A COLOSSAL VUELTA
Every edition of La Vuelta tries to remain faithful to its innovative spirit, its desire for internationalisation and its traditional character, resulting from its 88-year history. That is why, when designing the route for La Vuelta 2023, we wished to create a product that was “100% Vuelta” – one that combines our past, our present and our future. And what we have come up with is, frankly, a colossal Vuelta (…)
OFFICIAL START
A RIDE THROUGHT LA VUELTA
FLAT
FLAT WITH
HIGH-ALTITUDE FINALES
HILL AND MOUNTAIN
MOUNTAIN
TEAM TIME TRIAL
INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL
EL TECHO DE LA VUELTA
Col du Tourmalet
Ascent: 18.9 km
Maximum altitude: 2,115 m
Height difference: 1,405 m
Average slope: 7.4 %
Max. slope: 13 %
STAGE BY STAGE
STAGE 1
26 • 08 • 2023 | 14.6 km
Barcelona
Barcelona
TEAM TRIAL STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
The team time trial is, once again, the first stage of La Vuelta, though this time with a slightly shorter route. Its outline will showcase some of the most emblematic locations in Barcelona’s city centre. Although technical, it’s not expected to make much of a difference among the leading teams.
STAGE 2
27 • 08 • 2023 | 181.3 km
Mataró
Barcelona
HILL AND MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
This mid-mountain stage features a 2nd category and a 3rd category climb, both of which can result in an escape. Meanwhile, the teams containing the fastest riders should have no trouble dealing with the sprint. The ascent of the Montjuïc may affect the sprinters if it takes place at a demanding speed. The arrival may also be up for grabs if anybody makes a move.
STAGE 3
28 • 08 • 2023 | 158.5 km
Súria
Arinsal. Andorra
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
The edition’s first mountain stage. Entry into Andorra is marked by upward sloping territory, first towards Canillo, and then towards Coll d’Ordino. The final climb up to Arinsal can mark the very first differences between the riders in the general classification, particularly if any of them don’t arrive in optimum conditions after the first couple of days of competing.
STAGE 4
29 • 08 • 2023 | 183.4 km
Andorra La Vella. Andorra
Tarragona
HILL AND MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
This stage will, presumably, end in a sprint. Along the way, will be two 3rd category mountain passes, located right at the end of the stage. These should not pose much problems for sprinters as they are relatively easy climbs, far from the finish-line.
ETAPA 5
30 • 08 • 2023 | 185.7 km
Morella
Burriana
HILL AND MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
A sprint finale is expected in this stage. The day’s only mountain challenge will take place 50 kilometres from the finish-line. Although escapes are possible, they may not necessarily take place within the first week of racing. The riders will still have almost all their energy and sprinters will want to make the most of this time before the race becomes much tougher.
STAGE 6
30 • 08 • 2023 | 181.3 km
La Vall D'Uixó
Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
The climb up to the Astrophysical Observatory of Javalambre becomes tougher in its final slopes, as seen the first time we finished a stage there, back in 2019. Without a doubt, this stage could well mark the first notable differences in the general classification.
STAGE 7
01 • 09 • 2023 | 188.8 km
Utiel
Oliva
FLAT STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
A flat stage that is expected to end in a mass sprint to the finish-line. In theory, it’s an easy day for the peloton. The sprinter teams will work hard to obtain victory while the general classification riders will be able to take a break after a very demanding day, just before another stage that will put their skills to the test.
STAGE 8
02 • 09 • 2023 | 164.8 km
Dénia
Xorret de Catí. Costa Blanca Interior
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
Intense stage featuring a 3rd category and a 1st category climb. The strongest teams will have to control the race, though a victorious escape cannot be completely ruled out as many riders will have already lost a lot of time. The rider to conquer the demanding slopes of Xorret de Catí in first place will be the one likeliest to win.
STAGE 9
03 • 09 • 2023 | 180.9 km
Cartagena
Caravaca de la Cruz
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
This winding stage is sure to cause fatigue. The ascent of the Alto de Caravaca de la Cruz will consist of a wide 7.5-kilometre climb where only a reduced group of riders may arrive together. They will have previously climbed the Alto de la Perdiz, where an escape will probably take shape.
STAGE 10
05 • 09 • 2023 | 25 km
Valladolid
Valladolid
INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
Individual time trial spanning over 25 kilometres, with only one small slope at the very start. Time trial specialists will have a potential advantage over the climbers as the route is rather uncomplicated, from a technical point of view, and takes place mainly in wide avenues.
