PREVIEW | Volta a Catalunya 2023 stage 7 - Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic's final climbing clash before Giro d'Italia

Preview. Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic have been rather dominant in this Volta a Catalunya, but that has provided a very tight and exciting battle. This will continue into the final day, as stage 7 sees the explosive circuit of the Montjuic where differences can still be created.

The final day, the traditional circuit in Barcelona. Regularly, a day for a breakaway, however many scenarios can decide such a day. There are only 135 kilometers to be ridden, as the riders leave Barcelona and face some rolling roads where the breakaway will be established.

Start and finish time Stage 7: 10:35 - 14:00CET

The race is to be decided in the final circuit though. Six laps over the Alto de Montjuic, it’s a tough circuit, which usually benefits early attackers as there is almost no flat within it’s 8 kilometers. The descent off the Montjuic is very fast and allows riders to take a rest after every ascent.

Ascent which is 2.4 kilometers at 4.7%, however the gradient is very misleading as it includes a flat section. The true hilltop is quite explosive, it has 900 meters at 10% which is enough to create damage in the peloton, and also splits that may prove crucial for the overall classification. In the final lap, it will come only 5 kilometers away from the summit, all of them downhill except for a small uphill pitch next to the city’s Olympic stadium, 2 kilometers away from the finish.

The Weather

Weird and tricky conditions. There will be strong wind tomorrow, from the southwest early in the day, and then turning to southeast towards the end of the afternoon. Inside the final circuit it should not make much difference as the direction changes are constant, but it'll add to the tension on the day.

The Favourites

Remco Evenepoel - Furious and motivated. If Evenepoel gets any gap at any point inside the final circuit he has the legs to take the GC win. This terrain is perfect for him, and Roglic will need to mentally take himself to the limit when it comes to keeping the World Champion on his sight at all times. 8 seconds separate the two and it's not unthinkable to see Evenepoel easily take them back - and he's likely to try and attack early and away from the main Montjuic climb.

Primoz Roglic - It'll be another difficult day for Roglic, and with a lot of tension. It's Evenepoel terrain. Roglic has the legs to keep up with him on the climbs but the circuit is incredibly explosive and hard to put a chase on. He has the race lead, but he needs to be on his very best level once again to keep it.

UAE - The team has options. Adam Yates doesn't look at his best, he would likely join a breakaway if he wants the stage win, the team likely gives him freedom. João Almeida and Marc Soler sit third and fourth in the GC. They should likely try and defend those positions, but simultaneously the terrain is favourable for them to use their numbers in order to try and take a stage win.

The GC fight will be open, that is certain. However it is quite likely mostly solidified. Big gaps are unlikely, and the space opened up throughout the week will be hard to close. The likes of Michael Woods, Giulio Ciccone and Rigoberto Urán could be very well suited for this explosive terrain and take the opportunity to go up or fight for the stage win. BORA could use their numbers, Jai Hindley and Cian Uijtdebroeks are certain to remain near the front. Mikel Landa and Ben O'Connor are also riders to keep an eye out.

A breakaway is seriously dangerous on a day like this too. Often in the past breaks have won this stage which keeps it's traditional format. It won't be easy however as the GC fight is expected to blow up once again and bonifications may play a big role. There are also many different types of riders, the stage isn't brutal and is relatively open for several types of riders.

Some may even fight for the stage win even if they don't join the breakaway. The likes of Ide Schelling, Andreas Kron and Corbin Strong who can all sprint and are strong puncheurs capable of riding alongside the best in this terrain. Then you have strong climbers who are not in the GC fight but can use their freedom such as Richard Carapaz, Romain Bardet, Wout Poels, Jack Haig and David de la Cruz.

Then you have other good climbers who can have some luck in the breakaway and find their opportunity through there. Here I would include Rein Taaramäe, Carlos Verona and Geoffrey Bouchard. Last but not least however there are some puncheurs and classics riders who also stand a chance in such terrain. Bruno Armirail, Nicola Conci and Nans Peters at their best are all very valid options for the stage win.

Prediction Volta a Catalunya 2023 stage 7:

*** Remco Evenepoel
** Primoz Roglic, Marc Soler, Ide Schelling, Andreas Kron
* João Almeida, Giulio Ciccone, Michael Woods, Rigoberto Urán, Corbin Strong, Romain Bardet, Wout Poels, Nans Peters, David de la Cruz

Pick: Ide Schelling