La Vuelta 2024:- Stage 7: Archidona – Córdoba, 180.2km ***Spoilers***

Stage 7: Archidona – Córdoba, 180.2km

Friday 23rd August

Start Time: 12-10BST.

The 7th stage of La Vuelta is a lumpy race between Archidona and Córdoba. The route amounts to 180.2 kilometres. The race in the deep south of Spain is played out on undulating terrain before the only KOM climb of the day goes by the name of Alto del 14%, which refers to the steepest ramp of the climb. It is tackled after the riders cross the finish-line for the first time. Three years ago, the Vuelta also visited Córdoba. Back then, the Alto del 14% was included in the finale as well, but it was preceded by an additional climb, making the race a bit harder. Still, a sprinter crossed the finish line first. It was Magnus Cort, who took the spoils ahead of Andrea Bagioli and Michael Matthews.

Profile.

Map.

The Climb.

Final Kilometres.

A rolling section leads to the downhill before the last 12 kilometres are entirely flat.

What to Expect.

A clash of strongmen sprinters is the most likely outcome, although we can expect some riders to try to force a different outcome on the Alto del 14%. The third kilometre before the top is the prime spot to attack, as it has double-digit gradients. After that, the road levels out, and from the summit, it’s an 8 kilometres descent towards Córdoba.

Archidona

Archidona makes its debut hosting a La Vuelta stage departure.

8,024 inhabitants

Archidona is one of Andalusia’s characteristic white villages. Declared a Historical Artistic Complex, the locality showcases its legacy from prehistoric remains to its time as the province capital during the 8th-9th centuries. The Plaza Ochavada, built in 1786, is one of the most notable plazas of the Andalusian Baroque style and is one of the municipality’s emblems, along with the impressive Al-Andalus castle and its surrounding walls.

Rabo de toro

Rabo de toro is a traditional Spanish dish originating from the region of Andalusia, although it's eaten throughout the country. Each restaurant and region has their own recipe, but it's usually made with a combination of oxtail, olive oil, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, paprika, tomatoes, red wine, dry sherry, bay leaves, and parsley. Once cooked, this slow-braised stew is typically served with fried potatoes on the side. It is believed that rabo de toro dates back to Roman times, when the bull would be killed at a bullfight, and its tail would be braised and enjoyed in celebration.

Flamenquín

Flamenquín is a Spanish dish consisting of jamón serrano slices that are wrapped in pork loin cutlets. The concoction is dipped in eggs, coated in breadcrumbs, and it is then deep-fried in hot oil. The name can be translated as little Flemish, referring to the fact that the golden color of the dish (coming from the eggs) is reminiscent of the blond hair of Flemish assistants to the Emperor Charles V. Flamenquín is traditionally served with french fries and mayonnaise.

Córdoba

Córdoba has already hosted 21 La Vuelta finish-lines.

319,515 inhabitants

Córdoba is a city in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, and the capital of the province of Córdoba. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century. Córdoba boasts the honour of containing more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city in the world. The Mezquita-Catedral, the historical city centre where it is located, the Fiesta de los Patios (Courtyard Festival) and the Medina Azahara make the Córdoba capital the only one to have four recognised sites.

Salmorejo

Salmorejo is a refreshing Andalusian soup that is traditionally served cold. It is especially popular during the warm, summer days. The soup consists of puréed tomatoes, bread, garlic, oil, and vinegar. Thick and creamy, salmorejo is often garnished with ingredients such as hard-boiled eggs or Spanish ham.