STAGE 11
06 • 09 • 2023 | 163.2 km
Lerma
La Laguna Negra. Vinuesa
FLAT STAGE WITH HIGH-ALTITUDE FINAL
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
Escape specialists will want to mark this stage in their calendars as, if no riders aspiring to win the general classification manage to control it, an escape could potentially lead to victory. Many of the riders are already very familiar with the climb of La Laguna Negra since it made its race debut in 2020. Should any of the leaders struggle here, their overall ranking could suffer.
STAGE 12
07 • 09 • 2023 | 165.4 km
Ólvega
Zaragoza
FLAT STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
The wind could make all the difference here. In fact, echelons are frequent whenever La Vuelta goes to Zaragoza. If this happens, it will be a dangerous day for the riders who don’t handle this type of situation well. The tension within the peloton will result in high speed, which is expected to result in a mass sprint to the finish-line.
STAGE 13
08 • 09 • 2023 | 134.7 km
Formigal. Huesca la Magia
Col du Tourmalet
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
This stage will be marked in red for all those aspiring to win the general classification. It consists of over 4,000 metres of climbs that, though short in terms of distance, will not offer a single kilometre of respite. It will be demanding right from the start, with the ascent of the Portalet. Then, the climbs of the Col d’Aubisque, the Col de Spandelles and the Col du Tourmalet guarantee a spectacle that will determine which riders are ruled out and which remain in the battle for the general classification.
STAGE 14
09 • 09 • 2023 | 161.7 km
Sauveterre-de-Béarn
Larra-Belagua
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
Following the fatigue of the Tourmalet, the riders will have to face a very demanding mountain stage with an unprecedented finale including two special category climbs. This is a favourable day for an escape. As in the previous stage, it’s not long in terms of kilometres, but the speed combined with fatigue could make this a very tough day.
STAGE 15
10 • 09 • 2023 | 156.5 km
Pamplona
Lekunberri
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
The final stage of the second week is another favourable day for a winning escape. The route includes a first 3rd category climb and a double ascent of Zuarrarrate, also a 3rd category climb. The final climb takes place just 8 kilometres from the finish-line, meaning it could well determine who wins the stage.
STAGE 16
12 • 09 • 2023 | 119.7 km
Liencres Playa
Bejes
FLAT STAGE WITH HIGH-ALTITUDE FINAL
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
A day consisting of few kilometres that promises to provide a spectacular finale. The arrival in Bejes is very explosive. The 2nd category climb is only 5 kilometres long, but includes ramps of up to 14%. The differences to the general classification are sure to be minimal, but the finale will be thoroughly enjoyable for spectators.
STAGE 17
13 • 09 • 2023 | 122.6 km
Ribadesella/Ribeseya
Altu de L'Angliru
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
This stage will be a decisive one for the race’s final outcome. Riders will face two 1st category climbs, the Cordal and Colladiella, before arriving at the feared slopes of Angliru. Today will possibly provide another opportunity for an escape. The men in the general classification will wait until the final ramps to really go to battle. He who emerges leader here will be a step closer towards the final victory.
STAGE 18
14 • 09 • 2023 | 178.9 km
Pola de Allande
La Cruz de Linares
MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
La Cruz de Linares is yet another unprecedented La Vuelta 2023 mountain pass. In this occasion, however, there will be two ascents. It is a new, tough, mountain pass that may surprise some of the riders, particularly taking into the account their fatigue after arriving at Angliru. Teams feeling strong enough may plan strategies in order to knock the leader off the top spot.
STAGE 19
15 • 09 • 2023 | 177.4 km
La Bañeza
Íscar
FLAT STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
Flat stage with a likely sprint to the finish-line, and the second-last opportunity for the peloton’s fastest riders to obtain a stage victory. The wind, should it appear, may be the only complication to challenge the riders, who will undoubtedly be extremely tired by this point.
STAGE 20
16 • 09 • 2023 | 208.4 km
Manzanares El Real
Guadarrama
HILL AND MOUNTAIN STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
At 208.4 kilometres long and just one day before the grand finale, this is the longest stage of La Vuelta. The route doesn’t feature any particularly challenging climbs, though it will include over 4,000 metres of slopes spread out over 10 3rd category climbs. The terrain is winding and crazy, allowing little to no time to relax. Not even on the way down.
STAGE 21
17 • 09 • 2023 | 101 km
Hipódromo de la Zarzuela
Madrid. Paisaje de la Luz
FLAT STAGE
FERNANDO ESCARTÍN COMMENTARY
The peloton will ride through the centre of Madrid once again, through an urban circuit that many of the riders are already very familiar with. From a sporting point of view, the stage isn’t complicated. It has an expected sprint finale and will be a day of celebration for the race winners.
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