[Note: this post is from 2015] Anyone bonkers enough to cycle non-stop for hours in Spain, in August, deserves a medal – or a cold beer at least. But talk to us about cycling? Forget it. But maybe we’re about to get a tiny bit interested in it – the circus is coming to town.
Beginning in 1935, the Vuelta a España is a racing tour inspired by the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, and one which pre-dates the Spanish Civil War. It was put on hold during it only to resurface in 1941. It’s been held annually since 1955. This year’s race began on 22 August, in Marbella and covers a staggering 3,357km (that would get you from here to Nova Scotia).
The tour heads all over Spain but should you be in La Alpujarra – and Órgiva – on Friday 28 August, the cyclists will pour through the area in a broken dam of wheels, sweat and sponsored shirts – with, no doubt, plenty of support from local spectators.
Held over 21 stages, our neck of the woods gets a look-in at Stage 7. Beginning at Jodar, way north of Granada, the race heads south through Lanjarón, via Órgiva, before heading to Pampaneira and Capileira. That’s 191km! It is the first time a stage has finished in La Alpujarra.
As CyclingNews puts it: `There’s barely a metre of flat road on this stage, which concludes with the first high-altitude summit´(OK, we´ll stop moaning about carrying our shopping home in the heat from now on).
The riders should pass through Órgiva – at the 172km point – around 5pm, but don’t blame us if they don’t; they may stop off in Lanjarón to buy a wicker basket or carved walking stick. Check the link at the bottom for detailed information on timings.
Here’s the route, courtesy of the organiser’s website (click to enlarge).
For more information about time trials, tour squads, Chris Froome, who won it last time etc, visit the official site. Twitter: @lavuelta
Related posts:
On the buses – an American in Paradise (guest post)
Órgiva to Lanjarón run (photo)
© con jamón spain
con jamón spain 
Here you can enjoy some fine photos of the finish and the cyclists:
http://sierra-nevada-outdoor.myshopify.com/blogs/noticias/42072129-vuelta-de-espana-termina-en-la-alpujarra
Posted by Janny & Manuel | September 11, 2015, 7:47 pmMuy bien – ¡muchas gracias!
Posted by con jamón spain | September 11, 2015, 7:53 pmAnyone know what time the roads are likely to be closing ?. We were thinking of watching from somewhere near Pampaneira where there are some nice steep bits. At least we should get more than 20 seconds of blured colour up there.
Posted by John J | August 26, 2015, 1:56 pmWe’ve spent our last 3 summer holidays in Órgiva, and often remarked they should do a stage of the Vuelta through Órgiva up to Capileira, having seen quite a few knackered cyclists attempting to ride up there in the heat, so I’m really looking forward to watching this! Thankyou for this site, it’s been very useful on our trips (especially shop opening times, etc; the “shop that sells everything” came in handy) I love reading your posts. 🙂
Posted by Kerrymel | August 25, 2015, 11:09 pmHi – thank you for the comment! Enjoy the race and be sure to buy a flashing buddha from TSTSEverything… A few of us are mulling over where to watch it – in Orgiva, on the way up to the white villages…
Posted by con jamón spain | August 25, 2015, 11:12 pmTotally agree.
Posted by C in Ohio | August 25, 2015, 11:30 pmWith Kerrymel that is.
Posted by C in Ohio | August 25, 2015, 11:31 pmI’m heading down to see the peleton whizz by today – on their way into Málaga! Have fun on Friday 🙂
Posted by Marianne | August 24, 2015, 9:59 amWe will do – have friends staying who are into their racing, so will learn more too. Have fun too!
Posted by con jamón spain | August 24, 2015, 10:04 amLycra craziness! Photos please.
Posted by C in Ohio | August 23, 2015, 2:55 pmAny preference on colour, tightness…?
Posted by con jamón spain | August 23, 2015, 3:03 pmHa! Colourful peleton against Orgiva/mountain backdrop will do me fine.
Posted by C in Ohio | August 23, 2015, 5:20 pmWill do our best – will probably be a blur of colour against a blurred background. Unless someone out there can send us some photos..? Get in contact.
Posted by con jamón spain | August 23, 2015, 5:22 pm