2025 Vuelta a España Stage 11 Overview
The upcoming Vuelta 2025 Stage 11 in the Bilbao region promises an exciting Amstel Gold Race-inspired course, characterised by numerous short, steep climbs and a dynamic, selective race favouring climbers and puncheurs.
This hilly route, estimated to be around 200-250 km, will feature multiple opportunities for attacks and tactical moves over climbs. The stage is expected to include selective sprint points after climbs or flat sections between them, though specific details are not yet fully disclosed.
The stage will feature several notable climbs, such as the Alto de Laukiz (1.1km at 4.7%, with a steep 12% section near the top) and the Alto de Sollube (26.2km at 4.2%). These climbs, along with other sharp, punchy ascents typical of the Basque Country's hilly profile, will test the mettle of even the most seasoned riders.
One of the significant points in the stage is the sprint point in Bilbao, located after the Alto del Vivero climb. The Alto del Vivero, with two categorizations at 104.4km and 133.3km, will set the stage for an exciting finish. The sprint point in Bilbao is a valuable opportunity for sprinters to compete, making it a significant point in the Amstel Gold race stage in the Basque Country.
The Balcon de Bizkaia (cat.3) and the Alto de Morga (cat.3) will also make appearances on the course, located at 63.2km and 86.1km respectively. The Alto del Pike (cat.3) at 149.6km will include a time bonus, providing another challenge for the riders.
The route is designed to appeal to Ardennes Classics specialists and aggressive GC contenders, offering opportunities for both climbers and sprinters to compete. The sprint point in Bilbao, while not associated with a time bonus, is one of the few opportunities for sprinters to shine in this Amstel Gold race-inspired stage.
In comparison, the Amstel Gold Race itself, set in the Limburg region, is a race of approximately 250 km, featuring 34 short but steep climbs. The final kilometres usually include selective climbs with a fast finish, suited for explosive riders able to punch out of hilly terrain, but not necessarily pure sprinters.
This Basque Country stage, while not an exact replica of the Amstel Gold Race, shares many of its characteristics, evoking the punchy and selective nature of Amstel Gold's parcours but adapted to the Basque terrain with its characteristic steep and aggressive climbs.
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