Vuelta a Espana 2013: Complete Preview for Race's Final Stages

The Vuelta a Espana heads into its final week with Vincenzo Nibali still holding a sizeable lead over Chris Horner.

Fifteen stages are now complete, and the riders must endure another six before the race is concluded in Madrid, on September 15.

Nibali looks increasingly likely to claim the 68th Tour of Spain, with Horner and perhaps Alejandro Valverde the only realistic challengers still able to stop him.

Here's a quick look at the final six stages, as well as how and where they can be viewed in the United Kingdom and USA.

Stage 16: Monday, September 9

Watch: Eurosport 2 (3 p.m. BST)/Universal Sports Network (10 a.m. ET)

After a gruelling weekend in the Pyrenees, the riders are once again climbing, travelling 146.8 km from Graus to Formigal.

This is a third consecutive mountainous stage, but is by far the easiest of the three, and the fact it's followed by a rest day should lead to some frantic action close to the line.

 

Stage 17: Wednesday, September 11

Watch: Eurosport 2 (3 p.m. BST)/Universal Sports Network (10 a.m. ET)

Having taken a well-deserved break, the riders are back out cycling 189 km from Calahorra to Burgos.

This flat section presents a penultimate opportunity for the sprinters, before the race heads back up the mountains.

Stage 18: Thursday, September 12

Watch: Eurosport 2 (3 p.m. BST)/Universal Sports Network (10 a.m. ET)

A day off followed by a flat stage and then it's back climbing as the race goes the 186.5 km from Burgos to Pena Cabarga.

Stage 18 includes one of several uphill finishes as the Vuelta a Espana concludes in brutal fashion.

Stage 19: Friday, September 13

Watch: Eurosport 2 (3 p.m. BST)/Universal Sports Network (10 a.m. ET)

Another ascent, but this time only of moderate proportion as Stage 19 travels 181 km from San Vicente de la Barquera to Oviedo.

In beautiful surroundings, the riders cycle along the coastline before ending with yet another climb.

Stage 20: Saturday, September 14

Watch: Eurosport 2 (3 p.m. BST)/Universal Sports Network (10 a.m. ET)

Stage 20 sees the 142.2 km journey from Aviles to Alto de L'Angliru, in one of the most gruelling climbs on the cycling calendar.

This will almost certainly see the overall winner crowned, if he hasn't been already, with Nibali one of the best-suited riders for this section.

Stage 21: Sunday, September 15

Watch: Eurosport 1 (3 p.m. BST)/Universal Sports Network (10 a.m. ET)

The Tour of Spain finally reaches its climax with a 109.6-kilometre ride from Leganes to Madrid.

The stage is flat, and the sprinters will once again return to prominence in a particularly speedy home straight.