We arrive at the mountain in Alicante where Alejandro Valverde took the lead to then finally win the race. Travelling from newcomer Villena to Xorret del Catí on La Vuelta’s fifth visit to this summit finish line. The last four were a magnificent spectacle on the part of the racers. Five mountain passes mark the course leading up to the final climb: A cat 3, the Onil Pass, which made a name for itself in 2009, and three cat 2 climbs, the famous Tudons, Carrasqueta and Torremanzanas Passes.

A leg-breaking stage with a grueling course assuring a spectacular day.