Vuelta a Espana 2013: Racers Who Will Continue Strong Start in Next Stage

The Vuelta a Espana 2013 heads into Stage 4 on Tuesday, with the famous "End of the World" stage from Lalin to Fisterra in the Galicia region of Spain.

The key section of the 189-kilometre stage will come just 34 kilometres from the finish, when the riders reach the peak of Mirador de Ezaro. The steep climb could separate the best teams from the field and then offer a relatively simple run to the finish for those in the lead.

If they can survive the climb, a gentle incline and relatively straight run in the final five kilometres will see the field's strong uphill sprinters battle it out for success in the race towards the coast. Staying in contention past the Mirador de Ezaro will be key.

For the climbers, then, a few relatively easy stages lie ahead, so it will be a case of maintaining their overall position for many of those at the head of the field.

Which racers will be hoping to maintain their strong form in the next stage?

Chris Horner (USA) RadioShack-Leopard

American cyclist Chris Horner, 41, became the oldest-ever stage winner on the Vuelta on Monday, sealing victory in the final kilometre of the Mirador de Lobeira stage.

Horner will expect to retain the red jersey on Tuesday, with his abilities well suited to the challenges ahead. He may not finish at the head of the day's standings, but he will have a real chance to cement his lead in the overall classification.

The RadioShack racer's final charge in Stage 3 was impressive, as he broke away from the peloton to reel in a tiring Ivan Santaromita in the final stretch of the race.

Nicolas Roche (ROI) Team Saxo-Tinkoff

Irish rider Nicolas Roche was successful in Stage 2 on Sunday and finished just six seconds off the lead on Monday to move to third position in the overall race standings.

Roche seeks his best finish at a major tour in the coming weeks and will hope to make steady progress over the next few stages to ensure that he remains on track to meet his targets.

The 29-year-old is in great shape and should not have any problem coping with the Mirador de Ezaro climb that could see the peloton split up. Providing he avoids getting caught up in any incidents, he should be well placed to maintain his good progress.

Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar Team 

A former Vuelta winner, prior to his ban as part of the Operacion Puerto blood doping investigation, Valverde lies in sixth place overall—just 24 seconds off the head of the standings.

An experienced and accomplished cyclist, Valverde could use Stage 4 and the coming days to cement his position within reach of the tour leaders, with the hope of pouncing on later mountain stages.

Like the other leaders, Valverde will not be in contention to win the stage—with that almost certain to be reserved for the sprinters. The eighth place rider in the Tour de France, though, will hope to use all his racing experience to ensure that he avoids trouble in the coming days.