The Pyrenees return to the Vuelta a Espana route with a vengeance for stage 11, as the riders are given a rude return to racing after the first rest day.

Though just 138km in length, the 11th stage – the midway point of the race – is a brutal one with more than 5,000m of climbing packed in to the route.

And it is not just the climbing which could cause big problems for the overall contenders – the last time a Vuelta stage finished in Andorra, Roman Kreuziger, Ivan Basso and Haimar Zubeldia were among 14 riders to fall victim to the treacherous weather.

Regardless of the forecast, however, the 15km ascent to Cortals d’Encamp – the sixth and final climb of the day – is likely to cause big splits overall.

The Collada de Beixalis, Coll d’Ordino, Coll de la Rabassa, Collada de la Gallina and Alto de la Comella climbs also feature, with the Gallina an ESP-category (or beyond category) ascent.