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Vuelta 2018 stage 17: Getxo - Balcón de Bizkaia 157 km

Wednesday's stage after the ITT will see whom went too hard.

Vuelta 2018 stage 17: Getxo - Balcón de Bizkaia 157 km start 13.26 CET

The race starts in Getxo to end after 157 kilometres in the saddle on a steep climb above Balcón de Bizkaia. The last 3.9 kilometres of the route is a toil at 11%.

Jonathan Castroviejo, the former European Champion time trialing who rides for Team Sky, lives in Getxo. Following the neutralized start the route continues to the proper start in Bilbao, near the Athletic Bilbao football stadium San Mamés. The riders head for the Alto de la Arboleda, a 6.9 kilometres climb at 5.2% with its peak at kilometre 16.7.

Following the descent the route is Spanish flat – which means the route is far from flat, yet there are no KOM points to be gained. For instance, the riders once again move through Bilbao (at kilometre 48) before they hit a 3 kilometres climb at 6.4%. Those eyeing up the polka dot jersey have to wait for the Alto de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 4.2 kilometres climb at 6.3% that leads to a gorgeous sea view at the top. The San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is crested at kilometre 85.

The riders drop down to a section of some 20 kilometres on the flat. Still almost 50 kilometres out and five climbs to go. First the Balcón de Bizkaia, a 10.2 kilometres slope at 3.7%. A right-hand turn while going downhill would lead to the finish, but no, that would be too easy. A loop northeast of the arrival takes in the Alto de Santo Eufemia, a 3.8 kilometres climb at 6.1% with some double digits ramps early on, before continuing onto the foot of the Gontzegaraine, which slopes at 4% for 5.3 kilometres.

Where the descent meets the old route – in Munitibar – the riders turn left to climb back up to the Balcón de Bizkaia. The first 3.2 kilometres climb at 6 to 7% and when the route turns left, the ascent gets steeper. Actually, this is the road to the summit of Monte Oiz, but the route doesn’t go all the way to the top. The Oiz peaks at 1,026 metres while the finish lies at an elevation of 925 metres.

Getting closer to the line, the road conditions worsen. It’s merely a narrow corrugated concrete track with impossibly steep ramps up to almost 24%. The last 3.9 kilometres to the finish ride at 11%, while the final climb from Munitibar is a 7.1 kilometres toil with an average gradient of 9.1%.

profile
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map of stage (looks like a bowl of spaghetti)
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Final climb of Alto del Balcón de Bizkaia
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Full climb to top and more details -
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I'm very much looking forward to this one. Oiz is one of those climbs I wanted to see in racing action for years and now that finally becomes reality. This climb is so crazily irregular and full with steep ramps it's gonna be great. The only sad thing is that they can't climb all the way to the top for logistic reasons which means the super steep part is only 4 instead of 5 kilometers long.
 
I am curious whether a break will be allowed much leeway. Those 10 bonus seconds for a win could make a difference for one of the GC guys. I guess it depends on who can get in the break, and who would have to ride in the peloton. Yes, I'm working part time as Captain Obvious.
 
Following yet another after-rest-day-mediocre-ITT, Tibopino finds himself, again, under the radar. Can he make it two?

Mas a surprise, SK really strong, the rest just about where I thought they would be. Ion and particularly Uran...not good. They may be tiring. At some point week-3, others may tire...This finish could reshuffle some of the cards.

FTW, to me, it's The Don vs. The Briton.
 
If a breakaway - Michael Woods
If a GC day - Nairo Quintana.

I suspect it's a GC day for two reasons: (a) Bonus seconds are important and (b) Movistar and Astana have to make it tough early to have any chance of cracking Yates. No chance Yates cracks if they coast until the final climb.
 
Balcón de Bizkaia has great views down to the Urdaibai estuary and Gernika.

Monte Oiz is brutal. Ice&Fire's profile is the most accurate I think. The profile's over-stating of Gontzegaraigane made me think they were climbing Parriolaburu first but no such luck. The Vuelta has de-Basquified some of the climbs - "Santa Eufemia" is better known as Lekoitz-Gane, and was in País Vasco in 2014 when Contador won, in stage 5 and in the final day TT. As was Gontzegaraigane, in fact. Have to admit that I would have preferred a pass at San Kristobál and a descent to Durango or a finish on Urkiola after that, but it's good to finally see Monte Oiz in a bike race.
 
It's only 150 km to the last climb, so I'd expect it will be a fast stage and a long time for a breakaway to form. Pinot & Kruijswijk to go early and then we see what the others have left in the tank.
Yates to wheelsuck Quintana and yell every now and then, "Why don't you attack Nairo?!" :)
 

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