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Route of the Sun, Vuelta a Andalucia |
7 days • Road Cycling • Malaga to Granada
Fully Guided & Supported • Watch Ruta del Sol (Vuelta a Andalucia)
Country Inns & City Hotel •
Challenging • February 2010
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For those feeling a little sluggish after a few months of winter hibernation, what better way to get back into the saddle for spring's cycle season than to make the miles up in Andalucía´s winter sun. Just in time to see one of the pro´s favourite pre-season races, the Ruta del Sol (Vuelta a Andalucia) is a great opportunity to see a road race up close without crowds of people.
The who´s who of the cycling world like to warm up with this February classic and we´ve seen the likes of Floyd Landis, Tom Boonen, Denis Menchov, Cadel Evans, Oscar Freire, Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong (first European race after his cancer treatment in the 80´s) on this Spanish 2:1 race category favourite! Come and watch the pros battle it out, in one of the first tours on the pro calendar.
Don´t be a curbside spectator as the tarmac of the Poniente Granadino and Granada´s hillside climbs await and we take in some of the best cycling around. Epic climbs, hairpin bends and some of the smoothest roads around, (with 300 days of sunshine a year), make it a perfect base to start spinning the pedals and getting the kilometres in for the season ahead. It is the ideal tour for ciclo sportif, challenge ride or just personal training.
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 Our tour of Andalucia holiday will be led by a strong Cycling Country team, including a local ex-racing cyclist from Granada who has raced with the best to become the Masters sub champion of Andalucia. Historic atmosphere with tranquil countryside, the Poniente Granadino (the last Moorish Kingdom in Medieval Spain) offers the keener cyclist and race enthusiast a chance to shape up and come home to share some spectacular holiday snaps and feel you have had a good workout.
HIGHLIGHTS
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- View stages of one of Spain´s favourite pro races up close and personal
- Challenging climbs with tranquil landscapes
- Stunning panoramas and varied ride profiles
- Historic Alhama de Granada & her thermal spas
- Andalusia hospitality & local tapas, wine & olives!
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1 |
Malaga to Alhama
upto 100km
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We greet each other in the Mediterranean coastal town of Malaga, where the hilltop fortress is reminder of times gone by. Transfer out to a National Park area before beginning a ride through the lakes and canyons region of Andalusia. The road takes us through rocky terrain to enter Granada province. Enjoy a sunset view of pretty Alhama de Granada and a welcome meal of local produce. |
2 |
Alhama de Granada
upto 100km
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After a hearty breakfast, start to climb a category 3 hill before swooping down to the aqua blue of the Bermejales reservoir. Take a circular route around the mountain backed lake, before stopping for lunch in a café, popular with local cyclists. Ride some of the Vuelta a España and Tour of Andalucia route before spending the evening soaking in the famous hot thermal springs of Alhama or enjoy a walk around the historic centre via the town´s gorge. |
3 |
Race stage
upto 80km |
We rise and transfer out to see the Ruta del Sol - and watch the pros make it seem effortless. We bring the bikes though and take in some of the stunning scenary with a loop ride around the area. Andalucia has enough climbs, slopes, hills and hairpins to keep us busy on our stage day. |
4 |
To Granada
100km+
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We take in some more miles to end the day in the beautiful city of Granada, the last Moorish jewel in their crown. A challenging ride to get there with many a climb, leaving you the late afternoon to explore the twisting alleyways and try the famous tapas. We stay in a centrally located 4 star hotel with a classic Moorish patio for the night. |
5 |
Granada & transfer
60km
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After an early morning circular loop into the Sierra Nevada hills, we make our final transfers back to Malaga in the early afternoon. We bid adios to each other with fond memories of our very own Vuelta. |
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| Route |
Exact Route to be confirmed as soon as Ruta del Sol Itinerary 2010 is confirmed - but generally includes National Parks, Granada, Sierra Nevada mountains. Malaga to Granada. |
| Accommodation |
City Hotel & Country Inns - all bedrooms are en-suite - 4 nights (1 night in City Hotel, 1 night in 3 star, 2 nights in a rustic inn)
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| Food |
All 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners (3 courses)
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| Extras Included |
- Pre tour pack
- Tour guide book
- Daily snacks and refreshments
- Complimentary water bottle
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| Bicycles |
You can bring your own road bike (we have facilities to collect and store bike boxes for the duration of the trip) or we can arrange good quality road bike hire at an additional cost of 75 Euros for the tour |
| Transfers |
From and to Malaga airport, train or bus stations on the first and last day |
| Activity Level |
Challenging - with van support available all the way. (Daily average of 85 km - distances can be extended to 100km+). |
| Terrain |
Quiet country and mountain roads. Hilly countryside with some longer mountain passes. |
| Staff |
2 leaders with full van support to provide refreshments, act as guides, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance
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| Group Size |
4-10 |
| Dates for 2010 |
See Sol & Sierras Tour
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| Price |
See Sol & Sierras Tour |
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