Vuelta 2023: Stage 18 | Thursday, 14 September | Pola de Allande - La Cruz de Linares | 178.9 kilometres
The 18th stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2023 takes the riders from Pola de Allande to the Puerto de la Cruz de Linares, a 1st category climb that is the finish of a Vuelta stage for the first time. The mountain stage covers 178.9 kilometres and includes five categorised climbs and an intermediate sprint.
For the first 78 kilometres, the peloton only has to climb one category 3 climb, where a breakaway group is likely to form. This is followed by a difficult climb of almost 1350 metres to the Puerto de San Lorenzo, which is classified as a 1st category climb. 33 kilometres and shortly before the end, the Puerto de la Cruz de Linares will be tackled twice, where the stage will end as a mountain finish.
After an exhausting previous day, this mountain stage with 4625 metres of climbing is also really tough. Although there is not one decisive climb like the day before, the riders have to divide their strength well with three 1st category climbs. The final climb is 8.3 kilometres long and has an average gradient of 8.6 per cent. The start of the climb is particularly demanding - the first 5 kilometres are over 9 per cent steep. Nevertheless, the riders need the decisive punch to pull away from their rivals.
Sporting assessment of the 18th stage
As this is the last real chance for the mountain specialists in this year's Vuelta, a strong breakaway group is likely to form and try to save their lead to the finish. If the overall classification is still tight, the time bonuses will also be in high demand and one or two teams of classification riders will try to catch up with the breakaway group.
Schedule, TV coverage & live stream of the 18th stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2023
The field of riders will set off at 12:47, with the sharp start at around 12:55. The calculated finish at the Puerto de la Cruz de Linares, which is 845 metres above sea level, should be between 17:16 and 17:45 at an average speed of around 39 km/h.
Eurosport will broadcast all stages of the Vuelta a Espana 2023. The 18th stage will be shown free-to-air on Eurosport 1 from 12.30 pm. Including post-stage coverage, the broadcast will run until 18:00. The paid providers GCN+ and Discovery+ will also be showing a live stream on the internet.
Vuelta a Espana 2023 - Stage 18: The most important information at a glance
- Mountain stage over 178.9 kilometres
- Start of the stage: 12:55
- Calculated end of the race: approx. 17:30
- TV broadcast: 12:30 - 18:00 Eurosport 1
