MADRID, Jan 11, 2012 (AFP) – This year’s Tour of Spain will start in
Pamplona on August 18 with a team time trial and the winner unveiled in Madrid
on September 9 after a string of demanding stages including six that finish at
altitude.

One of those climbs is the dreaded Cuitu Negru in the northern Asturias
province, graded in parts at 20 percent.

The opening time trial in Pamplona will be along the streets the Basque
city uses to run bulls for its famed San Fermin festival in July.