Since its re-branding in the early 2000s, with a change of date, a change of color for the leader and very different routes from the other 2 grand tours, La Vuelta a España has grown exponentially to become, for many, the second most popular grand tour behind only the Tour.
Its position at the end of the year gives it a great advantage over its great competitor, the Giro d'Italia, as it does not condition the participation of the best riders, having already left the Tour behind. This, and a very different route proposals from the other two Grand Tours, make it a very attractive race both for the spectator and for the more "outsider" riders who perhaps have less chances of winning a stage in the other two Grand Tours.
This year, Javier Guillén proposes a route where the main protagonist is the middle mountain. With only one flat stage out of 21, there is no doubt that the show is assured.
Below, we explain which will be the key stages and a few "tips" to enjoy them live.
August 17, 18 and 19: Start in Portugal
The first three stages of La Vuelta 2024 will be in Portugal. A 12km individual time trial in Lisbon will be the first course of 3 vibrant weeks.
The next two stages will start from Cascais and Loüsa respectively. Neither of them have major passes and will probably not be decisive for the overall. However, if you are looking for an excuse to go and enjoy the end of the summer in a wonderful place like Portugal, La Vuelta can certainly be the perfect excuse.
Lisbon is undoubtedly the key option to stay during those days. An authentic and vibrant city that will make you enjoy the Portuguese culture and tradition. You will be surprised by the quality of its restaurants (and its low price), the friendliness of its people, the atmosphere and the music in the streets... We recommend renting a car to move comfortably to see any of the first 3 stages, the distances in Portugal are not very long and that way you can easily follow La Vuelta.
August 20: First big climb: Villuerca Peak.
The fourth stage will be the first important day (a priori) for the favorites to win the GC. A stage with a finish at the dreaded Pico Villuercas with 15km that includes 3km of concrete at the top with ramps of more than 15%. Legs will still be fresh and many attacks are expected in this tough final stage.
Being August and in Extremadura, we recommend you to be very prepared for the heat and protected from the sun, as the wait at the top of the peak at noon can be very hot.
August 25: Granada, summer and cycling, what can go wrong?
Granada breathes history in every corner. The Alhambra, its Moorish architecture and vibrant neighborhoods like the Albaicin will take you back to another era.
The ninth stage of La Vuelta is the perfect excuse to fall in love again with this city. A final circuit with two climbs to the Alto de Hazallanas, a first category pass just over 20km from Granada, will allow you to see twice the best cyclists in the world fighting to make a difference in the GC.
Without a doubt a great plan for the last Sunday of August: Granada, summer and cycling, what can go wrong?
August 30: Galiza Calidade
To escape from the high temperatures does not seem to be a bad plan for the end of August. The province of Lugo has everything we need to enjoy cycling on those dates: pleasant temperature, good offer of accommodation and hostels, one of the best places in the world to eat and a perfect excuse to do a stretch of the Camino de Santiago.
Stage 13 of the Vuelta will be another great opportunity for the best GC men to gain some time on their rivals. An unpublished climb to Ancares on the Leonese side with 9 km at 9% average and 15% ramps at the top, is the perfect scenario for attacks and perhaps also some "pájara".
Of course, if you want to go to see Stage 13 of La Vuelta, remember that you are in Galicia, don't forget to bring rain gear "just in case" ;).
September 1 and 3: Asturias is La Vuelta.
Talking about Asturias and cycling is talking about La Vuelta. Its great mountains have written the best pages of the Spanish round. Asturias is beauty in its landscapes and cities, its people, its environment, its nature... and its culture for cycling.
In this edition, La Vuelta invites us to see two stages in Asturias with a rest day in between so that we can take advantage to do some sightseeing with our bikes.
Stage 15: The feared Cuitu Negru
On the Pajares side, the Cuitu Negru is one of the most feared mountain passes of La Vuelta. With ramps of more than 23% of slope that are real walls, it is the ideal place to see the peloton squirming and, already on the verge of the third week, will come with very little strength.
Stage 16: "The Lakes
The Lagos de Covadonga is, along with the Angliru, the best-known pass of La Vuelta. The greatest feats have taken place there, the most courageous attacks, the most resounding birdies... Illustrious names in cycling such as Rominger, Contador, Froome, Roglic... have written their best chapters in its branches.
To go to see the stage of Los Lagos de Covadonga we recommend you to go with time and go by bike. Cars are not allowed to park on the road as it is a protected natural park. As in Galicia, take rain gear and be well prepared.
September 7: Burgos and Picón Blanco
Burgos will be the last chance for climbers. A city full of history, art and gastronomy. Its good weather on those dates and its great offer of hotels and restaurants, being a historical place of pilgrimage, make it an ideal place to spend a weekend watching La Vuelta.
Stage 20 of La Vuelta ends at the dreaded Picón Blanco, a first category pass where the best climbers will have to spend their last bullet if they want to gain time for the next day's time trial.
September 8: Madrid is always a good plan.
Madrid is always a good plan, the capital of Spain needs no excuse to be visited, and if you add that you can see a time trial that will decide the champion of La Vuelta in its streets, even less.
Gran Vía will be the witness of the last finish of the 2024 edition of the Vuelta a España. As a tribute to the 100 years of Telefónica, main sponsor of La Vuelta, the finish line will be right in front of its offices. A lot of people are expected that day in the streets of Madrid, so, go with time and make sure you have a good place to see the cyclists flying on their "goats".
Tips to enjoy La Vuelta
Watching a stage that finishes on a high is an incredible experience, but it requires a bit of planning. Here are some tips:
- Bike RouteTake advantage of the morning to take a bike route and finish at the point where the stage will pass. This way, you will avoid taking a car and parking problems. Besides, cars cannot get off until more than 2 hours after the end of the stage, while bicycles can get off immediately.
- EquipmentBring a small bikepacking bag with food, warm clothes (the weather in the mountains is very changeable) and shoes (to avoid wearing cleats). There are usually food trucks on the road to buy water and food.
- InstallationSet up with time in an area of the port with good visibility and with a nearby esplanade to relax while you wait and enjoy the atmosphere before the bikepacking.
- Safety StandardsDuring the passage of the runners, DO NOT touch them, DO NOT be too close, DO NOT run next to them and DO NOT tape them with your arm outstretched. The runners are making a tremendous effort and any slight brush or scare could send them to the ground.
- Road ClosedThe road will NOT be open until the green flag car passes. Be patient and respect the safety indications.
- Descent of the RunnersOn the stages in high altitude, the runners bike down to the bus. They carry whistles to warn them of their passage, so DO NOT disturb them on their descent, you could cause a fall.
- Warm clothingBe sure to dress warmly for the downhill biking. Some descents can be long and cold, so it is essential to be well prepared.
We hope these tips will help you enjoy an unforgettable experience in La Vuelta a España 2024. From Gobik, we wish you an excellent trip and that you enjoy the most spectacular cycling event in the world.
See you on the roads!
