadella, the city’s distinctive red Arc de Triopmf, the world-renowned Sagrada Familia and Plaça España.
It concludes near the Font Màgica de Montjuïc (Magic Fountain of Montjuïc), constructed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. This sprays 700 gallons of water a second through 3620 jets, with the highest water spout 170 feet.
The teams will all be vying for early success in what is a test full of fast, sweeping right hand corners. The Jumbo-Visma squad features both Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard and Giro d’Italia champion Primož Roglič and their time trial abilities plus the general strength of the team should see it one of the top favorites.
Schedule
Start time (18.55 CET, 12.55 p.m. EST, 9.55 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (20.45 CET, 2.45 p.m. EST, 11.45 a.m. WST)
Stage 2: The first mountains and a punchy finishing circuit
Stage 2 — Sunday, August 27
Mataró to Barcelona
Distance: 181.8km (113 miles)
Profile: Medium mountain stage
Mataró makes its debut as a stage start on day two, with the 182km leg to Barcelona featuring a solid day on undulating terrain. It looks tailor-made for an early break with the third category Coll de Sant Bartomeu cresting less than 8km from the start, then being followed less than an hour later by the second category Coll d’Estenalles.
This is followed by two uncategorized climbs and then, close to the finish, the third category climb to Montjüic Castle. A short plunge back to the city plus an uphill ramp to the line will decide the final placings, with a reduced bunch sprint the most likely outcome.
Montjüic hill is well known to cycling fans, being regularly used on the final stage of the Volta a Catalunya. It was also part of the world road race championships circuit in 1973, when Italy’s Felice Gimondi won.
Schedule
Start time (13.11 CET, 7.11 a.m. EST, 4.11 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 3: The first of many summit finishes
Stage 3 — Monday, August 28
Súria to Arinsal, Andorra
Distance: 158.5km (98.5 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
Stage three sees the Vuelta already hit the high mountains with the first of ten summit finishes in the race. It begins with a first-ever stage start in Súria and features a big uncategorized climb inside the first hour, then a long uphill drag to the intermediate sprint in Andorra la Vella.
The climbing ramps up from here, with the first category Coll d’Ordino offering bonus seconds at the summit, then being followed by a descent prior to the day’s final climb. This is the first category Arinsal Andorra, an 8.3km climb averaging 7.7 percent but featuring pitches of up to 13 percent.
The first-ever summit finish at Arinsal is guaranteed to break apart the peloton and to reveal very early on who are the riders in form. Watch for an early statement of intent from Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard or his Jumbo-Visma teammate Primož Roglič, winner of the Vuelta in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Defending champion Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) will be equally keen to show he is up to the challenge.
Schedule
Start time (13.27 CET, 7.27 a.m. EST, 4.27 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 4: An opportunity for the sprinters on the streets of Tarragona
Stage 4 — Tuesday, August 29
Andorra la Vella, Andorra to Tarragona
Distance: 184.6km (114.7 miles)
Profile: Medium mountain stage
The 2023 Vuelta a España stage 4 looks likely to end in a bunch sprint, even if the breakaway riders will try to upset that plan. The first half of the stage is gradually downhill and therefore set to have very high speeds; later on there are two category three climbs, namely the Alto de Belltall (km 130.8) and the Coll de Lilla (km. 154).
That leaves 30 mainly downhill kilometers and, depending on how aggressively those climbs have been engaged, ample time for sprinters teams to get organized and hoover up any nearby breakaway moves. The presence of the day’s bonus sprint 20km from the finish may give them even more incentive to reel everything in, as will the fact that this year’s race offers perhaps only five stage win opportunities for the fastmen.
Andorra la Vella has hosted ten stage starts in Vuelta history, while Tarragona has seen 13 finishes. The most recent of these was in 2017 when Matteo Trentin won a big gallop to the line.
Schedule
Start time (13.20 CET, 7.20 a.m. EST, 4.20 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 5: A chance for the sprinters, but breakaways sure to try
Stage 5 — Wednesday, August 30
Morella to Burriana
Distance: 186.2km (115.7 miles)
Profile: Undulating stage
The sprinters have another opportunity on stage five, with the 186.2km stage from Morella including just one categorized climb. The second cat. Collado de la Ibola is 11.4km in length, averages 3.9 percent and is just over 50km from the finish line, making the run in to Burriana all the more controllable.
That won’t stop the breakaway riders from trying; the first 46 kilometers is very lumpy and includes two climbs, albeit without official categorization. That could be a platform for an early move and, if this can build a buffer, the later climb could act as a springboard for one or more of those in the break to press ahead.
