SloveniaThe eighth stage of the 81st Volta a España, covering 171 kilometers from Puçol to Xeraco, was expected to be favorable for sprinters due to its flat profile. However, organizers included a single categorized climb, the Puerto de Barx, which could potentially create a selection among sprinters. This climb, approximately 8.6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 3.8%, features steeper sections in the first four kilometers. The stage is anticipated to start at 13:42 and finish around 17:00. While favorites for the overall victory like Tadej Pogačar (UAE Emirates – XRG), Wout van Aert (Visma), and Mads Pedersen (Lidl – Trek) are expected to compete, they might conserve energy for the challenging final days of the race. The top ten riders after seven stages include Tadej Pogačar leading by over 19 hours, followed by Enric Mas, Primož Roglič, and others.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a cycling race and does not involve political issues, making it apolitical. Therefore, the lean is irrelevant and set to CENTER.
