That the Tour of Spain in 2023 Barcelona van start goes, we already knew before. First with a team time trial (14.6 km) and then a ride with the Montjuich, where Claude Criquielion became world champion in 1984, as executioner.
It is the start of an almost lavish menu of climbs, spread over 3 weeks. On the third day there is the ascent to Arinsal Andorra immediately a first test for the classification men, the first week ends with a final to the ski area of Java wire
The second week is completely hard on the stomach, with first a heavy southern diptych with the Xorret de Cati and the stage to Caravaca, which has a premiere in store with the final climb Barquilla-Collado de la Cruz. This duo is followed – after a rest day – by the any individual time trial of the Vuelta, a 25 kilometer tour around Valladolid.
Via the heart of Spain – with the scrambling to the “Black Lakes” of Vinuesa almost as a snack – they set course for France, the 3rd country in this Vuelta after Andorra and Spain itself. Eye-catcher there is the Tourmalet.
Hardly time to catch our breath in the third week as the 17th stage gives us the Beast of Asturias, the terrifying Angliru (with percentage increases of almost 24%).
We get even more climbing from the top shelf The Cross of Linares, perhaps the last exam for the favorites, because in the last days the sprinters who survived all this will be rewarded. One of the rare opportunities for the fast guys.
The Vuelta runs from August 26 to September 17. Remco Evenepoel won the 2022 edition, but the chances of him defending his title seem small.