However the long distance from the summit to the line will make their task a difficult one.
Dominated by an impressive castle, Morella is making its debut as a stage start town. It did host two finishes in the past, with Roberto Heras triumphing in 2004 and Denis Menchov winning four years later.
Burriana has been a stage finish town on two occasions, the most recent of which seeing Lotus-Festina win a team time trial there in 1990.
Schedule
Start time (13.11 CET, 7.11 a.m. EST, 4.11 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 6: Another mountain stage summit finish
Stage 6 — Thursday, August 31
La Vall d’Uixó to Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre
Distance: 183.1km (115.7 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
This stage sees the pendulum swing back in favor of the climbing specialists, with two days of likely sprint finishes now followed by a more challenging day in the saddle. Things are relatively civilized early on after a first-ever stage start in La Vall d’Uixó, with the altitude increasing little by little as the day progresses.
The category three Puerto de Arenillas (km. 48.8) and Alto Fuente de Rubielos (km. 83.1) are followed by a long block of undulating terrain which leads in to the intermediate sprint at Torrijas, just over 21km from the finish line. The final climb then begins with 11km remaining and ramps up to 1,956 meters above sea level, with the Pico del Buitre averaging 8 percent but including sections of up to 16 percent in gradient.
According to double Vuelta a España runner-up Fernando Escartín, the day could be a decisive one. “Without a doubt, this stage could well mark the first notable differences in the general classification.”
The final climb has hosted a stage finish on one previous occasion in the Vuelta a España. In 2019 Ángel Madrazo and Jetse Bol took a one-two for the Burgos-BH squad.
Schedule
Start time (12.34 CET, 6.34 a.m. EST, 3.34 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 7: A bone thrown to the sprinters.
Stage 7 — Friday, September 1
Utiel – Oliva
Distance: 200.8km (124.8 miles)
Profile: Flat stage
The race from Utiel to Oliva travels to Valencia and skirts the coast from there until the finish, meaning the stage profile is gradually downhill and then pan flat for the final two hours of racing. That points to an almost-certain bunch sprint, as well as a day of rest for the general classification riders.
However it will be crucial for them to be vigilant, both for any unexpected winds and also for crashes.
Utiel hosted a stage start one before, twenty years ago. That stage to Cuenca ended in a bunch gallop won by Erik Zabel ahead of Tom Boonen.
Oliva has never before hosted a stage finish, but those travelling to see the race this time will also be able to enjoy over 8km of fine sandy beaches, as well as the La Font Salada natural spring in the La Marjal Pego-Oliva Natural Park.
Schedule
Start time (12.57 CET, 6.57 a.m. EST, 3.57 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 8: Climbers to the fore on another mountainous shakeup
Stage 8 — Saturday, September 2
Dénia to Xorret de Catí, Costa Blanca Interior
Distance: 165km (102.5 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
Stage 8 is an intense one, with no less than five categorized climbs on the menu plus other hills not granted such status but certain to sap the legs.
The initial pressure will come from the second category Alto de Vall d’Ebo, summitting just 28.8km from the start and likely to prompt a stream of attacks. That is followed by the third cat. Puerto de Tollos (km. 49.4), and then the second category pairing of the Puerto de Benifallim (km. 81.7) and the Puerto de la Carrasquenta (km. 110.2), the latter also acting as the day’s bonus sprint.
Rolling terrain takes the riders towards the intermediate sprint at Ibi (km. 124.5), with the final climb beginning just over 7km from the finish. The category one Xorret de Catí may be just 3.9km in length but it averages 11.4 percent and ramps up to over 20 percent in places.
These gradients will splinter the GC group as well as fragmenting any break which might still be clear. The summit is followed by a fast 3km plunge down towards the finish line, making any gaps over the top all the more important.
Dénia previously hosted two stage starts in 1990. Xorret de Catí has featured stage finishes on six occasions, with Julian Alaphilippe the most recent winner in 2017. A similarly punchy rider could well win this time around.
Schedule
Start time (13.10 CET, 7.10 a.m. EST, 4.10 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 9: Summit finish before first rest day suggests all-out action
Stage 9 — Sunday, September 3
Cartagena to Collado de la Cruz de Caravaca (184.5km)
Profile: Moderate mountain stage
Another moderate climbing stage will finish off the first portion of the race, taking the riders into the rest day in Valladolid.
This will likely see more intense racing amongst the GC contenders, with the need to be cautious about energy expenditure a little less important than usual.
