Conquer the Vuelta a Espana on a Cannondale Bike Tour in Spain
by Bike tour guruIt isn't often that you get to traverse the same course as the sport's best athletes while the competition is underway. On our Cannondale Tours cycling tour in Spain, that's precisely what you'll get to do.
The Vuelta a Espana runs from late August to early September, and some of the best professional cyclists in the world will be present to take on some of the most difficult mountain stages that the region has to offer. Our bike tour will put you in the heat of the competition, right as the competitors enter the final stages of the Vuelta. Immediately after arriving in Spain, we will get our bikes fitted and head straight for the Stage 16 ride of Cuitu Negru. After recent resurfacing, the route will be the Vuelta's most prestigious stage, and our guests will have the opportunity to put their bodies to the test against this beast of a ride. Once we reach the summit, we'll take a break and watch the pros fight the climb themselves. Though we may not move as swiftly as they do up this veritable wall, which boasts pitches in excess of 25% gradients, we'll be able to enjoy every inch of the ride that the pros ride.
While the pros take a rest day after the grueling Cuitu Negru, we will take a more relaxing ride along the river Sella. As we make our way to the lakes of Covadonga, we'll give our legs a bit of a break and enjoy the quiet, more peaceful portion of the Spanish mountains. We'll enjoy an evening in Gijon, experiencing the nightlife of one of Asturias' hottest port cities.
Day three will include a ride to Fuente De before the pros make their return to the course on Stage 17. The lush region of "Green Spain" will make for a beautiful ride. After finishing our ride, we'll rest at our hotel and watch as the pros finish the stage. Luckily for us, we won't have to get up and haul over to the next stage right away. Rather, we'll take advantage of the beauty of Picos de Europa National Park right from our hotel.
On day four, we'll take our Cannondale SuperSix bikes a little bit off course, choosing to stay away from the blustery Rioja interior. Instead, we'll stick to Green Spain and cycle through national park mountain passes, peaking on Puerto San Gloria. After entering the great wine region of Ribera del Duero, we will learn about this historic area and get a well-deserved taste of the wine and delicious food.
After another relaxing ride on day five, we'll get back to the mountain stages of the Vuelta. We'll ride the Bola Del Mundo and then join in on cheering the professionals making their way to the top. They, and we, will need all the support there is, as the top of the climb has a substantial 24% gradient. While dining in the evening, we'll be treated to a traditional flamenco show, an energetic song and dance combination.
Our final day of cycling will be in the city of Madrid. We'll enjoy the time getting to know the city, and watching the pros make their rounds on the Paseo de Castellana. Our last day of cycling coincides with the Vuelta's final stage. It will be a fitting end to our Cannondale cycling vacation in Spain. The dynamic trip includes bouts with mountains and leisurely rides along the river. Each night will conclude with delicious meals and wine from one of the most fertile regions in the Europe, followed by restful nights in the finest of hotels. The opportunity to ride among the world's best while enjoying the luxuries of royalty is one you cannot miss.
