The ninth stage of the Vuelta takes place between Alcoi and Xorret del Catí. The stage has a similar layout to that of the previous day: many mountain climbs and a mountain finish. However, this time the climb is not as long and steep as Aitana: Xorret del Catí is a short, explosive climb that requires sprockets of 25 and even 27 teeth.
This stage, which takes place on Monday 7th September and covers some 188 kilometres, also includes two 3rd category and three 2nd category climbs: the riders will climb Carrasqueta (twice) and Tudons, which will already have been climbed the previous day. However, the final kilometres of the stage will be the most important. The Xorret del Catí climb is more than three kilometres with an average gradient of 9% and maximum percentages of 20%. The finish line, which comes after a short one-kilometre descent, is well known in the world of professional cycling.
Previous editions: Alcoi has hosted four Vuelta stage starts. The most recent took place in 2004, on a day that also ended on the summit of Xorret del Catí and was won by Eladio Jiménez. Eladio had also won on that same mountain in 2000. The first stage to finish on Xorret del Catí was won by another Jiménez, Jose Maria "El Chaba".
