The most noticeable thing is how the race pushes the boundaries of where to take a bike race, with paved roads being created just for the Vuelta in hard to reach places, as well as finish lines where you would never think a bike race could end. Sometimes they work; sometimes they don’t, but you have to admire them for trying.

The route has been incredibly tough with the last three stages before the rest day all being summit finishes, but I suppose that’s what makes the Vuelta, the Vuelta.

- Chris Auld