Vuelta a Espana: Complete Preview, Standings and Course Guide for Stage 19

An enthralling Vuelta a Espana race is heading toward its conclusion after a dramatic Stage 18. Even so, Vincenzo Nibali leads the Spanish tour that continues to challenge riders with ascents in the latter stages.

Stage 18’s brutal uphill finish is an inescapable reminder of what’s to come across the final week. With zero rest days remaining, Stage 19’s moderate uphill climb is likely to split the group in dramatic fashion.

Will Nibali fend off Christopher Horner, Alejandro Valverde and Joaquin Rodriguez to claim the prestigious crown? Let’s take a look at the riders’ current standings, their Stage 19 route and the obstacles that stand in their way on Friday, Sept. 13.

Stage 19 Course Guide

A picturesque 181-km route from San Vicente de la Barquera to Oviedo has the potential to lure riders into a false sense of security. This is not a stage that will alter the general classification standings too hastily, as riders face a comfortable 177-km journey until the dreaded first-category climb.

This is where the day’s action will get extremely interesting.

Four small climbs towards the finish represent one of the final opportunities for the chasing pack to make up major ground on the front-runners. If a surprise breakaway is to happen and Nibali is to face competition from riders other than Horner and Valverde, the route to Oviedo is the Group 2's time to strike.

Oviedo boasts a number of World Historical Heritage sites that are packed with pre-Roman monuments and buildings. Should a new competitor emerge from the chasing group, the Principality of Asturias will have another memorable feat to jot into its history book.

Stage 18 Recap

As expected, Stage 18's late climb along the Pena Cabarga absolutely destroyed Group 1 and those looking to make up significant time on Nibali.

Although Vasil Kiryienka's herculean effort brought the Sky rider a deserved victory on the day, Horner's sixth-place finish came ridiculously close to snatching the overall No. 1 spot. The 41-year-old rider continues to find extra power at the right time and finished the stage with remarkable pace along the ascent.

Nibali looks to be losing his grip on the competition. The Italian is just three seconds ahead of Horner now and was fading quickly as Stage 18 came to a close.

Considering he enjoyed a comfortable lead of 50 seconds back in Stage 16, it's clear the favourite is now struggling with both the pace and pressure of leading the tour.

Does Nibali have the legs to claim the Spanish prize? Will Horner complete a stunning comeback to emerge victorious? Stage 19 will uncover plenty of answers.