Vuelta a España 2021 – Stage 7 preview

By David Hunter

Gandia > Balcón de Alicante 152km

The break won today, will stage 7 bring more joy for the attackers?

It certainly looks like a good day for the break, mainly due to the early cat 1 climb. This is where the break should form, and it could be quite big. Jumbo-Visma are back in control of the red jersey, but I don’t think they’ll be bothered about chasing, this is another chance to give away the red jersey and save their domestiques for later in the race. Will another team chase when Roglič looks so strong? I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.

Weather

Another roasting hot day and there isn’t much wind. At least we don’t have another stage spent speculating about echelons.

Key Points

The day starts with this cat 1 climb, it is 9.9km at 6.2%, but the opening 5km is pretty brutal. The break will form here, and it should be full of strong climbers.

This is the descent that follows the cat 2 climb in the middle of the stage. GC teams had better be switched on for this one.

Balcón de Alicante is a great way to finish a stage, it’s a very demanding climb. Officially it is 4.3km at 8.6%, but that doesn’t do it justice. The climb is full of extremely steep ramps, the maximum gradient is 21.6%! The final 500m is a little downhill, it distorts the overall gradient. We’ll see damage done on this climb and an idea of who will be fighting for the red jersey.

Tactics

There’s isn’t much for GC teams to do in this stage. The break will go on the first climb, then we’ll see if anyone decides to chase it. This will only happen if the break is small, or a serious GC challenger is in it. If not, the bunch will settle down and likely wait for the final climb. This is a hill where domestiques can’t do much, it’s so bloody steep. Those with the best legs will rise to the top, the others won’t.

We could see some GC teams looking to test legs on the opening climb, but I doubt it. The problem is the long section afterwards, where domestqiues dropped on the first climb will look to get back in. However, this is the Vuelta, anything can happen.

Contenders

Clément Champoussin – fits the bill as someone who would be allowed to take red. The young Frenchman is a huge talent, I hope we see him taking some risks and trying to jump in the morning break.

Jay Vine – his form leading into this race was very strong, but he hit the deck in the opening stage. I don’t think that should be an issue now, so I hope to see him trying to make the early move. The Aussie has enjoyed a great debut season at this level, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him winning a stage in this race.

Bahrain – they have lots of options, but there all too close on GC. It would be interesting if they tried to send someone like Mäder in the break, that would test Jumbo-Visma. Caruso sits 6:08 behind Roglič, he might get more freedom than the rest, I can’t see a situation where Padun, Poels, Haig or Mäder are allowed up the road, but you just never know in this sport.

Max Schachmann – has said his current form isn’t great, but that could change in an instant. This is a good stage for him, he should be motivated to go for the break. The final climb is very steep, his chances of success will depend on who he’s up against.

Mauri Vansevenant – Deceuninck – Quick Step came here for stages; this is a chance to land their second. The Belgian is a cracking rider, he certainly leaves everything on the road. He has the climbing ability to make the break and the power to finish it off.

Sepp Kuss – why not? Instead of just sitting back and letting others attack them, Jumbo-Visma could well turn to Sepp. He would love the chance to attack and join the morning break, it would be pretty cool if he would win stages in the Tour and Vuelta in the same season. One thing in his favour is the hot temperatures, he seems to cope well with the heat. He’ll also love the steep gradients on the final climb, he’s one of the best in the world when it goes over 10%.

Odd Christian Eiking – another who loves steep climbs. He’s a solid contender for the break.

Michael Storer – arrived here in stage hunting mode. He won the Tour de l’Ain just a few weeks ago, his current form is very good. The Aussie has a good record of getting in breaks in grand tours, but he’s yet to finish one off. This is a big chance for him.

Kenny Elissonde – he lost the red jersey today, but I expect him to come out swinging.

Alex Aranburu – the final climb will likely be too hard for him, but you cannot ignore his current form.

Primož Roglič – do you really want to drag the break back and set him up? He looks in sensational form, his rivals will be wondering how they beat him? Roglič will sense a chance to strike on the final climb and put more time into his rivals, this is a chance to send a big message out before the rest day.

Prediction Time

The break to take another win, I’ll go with Michael Storer. Back in the GC group I think Roglič will tighten his grip on the red jersey.

David Hunter

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