The second stage of the Vuelta, and the first road stage, will take place between the Dutch towns of Assen and Emmen. On Sunday 30th of August, the race will cover a total of 203 km. However, faithful to the Dutch orography, the stage’s statistics contain a curiosity: the day will begin in Assen at 10 metres above sea level and at no point during the 200 + kilometre stage will the riders climb to more than 20 metres above sea level. It wouldn’t be possible to find a flatter stage.
In view of the day's route, the sprinters and their teams can not waste such a perfect opportunity for victory, especially when bearing in mind that the 2009 Vuelta route will be a real treat for the climbers. Thus, a group sprint would seem the most likely outcome in Emmen…always providing that the region’s frequent heavy winds don't make an appearance.
