Vuelta a Espana 2016 News and Races: Fabio Aru Will Not Defend Title; TDF Champ Froome, Contador and Quintana Among Top Contenders
The second monument of cycling world Vuelta a Espana is set to start at Ourense this Saturday, August 20. Several speedsters are also installed ahead of schedule to conquer this year's edition that features 10 mountain stages. The only downside for 2016 Spain's road race edition is the absence of Fabio Aru to defend his title resulting from injuries.
Chris Froome
At any rate, several strong contenders have emerged to accept the challenge including the three-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome. The Team Sky all-rounder had a busy and tight- scheduled season this year, coming from top podium finish in TDF and bronze in Rio Games.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Froome had a hard time duplicating his Tour success in Vuelta a Espana since joining the race in 2011 and 2014. He started as a highly-favored contender but finished as a runner-up in both outings. Last year, Froome started strong all the way up stage 11 but ended in a heart breaking crash and an ankle injury that ruled him out of the race.
Alberto Contador
Meanwhile, Tikoff Saxo will deploy three-time Vuelta winner Alberto Contador. He is eyeing to wear the Maglia Rosa again. Contador had plenty of time to prepare after his premature departure from TDF due to a crash. Given his two Tour victories, two in Giro d'Italia and three titles in Vuelta, Contador shares the top spot with Froome on odds at winning the race. To spice up the competition, Contador recently issued a statement that Froome is not invincible and he will prove it to his motherland, Spain.
Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde
Another contender is the climbing specialist Nairo Quintana of Team Movistar. The Colombian has Giro d'Italia to back up his palmares. Quintana is braving the race again to recover from a devastating crash in 2014 while wearing the red jersey.
The only issue that needs resolution is the race between Quintana and team mate Alejandro Valverde. Alejandro will have Movistar's green light to attack and Valverde is the co-leader in the team who has proven himself during one of his successful campaign in Vuelta.
Vuelta 2016 Route Snapshot
To preview the 2016 Vuelta a Espana route, all-rounders are sure to make a hit but climbers will have the upper hand. Thirty percent of the road to Madrid are mountain hikes. Here is the snapshot:
Stage 1 - 27.8 kilometers uphill team time trial.
Stage 2 through 8 - 170 kilometers climb at 1 percent steady altitude gain
2 High-altitude Mountain Finish at Lagos de Covadonga, 7 percent gradient
and La Huesera, 13 percent gradient