There are two climbs on the menu, with the Cat. 1 Puerto Casas de la Marina la Perdiz topping out 60.1km after the stage start. Over two hours of rolling terrain then follows prior to the days intermediate and bonus sprints at Cehegín, then the start of the final climb.
This category two ascent of the Alto Caravaca de la Cruz appears on paper not to be the hardest climb in this year’s race, averaging just 5.5 percent over 8.2km. However a number of short descents water down that gradient, with a more detailed look at the climb presenting a different reality.
There are five sections of between 15 and 20 percent, ample difficulty to create differences between the big guns.
The former Roman settlement of Cartagena has hosted stage starts on two occasions. Caravaca de la Cruz has been the location for two previous stage finishes, both featuring US winners. David Zabriskie was first across the line in 2004, while Tyler Farrar was best in 2009, beating Philippe Gilbert and many others in a sprint finish.
Schedule
Start time (12.39 CET, 6.39 a.m. EST, 3.39 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.15 CET, 11.15 a.m. EST, 8.15 a.m. WST)
Stage 10: The race of truth gets second phase of race underway
Stage 10 — Tuesday, September 5
Dénia to Xorret de Catí, Costa Blanca Interior,
Distance: 25.8km (16 miles)
Profile: Time trial stage
The race resumes after the first rest day with a mostly flat 25.8km time trial in Valladolid. This is the only individual time trial in the race, making it a vital opportunity for the strongest against the clock to try to gain time. However its position after a rest day could complicate things, as riders can suffer an unexpected off-day after a break in racing.
Defending champion Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep, three-time Vuelta winner Primož Roglič, Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard (both Jumbo-Visma) and 2018 Tour winner Geraint Thomas (Ineos-Grenadiers) will all dust off the TT bike and give it their all, being the GC riders most likely to top the leaderboard.
However the relatively flat parcours will also enable bigger TT specialists to go for gold.
Located close to the traditional Vuelta concluder of Madrid, Valladolid has often featured on the race route. It has hosted no less than 34 previous stage departures, including the most recent visit in 2012 won by Daniele Bennati.
Schedule
Start time (13.57 CET, 7.57 a.m. EST, 4.57 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 11: A mostly flat stage but with a sting in the tail
Stage 11 — Wednesday, September 6
Lerma to La Laguna Negra de Vinuesa
Distance: 163.2km (101.4 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
Stage 11 is another GC day, with a flat to undulating parcours leading towards the La Laguna Negra Vinuesa climb, a 6.5km category one ramp with a very difficult final section. The last kilometer or so of the climb is well over ten percent and could see the more explosive riders such as Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) shine in the final dash to the line.
Included in the ranks of The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain, Lerma is hosting a stage start for the first time. La Laguna Negra has seen one previous finish back in 2020, when Dan Martin outsprinted race leader Roglič to the line.
Schedule
Start time (13.19 CET, 7.19 a.m. EST, 4.19 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 12: A day for the break…or will the sprinters have the last word?
Stage 12 — Thursday, September 7
Ólvega to Zaragoza
Distance: 150.6km (93.5 miles)
Profile: Hilly stage
At a glance this stage looks straightforward: beginning with 70 kilometers of mainly downhill roads, featuring just one climb which lacks classification, and then a downhill to flat run in to the finish line. However as former Vuelta runner-up Fernando Escartín warns, there could be a hidden risk.
“The wind could make all the difference here. In fact, echelons are frequent whenever La Vuelta goes to Zaragoza. If this happens, it will be a dangerous day for the riders who don’t handle this type of situation well.”
Escartín says that the resulting tension in the bunch should lead to a very fast stage and a likely bunch sprint. However if echelons do form the peloton could potentially reach the finish in several different groups, complicating things for the GC riders.
Ólvega is hosting a Vuelta start for the first time. Zaragoza has considerably more experience, having being a finish location 48 times in the past. The most recent of those was in 2008 when Frenchman Sébastien Hinault won a huge bunch sprint to the line.
Schedule
Start time (14.10 CET, 8.10 a.m. EST, 5.10 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 13: Crucial GC day as legendary Col du Tourmalet makes its Vuelta debut
Stage 13 — Friday, September 8
Formigal, Huesca la Magia to Col du Tourmalet
Distance: 134.7km (83.7 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
Stage 13 sees the race cross the border to finish atop a climb much more often featured in the Tour de France. Indeed all bar 4.4 kilometers of the stage are in France, including the summit finish of the Col du Tourmalet, but also the day’s three other climbs.
