The 224 km stage that ends the 2008 edition of Spain’s Vuelta fist week will be the longest.  Riders have to strain along first stage that is packed with high mountains following a one day rest and the long trip to go from Toledo to Basbastro.

Climbers can take advantage of the rather winding route to recoup time lost in the Ciudad Real timed trial.

Racers have to climb the first mountain pass of the day, the second category PORT DE MONLLOBAT located 60 km away from Barbastro departure line. The route goes on through the third category COLLADO DE FAIDELLA pass located just half-way in the stage and from there, after a long ride down, the Vuelta arrives to Seu de Urgell.

From here on, the road, after crossing Andorra’s border starts climbing to Sant Juliá de Loira for the last 40 km of the stage going through ALTO DE LA RABASSA, a first category mountain pass located 20 km to the finishing line. After a fast ride down to km 208 riders have to face 16 km of ramps going up to the stage last mountain pass, almost a novelty in the Spanish Vuelta, the ALTO DE NATURLANDIA - LA RABASSA, a special category arrival set 4 km upwards from that known so far and rising 2.050 metres above sea level.

This stage that encloses four mountain passes will be where clear differences will be shown in the general classification boosting possible Vuelta edition winners to the top ranks.