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2013 Vuelta a Espana: Stage 16 live updates, blog

9th September, 2013
2013 La Vuelta a Espana - Stage 16

Graus - Aramón Formigal

Start: 12.00am AEST
Distance: 146.8 km
TV: Eurosport (LIVE)
Roar Guru
9th September, 2013
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The 2013 Vuelta a Espana continues its voyage through the Pyrenees with yet another mountain stage. As the peloton journey 146.8km from Graus to Sallent de Gállego – Aramón Formigal, for yet another summit finish. Join us for live updates from 12.00am AEST.

While on paper Stage 16 is easier in comparison to Stages 14 and 15, fatigue could be a massive factor during Stage 16.

Several of the cyclists will be hopeful of just reaching the end of the stage and tomorrow’s second rest day.

If la Vuelta a Espana has taught us anything, we should have learnt by now that it can often be unpredictable.

Similar to Stage 17 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana, today’s stage looks innocuous but could harbour a surprise or two.

Three categorised climbs feature during the stage, with each progressive rated harder than the previous.

The stage begins with the Category 3 Alto de la Foradada (5.9km at 5.9 percent), progresses to the Category 2 Puerto de Cotefablo (12.5km at 4 percent), and finishes upon the Category 1 Aramón Formigal (15.8km at 4 percent).

The final 3500 metres of Stage 16 could be the scene for an attack from one of the highly placed General Classification riders.

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With the gradient at an average of 7 percent during the last 3500 metres of the stage, the difficulty will be telling. While the final 1000 metres of the stage eases slightly with the gradient lowering to 5 percent.

Choosing a favourite for the stage victory will be difficult as the day looks primed for yet another breakaway to go the distance.

Prepare the caffeine and steady yourself for yet another exciting battle between the General Classification heavyweights in the 2013 Vuelta a Espana. Remember to join us from 12.00am AEST for live updates.

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