Etixx - Quick-Step to Volta Ciclista a Catalunya

Etixx - Quick-Step to Volta Ciclista a Catalunya

Etixx - Quick-Step has announced the selection that will participate in Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, a UCI WorldTour stage race of 1255.4km, which takes place from Monday, March 23rd until Sunday, March 29th.

Volta Ciclista a Catalunya is one for the climbers, with no true flat stages throughout the race. The race opens with a stage that includes a Category 2, Category 1, and Category 3 climb before descending into the finish. Stage 2 features a Category 3 climb to open the race, and a Category 3 climb (2.1km, 4.5% average gradient, 7% max ramp) just before the arrival that could reduce the field that contests the stage win if a breakaway does not survive to the finish. Stage 3 includes four climbs, including a Category 1 climb just 13km before the finish. Stage 4 features the first summit finish. The La Molina climb is 5.6km at 5.8 percent. Stage 5 includes a Category 2 climb at about 10km from the arrival in Valls, and the descent is technical. Stage 6 provides some relief from the climbing near the end of the stage, but still includes a Category 1 and Category 3 climb. Finally, Stage 7 finishes in a circuit with Category 3 Montjuic (2km, 5.7% average gradient, max ramp 8%).

Rigoberto Uran will be the leader of Etixx - Quick-Step at Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, and the team has surrounded him with climbers, and also riders who can help him in the flatter sections, in support of his GC aspirations. The riders in support of Uran: Carlos Verona, Petr Vakoc, Maxime Bouet, David De La Cruz, Gianluca Brambilla, Pieter Serry, and Julian Alaphilippe.