Saturday 31 August 2024: Arrive to Madrid
We understand that some of you may arrive from further afield than Europe, so we offer a pre-tour arrival today. You can arrive throughout the day and be in situ in the morning to start our tour.
Arrive in Madrid at your leisure. If you would like a complimentary airport pick-up, we can organise this at approximately 2 pm. Check in to your central Madrid hotel and join the guides as they help you with your bike build or bike fit if you opt to hire one of our carbon road bikes. This evening over dinner listen in to the amazing week of Vuelta cycling we have in store for you!
Bike boxes
Please note that we have planned for bike boxes and bags to be left in Madrid for the duration of the tour to avoid them taking up space in our tour vehicles.
Sleep: Radisson Blue Madrid or similar
Day One - Sunday 1 September 2024: Transfer to our first hotel Oviedo
Transfer to our first hotel
This morning please join our tour in Madrid. We will depart Madrid from the hotel at 10.00.
Bike boxes
Please note that we have planned for bike boxes and bags to be left in Madrid for the duration of the tour to avoid them taking up space in our tour vehicles.
Bike rental
If you have rented a bike with us then we will fit your bike this afternoon.
Highlights:
- Transfer from Madrid to Oviedo
- Rental Bike fitting
- Warm Up ride
- Relax at the hotel pool or Spa
- Evening meal at the hotel
2024 Hotel: Balneario Las Caldas
Day Two – Monday 2 September 2024: The mythical Angliru
Road cycling enthusiasts will know all too well that Asturias since the 1980’s has been home to some of the most iconic Vuelta stages. In no time, climbs such as Lagos de Covadonga, La Cobertoria and El Angliru have become household names. Now is your chance to see what all the hype is about.
Today is all about taking advantage of the Vuelta rest day and visiting L’Angliru. Are you ready? Having cycled this monster a number of times we can honestly say that you are never really ready for L’Angliru. If your bike has the right gearing - compact cranks with at least a 32 rear cassette, you have some training in the legs and strong willpower this should be enough to get you to the top. This will probably be your greatest road cycling achievement to date and for all times for that matter.
El ‘Alto del Angliru’ is not part of the 2024 Vuelta race edition. It was first introduced by La Vuelta organisers in 1999. The 12.5km climb with a 10.2% average grade we think puts it in the top 3 of all European road cycling climbs. Sounds tough right? But wait for it, the final 6.5km average 13.5% with half a dozen extended ramps ranging between 19 to 23.5%. ‘Un autentico infierno’ as the locals would say! As soon as L’Angliru made race news, it spread like wildfire across the cycling world. There have now been 9 stage finishes since 1999 and Alberto Contador is the only rider with multiple stage wins. Primoz Roglic won the stage in 2023 as the whole ‘who is leading Jumbo-Visma dilemma’ unfolded!
Highlights:
- Ride the Angliru
- Evening meal at the hotel
Hotel: Balneario Las Caldas
Day Three – Tuesday 3 September 2024: Stage 16: TBC
In 1936 La Vuelta arrived in Asturias for the first time. Now you too are here to ride and watch as the 2024 race moves deeper into Asturias. Today the pro peloton has a date with destiny, and it goes by the name Lagos de Covadonga! Whether you are a photographer, nature lover, hiker or cyclist everyone must visit Lagos de Covadonga (lago = lake). The majestic lakes which are found at the summit return to the 2024 race edition.
In the morning there will be a 45min transfer towards the Cantabrian Sea. The first climb on the cards is the impressive Mirador del Fito (Mirador = Lookout). Get the legs going with this 7km climb at a 7.9% average grade. The work needs to be done when the double-digit grades strike between KM3-5. With green vegetation all around and a snaking road up to the lookout, the Asturian coastline views will be sure to impress!
The descent now delivers you to the base of the Picos de Europa National Park. These mountains are commonly referred to as ‘Pequeño Dolomiti’ (Little Dolomites). 14km of constant climbing (7% average) takes you up to the towering limestone peaks. There is a testing 3km stretch during the mid-section which constantly hovers around 11% average. Make sure you are ready to cover any stage-defining attacks! Lagos de Covadonga was first included during the 1983 Vuelta race. During the last 40 years, there have been no less than 21 epic stage finishes. It is one of the most loved climbs with the ‘aficionado’ and Spanish and French champions Pedro Delgado and Laurent Jalabert respectively are the only riders to have taken out multiple stage wins.
