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Vuelta a Espana 2016: Stage 10 live race updates, blog

29th August, 2016
Start: Lugones
Finish: Lagos de Covadonga
Distance: 188.7 km (117 mi)
Type: Mountain stage
Another difficult day awaits the peloton in Stage 17 of la Vuelta a Espana. (AFP PHOTO/ JOSE JORDAN).
Roar Guru
29th August, 2016
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1405 Reads

Before they can enjoy the first rest day of La Vuelta a Espana 2016 the peloton must first overcome a challenging summit finish on Lagos de Covadonga. Can new race leader David de la Cruz successfully defend his red jersey? Join The Roar for live updates and commentary from 11pm (AEST).

Measuring 188.7 kilometres in length and starting in the town of Lugones, a hilly and mountainous parcours awaits the riders. With the proverbial sting in the tail coming in the final 50 kilometres as the riders tackle the slopes of the Alto del Mirador del Fito and Lagos de Covadonga.

Beginning with just 46.7 kilometres of the stage remaining, the climb of the Alto del Mirador del Fito will give the riders an early indication of just how good their legs are. Measuring 6.2 kilometres in length at an average gradient of 7.8 per cent, the ascent features gradients as high as 11.5 percent.

After crossing the summit of the Alto del Mirador del Fito a 10.4 kilometre-long descent follows, bringing the riders to Arriondas for a second time. After which the road will slowly and steadily begin climbing again on the approach to the second and final categorised climb of the day, Lagos de Covadonga.

While the climb of the Lagos Covadonga unofficially begins further out than the race’s road book gives it credit for, officially the ascent begins with just 12.2 kilometres remaining. The irregular nature of the slope will challenge the riders, with the gradient constantly changing over the course of the staircase-like ascent. The listed average gradient of 7.2 per cent deceptively hides sections of road reaching as high as 17.5 per cent in gradient, masking the climb’s true difficulty.

With the teams of the General Classification contenders often busy riding their own race within the race could we see the breakaway steal the spotlight for yet another day? History fancies the breakaway’s chances with the stage often won by someone from the breakaway of the day.

The security of tomorrow’s first rest day should allow the General Classification contenders to leave everything on the pavement today. Meaning we could see the likes of Nairo Quintana, Alberto Contador, Esteban Chaves and Chris Froome attempt to gain time over each other.

After his performance on La Camperona during Saturday’s eight stage Nairo Quintana, on paper at least, looks to be the strongest of those vying for the overall race victory. Alberto Contador will again be the joker in the pack, despite being the second strongest of the General Classification contenders on Saturday, as we wait to see just how the Spaniard recovers from his injuries in the long-term.

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The stage is set for a thrilling battle for not just the stage victory but also the coveted red jersey, remember to join The Roar from 11pm (AEST) for all the action.

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