Commentary of the stage
The 186 kilometre stage between Burgos and Suances is a complete ode to medium-sized mountains. The day starts off heading towards Cantabria over good terrain for a breakaway by the more powerful riders. At this stage of the race, it is very unlikely the teams of sprinters will have the strength or morale to try and control a day that shapes up to be this gruelling, making it perfect for the more adventurous racers.
The 3rd category climb at Bocos and the 2nd category ascents of Lunada and Caracol, the latter 60 kilometres from the finish line, should be more than enough to limit the main pack’s taste for giving chase but at the same time not sufficient enough to produce any major upheavals in the overall rankings. Nevertheless, this is one of those days when no one can afford to relax.
History: Suances has never experienced a Vuelta finish before, which makes the 12th stage the first race day marking the debut of a new finish site. Starting from Burgos, on the other hand, has taken place nearly a dozen times. The last one was in 2005 on a day when Samuel Sánchez emerged victorious.
The 3rd category climb at Bocos and the 2nd category ascents of Lunada and Caracol, the latter 60 kilometres from the finish line, should be more than enough to limit the main pack’s taste for giving chase but at the same time not sufficient enough to produce any major upheavals in the overall rankings. Nevertheless, this is one of those days when no one can afford to relax.
History: Suances has never experienced a Vuelta finish before, which makes the 12th stage the first race day marking the debut of a new finish site. Starting from Burgos, on the other hand, has taken place nearly a dozen times. The last one was in 2005 on a day when Samuel Sánchez emerged victorious.