August 25, 2022
Stage seven could be a day for the sprinters who can survive the big climb midway through the race
Vuelta a España 2022, stage seven
Distance: 190km
Start location: Camargo
Finish location: Cistierna
Start time: 11.30 BST
Finish time (approx): 16.30 BST
A fourth consecutive day of climbing awaits the riders of the Vuelta a España with an interesting profile of two halves. Beginning in the province of Cantabria, kilometre zero is in the small but popular tourist town of Camargo, which plays hosts to a stage start for the first time.
Vuelta a España 2022 stage seven map and profile
From here, the race departs Cantabria and travels west, parallel to the coast, but inland, as it heads into beautiful Asturias, with its extensive national parks and hilly landscape. There is just over 70km of lumpy terrain to contend with, but nothing categorised – just your typical Vuelta day of non-stop ups and downs.
So it’s not the easiest approach by any means to the day’s one major climb, but it’s made worse by the fact that after travelling through the town of Panes, the route rises steadily uphill, and continues to do so for 55km before the climb even begins. It’s slow and steady but it will be tough on the legs with a seriously lengthy category one climb ahead.
The ascent in question is the Puerto de San Glorio. It’s far from the toughest mountain the riders will face during the three weeks, but it’s long, and will suit pure climbers much more than bigger, punchier riders. It totals 22.4km and averages out at a reasonably consistent 5.5%, although the first 6km are easier than the rest.
It will offer a chance for stage hunters to make an impression and break away from the bunch, while the GC contenders keep a close eye on one another.
The descent that follows is far briefer than the climb, as the peloton drops down onto the high plateau that is a feature of the local region. There are a few more hills to contend with but overall, the route is mainly downhill for the final 65km, which could lead to an exciting chase if a breakaway group have managed to carve out a decent lead over the bunch. There is an intermediate sprint, and bonification seconds, available in the town of Las Salas, as the race moves into its third province of the day, the autonomous region of Castile and León. From here the riders approach the finish line in Cistierna, a beautiful town that hosts a…