La Vuelta A Espana Highlights - Episode Guide

La Vuelta takes off with a 29.4km team time trial that will serve to place all the riders in the general classification. The Vuelta's 22 teams will depart from the Laias Health Resort and will arrive at the Castrelo de Mino Nautical Park, in the province of Ourense, after almost 30 flat kilometres. It will be a favourable stage for the big teams who want to make an impression, and get ahead of their rivals. The first rider of the winning team to cross the finish-line will have the honour of wearing the first red jersey of 2016. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

The Vuelta returns to the city of Ourense in order to commence a 159-kilometre stage that will end, presumably, with a sprint to the finish-line in the locality of Bayonne. It will be one of the few opportunities for sprinters to make a difference, but energy levels will still be intact for the bravest riders to attempt to break away. The only difficulty of the day will be at the Alto de Fontefria, a third category climb. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

The Vuelta itinerary takes on the spectacular climb to the Mirador de Ezaro, one of the most beautiful places to feature in the Spanish tour in recent years. The first part of the stage will be flat and calm, later crossing into very windy terrain with two noteworthy peaks - the Alto de Lestaio and the Alto Das Paxareiras, third and second category climbs, respectively. The stage's outcome will be decided in a short but very tough climb. 170 kilometres will come to an end in a finale that will allow riders to make up for any possible differences established in the first day of the race. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

A beautiful and colourful 163.5km stage with a departure in Betanzos and a new high-altitude arrival, this time in the impressive and unprecedented Mirador Vixia de Herbeira, in San Andres de Teixido. The cliffs are the highest in in Europe. This 11.2km mountain pass, with an average inclination of 4.8 per cent, is not excessively tough, but it could potentially be dangerous to those who get distracted. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

A flat stage from Viveiro to Lugo. 171.3 kilometres of leg-breaking terrain that includes a circuit around the Lugo capital that will prove favourable for sprinters to show their skills, though they will have to face Marco de Alvare mid-route. This is an 11.8km mountain pass with an inclination of 3.6 per cent. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

A mid-mountain stage, between Monforte de Lemos and Luintra, in the Ribeira Sacra, crossing the spectacular canyons of the Sil River. The last 70 kilometres will be very windy, in a succession of climbs and descents all the way to the finish-line. In the final part of the stage, the peloton will come face to face with the Alto de Alenza, a second category climb, that will not necessarily make much of a difference to the general classification, but it may well break the group up, and prevent a mass arrival at the end. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

The first week of the Vuelta comes to an end and the peloton bids farewell to Galicia, arriving at Castilla y Leon through the Puebla de Sanabria, in the province of Zamora. The route is a windy one where the bravest riders will probably attempt to break away, which could result in them obtaining a stage victory. 158.5 kilometres in which the peloton will have to climb several mountain passes, such as Padornelo, 18.5km from the finish-line. This stage could be decided by a mass sprint to the end, or with the triumph of an early escape, and will serve as a preview to the start of the Leon-Asturian mountain that offers such good sporting results for the Vuelta year after year. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

A misleading stage with a 95 per cent of the route flat, until Cistierna. This is one of the slopes that has made the most impact in the entire history of the Vuelta. La Camperona was climbed for the first and only time in 2014. The route is difficult enough to make the favourites give it their all. Its purity, the suffering of the riders and the proximity of the fans all make the Camperona a special place. A truly spectacular stage which could be a deciding one. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

Stage nine will re-visit another old acquaintance of the Vuelta - the Alto del Naranco, and the beautiful city of Oviedo. The stage will not make much of a difference to the general classification, but it could be a barometer used to measure the riders' energy levels the day before returning to the Lagos de Covadonga. 164.5km of what promises to be both beautiful and exciting where the peloton will also have to complete four climbs. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

A return to one of the most legendary climbs of the Vuelta - the Lagos de Covadonga. The first part is a pleasant ride through the Asturian coast, departing from Lugones that will become much less relaxed at Fito Peak - a 6.2km climb with an inclination of 7.8 per cent 40 kilometres from the finish-line. After this, the main attraction will be the spectacular climb up the Lagos de Covadonga, with a route of 12.2km and an inclination of 7.2 per cent including the famous La Huesera stretch, with a slope of 13 per cent. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

Following a rest day, this is the fourth consecutive high-altitude finish in this year's Vuelta at Pena Cabarga, in Cantabria, after a departure from the Asturias Jurassic Museum. The final climb will be a short and severe one, almost 6km long with an inclination of 9.8 per cent, the final stretch being the toughest part - 1.9km with an 11.5 per cent inclination, including slopes of up to 19per cent. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

The Vuelta returns to the Basque Country for a long day, covering 193.2km between the Cantabrian locality of Los Corrales de Buelna and the city of Bilbao. Including four mountain passes, the most notable being Alisas and the double pass through El Vivero. The final part is a 4.2km climb and an 8.5 per cent inclination just 13km from the finale at the Biscayan capital. There may well be a possible sprint to the finish-line following some escapes as happened in 2011. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

The longest stage of the 2016 Vuelta, an exhausting leg breaker between Bilbao and the small Navarran locality of Urdax - 213.4km with four third category climbs that will break up the group. This will be an opportunity for the bravest riders in this edition of the Vuelta to grit their teeth and not waste too much energy as they will surely need it the following day. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

Except for the first few kilometres, today's entire route will take place on French soil. There are four mountain passes in the last 130km - the tough and unprecedented category one Col Inharpu, the Col de Soudet, the Marie Blanque with four final kilometres at an inclination of 11.5 per cent, and finally, the climb up the unprecedented Aubisque, a special category climb. This is a Tour classic that is almost 17km long with an average inclination of 7 per cent. In total, around 4800m of accumulated slopes, making this one of the most demanding stages of the Vuelta. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

Following the Aubisque, today's is the shortest linear stage of the 2016 Vuelta. 118.5 spectacular kilometres between Sabinanigo and the Aramon Formigal Ski Resort. It will be a very dangerous stage, with the mountain passes of Petralba and Cotefablo, third and second category climbs respectively, before the final climb of Los Sarrios, a first category climb. Attacks searching for the chance to break away will certainly begin quite early, and the nerves and exhaustion of the day before could take its toll on many of the riders. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

After a very mountainous weekend, the Vuelta comes down from the mountains of Aragon and heads to the Valencian coast in order to face the final and decisive week of competition. A flat stage, ideal for escapes, with one only point-incurring third category climb with a long slightly downhill descent to Vinaroz, before arriving at the Peniscola finish-line. It will be a favourable day for sprinters who, once again, will have the sea and the beach as the final backdrop of this sixteenth stage. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

Following on from yesterday's rest day, a 177.5-kilometre stage with another high-altitude finish in the unprecedented Mas de la Costa, in Llucena. It is a short mountain pass, just 4km long, with an average inclination of 13 per cent but with peaks of up to 22 per cent. The battle among the top classified riders will commence from the beginning of the climb and could put an end to the hopes and dreams of some of the favourites. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

A flat stage, between the Valencian localities of Requena and Gandia. If the teams control the escape, there will be a sprint to the finish-line. But if there is a long escape, it could end as a battle among the very few that break away in an attempt to cross the finish-line alone. This will be the second-last opportunity for sprinters. After today, there will only be three days left until the end, two of which will be decisive for the general classification. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

For the first time, the Vuelta will hold an individual time trial in the second-last stage along 37km between Javea and Calpe. It will be a very technical time trial, which will not make much of a difference to the general classification, keeping in mind that there is still another mountain stage ahead. The route will be favourable for rouleurs and time trial specialists, who will have the chance to obtain a stage victory. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

A decisive penultimate day, and final opportunity for those hoping to win the Vuelta to make their mark. A tough route, ideal for ambushes between Benidorm and the Alto de Aitana, that includes the mountain passes of Rates, Ebo, Tollos and Tudons, all of them second category climbs. The long descent previous to the final climb at Aitana is a special category climb, 21km long with almost 1300 metres of slopes that could be a decisive one. The rider who wears the red jersey at the Alto de Aitana will have obtained the final triumph. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

The end of the race with a circuit-style stage through the streets of Madrid. The 20 days of hard work and suffering will be rewarded by this final Madrid stage that will bring the Vuelta a Espana's 71st edition to an end. It will be a good day for sprinters, and one that pays tribute to the peloton after completing three intense weeks of racing. Presented by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and Daniel Friebe the roving reporter.

Action from stage 1, a team time-trial around Nimes in France. For only the third time in its history the Vuelta starts outside Spain, with a short 13.7 km technical course through the old city, that will challenge the teams as they try to secure the first Red Jersey of race leader. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 2, a 203.4 km flat stage from Nimes to Gruissan. It is one of the few opportunities in this year's race for the sprinters, but with a long run along the coast, crosswinds may play a part. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 3, from Prades Conflent Canigo to Andorra la Vella. The first mountain stage as the Vuelta passes from France into Andorra, an opportunity for the GC riders to test each other. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 4, from Escaldes-Engordany to Tarragona. A 198 km flat stage as the race arrives in Spain - a second chance for the sprinters to take stage glory. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 5, from Benicassim to Alcossebre. There are three category 2 climbs before the steep hilltop finish at Alcossebre, where small but significant time gaps are expected. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 6, from Vila Real to Sagunto. A lumpy 204 km route that could see a breakaway survive. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 7, from Lliria to Cuenca. The longest stage of this year's race, a tough 205 km. The climb up to the castle at the finish should split up the peloton before the descent to the line. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 8, from Hellin to Xorret de Cati. Described by the organisers as a mid-mountain stage, the 199 km route is all about the last 5 km, the Alto Xorret de Cati has gradients of up to 20 per cent and should provide an exciting finale. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 9, from Orihuela to Cumbre del Sol. A flat stage along the spectacular Levante coast with a 4 km category 1 climb at the finish. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 10, from Caravaca Ano Jubilar 2017 to ElPozo Alimentacion. A mainly flat transitional stage after the rest day, but the addition of an 8 km category 1 climb 20 km from the finish might foil the sprinters. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 11, from Lorca to Calar Alto. Two back-to-back category 1 climbs in the last 40 km of the stage should produce time gaps in the battle for overall victory. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 12, from Motril to Antequera. This could be a day for the overall contenders to consolidate their time differences and give a chance to a breakaway. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 13, from Coin to Tomares. A flat stage and one of the last opportunities for the sprinters. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 14, from Ecija to Alto Sierra de La Pandera. Two weeks into the race and the riders face the first super-category climb, La Pandera. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 15, from Alcala la Real to Sierra Nevada. One of the Vuelta's crowning glories, with the climb up to the Sierra Nevada and a finish-line located 2,480 metres above sea level. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 16, from Circuito de Navarra to Logrono. The race resumes after the rest day with a 42-kilometre individual time trial among vineyards and wineries. It could play a big part in deciding who will take overall victory in Madrid. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 17, from Villadiego to Los Machucos. Another tough mountain day at the Vuelta with almost 3,000 metres of climbing. The final 9 km Los Machucos climb is sure to be spectacular. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 18, from Suances to Santo Toribio de Liebana. The riders complete several back-to-back climbs, including the Collada de Carmona, Collada de Ozalba and Collada de la Hoz, before reaching the final 2.5 km slope leading to the Santo Toribio de Liebana monastery. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 19, from Caso to Gijon. A medium mountain stage with the main feature being the San Martin pass 16 km from the finish. It could catch out the leaders if they lose concentration. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 20, from Corvera de Asturias to Alto de l'Angliru. The stage is only 119 km long but there are two category 1 ascents before the riders reach what is often considered the toughest climb in Spain - the Angiliru with numerous ramps of over 20 per cent gradient. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from stage 21, from Arroyomolinos to Madrid. A circuit finish in Madrid to crown the winner of the Vuelta and a chance for any sprinters that have made it this far to take a final stage win. Presented by Gary Imlach, with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar, and reporter Daniel Friebe.

Action from the opening stage as riders completed an 8km time trial around Malaga.

Action from the 163.5km second stage from Marbella to Caminito del Rey, a generally flat ride with an uphill finish.

The best of the action from the 178.2km third stage as the riders travel from Mijas to Alhaurin de la Torre.

Best bits from the 161.4km fourth stage as the riders travelled from Velez-Malaga to Alfacar.

Action from the 188.7km fifth stage in which the pack travelled from Granada to Roquetas de Mar. Gary Imlach presents.

Action from the 155.7km sixth stage from Huercal-Overa to San Javier Mar Menor on a day that should suit sprinters.

Action from the 185.7km seventh stage from Puerto Lumbreras to Pozo Alcon - a lumpy but generally flat stage.

