2021 Vuelta a España Race Preview
The details of this year's 2021 Vuelta a España are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2021 Vuelta a España promises to be one of the most compelling editions of the Spanish grand tour in recent memory, with a star-studded field and a challenging route that will test the very best climbers and all-rounders in the peloton.
The race begins in Burgos with a team time trial, giving squad cohesion an immediate premium before the race has even truly begun. From there the peloton will head through a variety of Spanish landscapes before the final week delivers the kind of brutal mountain stages that have made the Vuelta such a favourite among fans who love to see racing distilled to its most pure and punishing form.
The defending champion Primož Roglič will be the man to beat once again. The Slovenian has demonstrated an extraordinary affinity for this race, winning the previous two editions, and arrives with a powerful Jumbo-Visma team around him. His capacity in the time trial and on the steepest gradients makes him the overwhelming favourite, though questions about his condition following a difficult Tour de France will add an element of uncertainty.
His great rival Chris Froome makes his return to grand tour racing with Israel Start-Up Nation following his catastrophic crash two years ago, and while expectations have been managed carefully, his presence adds a remarkable human story to the narrative.
Jack Haig, Egan Bernal, Hugh Carthy, and David de la Cruz all represent potential challengers, while Enric Mas will be desperate to shine in front of his home crowds. Miguel Ángel López and Guillaume Martin add further depth to an outstanding general classification field.
Sprinters will have their opportunities in the opening stages, with Fabio Jakobsen and Jasper Philipsen expected to contest the flat finishes, but this race will ultimately be decided on the mountains where the climbing specialists tear the race apart.
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