Vuelta’s second week route: Sunday treat that makes riders shiver

The platoon boarded a plane to northern Spain on Sunday evening, and the convoy had to successfully complete the nearly 1,000-kilometre journey during the rest day.

In these times, you would think that such a trip is not really logistically and environmentally responsible. But the Vuelta is replacing the sauna in recent weeks with a slightly more bearable Galicia.

The first task after the rest day pretty much sums up the second week: of course there is climbing to be done, but not all days are circled in dark red for the classification men.

This means that attackers will immediately get their money’s worth. There is a great starting point at the beginning of this stage, but some more serious challenges await you at the end.

The mountains in Galicia are lower than in other parts of Spain, but experts in the region describe the slopes as “difficult and technical.”

On paper, this is one of the simplest daily tasks of week 2. Can the four indexed descents inspire the fast guys to survive the peloton or should they beat the breakaway?

Anyone who looks at this file will dare to say – not to the first and not to the last -: Wout van Aert!

You’re obviously waiting for this: no tough finishes? Well, quite a few even. And on Thursday we open a new box, although it’s not so bad.

The final climb to Manzaneda ski station is certainly not the most difficult scramble. Except for the 12 percent peak, the riders never climb into double digits. Another two-front race?

Whoever wants to attack the leader must take advantage of every opportunity. But just before the weekend, there is an appointment that Primoz Roglic and Totti Kante should definitely not make.

The final climb, Puerto de Ancares, is a filthy beast that will receive the necessary curses and slaps.

Especially since the beginning of the ascent is a false flat followed by a 5 km long wall. The percentages will not drop after that to less than 10 percent.

The Vuelta’s regulation is particularly generous with altitude meters (over 60,000), but the race kilometers remain essentially limited.

On Saturday we will finally pass the 200 km mark. The day before the terrifying mountain stage, the thieves will raise their hands again.

The final climb seems endless at 22.8 kilometres, but fortunately the gradients (4.5% on average) show mercy on the riders.

We are ending the week in beauty. Although we do not know if all riders will share this opinion. The stage leading to Cuitu Negru will scare many riders.

The double ascent of the Alto de la Colladiella is an aperitif that will make your legs crawl.

The final climb of Cuitu Negru is a nightmare at 24 percent. Especially the last few kilometers of climbing will be “spectacular”. Who falls through the ice?