Key weekend in La Vuelta with the mountains and the difficult climb of the Sierra Nevada as a culmination

Glimpses of the peloton yesterday after crossing the finish line at Cordovan town of Montilla They gave a certain sense of relief, but also anxiety in front of the challenge that awaits the runners this weekend, with the arrival of the high mountains again and with a proposal that goes from less to more. On a difficult first day, the 14th, and a very difficult second morning, a criminal proposal that only the strongest and strongest will pass with flying colors.

One last climb to Sierra Nevada long in mileage and where heat and altitude –more than 2,500 meters– will have their importance. So far the leader Remco Evenepoel He defended himself admirably in the high mountains, as if he had a climber’s soul hidden inside him that surprised many. Not only was he ‘protected’ by his rivals, but the Belgian took action, exposing the shortcomings of his opponents. There are two stages for climbers, for cyclists who know how to suffer, a land where the Australian Jay Vine has proven to be the best.

Remco He knows the difficulty he is facing. Now he will wear the leader’s red jersey for the ninth day in a row and knows that if he can get out of the weekend alive he has half Lap in the pocket. He himself said that he was content not to waste time now, whereas ‘reddish’ I trust that this weekend the leader of Movistar, Enrique Moreyou can reduce the time, especially in a primoz roglic (2nd) where they have 20 seconds ahead. Behind them, two Spanish puppies riding bicycles, Carlos Rodríguez Y John Ayusoin his eyes finally after yesterday he tested positive for covid, although he has a low viral load he is still in the race.

Almost two decades have passed since La Vuelta visited the Sierra of Pandera. It was in 2002, with the victory of Roberto Heras, with 18 seconds to go Simon, after a 12 kilometer climb. An increase that comes after two consecutive ports –Port of Siete Pilillas, 3rd; Y Port of Los Villares, 2ª–, before the final climb, on a rough asphalt where it is said to advance and there are sections of 15% slope. A ‘trap’ port with no other entities, but difficult.

And if today’s stage is difficult, tomorrow will be even more so, when it comes to Sierra Nevadaspecial category, where ‘Superman’ Lopez succeeded in 2017 earlier Zakarin Y Kelderman, with 36 and 45 seconds of margin. A long climb of about 20 kilometers, over 2,500 meters, leading 40 kilometers before the Alto del Purche, First class. A test on Sunday after which the final fate of La Vuelta will be fully determined, still awaits the final week. Yes, many more things can happen in the remaining six days