Best bits from Stage eight, 195.1km from Linares to Almaden. There could be chance for a breakaway in this flat but long stage. Gary Imlach presents, with commentary from Ned Boulting and David Millar.

Action from the ninth stage of the race - 220.8km from Talavera de la Reina to La Covatilla.

All of the best bits from Stage 10, as riders travel 177km from Salamanca to Fermoselle following a rest day.

Stage 11, from Mombuey to Ribeira Sacra Luintra, is the longest this year, as riders travel 207.8km on a winding, lumpy route.

Stage 12 from Mondonedo to Faro de Estaca de Bares, Manon in a portion of the race that could favour sprinters.

Action from Stage 13, from Candas to Valle de Sabero, La Camperona, which features a mountain top finish.

Action from Stage 14 of the race in Spain on a second day in Asturias, featuring a difficult climbing finish.

Action from Stage 15 of the race in Spain as riders travel 178.2km from Ribera de Arriba to Lagos de Covadonga.

Action from Stage 16's individual time trial - 32km from Santillana del Mar to Torrelavega.

Action from Stage 17 of the race as riders travel 157km from Getxo to Balcon de Bizkaia with a steep uphill finish.

Action from Stage 18 in Spain, 186.1km from Ejea de los Caballeros to Lleida on a flat day that could suit sprinters.

Action from Stage 19 of the race, which sees riders travel 154.4km from Lleida to Andorra.

Action from Stage 20 - 97.3km from Andorra to Coll de la Gallina - Santuario de Canolich.

A showpiece finish on the streets of Madrid for the final stage of the Vuelta.

Highlights of the opening stage of the 2019 Vuelta - a 13.5km time trial in Torrevieja.

Stage 2 is a lumpy, 200km route which could produce some real-time gaps as the riders travel from Benidorm to Calpe.

Stage 3 is a 188km flattish route from Ibi to Alicante which should produce the race's first bunch sprint.

Stage 4 - 175km from Cullera to El Puig - only contains one big climb and could be a day for the sprinters.

Stage 5 is a hilly, 170.7km route from L'Eliana to Javelambre, and features the first summit finish of this year's race.

Stage 6 features the second summit finish in a row on a 200km route from Mora de Rubielos to Ares del Maestrat.

Stage 7, a 183.2km route from Onda to Mas de la Costa is the first big test for riders who hope to win the overall title.

The best bits from Stage 8, which takes riders from Valls to Igualada. The climb 30km from the finish could prompt a breakaway.

The shortest stage of the race, from Andorra la Vella to Cortals d'Encamp, features three tough climbs through 94.4km.

The race resumes after the rest day with a 36km individual time trial around Pau.

Stage 11 is a 180km ride from Saint Palais to Urdax-Dantxarinea as riders head back into Spain.

Stage 12 is 171 km through Basque Country from Circuito de Navarra to Bilbao with three steep climbs in the last 30k.

Stage 13 features features seven mountain passes in its 166km duration, with the finish on the fearsomely steep Los Machucos.

Stage 14 is a flat 188km route along Spain's northern coast, with a small climb 20km from the finish.

Stage 15 is a 154km mountain route which finishes on a climb never used in the Vuelta before.

Stage 16 is a mountain route which should see the GC contenders battling for the stage win.

At 219km, Stage 17 - from Aranda de Duero to Guadalajara - is the longest of this year's race, but will it favour sprinters?

Action from the 18th stage of the Grand Tour race, which consisted of a 177.5km route from Colmenar Viejo to Becerril de la Sierra. Gary Imlach presents, with reports from Daniel Friebe and commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar.

Action from the 19th stage of the Grand Tour race, which consisted of a 165.2km route from Avila to Toledo. Gary Imlach presents, with reports from Daniel Friebe and commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar.

Highlights of the 20th and penultimate stage of the Grand Tour race, which consisted of a 190.4km route from Arenas de San Pedro to Plataforma de Gredos. Gary Imlach presents, with reports from Daniel Friebe and commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar.

Action from the 21st and final stage of the Grand Tour race, which consisted of a 106.6km route from Fuenlabrada to Madrid. Gary Imlach presents, with reports from Daniel Friebe and commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of stage 17, from Ribadesella to Alto de L'Angliru.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

Highlights of all the cycling action from the 2023 Vuelta a Espana.

The 21st and final stage from Hipodromo de la Zarzuela to Madrid.