Stage 3 of the 2026 Vuelta a Burgos covers 184 km from Excavaciones Mikel in the Merindad de Montija to the Balneario de Corconte finish in the Valle de Valdebezana, classified as a mountain stage with a flat conclusion. The profile rewards pure climbers who can sustain power over long mountain roads before a final sprint-friendly run-in, creating potential for both summit attacks and late charges. As a 2.Pro race, the field includes multiple Grand Tour-calibre riders using this event as preparation for La Vuelta a España.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Felix Gall is the most compelling selection, combining the joint-highest climbing score of 79 with the strongest recent mountain-stage record in the field: 9.8 average position, five podiums, and a best result of 2nd across eight comparable races. His Decathlon CMA CGM team provides reliable support, and his confirmed focus on this race makes him the clear benchmark.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Felix Gall tops the climbing rankings at 79 and leads the recent form table with an average position of 9.8 across 8 similar-profile races, including 5 podiums. His consistency on mountain stages makes him the clear favourite for this Balneario de Corconte finish.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Oscar Onley and Giulio Ciccone both merit strong-contender status. Onley's climbing score of 79 is complemented by the best time trial rating (72) among the top group, useful for sustained gradient efforts. Ciccone brings three recent podiums in eight similar races and a matching hills score of 78, underlining his versatility on mountain terrain.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Giulio Ciccone rates 78 in climbing with a matching 78 in hills and has recorded 3 podiums and an average position of 16.0 across 8 similar-profile races this season. Confirmed for this race via external notes, he is a proven mountain stage performer.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Oscar Onley shares the top climbing rating of 79 and also boasts the strongest time trial stat (72) among the lead group, giving him an edge on any technical or sustained gradient. The INEOS Grenadiers support structure adds further firepower.
★★
Dark Horses
Mikel Landa and Enric Mas are dark horses whose raw climbing scores of 79 could prove decisive on the right day. Both are building toward La Vuelta a España, suggesting serious race intent. Giulio Pellizzari rounds out this tier with a climbing score of 78 and nine similar-profile races this period, including a podium, showing he belongs in the conversation.
Movistar
Movistar
Enric Mas holds a climbing score of 79 and is using the Vuelta a Burgos as a Vuelta a España warm-up, suggesting serious race effort. His recent average position of 33.9 gives some pause, but raw talent and motivation justify dark-horse status.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Giulio Pellizzari rates 78 in climbing and has appeared in 9 similar-profile races this period, averaging 20.1 with a best of 2nd. His volume of racing on climbing stages and a podium finish demonstrate real capacity at this level.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa carries a climbing score of 79 and arrives targeting this race as preparation for La Vuelta, meaning he should be racing at full intensity. His pedigree on mountain finishes in Spain is undeniable, even if recent form data is limited.
★
Ones to Watch
Carlos Rodríguez and Mathys Rondel are consistent performers on mountain stages without quite the same ceiling as the riders above. Lorenzo Fortunato's 78 climbing score and Nairo Quintana's proven ability on Spanish mountain roads complete a quartet of outsiders capable of disrupting the top finishers if conditions favour an aggressive race.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Carlos Rodríguez scores 77 in climbing and has averaged 20.5 across 4 mountain-profile races with a best of 5th, including confirmed race attendance. INEOS Grenadiers presence in force makes him a credible outside option.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Lorenzo Fortunato rates 78 in climbing and is confirmed for this race with subsequent Grand Tour commitments suggesting peak form. An Epic-rated card with proven mountain stage ability, he is a legitimate outside threat.
Tudor Pro Cycling
Tudor Pro Cycling
Mathys Rondel has an impressive volume of 8 similar-profile races with an average position of 13.8 and a best of 6th, backed by a climbing score of 77. His consistent presence inside the top 15 makes him worth watching.
Movistar
Movistar
Nairo Quintana scored 76 in climbing and registered a top-10 finish in his one comparable recent race, showing he retains some capacity on mountain finishes. Local knowledge of Spanish racing and a confirmed entry round out his case.
Verdict
Felix Gall is the standout favourite given his top climbing score of 79 and the best recent form in similar-profile races, with five podiums in eight outings. Oscar Onley and Giulio Ciccone are the principal threats, while Mikel Landa and Enric Mas lurk as dangerous wildcard climbers targeting peak condition ahead of La Vuelta.