La Vuelta 2024:- Stage 18: Vitoria Gasteiz – Maeztu-Parque Natural de Izki, 179.3km ***Spoilers***

Stage 18: Vitoria Gasteiz – Maeztu-Parque Natural de Izki, 179.3km

Thursday 5th September.

Start Time: 12-05BST.

Welcome to the Basque Country. The Vuelta settles down with a relatively straightforward profile on Stage 18. This might be the last chance for a sprint at the 2024 race. The race adds up to 179.3 kilometres and includes two intermediate climbs.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is a regular host of the Itzulia Basque Country. Year in year out, a stage starts in one of the greenest cities in Spain, while La Vuelta drops by every now and then also. Last year, the 2nd stage of the Tour de France even started in the town that’s reknown for its love for cycling.

Profile.

Map.

The Climb.

Final Kilometres.

What to Expect.

Probably one for the breakaway, as sprinter teams won't be too interested.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria has already hosted 20 La Vuelta stage departures.

253,672 inhabitants.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of the Basque Autonomous Community in northern Spain. In the medieval quarter, the Gothic-style Santa María Cathedral features a sculpted facade and towering columns. The 17th-century Plaza de la Virgen Blanca has a monument to the 1813 Battle of Vitoria. The Church of San Miguel has a large, baroque altarpiece and houses a statue of the White Virgin, the city’s patron saint. Vitoria-Gasteiz was recognised as a European Green Capital in 2012. This award, which has only been given to two Spanish cities, recognises the environmental efforts made by large European cities.

Angulas

Known as ''the caviar of Northern Spain,'' angulas are baby eels, a Spanish seafood delicacy that's typically consumed with oil and garlic. They're also one of Spain's most expensive foods, reaching prices of up to 1,000 euros per kilo, which is pretty strange for some people who claim they don't taste of much at all.

Maeztu

Maeztu makes its debut hosting a La Vuelta finish-line.

804 inhabitants.

Maeztu, a small enclave in the South of Álava, encompasses the natural beauty of the Izki Natural Park. Surrounded by forests and mountains, it is a refuge for nature lovers. The park features a unique biodiversity and invites visitors to explore its various trails through a flora that is dominated by Pyrenean oak trees. Maeztu serves as an entrance to this natural paradise, where the connection with its surroundings and peaceful landscape come together to create a calm haven in the heart of the Basque Country.

Pincho de champiñon

Pincho de champiñon is a traditional Spanish appetizer or bar snack originating from Basque Country. These pinchos are usually made with a combination of small mushrooms, garlic, parsley, olive oil, white wine vinegar, paprika, and salt.