Weekend Preview – The Vuelta Heads for the Hills

The Vuelta d’Espana continues this weekend with two difficult stages in the regions of Alicante and Valencia.  Saturday’s 190-kilometer Stage 8 includes five categorized climbs on the way from Villena to Xorret del Cati—the toughest of which (the Cat. 1 Alto Xorret del Cati) summits a mere 4 kilometers from the finish.  While not particularly long, the climb is steep and comes after what should be a long, hot day in the saddle featuring constant attacks and tempo changes.

Omega Pharma-Lotto’s Philippe Gilbert isn’t a lock to lose his red leader’s jersey, but he’ll face tough challenges from several men with...Continue Reading