This year, on 1 September, we will once again have the chance to experience the greatness of cycling. Andorra will be the setting for the 9th stage, which will also be contested entirely on our roads. What’s more, for the first time in the history of La Vuelta, part of the course will be off road. The section is almost 4 km long and will take the riders from Lake Engolasters to Cortals d’Encamp, along the forest track Camí de les Pardines.
This 96.6 km stage includes 5 mountain passes along a route that has a lot in common with the 2018 course. The peloton will ride through the passes of Coll d’Ordino, a 1st category climb at 1,980 m; Coll de la Gallina, in the special category at 1,905 m; the 2nd category Coll de la Comella, at 1,350 m; Coll d’Engolasters, at 1,640 m, also in the 2nd category and new this year; and the Cortals d’Encamp pass, at 2,095 m, another 1st category climb and the setting for the finish line.
Andorra is set to offer all cycling fans and followers one of the most exciting and demanding stages in the competition, which is almost certain to affect the final results of the race.
The Vuelta, one of the most important stage races in the International Cycling Union (UCI) international calendar, along with the Giro and the Tour, starts in Torrevieja (Alicante) on 24 August and ends in Madrid on 15 September. The 2019 edition consists of 21 stages over a total distance of 3,272.2 km, consisting of 6 flat stages, 4 hilly stages and 2 with a summit finish, 7 mountain stages, an individual time trial (36 km) and a team time trial (18 km). There will be two rest days.
Source: www.visitandorra.com
