The suffocating heat of Córdoba, protagonist today of the 15th stage of La Vuelta

A cut that the entire peloton will appreciate. Just as it happened in Tour de Francethe heat is punishing cyclists excessively in The Return. The runners raised the alarm, led by the race leader himself, Enric Masand La Vuelta took action on the matter. In yesterday’s stage they allowed more liquid supplies for some cyclists who had to compete at 38ºC.

A temperature that in theory would have to reach 40ºC in Cordova and before this scorching panorama again The Return has taken action, cutting and modifying the route of today’s stage.

“With the aim of preserving the health of the cyclists and guaranteeing the best possible conditions for the development of the competition, the weather protocol is activated for stage 15. Consequently, the following measures have been taken: The stage will have a route of 110.2 kilometers, compared to the 189.7 kilometers initially planned; the neutralized start is delayed at 2:50 p.m. and the launched start at 3:00 p.m.; and the change of route will be applied from kilometer 52, where the race will take the 3402 in the direction of continuing along the A initially,” could be read in the organization’s statement.

In this way, the day only presents two mountainous difficulties and both of a lower category. Puerto de la Forestal (2nd) at km 34.5 of the day and Puerto Artafi (2nd) at 73.6. A profile with a classic flavor, in which the favorites would have to step aside in the face of the close fight that is expected between the sprinters and the breakaway candidates. Tomorrow, a well-deserved day of rest before the last week of the Vuelta.