The Fito / Covadonga double was last used during Stage 15 of the 2018 Vuelta when Thibaut Pinot took line honours over Miguel Angel Lopez and Simon Yates. What will happen out on the road in 2024? The chance to take in VIP race hospitality at the summit finish will be a major highlight for our tour group!
Highlights:
- Ride Covadonga
- Finish hospitality
- Evening meal at the hotel
2023 hotel: Balneario Las Caldas
Day Four – Wednesday 4 September 2024 – Move to Rioja
Today we head ‘back in time’ in search of the 2024 Stage 15 Vuelta finish. A few days ago the peloton finished a gruelling climb up to Cuitu Negru. We will use our Asturian base to also tackle this beast. Following a 25-minute drive we will be near the base and ready to ride to the summit away from the race. It is a narrow asphalted road which finishes at the top of the Valgrande ski station.
Cuitu Negru has only been used once before at La Vuelta. The 4WD track was asphalted specially for the 2012 Vuelta! The summit of the climb is situated 3km above the Puerto de Pajares climb. The two climbs when combined include 19km at a 7% average grade. It is the 3 final kilometres though which are gruesome. An inconsistent 13% average awaits with a number of ramps touching 20 and 22%. Now that you have added another summit to your cycling CV it will be time to enjoy the ride and descend towards Leon.
Post ride there will be a 3-hour drive to our new base in La Rioja wine region. Our base for the next 3 nights borders between Basque Country and La Rioja. As La Vuelta race organisers know well, La Rioja is the perfect location for cycling as the short distances between medieval towns and old and new wineries make for some very scenic viewing. Remember, you have now set foot in the award-winning La Rioja wine region. It would be rude not to taste test a glass or two of the tempranillo grape. Una botella de tinto por favor!
Highlights:
- Ride: Cuitu Negru
- Transfer to Rioja
- Evening meal at the hotel
2023 hotel: Rioja
Day Five – Thursday 5 September 2024 - Rioja Balcony Road
Today you will cycle some of our favourite roads in Spain. Riding from Laguardia you will follow 50km of the Stage 18 Vuelta course. The route today follows the medium mountains along the La Rioja / Basque Country border. ‘Alto de Rivas de Tereso’ and ‘Puerto Herrera’ are Category 2 and Category 1 climbs respectively. The plan is to tackle both of these climbs and be in a position to watch the race as it passes mid-stage. Puerto Herrera is the most challenging of the two climbs with its 6km averaging 8.2% average grade. The views on what is known as the ‘Balcony of La Rioja’ road are exceptional!
After watching the race pass the descent back to the terraced vineyards will be one to remember. We will have you back in the hotel in time to watch the Vuelta Stage 18 finish on TV with a cold drink!
As the early evening approaches our guides will be pleased to show you all the medieval walled town of Laguardia which has hardly changed since the 13th Century. The sunset from the watch tower with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains in the background is not to be missed. This village still today houses a rabbit warren of underground wine cellars and there will be time to visit a private cellar directly beneath the old impenetrable walls. Back on street level, a selection of tapas will be the perfect way to round out an excellent day!
Highlights:
- Ride: Cuitu Negru
- Transport: Move to Rioja
- Evening meal at the hotel in Rioja
Hotel: Rioja TBC
Day Six – Friday 6 September 2024 – Alto de Moncalvillo
Following breakfast we set off from the hotel and cycle past terraced vineyards and through small villages. There are no extended climbs within the first 80km but the ride does follow an undulating course with plenty of vantage points for the photographers in the group. There are some modern wineries along the route that the guides will point out. It is remarkable how the eye-catching architecture still blends in so well with the natural landscape. The Marques de Riscal winery is perhaps the finest example of where old meets new. The winery which was founded in 1858 now also houses a Frank Gehry-designed building to match the Guggenheim museum.
