La Vuelta 2024:- Stage 16: Luanco – Lagos de Covadonga, 181.3km ***Spoilers***

Luanco – Lagos de Covadonga, 181.3km

Tuesday 3rd September,

Start Time: 11-50BST.

After the second rest day, the riders take on the Lagos de Covadonga. This climb made all the difference at the 2021 race, so expect this to be closely targeted by the GC favourites. The 16th stage travels from Luanco on the Asturian coast to the iconic ascent to the Lakes of Covadonga. The 181.3 kilometers long route takes in two intermediate climbs. The stage features 4,000 metres of climbing. Apart from two intermediate climbs, the riders have plenty more uphill action to tackle along the way. The scenery of the ascent to the Lagos de Covadonga is spectacular and the same goes for the climb. The Lagos de Covadonga are at the end of the road, there is only one side to ascend to the lakes. Primoz Roglic is the last winner at the iconic location.

Profile.

Map.

The Climbs.

Final Kilometres. (Lagos de Covadonga)

What to Expect.

A GC clash is the most likely, and certainly the most anticipated, scenario, although the parcour also affords a chance for an exceptionally strong breakaway rider.

Luanco

Luanco makes its debut hosting a La Vuelta stage departure.

5,935 inhabitants.

This Asturian town’s seafaring tradition marks the lifestyle of one of the Principality’s Northernmost population centres. Secluded among the beautiful Cantabrian beaches, Luanco will be the starting point for a stage that will commence at sea level before heading to the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park.

Mariscada ~ Seafood Platter

Asturias is on the Atlantic Coast, which blesses the region with an abundance of both wild and local fish and seafood. A marisco seafood platter features everything from meaty lobster, crab, mussels, clams and more.

Lagos de Covadonga

Lagos de Covadonga has already hosted 22 La Vuelta finish-lines.

6,260 inhabitants (Cangas de Onís).

The Lakes of Covadonga are composed of two glacial lakes located on the region of Asturias, Spain. These lakes, often also called Lakes of Enol or simply Los Lagos, are Lake Enol and Lake Ercina located in the Picos de Europa range and they are the original center of the Picos de Europa National Park, created in 1918.