"Outstanding". So Luis Ángel Maté defined the course of the next Tour of Spain in the presentation that took place this morning in Torremolinos (Málaga), and wherein the Marbella cyclist serves as host and which goes from 'his' Marbella. "The course gives opportunities to many riders of various kinds: climbers, of course, but also sprinters or breakaway artists. And in the last week there are many options for adventurous journeys. I am very happy with this course," he explains.

As an Andalusian, he is excited with the idea that, as happened in 2014, the Tour is developed for a full week in his homeland: "Torremolinos, therefore, Málaga too, is the world capital of cycling at this time . We are proud to have the Tour of Spain here, and we ride out from Marbella further. I've always said that the Costa del Sol has amazing possibilities for cycling, and what better showcase than the Tour of Spain to show our land and people can come and see," he says.

In addition, this stint in Andalucia will be harder than the 2014 one, which featured just one summit finish. This time will be up to four difficult arrivals. Mate knows better than anyone else how hard the stages will be: "The stages have hard climbs. In the Caminito del Rey and Vejer the first differences will be made, although they will be small," he warns.

As almost everyone, Luis was surprised with the stage of Andorra, which says it is "very difficult" to do more in less kilometers altitude. About the length, he says it is not important on a journey of this kind: "It is true that there are 140 kilometers, but it's all up and down. It will go over five hours, in fact nearly six, and that is a very important physical burden.” So in this case, better to trust the inclination profile for miles. "It will be a stage which is remembered for years," he says.

Finally, on the third week with no summits, Maté is wary and spits an immortal phrase: "Nobody expected that the 2012 Vuelta, with all that it had, was decided in Fuente". More than enough reason to remain vigilant in these final days, and also to launch adventures in search of a stage win, "There are days with many possibilities. The Sierra de Madrid finishing in Cercedilla is tough, but there may be two races: one for the stage and one for the Vuelta”.

“I like the Andalusian stages, because I’m riding at home and want to do well in them. It will be a beautiful race," he concludes.