1 |
Seville
(Team Time Trial)
|
We greet each other in
the grand city of Seville and enjoy a welcome drink together. Heading off for a private and guided walking tour of the city
and its famous sights including a visit to the cathedral, we regroup later in the evening to watch the much anticipated Night Time Team Prologue. Winding its way along the river where Christopher Columbus departed to explore the New World, we will watch the pros swish past in group formation as they start the battle for the 2010 Vuelta a España. |
2 |
Ronda to Antequera
90km /
56m
|
After a transfer to illustrious Ronda, home of media moguls and Moors, we experience the thrill of bandit country on today´s cycle by riding through the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Pass through small white villages, rocky outcrops and deep fir tree parks. Spin by the lakes and canyons region of Andalucia and have time to sightsee the massive El Chorro gorge before cycling onwards to the baroque town of Antequera. Time to watch the end of stage 2 on tv before enjoying a sunset view from the castle after our group dinner. |
3 |
Antequera to Mediterranean Seaside
(Race Stage)
80km /
50m
|
After a hearty breakfast we test ourselves on an old favourite of races gone by, the fantastic category 1 climb upto the El Torcal National Park. Truly unforgettable views from the top of this 12km ascent, we take a well earned rest before gliding down to the Mediterranean Sea and the coastal city of Malaga. We prepare to watch a mountain category stage of the Vuelta where the first contenders for the General Classification will be hoping to shine. See the peleton climb the cat 1 Puerto del Leon not once, but twice! After the race we take a short transfer to a beachside resort. Still time to dip your toes in the Med before taking an evening stroll along the picturesque boardwalk.
|
4 |
Mediterranean to Alhama de Granada
(Race Stage)
80km /
50m |
We leave the sounds of the sea to begin our morning climb on today´s race route. We ascend past the blue lake of Vinuela, as the crowds assemble for the race behind us. Finding a view point near the top of the coastal range, the only natural break in the rugged mountains, we view the first climbers fighting for the summit. After the race passes, we continue along the exact race route to arrive at Alhama, a town known as the Last Moorish Frontier and the Cycling Country headquarters. Spending the late afternoon soaking in the famous hot thermal springs of Alhama or enjoy a walk around the historic centre via the town´s gorge. Enjoy a dinner at a restaurant run by a flamenco singer. |
5 |
Alhama to Granada
upto 100km / 62m
|
Cycle smooth tarmac roads as we head towards Granada. Today´s ride takes us on the route of previous Vuelta and Tour of Andalucia stages through fertile plains and historic villages before viewing the distant peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. We stay in a centrally located 4 star hotel with a classic Moorish patio for the next 2 nights. You will have time for an optional night visit to the elaborate Alhambra Palace and the historic centre of Granada. |
6 |
Sierra Nevada Challenge
(Mountain Ascent)
upto 90km /
56m
|
We ride from our hotel in Granada to the base of one of the most feared climbs of the previous tours - Monachil. This mountain stage will challenge us, as it did the pros last year and in 2006 where Vinokourov famously dropped Valverde to win the Vuelta. A hairpin thriller, you will ascend upto 3300 metres (optional van transfer part way up). We then literally fly back down the magnificent descent and ride back to the hotel. Enjoy a farewell group dinner together. |
7 |
Granada |
After breakfast, we make our final transfers. We bid adios to each other with fond memories of our very own La Vuelta. |
|
| Route |
Seville, Ronda, Antequera, Malaga, Mediterranean, Alhama, National Parks, Granada, Sierra Nevada mountains |
| Accommodation |
Fine hotels and country retreats - all bedrooms are en-suite - 6 nights (3 nights in 4 star, 2 nights in 3 star, 1 night in a rustic inn)
Additional nights can arranged in Seville and/or Granada at the beginning and end (please ask) |
| Food |
All 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners (3 courses)
|
| Extras Included |
- Pre tour pack
- Tour guide book
- Daily snacks and refreshments
- Private and Guided walking tour of Seville, including visit to the Cathedral
- Welcome drink
- Complimentary Cycling Country Jersey and water bottle
- Transfers
- We will endeavour to gain VIP entrances to a stage finish
|
| 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 (ORBEA carbon alu - Shimano Ultegra-105 groupset - 10 speed with triple chainset) at an additional cost of 115 Euros for the week
|
| Transfers |
From and to Seville airport, train or bus stations on the first and Granada airport, train or bus stations on the last day |
| Activity Level |
Challenging - this tour is appropriate for the more experienced cyclist with a good fitness level. However with van support, cyclists can jump in whenever they want to rest (however be prepared for climbs) |
| Terrain |
Quiet country and mountain roads on good tarmac. Rolling countryside with some longer mountain passes. |
| Staff |
1-2 leaders with full van support to pick up souvenirs, provide refreshments, act as guides, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance
|
| Group Size |
4-12 |
| Dates for 2010 |
28 August to 3 September
|
| Price |
1,295 Euros
Single supplement Eur 195 |
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