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profile | map | timetable | preview | results | photos | video  View Stage 13 in Google Earth (kml file) or Export the Stage 13 GPX file
Stage 13: Sarria → Ponferrada 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 13 preview: Sarria → Ponferrada, 158 km (Mountain) |
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 The pinnacle of the Stage 13 will occur on the category 1 Puerto de Ancares (el. 1648m) near the halfway point of the stage in the very northwest part of Spain. (photo credit: Colin Hughes) |
 
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On Friday, we enter the most difficult (decisive) portion of this year's Vuelta a España with three consecutive mountain stages that will spread out a tightening general classification.
Although, Sunday's Anglirú summit finish will be the most difficult and highly anticipated of this year's race, Friday's course in Galicia should provide an entertaining mountain stage of a different variety. The climbing on stage 13 is front-loaded so by the time we hit the slight downhill run into Ponferrada with 27 km to go, the race should be in pieces with small groups working to rejoin the leaders. Some will rejoin while others will lose some time. Expect a small break to arrive in Ponferrada (Castilla y León) after 158 km of racing with a bunch sprint deciding the finish. The Vuelta has finished in Ponferrada five times in the past with David Garcia of Xacobeo Galicia winning from a break most recently in 2008.
In total, there are two category 1 and three category 3 climbs evenly spread out over the first 130 km. There will be some of steep sections and difficult, twisty descents so when the (early) live TV coverage starts the peloton should be already scattered across the course. That's why a stage like this is often more exciting to watch then a summit finish where the drama only plays out at the finish (in slow motion).
Don't be surprised if yesterday's sprint finish winner, Peter Sagan (Liquigas) takes this mountain stage. He climbs and descends well enough for this stage to stay with a break and we know he can sprint. — Steve
