2020 Vuelta a España Race Preview
The details of this year's 2020 Vuelta a España are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2020 Vuelta a España arrives in unusual circumstances, with the race pushed back from its traditional late August slot and forced to share the autumn calendar with a compressed cycling season still recovering from the disruptions caused by the global pandemic. Beginning on October 20 in Irun, close to the French border in the Basque Country, the race will navigate through some of Spain's most dramatic landscapes before concluding in Madrid on November 8, making it one of the latest finishes in the race's long history.
The route presents a formidable challenge for the general classification contenders, with the organisers packing in significant mountain stages that will test both the legs and the resolve of anyone harbouring ambitions of standing on the final podium. The Angliru, that brutally steep climb in Asturias that has broken so many riders over the years, features once again and promises to be one of the decisive moments of the entire race.
Primoz Roglic arrives as the clear favourite after a season in which he has demonstrated that he is among the very best stage racers in the world. The Slovenian, riding for Jumbo-Visma, will be hungry to claim his second consecutive Vuelta title having also come agonisingly close to winning the Tour de France earlier in the season before a final time trial collapse handed victory to his compatriot Tadej Pogacar. That painful defeat will undoubtedly fuel his motivation.
Richard Carapaz, the Ecuadorian champion riding for Ineos Grenadiers, represents perhaps the most dangerous challenger. He demonstrated at the 2019 Giro d'Italia that he has the climbing ability and tactical nous to win a grand tour and will be backed by a powerful and experienced team. Chris Froome's former teammate Tom Dumoulin returns to racing after injury and could be a factor, while Alejandro Valverde will be hoping to delight his home crowds with a strong performance.
Hugh Carthy of EF Pro Cycling is among the riders who could emerge as a surprise contender, and the race's compressed schedule following an already exhausting season for many riders means that form and freshness will play unpredictable roles in shaping the final outcome.
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