Vuelta a Espana to include Alto de los Machucos 'Monster Climb' 

Vuelta announced that stage 17 will finish atop the Alto de los Machucos with sustained gradients of 28 percent

The Vuelta is no stranger to tough climbs., with frequent visits to the Alto del Angliru and Lagos de Covadonga. 

The 9km long climb, with an average gradient of 9%, differs from usual climbs due to its maximum gradient. 2.5 kms into the climb, Los Machucos rears up to a leg busting 28%. The gradients do not finish there with pitches of 22% and 17% later on.

The road is so steep that parts of the surface is concrete rather than asphalt. The road is only wide enough for two bikes, which will be made even more difficult if spectators are allowed onto the climb.

The road is too steep and narrow for support cars, so riders will have to rely on neutral service bikes. Teams may use tactics like sending key riders ahead on the main peloton to offer mechanical support to their team leaders before the summit finish.

The race tackles Los Machucos at the end of the 181 km stage 17. 

Los Muchucos is not the only steep summit finish, the penultimate stage will take on the fearsome Angliru, which at 12 km long features gradients of 26%.

The Angliru will play a pivotal role in the GC battle, coming late in the race.

Favourites for this year's race include Chris Froome (Team Sky) and Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida).