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Preview Vuelta a España 2023 | Roglic, Vingegaard and Evenepoel all three get customized courses

Cycling
by Sjoerd Valkering
Thursday, 24 August 2023 at 07:30
vuelta 2023 64df4810025f6
The final event of the year and often one of the most anticipated. Following an incredibly challenging Tour de France, we are gearing up for the third grand tour of this season. The Vuelta a España, organized by ASO, offers riders another chance to prove themselves, just like in the Tour. In this regard, In the Leader's Jersey delves deep into its considerations.

Practical information Vuelta a España 2023

  • Saturday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023
  • Participants
  • Classification: 2.UWT
In this article
  • Latest winners
  • Course, times and favorites
  • TV information

Latest winners Vuelta a España

2022 Remco Evenepoel
2021 Primoz Roglic
2020 Primoz Roglic
2019 Primoz Roglic
2018 Simon Yates
2017 Chris Froome
2016 Nairo Quintana
2015 Fabio Aru
2014 Alberto Contador
2013 Chris Horner

Stage 1 - Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023: Barcelona - Barcelona (14.8 km, team time trial)

The team time trial has been gradually disappearing from cycling in recent years, but the Vuelta a España is embracing it. Following its presence last year in Utrecht, this edition also kicks off with a race against the clock for the teams. The course includes a total of eighteen (!) turns through the center of Barcelona. The organizers claim that no significant time gaps are expected, but that remains to be seen...
Climbs
No.
Times
Start first team: 7:05 p.m.
Finish last team: around 8:45 p.m.
Favorites
Jumbo-Visma
Soudal-Quick Step
INEOS Grenadiers

Stage 2 - Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023: Mataró - Barcelona (181.8 km)

On day two, a sprint finish could be in the cards, but that might be a challenge due to an exceptionally technical and high-speed finale in Barcelona. Following a hilly stage, yet another third-category climb looms in the finale – a kilometer at an average gradient of 9.3 percent, complete with bonus seconds at the summit. Following this, a series of twists, turns, and swings will provide the attackers with an advantageous opportunity.
Climbs
7.6 km: COLL DE SANT BARTOMEU (6.6 km at 4.5%)
66.3 km: COLL D'ESTENALLES (12.1 km at 3.9%)
178.0 km: CASTELL DE MONTJUIC (900 m at 9.4%)
Times
Start: 1:11 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Marijn van den Berg (EF Education-EasyPost)
Juan Sebastián Molano (UAE Team Emirates)
Danny van Poppel (BORA-hansgrohe)

Stage 3 - Monday, Aug. 28, 2023: Súria - Arinsal (158.5 km)

The essence of the Vuelta lies in its climbing challenges, and day three is no exception. As the race ventures into Andorra, a hotspot for many riders' residences, the demanding terrain becomes evident. Andorra's allure is justified by the presence of two first-category cols, promising significant challenges. Classification riders struggling with their form could receive a harsh reality check here, facing gradients well exceeding ten percent on the final climb. Moreover, bonus seconds will be up for grabs on the penultimate ascent.
Climbs
137.1 km: COLL DE ORDINO (17.3 km at 7.7%)
158.5 km: ARINSAL (8.3 km at 7.7%)
Times
Start: 1:27 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step)

Stage 4 - Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023: Andorra La Vella - Tarragona (184.6 km)

Could we witness sprints on day four? It's a possibility, but the sprinters will need to navigate two third-category climbs as they approach the finish. The summit of the last ascent lies thirty kilometers from the finish line, offering a favorable setup for their chances.
Climbs
130.8 km: ALTO DE BELLTALL (9.3 km at 3.7%)
154.0 km: COLL DE LILLA (5.2 km at 4.9%)
Times
Start: 1:20 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco-AlUla)
Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Juan Sebastián Molano (UAE Team Emirates)

Stage 5 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023: Morella - Burriana (186.2 km)

As if copied from the previous day, this stage also presents a hilly terrain, featuring a climb towards the finale and concluding with a flat finish. This setup is ideal for the sprinters who possess the ability to handle the mountains. We'll have a clearer picture of who these riders are after the second and fourth stages. Once again, we've highlighted them in red for this stage as well.
Climbs
132.5 km: COLLADO DE IBOLA (11.4 km at 3.9%)
Times
Start: 1:11 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco-AlUla)
Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Juan Sebastián Molano (UAE Team Emirates)

Stage 6 - Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023: La Vall d'Uixo - Estación de Esquí Javalambre (183.1 km)

The second uphill finish within a span of six days in the Vuelta, and once more, it guarantees to be a steep challenge. The question of whether we'll witness another breakaway is looming large, given the incredibly intricate approach. The Pico del Buitre emerges as a formidable obstacle in the final stretch, with gradients surpassing ten percent in the latter half of the climb and even reaching a steep fifteen percent towards the conclusion. It's all about strength, gentlemen!
Climbs
48.8 km: PUERTO DE ARENILLAS (5.8 km at 4.7%)
83.1 km: ALTO FUENTE DE RUBIELOS (6.1 km at 6.2%)
183.1 km: PICO DEL BUITRE (10.9 km at 8.0%)
Times
Start: 12:34 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step)

Stage 7 - Friday, Sept. 1, 2023: Utiel - Oliva (200.8 km)

Covering a distance of 200 kilometers, the first stage is a rarity in the Vuelta. Regrettably for viewers, there isn't much to observe en route apart from the picturesque Spanish landscapes. The initial portion of the stage retains some undulations, while the latter half remains as flat as a pancake. Sprinters, prepare for the upcoming chance!
Climbs
No.
Times
Start: 12:57 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco-AlUla)
Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty)

Stage 8 - Saturday, September 2, 2023: Dénia - Xorret de Cati (165.0 km)

An exciting ambush stage kicks off the second weekend of this Vuelta. Featuring five categorized climbs, including a first-category ascent in the final stretch, and concluding with a downhill finish, this stage offers all the elements for a captivating spectacle. The spotlight will likely fall on the breakaway riders, but could the general classification contenders also have some surprises in store?
Climbs
28.8 km: ALTO DE VALL D'EBO (7.9 km at 5.7%)
49.4 km:  PUERTO DE TOLLOS (4.2 km at 5.6%)
81.7 km: PUERTO DE BENIFALLIM (9.5 km at 4.9%)
110.2 km:PUERTO DE LA CARRASQUETA (10.9 km at 4.6%)
161.7 km: XORRET DE CATÍ (3.9 km at 11.4%)
Times
Start: 1:10 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Lennard Kämna (BORA-hansgrohe)
Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ)
Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek)

Stage 9 - Sunday, September 3, 2023: Cartagena - Caravaca de la Cruz (184.5 km)

An uphill finish concludes the first week, in a stage that appears relatively more controllable compared to many other stages we've witnessed earlier in the week. The final climb features an extremely irregular profile, with gradients ranging from 4.2 to as much as 20 percent. The finish is tailored for punchers, demanding their efforts all the way to the finish line.
Climbs
60.1 km: PUERTO CASAS DE MARINA LA PERDIZ (11.5 km at 4.9%)
184.5 km: COLLADO DE LA CRUZ DE CARAVACA (8.2 km at 5.5%)
Times
Start: 12:39 p.m.
Finish: around 5:15 p.m.
Favorites
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates)
Aleksandr Vlasov (BORA-hansgrohe)

Stage 10 - Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023: Valladolid - Valladolid (25.0 km, individual time trial)

Similar to last year, the first day following the initial rest day is dedicated to the time trial specialists. They will face a 25-kilometer individual time trial on a predominantly flat course, featuring one climb. The performance of the general classification contenders will be closely watched, and undoubtedly, the stage presents an opportunity for a stage victory as well.
Climbs
No.
Times
Start first rider: 1:57 p.m.
Finish last rider: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step)
Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)
Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)

Stage 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023: Lerma - La Laguna Negra (163.2 km)

Tadej Pogacar would surely find it enviable, as an entire stage unfolds with relatively easy terrain leading up to the day's sole highlight: La Laguna Negra. The climb isn't excessively steep until the final kilometer and a half, where the gradient consistently stays above 13 percent.
Climbs
163.2 km: LA LAGUNA NEGRA (6.5 km at 6.8%)
Times
Start: 1:19 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
Sergio Higuita (BORA-hansgrohe)
Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)

Stage 12 - Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023: Ólvega - Zaragoza (165.4 km)

One might wonder why there aren't more sprinters at the start of the Vuelta. Because in the second week, the climbing sprinters will have the opportunity to contest sprints in four or five stages. Along the route, there's nowhere that's truly flat, but there are no categorized climbs either.
Climbs
No.
Times
Start: 2:10 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco-AlUla)
Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty)

Stage 13 - Friday, Sept. 8, 2023: Formigal - Col du Tourmalet (134.7 km)

Ooh la la, hello France! The Vuelta is embarking on a journey, and what a journey it is! A short, intense, and challenging mountain stage is undoubtedly going to shake up the standings. Will Jumbo-Visma make a move? Or will someone else seize control on the Col du Tourmalet? After witnessing Demi Vollering's victory for Femmes on this climb during the Tour de France, we know just how demanding this stage is going to be.
Climbs
4.4 km: PUERTO DE PORTALET (4.4 km at 5.4%)
48.7 km: COL D'AUBISQUE (16.5 km at 7.1%)
82.0 km: COL DE SPANDELLES (10.3 km at 8.3%)
134.7 km: COL DU TOURMALET (18.9 km at 7.4%)
Times
Start: 2:04 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step)
Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates)

Stage 14 - Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023: Sauveterre-de-Béarn - Larra Belagua (156.2 km)

A day after conquering the Tourmalet, we kick off the third weekend of the Vuelta with yet another challenging mountain stage. Notably, the first two climbs of the day are quite demanding. The drawback, however, is that the summit of the second climb is more than fifty kilometers away from the finish line. Will anyone take the risk to initiate action here? If not, the ultimate showdown will unfold on the last two climbs of the day. The final ascent starts off steep but levels out as it approaches the summit.
Climbs
66.2 km: COL HOURCÉRE (11.1 km at 8.7%)
109.0 km: PUERTO DE LARRAU (14.9 km at 8.0%)
123.1 km:PUERTO DE LAZA (3.4 km at 6.3%)
156.2 km: PUERTO DE BELAGUA (9.5 km at 6.3%)
Times
Start: 1:17 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates)
Bauke Mollema (Lidl-Trek)
Kévin Vauqeluin (Arkéa-Samsic)

Stage 15 - Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023: Pamplona - Lekunberri (158.3 km)

A relatively milder conclusion to the second week awaits, following two demanding mountain stages that have pushed the riders to their limits. The question remains whether this stage will unfold tranquilly or if the attackers will ignite the race with fervor. With the challenging portion situated in the second half of the stage and no respite of flat terrain, it's likely to be a tough test for those struggling with fatigue.
Climbs
79.8 km: PUERTO DE LIZARRAGA (19.3 km at 2.6%)
120.3 km: PUERTO DE ZUARRATE (7.3 km at 4.8%)
149.8 km: PUERTO DE ZUARRATE (7.3 km at 4.8%)
Times
Start: 1:33 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Frank Bonnamour (AG2R)
Andreas Kron (Lotto-Dstny)
Andrea Piccolo (EF Education-EasyPost)

Stage 16 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023: Liencres Playa - Bejes (120.1 km)

An explosive start to the third week awaits, covering a mere 120 kilometers that will see the riders arrive at the final climb of the day with renewed energy. While the climb itself spans a modest 4.4 kilometers, its gradient is a formidable 8.8 percent. The majority of the ascent features double-digit inclines, promising a demanding challenge for the peloton.
Climbs
120.1 km: BEJES (4.8 km at 8.8%)
Times
Start: 2:47 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
Sergio Higuita (BORA-hansgrohe)
João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates)

