LA VUELTA A ESPAÑA - STAGE 16 LAST CLIMBS BEFORE MADRID

There are no great Tours without moments of suffering, without doubt, without apprehension to keep up the efforts. Being at the start of this 16th stage, in Salamanca, is therefore a challenge in itself, especially when you know the effort made the day before, 230,8 km against the wind, the rain and the cold.
 

Guillaume Martin and Luis Angel Maté in "top 15"

This day was once again a busy one. The day after a stage where they were particularly active, the Cofidis riders managed to stay long time as part of the peloton. Then, with 35 km to go, Luis Angel Maté attacked. He then accompanied Guillaume Martin in the final, which resulted in two places of honour (Martin 13th, Maté 14th).

Tomorrow, after the ascent of Alto Portillo de Las Batuecas (1st cat.), there are five passes to be climbed. After the ascent of Alto Portillo de Las Batuecas (1st cat.), there are five passes to be climbed. The end of the stage promises some surprises with a new climb of La Garganta (2nd cat.) before the final ascent of Alto de la Covatilla with a maximum difference in altitude of 12%. It is only after this intense effort that the riders will finally be able to take a breath out: they will see Madrid, the last stage of this incredible Vuelta.

GUILLAUME MARTIN SAID... 

"It was windy and nervous again. In the middle of the stage, on steep and twisty roads, team Ineos was able to break the peloton. We remained vigilant. This allowed us to stay in the first group and to finish well in the final sprint. It was a little bit quieter day then when I was in the breakaways, but it was still very intense. Tomorrow, this will be the last opportunity for me to aim for a stage victory. I will try to be on the attack again if my legs allow it. »