by Geroge Cornelius | 30, Aug 2023 | Costa Blanca News, Latest News
Protesters in Elche, Spain, are resisting the local council’s move to dismantle a cycle lane. The council, a coalition between the centre-right People’s Party and far-right Vox, has taken a pro-car stance. They recently removed a cycle lane on Avenida Juan Carlos I at a cost of £32,500 and have started removing another on Calle José María Buck.
Claudio Guilabert, the town’s mobility councillor, said the decision followed complaints from parents at a local school who had to double-park due to the cycle lane. The council argues the José María Buck lane is unsafe, citing 10 minor accidents in 18 months.
The former councillor, Esther Díez, criticised the move as “barbaric,” accusing the new government of “fanaticism.”
The pro-car policy trend isn’t unique to right-wing governments; Barcelona’s socialist mayor, Jaume Collboni, has also favoured car use. Having defeated an “anti-car” candidate, Collboni advocates a transition to electric vehicles, offering residents £2,125 to swap their petrol cars for electric or hybrid models.
by Geroge Cornelius | 25, Aug 2023 | Latest News
Barcelona to Madrid
The Route of La Vuelta interesting facts:
- The journey consists of 21 stages, each posing different challenges for competitors.
- Challenges include steep mountain ascents.
- Nerve-wracking time trials are also part of the competition.
- Each stage is a test of resilience, strategy, and willpower for every cyclist.
- Riders will pass through diverse terrains, including the Catalonian coasts.
- The competitors are not just racing for victory but also contributing to the legacy of La Vuelta.
#LaVuelta #Cycling #MountainAscents #TimeTrials #ResilienceAndStrategy
by Geroge Cornelius | 25, Aug 2021 | Latest News
La Vuelta 2023: A Cycling Odyssey from Barcelona to Madrid
This Saturday marks the commencement of a much-awaited event on Spain’s sporting calendar — La Vuelta 2023. The Spanish cycling Grand Tour is not just another race; it’s an adrenaline-charged journey that takes cyclists through the most grueling and picturesque landscapes of Spain. Kicking off in the cultural hub of Barcelona on August 26th, the race will culminate in the country’s capital, Madrid, on September 17th.
The Field of Dreams: Teams and Riders
This year’s edition promises to be more electrifying than ever, featuring an international line-up of 22 teams and a staggering 176 riders. Cyclists from all corners of the globe will converge on Spanish soil, each with a singular aim: to leave an indelible mark over the 21 stages of this prestigious race. The composition of the race not only speaks to the international appeal of La Vuelta but also to the high level of competition that is anticipated.
21 Stages of Intense Competition
The 21-stage journey will present a myriad of challenges for competitors, ranging from steep mountain ascents to nerve-wracking time trials. Each stage will test the limits of every cyclist’s resilience, strategy, and willpower. As the competitor’s cycle through diverse terrains, from the breathtaking Catalonian coasts to the historic streets of Madrid, they will not only be racing for victory but also writing a new chapter in the legacy of La Vuelta.
In a sport where every second counts, La Vuelta 2023 promises to be a nail-biting experience for participants and spectators alike. As the cyclists take on each stage of this epic journey, we will be with them at every turn, witnessing the making of champions.
Mark your calendars for August 26th; this is one event in the sporting world that you won’t want to miss.
Vuelta a España 2023 stages
08/26 Stage one Barcelona to Barcelona 14.8km TTT
08/27 Stage two Mataró to Barcelona 182km hilly
08/28 Stage three Súria to Arinsal (Andorra) 158.5km mountains
08/29 Stage four Andorra la Vella to Tarragona 185km hilly
08/30 Stage five Morella to Burriana 186.5km hilly
08/31 Stage six La Vall d’Uixó to Pico del Buitre 183.5km mountains
09/01 Stage seven Utiel to Oliva 201km flat
09/02 Stage eight Dénia to Xorret de Catï 165km mountains
09/03 Stage nine Cartagena to Collado de la Cruz de Caravaca 184.5km hilly
09/04 Rest day Valladolid Row
09/05 Stage 10 Valladolid to Valladolid 25.8km ITT
09/06 Stage 11 Lerma to Laguna Negra (Vinuesa) 163.5km flat, uphill finish
09/07 Stage 12 Ólvega to Zaragoza 151km flat
09/08 Stage 13 Formigal to Col du Tourmalet 135km mountains
09/09 Stage 14 Sauveterre de Béarn to Larra Belagua 156.5km mountains
09/10 Stage 15 Pamplona to Lekunberri 158.5km hilly
09/11 Rest day Santander
09/12 Stage 16 Liencres Playa to Bejes 120.5km flat, uphill finish
09/13 Stage 17 Ribadesella / Ribaseya to Alto de L’Angliru 124.5km mountains
09/14 Stage 18 Pola de Allande to La Cruz de Linares 179km mountains
09/15 Stage 19 La Bañeza to Íscar 177.5km flat
09/16 Stage 20 Manzanares El Real to Guadarrama 208km hilly
09/17 Stage 21 Hipódromo de Zarzuela to Madrid 101.5km flat
by Geroge Cornelius | 26, Nov 2020 | Latest News
Stage 8: Dénia to Xorret del Catí
Date: September 2
Distance: 165km
Stage type: Mountain
The eighth stage of the 2023 Vuelta a España is chock-full of five rated climbs, but don’t let the modest altitude deceive you; these hills have the potential to dramatically shake up the leaderboard.
Kicking off at the scenic coastal town of Dénia, the racers will traverse a roller-coaster 165km route through the low-lying mountains.
The highlight of the day is the final climb up to Xorret del Catí, a grueling 4km stretch that averages an 11.5% incline, peaking at a formidable 22%.
After reaching the summit, riders will face a 2km downhill segment, followed by a flat 1km stretch leading to the finish line.
This layout offers the perfect setting for a last-minute sprint, especially if the race frontrunners are neck and neck, making time bonuses a potential game-changer.
Before reaching the crucial Xorret del Catí climb, competitors will tackle four other categorized ascents.
None of these earlier climbs exceed an average gradient of 6%, and the longest one stretches for 10.9km.
Yet, the route’s fluctuating terrain presents ample opportunities for breakaway attempts and will certainly test the stamina of key contenders.
