The Vuelta a España will not cross the Tourmalet or Aubisque passes in Sunday's sixth stage, as coronavirus restrictions have made it impossible to enter France.

In a similar situation to the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta organizers have had to completely redesign what was considered the queen stage of the 2020 event.

"Unfortunately, the stage with a summit finish in Tourmalet, which was planned for October 25, will ultimately not happen," race director Javier Guigen said after Thursday's third stage.

"This is because a state of emergency has been declared in France and restrictions have been put in place, so we cannot enter French territory as a race."

Stage 6 was initially scheduled to pack three major climbs into a 136-km route that entered French territory at the top of the Col du Portale. This was followed by the Col d'Aubisque and finally the iconic Tour de France Col du Tourmalet at an elevation of 2,100 meters.

The stage will start in Biescas near the border, but will finish at the top of the Aramon Formigal, the scene of the famous Vuelta victory in 2016 when Nairo Quintana and Alberto Contador beat Chris Froome in a long-distance assault. In fact, the new parcours is almost a faithful recreation of that famous day.

The new 146.4 km stage also offers three climbs, but they are minor compared to Portale - Aubisque - Tourmalet, with an elevation gain of 3,040 m.

The first climb is the category 3 Alto de Petralba, while the category 2 Alto de Cotefablo follows. It is a 27 km climb from Viescas, but the official climbing distance is 14.6 km and the average gradient is 4.6%.

"I have to thank the French authorities and the local cooperation, and I hope that when things return to normal we can repeat what I believe is one of the best stages on the Vuelta route," Guillén said.

"Having said that, we have a great stage coming up on the 25th. The Vuelta never stops. Starting in Viescas and finishing in Alamon Formigal, the 146-km stage has three climbs and a first-class mountain finish.

"It's a perfect fit because it substitutes a mountain stage for a mountain stage. We will be able to maintain the great spectacle that the riders have given us so far."