La Vuelta 2023 Spain / Finishes in Madrid September 17th 2023

La Vuelta 2023 Spain / Finishes in Madrid September 17th 2023

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

 

STAGE 8: DÉNIA – XORRET DE CATÍ, COSTA BLANCA INTERIOR, 164.8KM

STAGE 8: DÉNIA – XORRET DE CATÍ, COSTA BLANCA INTERIOR, 164.8KM

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.