Starting in Formigal, the race scales the third category Puerto de Portalet early on, with the summit being the border point into France. A long descent brings the riders to the foot of the Col d’Aubisque, one of the day’s two special category climbs. The overall contenders will test each other on the steep first category Col de Spandelles, with a bonus sprint at the top giving them an extra incentive.
Once down the descent they will face the finishing climb of the Tourmalet, the day’s second special category ascents. This is 18.9km in length, averages 7.4 percent and concludes with almost two kilometers over ten percent steepness.
Formigal hosted a stage start once in the past, back in 1977. The Col du Tourmalet is one of the most legendary climbs in the Tour de France and has appeared countless times, but is making its debut as a Vuelta stage finish. Serious GC action is to be expected on what is one of the hardest stages in this year’s race.
Schedule
Start time (13.58 CET, 7.58 a.m. EST, 4.58 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 14: Fireworks predicted on grueling day in the Pyrenees
Stage 14 — Saturday, September 9
Sauveterre-de-Béarn to Larra-Belagua
Distance: 156.5km (97.2 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
Stage 14 offers another really difficult day in the saddle, even if the first 50 kilometers are relatively straightforward. Like stage 13 there are two special climbs—a classification which equates to hors categorie in the Tour—with these being Col Hourcére (km 65.2) and the Col de Erroymendi (km. 109).
The latter is the location for the day’s bonus sprint and marks the return point into Spain. From there the riders tackle the third category Puerto de Laza prior to the big concluder atop the category one Puerto de Belagua.
Double Vuelta runner-up Fernando Escartín predicts fireworks. “Following the fatigue of the Tourmalet, the riders will have to face a very demanding mountain stage with an unprecedented finale, including two special category climbs. As in the previous stage, it’s not long in terms of kilometers, but the speed combined with fatigue could make this a very tough day.
He forecasts a breakaway will have a strong chance of staying clear.
Sauveterre-de-Béarn is hosting the Vuelta for the first time, as is Larra-Belagua.
Schedule
Start time (13.17 CET, 7.17 a.m. EST, 4.17 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 15: A day for the break, but GC riders need to be watchful
Stage 15 — Sunday, September 10
Pamplona to Lekunberri
Distance: 158.3km (98.4 miles)
Profile: Hilly stage
More climbing, but on a more humane level. The profile of stage 15 shows a ripple of uncategorized climbs early on, then three with official designation. These are the third category Puerto de Lizarraga (km. 79.8). which is followed by two ascents of the second cat. Puerto de Zuarrarrate (km. 120.3 and km. 149.8). A near-nine kilometer descent to the finish follows.
The stage has breakaway written all over it, with that final climb a likely springboard for a smaller selection to emerge.
Pamplona has hosted 24 stage starts in Vuelta history. Lekunberri has just one previous finish, a stage won in a solo move by Marc Soler three years ago.
Schedule
Start time (13.33 CET, 7.33 a.m. EST, 4.33 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 16: Beachside racing before a dramatic finale
Stage 16 — Tuesday, September 12
Liencres Playa to Bejes
Distance: 120.1km (74.6 miles)
Profile: Flat to hilly stage
Following a rest day in Santander, racing resumes with a curiously-profiled stage skirting the coast of the Cantabrian sea in northern Spain. It hovers between 1 and 100 meters altitude for much of the stage, albeit with constant small undulations, then ramps up suddenly approximately 5km from the finish line.
The second category climb of La Hermida will be a dramatic finale, not least because of gradients which climb as high as 15 percent, and which look tailor-made for Primož Roglič.
Former race runner up Fernando Escartín says the conclusion will be spectacular. “The arrival in Bejes is very explosive. The second category climb is only five kilometers long, but includes ramps of up to 14 percent. The differences to the general classification are sure to be minimal, but the finale will be thoroughly enjoyable for spectators.”
Start town Liencres Playa is new to the race, as is the finish of Bejes.
Schedule
Start time (14.47 CET, 8.47 a.m. EST, 5.47 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 17: The most savage climb in professional cycling?
Stage 17 — Wednesday, September 13
Ribadesella/Ribeseya to Altu de L’Angliru
Distance: 124.4km (77.3 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
The Angliru featured in the Vuelta for the first time in 1999 and has only featured nine times in all, but has become one of the most iconic climbs in the event. That’s due in part to the savage gradients of up to 24 percent and the overall difficulty of the 12.4km climb, and also due to the caliber of the stage winners there.
