16) MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER: Luarca - Ermita de Alba. Quiros
Distance: 184km
Category: High Mountain
Highest point: 1,180m
Today’s 7 categorised climbs may not be as high as the half dozen tackled in Andorra but their severity, particularly the new finishing ascent of the Ermita de Alba, will make it just as tough. Climbs such as the Cordal and Cobertoria are usually preludes to the Angliru. While it’s always slightly disappointing when the Vuelta skips that legendary test, the Ermita de Alba is a worthy alternative, for those watching at least. The first half of the 6.6km ascent averages 10%. Above the hamlet of Salcedo, it ramps up to twice that before a series of precipitous hairpins and walls, including one at 30%. The second, and after this much-needed, rest day follows.
Javier Guillén
Everyone is talking about the Andorra stage but I’d describe this one as the etapa reina – the ‘queen’ stage – because it comes in the third week of the race when the riders’ legs will be feeling the pace after having negotiated that Andorra test. Although it’s not long, the Ermita de Alba is very tough.
Everyone is talking about the Andorra stage but I’d describe this one as the etapa reina – the ‘queen’ stage – because it comes in the third week of the race when the riders’ legs will be feeling the pace after having negotiated that Andorra test. Although it’s not long, the Ermita de Alba is very tough.
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