Vuelta a España (ESP) - 01-23.09.2007

(This event is on the 2007 UCI ProTour calendar but does not hold a UCI ProTour licence)

The Vuelta a España ends the major summer stage races with three weeks of difficult and highly competitive racing. The Vuelta is under pressure from other races on the international calendar but it retains its appeal thanks to the current generation of successful and talented Spanish riders. The 2007 Vuelta will appeal to everyone in the race because it has something for climbers, time trialists and sprinters. The start on September 1 is in the north-western city of Vigo on the Atlantic coast, with a early stage finish in the famous city of Santiago di Compostela. The first mountain stage comes early with a tough uphill finish to the Lagos de Covadonga on stage four. After a time trial on stage eight the Vuelta climbs into the Pyrenees for two stages before a transfer down the coast for more mountain stages in the south. As is tradition the race finishes in Madrid with a last 25km time trial just outside the capital. In 2006 Alexandre Vinokourov made up for missing the Tour de France by dominating the Vuelta and defeating Alejandro Valverde. This year the Spanish are expected to be out in force to defend national pride. Climber Iban Mayo is hoping to return from two difficult years by riding for the Saunier Duval team, while Caisse d’Epargne and Euskaltel will all be chasing success on home roads.