Vuelta hits high altitude

Less than 24 hours after an energy-sapping time trial, the riders of the 58th Vuelta a Espana will face their first finish at high altitude on Friday. The seventh stage of the three-week cycling event is a 190-km, hilly ride from Huesca to the French town

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

With four categorised climbs are on the menu, including the highest category Col d'Aubisque and the category one Cauterets-Cam Basque, Isidro Nozal has a challenge on his hands if he plans to keep the golden leader's jersey.

Friday's stage, the second longest of the 2003 Vuelta, crosses the south-western French border in the final climb -- the third time in history the Spanish Tour stops in France.

Vuelta a Espana 2003

Spaniards ready for time trial and error

11/09/2003 at 10:50

Vuelta a Espana 2003

Supreme Petacchi!

10/09/2003 at 17:33