José María Jiménez took the first victory, with Gilberto Simoni, Roberto Heras, Alberto Contador amongst the others.
The stage is not just about this climb, though. The special category ascent is preceded by the first category climbs of the Alto de la Colladiella (km. 75.8) and the Alto del Cordal (km. 103.3), the latter being followed by a plunging 9km descent and then the start of the wall-like Angliru.
“The stage will be a decisive one for the race’s final outcome,” says former pro Fernando Escartín, now part of the race organization. “Riders will face two first category climbs before arriving at the feared slopes of the Angliru.”
While predicting that a breakaway has a chance of staying clear, he sees the stage as being decisive. “The men in the general classification will wait until the final ramps to really go into battle. He who emerges leader where will be a step closer to the final victory.”
Schedule
Start time (13.57 CET, 7.57 a.m. EST, 4.57 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 18: One final mountain-top finish to seal or unseat race leader
Stage 18 — Thursday, September 14
Pola de Allande – La Cruz de Linares
Distance: 178.9km (111.2 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
Stage 18 is the last high mountain stage of this year’s Vuelta a España, and also the final day with a summit finish. The first hour or so is downhill and undulating, with the second cat. Aldo de las Estacas (km. 48.8) the first of five categorized ascents to feature.
The others are the cat. 1 Puerto de la San Lorenzo, which reaches gradients of 16 percent and takes the riders to the halfway point of the stage, and then the more straightforward third cat. Alto de Tenebredo. The finale sees the peloton then tackle two ascents of the Puerto de la Cruz de Linares.
While this is just 8.3km long, the bulk of it is over 9 percent, including portions of 15 and 16 percent. Given these are the final major climbs of this year’s race, expect a huge battle all the way to the line.
Double Vuelta runner-up Fernando Escartín says this first-time ever finish could prove decisive. “It is a new, tough, mountain pass that may surprise some of the riders, particularly taking into the account their fatigue after arriving at Angliru. Teams feeling strong enough may plan strategies in order to knock the leader off the top spot.”
Schedule
Start time (12.55 CET, 6.55 a.m. EST, 3.55 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 19: The sprinters sweep forward again
Stage 19 — Friday, September 15
La Bañeza to Ísca
Distance: 177.1km (110 miles)
Profile: Flat stage
They have suffered many stages through the big mountains, but stage 19 is the first of two promising opportunities which remain for the sprinters. The stage to Ísca has only the slighted undulations, lacking any categorized climbs. It features a combined intermediate and bonus sprint approximately 20km from the finish and unless wind is a factor, should be a straightforward sprint.
La Bañeza previously hosted one stage start back in 1989, with Eddy Planckaert proving best. Ísca is making its debut as a stage finish.
Schedule
Start time (13.29 CET, 7.29 a.m. EST, 4.29 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 20: An Ardennes-style climax to the Vuelta’s GC battle
Stage 20 — Saturday, September 16
Manzanares El Real to Guadarrama
Distance: 207.8km (129.1 miles)
Profile: Mountain stage
This stage is the last real chance for GC riders to make a difference. What it lacks in long climbs it makes up for in continuous up and downs, with no less than ten category three climbs lying in wait.
This Ardennes-Classics style parcours will see the riders slog it out on a technical, twisting course which exposes them to a total altitude gain of over 4,000 metres. This will demand their full concentration, and any slip up could see changes to the general classification.
If time gaps are tight at the top, this longest stage of the 2023 Vuelta could be a very tense day.
“The terrain is winding and crazy,” said double Vuelta runner-up Fernando Escartín, “allowing little to no time to relax. Not even on the way down.”
Both the start and finish towns are hosting the race for the first time.
Schedule
Start time (12.02 CET, 6.02 a.m. EST, 3.02 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (17.30 CET, 11.30 a.m. EST, 8.30 a.m. WST)
Stage 21: Madrid finale sees sprinters go head to head and crowns race winner
Stage 21 — Sunday, September 17
Hipódromo de la Zarzuela to Madrid, Paisaje de la Luz
Distance: 101.1km (62.8 miles)
Profile: Flat stage
Beginning in the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela horse racing center, the final stage of the Vuelta is totally flat and based totally in and around Madrid. It includes eight finishing laps of a 5.8km circuit, and is almost certain to conclude in a bunch sprint.
It will be a processional stage for the race winner, although they will still have to be very vigilant to avoid crashes.
Schedule
Start time (17.19 CET, 11.19 a.m. EST, 8.19 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (19.58 CET, 13.58 p.m. EST, 10.58 a.m. WST)