For those who thought that after the Angliru, the big mountains would be over, they were mistaken. Stage 18 will also not be an easy journey. On the contrary, it features three first-category climbs, complemented by a second-category ascent and a third-category one, spread over a distance of just under 180 kilometers.
In the middle of the stage, the peloton will reach the summit of Puerto de San Lorenzo (9.9 km at 8.6%). After reaching the top, the riders descend towards Oviedo. The final part consists of a double ascent to Puerto de la Cruz de Linares. It’s the last really challenging climb of Vuelta a España 2023, with 8.3 kilometers of ascent averaging 8.6%, featuring several sections with gradients above 10%.
Stage 18 (September 14) Pola de Allande – La Cruz de Linares (178.9 km)
