In the 3rd stage, we will witness the first ascent that could shake up the general classification. Andorra will host the final fifty kilometers of the stage, featuring the initial serious climbs of the day. However, these climbs only appear towards the end of the stage, as the first 120 flat kilometers lead from Súria to Andorra la Vella.
After 128.2 kilometers of cycling, the Coll d’Ordino marks the initiation of the day’s first climb. While there are some flatter sections during the ascent and even a slight descent just before the summit, even from the statistics (19.6 km at 4.8%), it’s evident that this climb will stratify the peloton. It serves as a fitting warm-up for the final ascent.
The last climb of the day spans eight kilometers. With an average gradient of 7.7%, this figure doesn’t deceive, especially during the 3.5 to 1.5-kilometer stretch just before the finish. This is where the main contenders might launch their first attacks against each other.
Stage 3 (August 28): Súria – Arinsal (158.5 km)
Every day at 2:00 PM, details about the upcoming stage of Vuelta a España 2023 will be released. Stay tuned!