The two First Category Climbs in this stage were actually the same ascent. The riders would have to complete a loop that included a Third Category Climb before climbing it a second time. Afterward, they would ride all the way to the final HC Level climb.
This First Category Climb was called the Colladiella Climb (Alto de la Colladiella), located at the 37.5 km and 88 km marks of the stage.
It was 6.5 km long with a steep average gradient of 8%.
The section between the 2 km and 5 km marks was extremely difficult, with the average gradient for each kilometer being 9.1%, 9.8%, and 10.1% respectively.
This showed that the stage truly belonged to the GC contenders. The toll from the earlier climbs alone would be immense.
If they still didn't attack, it would be unjustifiable.
The Third Category Climb on the loop between the two First Category ascents was the San Emilian Climb (Alto de Santo Emiliano).
