The 74th edition of the race starts in Torrevieja on Saturday with a team time trial then continues to wind around Spain, Andorra and France over 3,290 kilometres, with the final stage once again held in Madrid.
This race is renowned for its steep climbs, but EF Education First Pro Cycling sport director Juanma Garate says the organizers have cut back on some of the overly harsh pitches. Still, he thinks it's one of the hardest Vueltas he’s seen on paper in years.
“I think this year’s race is one of the hardest we’ve had in the last 10 years because we have so many climbs every day. It’s going to be really tough. There are less big mountain climbs, but we have more climbs in general," he said.
Garate said the EF Education First crew heads to the Vuelta with high hopes — a high general classification showing for Uran, and hunting stages with a number of riders.
“The Vuelta is a beautiful race," Uran said. "I have won stages here but never been on the podium. That’s a huge motivation going into it.
"This year has been a bit of an unusual year. I’ve had very few days of racing, and I felt good at the Tour, so I see a great opportunity here at the Vuelta, especially with the strong team we have racing.”
