The race route for the 2023 Vuelta a España once again visits some of the best climbs in region, culminating with a summit finish on one of the "star" climbs of the region and one of the hardest climbs the pros will ride all year; the fearsome Xorret de Cati. Before that the race will tackle several well known climbs and some of the highest peak in the Alicante region, but the stage really is all about the final climb and which rider will see their name added to the winners statue that sits near the finish line. In this post, we'll look at the keys climbs in a little more detail and provide route information and GPX strava links to get there and ride them. Xorret de Cati 1097m side https://www.strava.com/routes/28227498
La Vuelta Stage 8 Route
The race will depart from Denia, visiting the Alicante beach town for the first time since 1990 when the route took the peloton to Murcia. It will then then climb the following mountains, whilst heading inland towards the stunning Maigmo National park, which home to some of the toughest and highest road climbs in the region and the Pico del Maigmo mountain that rises to 1296m Climbs of Stage: Xorret de Cati - 1st Cat Climb - 1097m
Puerto de la Carresqueta - 2nd Cat Climb 1020m
Puerto de Benifallim - 2nd Cat Climb 1015,
Puerto de Tollos - 3rd Cat Climb - 830m
Vall d'Ebo - 2nd Cat Climb - 540m
There are not going to be too many cyclists either capable or willing to ride the whole 164km /3500m elevation plus of the route in one day from the coast and head back. We'll be Anyone planning to do that ride the route may want to organise vehicle support for the return leg. At escapar we do the climb as an out and ride but more on that later.
Denia Depart
Keen cyclists may know that many professional teams train each year in the Valencia and Alicante region., mostly staying at the larger coastal based hotels that are the only ones capable of hosting 30-50 riders and members of staff, as well as their cars and buses. Resorts from Gandia, Denia , Calpe, Benidorm and sometimes further south to Alicante are popular. Denia itself is a popular and busy tourist town with a population of 41,000 people which doubles in size with tourists during the summer months. The Spanish school holidays will not have finished by the time the race comes around on September 2nd, so anyone wanting to stay in Denia and watch the depart should book early.
If you are planning to visit the region to cycle, there is great riding to be found in many places. Staying on the coast also gives you access to beaches, boats, bars and more nightlife, whilst staying inland opens up more cycling routes and mountains.
Vall d'Ebo and Puerto de Tollos
The Vall d'Ebo is one of the best and most well known routes close to Denia. Riders starting in Calpe and Jalon will know it well. It's one of the many routes we cover at escapar.cc too, but given how many more climbs we have available is one that we don't ride too quite so regularly.
Puerto Benifallim
Is one of the prettiest climbs in region and one of the 1000m plus summits. Given the race heads here during the late summer, the peloton will be hoping the elevation adds and distance inland will offer some cooler temperatures as well as the expected lower humidity. It's not a difficult climb for a Pro and is unlikely to see any pivotal race action, but it's absolutely a ride you include whilst visiting the region.
At escapar, we'll usually include the Benifallim climbs on routes that include the Serra Mariola, the Carresqueta or perhaps the Vall de Seta and Gorga. All of which provide stunning riding and scenic climbs to challenge anyone.
Puerto Carresqueta
Before the arrival of inland motorways in the last 20 years, the CV-800 served as a major north south trunk road in the Alicante region, connecting Alicante with the inlands towns of Onil, Ibi, Alcoy. These days. it's mostly a two wheel playground on a perfect surface, that is also popular with motorbikes on a Saturday morning. When climbed from Xixona, It's also one biggest and longest climbs and has been used many a time in La Volta to shake the race up. The climb from Alcoy is much easier and links well with the Benifallim climb for a fantastic days riding. It's also worth adding that their is a extenion to the ride on a concrete ride, that adds even more elevation and there's an almost hidden cafe with incredible panoramic views to enjoy.
Example Strava Routes
At escapar, we usually start our routes from Ontinyent and the ride to the summit of Xorret de Cati is typically a minimum of 40-45km depending on the route. We also love to do the descent from the summit to Petrer, which is one of the best descents you can ride in the whole region and a Cat 1 climb itself. We typically return via one of the Puerto Canalis climbs from Onil, or via Puerto Biar frpm Castalla , or via Port Ibi from Onil if more cllmbing is on the menu, else we'll choose a rolling route via Villena and Fontanars. 42km route from Ontinyent to Xorret de Cati https://www.strava.com/routes/3111255188590492762
113km route from Denia to Xorret de Cati
https://www.strava.com/routes/3111256108036089946
Frpm Denia there are many options, all of which will include a decent amount of climbing to reach the summit. Obviously returning to Denia makes it a big climbing day and a challenge for any rider. Also, If you take the descent to Petrer, it leaves you even further west and perhaps the best option then is a flatter ride to Alicante and transport.