Commentary of the stage
The pack will face a stage of 168 kilometres from Jaén to Córdoba with another common denominator: a stage without any great complications...until the final kilometres, when the big group will fall in line for the climb to the summit of San Jerónimo, an ascent that isn't particularly tough but has always served to break up the big group and, naturally, gives the sprinters problems.
Located 26 kilometres from the finish line, the 3rd category climb at San Jerónimo will be the scene for the first great battle of the race, but watch out for the descent heading to Córdoba because it could be even more decisive than the uphill climb if any daring riders try to break away.
History: the last finish in Córdoba was in 2006, a stage with two-time world champion Paolo Bettini as the victor. The year before also experienced a stage with the finish line in Córdoba, but that one went through the summit of San Jerónimo. There was no massive sprint on that day, with seven cyclists battling it out in a smaller sprint won by Bertagnolli. Either of those two finales is possible this year.
Located 26 kilometres from the finish line, the 3rd category climb at San Jerónimo will be the scene for the first great battle of the race, but watch out for the descent heading to Córdoba because it could be even more decisive than the uphill climb if any daring riders try to break away.
History: the last finish in Córdoba was in 2006, a stage with two-time world champion Paolo Bettini as the victor. The year before also experienced a stage with the finish line in Córdoba, but that one went through the summit of San Jerónimo. There was no massive sprint on that day, with seven cyclists battling it out in a smaller sprint won by Bertagnolli. Either of those two finales is possible this year.