Our cycling route today links up with the final kilometres of the Vuelta Stage 19 course. We have left the best for last as you will climb ‘Alto Moncalvillo’ just like the pro peloton. The final 8.5km to the stage finish packs a punch and its 9% average grade is sure to create some decisive attacks. The distance to Madrid is closing so these shorter, sharper stage summit finishes will provide fantastic roadside viewing!
Post-stage there will be a 30min drive back to the hotel.
Highlights
- Ride: Alto Moncalvillo
- Watch: Stage finish from hospitality venue
- Evening meal at the hotel
Hotel: Rioja
Day Seven – Saturday 7 September 2024 – Stage 20
Stage 20 of the 2024 Vuelta is the out-and-out Queen stage of this Vuelta edition. Six categorised climbs lead to the base of the ‘Picon Blanco’ climb on the outskirts of Espinosa de los Monteros. A quaint town in the Burgos province which has seen plenty of pro racing with this climb used many times at the Vuelta a Burgos stage race. It has now been given a recall in 2024 as it was last rolled out at the 2021 Vuelta a España when Rein Taaramae won Stage 3 and took the leader’s jersey.
This morning we will set off from Laguardia with a 45-minute van transfer. Our ride heads north-west crossing between the Basque Country and Castile y Leon provinces. Solitary roads and woodlands will accompany you through to Espinosa. All that awaits now is the brutal finish-up to ‘Picon Blanco’. The 8.4km provides an average grade of 9.2%. There are up to 20 ramps though with pinches between 13-17% which will test you all the way to the finish line. Through our VIP race connections, you will be able to savour the effort expended with a ‘cross-the-finish-line and podium’ experience. Arriving a couple of hours before the pro peloton will allow some time to enjoy a celebration drink and snacks in a privileged location overlooking the plains below!
Post-stage we will drive 1.5hr south to Burgos which is a beautifully preserved medieval city. Sitting down to a quality paella dinner in front of the 13th Century Gothic cathedral is always a fantastic experience for our guests!
Highlights:
- Ride: Cross the Finish
- Watch: Stage 20 cross the finish experience with podium photos and finish hospitality
- Evening Meal: in Burgos at the hotel
Hotel: Burgos
Day Eight – Sunday 8 September 2024 – Stage 21 Vuelta Twilight Finish
This morning following breakfast there will be a 2.5hr drive to Madrid. We will have you in the Spanish capital by approximately noon. There will be time for a walk around the nearby Retiro park, some shopping and/or lunch. During the afternoon experience VIP hospitality at the Individual Time Trial finish.
As the sun starts to set over Paseo de la Castellana (Spain’s version of the Champs Elysees) the wizz of the wheels will return to Madrid. After many difficult closing mountain stages, the surviving GC contenders will need to go for broke. A 22km individual time trial is all that now awaits! The post-race celebrations around the Cibeles fountain are spectacular. Sepp Kuss was a somewhat surprise winner of the 2023 edition. Will he be back to defend his title in 2024 or will he need to ride in a support role? Viva La Vuelta!
Neptuno Hospitality
Three weeks of intense, emotional racing come to an end in Madrid. This final, spectacular stage takes place on an urban circuit that allows us to discover the many wonders and the festive atmosphere that the Spanish capital has to offer. Come and celebrate the final kilometres of this mythical race with the cyclists in ideally placed areas.
This year, the riders will cross the finish line for the first time at around 4.00 pm and again for the last time at around 5.30 pm
- Ideal location next to the finish line
- Great view over the race
- Race broadcast live on plasma TV screens
- Gourmet cocktail
- Open bar all afternoon
- Exclusive “La Vuelta” gift
Highlights
- Ride: City bike tour
- Watch: Neptuno Finish Hospitality
- Meals: Tapas Lunch, Neptuno hospitality (snacks) and evening meal free to make your arrangements
Hotel: Radisson Blu Madrid
Day Nine – Monday 9 September 2024 – Adios from Madrid
Following breakfast our guides will be available to transfer you to Madrid Airport. We can have you at the airport by 10:30 am so please keep that in mind when organising any onward flights. We trust you have enjoyed your Vuelta cycling experience and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