Stage 17 - Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023: Ribeseya - Alto de l'Angliru (124.4 km)

Here it is again, the Angliru! On the profile map, the road appears to ascend at an almost vertical angle, and that's precisely how the climb feels. The fact that it follows two first-category cols only adds to its difficulty. It's a surreal spectacle, a battle of individual strength where every rider is pitted against the gradient. One wrong move after six kilometers of relentless climbing could send you toppling backward...
Climbs
75.8 km: ALTO DE LA COLLADIELLA (7.8 km at 7.1%)
103.3 km: ALTO DEL CORDAL (5.4 km at 9.2%)
124.4 km: ALTU DE L'ANGLIRU (12.4 km at 9.8%)
Times
Start: 1:57 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates)
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step)

Stage 18 - Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023: Pola de Allande - La Cruz de Linares (178.9 km)

Yet another challenging stage, the relentless difficulty continues in the Vuelta. Featuring five categorized climbs, this stage will once again prove to be a daunting task for sprinters and those with weary legs. The Puerto de la Cruz de Linares will be tackled twice, presenting a stern challenge with its 8.3 kilometers at an 8.6 percent gradient.
Climbs
48.8 km: ALTO DE LAS ESTACAS (5.1 km at 7.5%)
88.6 km:PUERTO DE SAN LORENZO (9.9 km at 8.6%)
121.2 km: ALTO DE TENEBREDO (3.4 km at 9.5%)
153.9 km: PUERTO DE LA CRUZ DE LINARES (8.3 km at 8.6%)
178.9 km: PUERTO DE LA CRUZ DE LINARES (8.3 km at 8.6%)
Times
Start: 12:55 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Times
Start: 1:57 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step)

Stage 19 - Friday, Sept. 15, 2023: La Bañeza - Íscar (177.1 km)

Just stretching the legs, sprinting in Íscar! No obstacles along the way, so the classification men can also take a breather.
Climbs
No.
Times
Start: 1:29 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco-AlUla)
Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty)

Stage 20 - Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023: Manzanares El Real - Guadarrama (207.8 km)

Dear riders, are you up for a 207.8-kilometer ride after three weeks of grueling racing? Well, that's what the ASO thought, as they've designed a stage with ten (!) third-category climbs scattered throughout. The route follows a local circuit, where the climbs might not be excessively steep individually, but their accumulation is sure to take its toll on your legs.
Climbs
12.8 km: COLLADO DEL PORTAZGO (10.8 km at 3.4%)
43.0 km: PUERTO DE LA CRUZ VERDE (7.0 km at 5.0%)
70.8 km: LA ESCONDIDA (9.0 km at 4.1%)
87.0 km: ALTO DE SANTA MARÍA DE LA ALAMEDA (5.0 km at 5.6%)
94.0 km: ALTO DE ROBLEDONDO (5.1 km at 4.8%)
124.2 km: LA ESCONDIDA (9.0 km at 4.1%)
140.4 km: ALTO DE SANTA MARÍA DE LA ALAMEDA (5.0 km at 5.6%)
147.4 km: ALTO DE ROBLEDONDO (5.1 km at 4.8%)
181.0 km: PUERTO DE LA CRUZ VERDE (7.2 km at 3.9%)
195.6 km: ALTO SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL (4.6 km at 6.6%)
Times
Start: 12:05 p.m.
Finish: around 5:30 p.m.
Favorites
Bauke Mollema (Lidl-Trek)
Filippo Zana (Jayco-AlUla)
Simon Carr (EF Education-EasyPost)

Stage 21 - Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023: Hipodromo de la Zarzuela - Madrid (101.1 km)

Sprint in Madrid, for the fast men who are still in the race! And a bottle of champagne for the winner....
Climbs
No.
Times
Start: 5:19 p.m.
Finish: around 8:00 p.m.
Favorites
Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco-AlUla)
Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty)
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