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profile | map | timetable | preview | results | photos | video  View Stage 9 in Google Earth (kml file) or Export the Stage 9 GPX file
Stage 9: Villacastín → Sierra de Bejar. La Covatilla This stage preview is available in the following languages:
(We are looking for translations in ALL other languages. Please submit your translation with the stage no. and language in the subject title. If you don't see your preview posted within 12 hours then please resend your preview as an attachment if you didn't already do so because we've had problems with some inline character sets like German.) Stage 9 preview: Villacastín → Sierra de Bejar. La Covatilla, 183 km (Mountain) |
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 Looking down at Béjar from the ski hills of La Covatilla ski resort. The final 10 km 7% climb starts after a cat 3 climb beginning in Béjar, Roberto Heras' hometown. (photo credit: nevasport) |
 
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August 27 post: Stage 9 heads west into the Castilla y León region where the picturesque 2.1 Vuelta a Castilla y León stage race is held each Spring. This will be a fairly easy 183 km day until the day ends with 10 km 7.2% climb to the Sierra de Béjar. La Covatilla ski resort and it undulates. There is also 8 km of climbing at a lesser grade before the Covatilla climb officially starts. The renown heat and exposed nature of this climb (18 km in total) will make it even more difficult.
The Covatilla climb has been used previously in 2002, 2004 and 2006. In 2006, Danilo Di Luca won this climb and 2004 saw Roberto Heras finish 2nd on his way to winning the overall title. That year there were some serious time gaps, but the run up to the finishing climb is easier this year. By the way, Heras was born in Béjar which is at the very base of the Covatilla climb. — Steve
