A Field Day for the Most Explosive Riders

Stage 11 – Wednesday September 3
Bilbao-Bilbao
Distance: 157.4km (97.8 miles)
Profile: Medium mountain stage
Stage 11: A Puncheur-perfect stomping ground?

There are over 3000 meters of climbing to be faced on this Vuelta stage but they are relatively short, steep climbs typical of the Ardennes Classics rather than major peaks.

In all the riders will scale seven categorized ramps, with two ranked second cat and the remaining rated category three. They are spaced relatively evenly throughout the 157kms in and around Bilbao, with those two tougher climbs to spark action inside the last 28km.

The final challenge prior to the finish is the short, steep Alto de Pike. It is just 2.3km long but averages just under nine percent. With the prime line followed by an 8km descent, the first riders over the top will very likely fight it out for the stage win.

Race director Fernando Escartín:

“Winding terrain, common in the Basque Country. The first part of the stage will be more manageable, the final part being the toughest. The Balcony of Bizkaia and the double climb of the Vivero will determine the outcome before facing the short but tough climb to Pike Bidea, just a few kilometers before the finish-line in Bilbao.”