La Vuelta Espana begins today with a race against the clock and a 8km individual time trial around the landmarks of Malaga. This will be the third occasion that the Tour of Spain has started in this coastal town after 2000 and 2006, although more recently both Peter Sagan and Philippe Gilbert have won here.
Our ride route today is longer than the professionals and nearly all downhill as we head to the coast and our ‘unique live viewing spot’ to catch all the stars of cycling close up as they race the opening Time Trial on the streets of Malaga.
With the grand tour contenders and TT specialists riding at maximum speed they won’t have the same luxury as yourself to enjoy the highlights of Malaga, the start at the Pompidou Centre art gallery, the Mediterranean beach or the 10th century Castillo de Gibralfaro.
With this super-fast race day and glitz of the Costa del Sol, cap off the day with Spanish flavours of the coast and relaxing lunch together.

It’s the GPM finish that we look forward to today and with the race route passing by Ardales a selection of superb ride options are available including sections of the race route to the finish line at Caminito del Rey all amongst the stunning landscapes of Andalusia.
La Vuelta a Espana 2018 route does not allow the peloton to ease into this third grand tour of the season with the second stage forcing the climbers into action all the way to the summit finish. In 2015 Esteban Chaves won on this climb by over 30 seconds to Quintana, Froome, Nibali and Aru. We can expect the red jersey contenders to be at maximum effort over the final 3.4 km climb at an average of 7%. With our own legs excited by the thrilling roadside action of the Vuelta, enjoy dinner together at one of the local restaurants in Ardales.

Today, Stage 3 of the Vuelta a España shows how difficult this 3 week bike race really is, has it’s titled a ‘Hilly’ stage and also one of the few opportunities for a sprinter to win at this years Vuelta! Starting and finishing on the coast with a route through the spectacular Andalusia landscape offers you a great variety of race viewing opportunities during this opening week of the Vuelta 2018. Pick your ride distance and experience a great route around the Sierra de las Nieve natural park taking you to your ‘unique live viewing spot’ and all the race action.
What a perfect day in Spain, superb riding, live action of the Vuelta peloton and the mountaintop city of Ronda a day full of highlights deserves the perfect lunch to end the perfect day.

Today is your last Vuelta viewing day with the golden opportunity to see a stage start in Velez-Malaga, often a highlight for many of our guests as you explore amongst the world class teams of professional cycling. It’s a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of a 3 week Grand Tour bike race and all the preparation required of both riders and equipment prior to their day in the saddle. Enjoy the presentation of the riders at the sign-on podium, grab that classic memento photo of your favourite stars or say hello to your heroes of the road!
This maybe the perfect way to end your 2018 Vuelta adventures or take the opportunity of one last ride together into the hinterland of the Costa del sol before we celebrate a wonderful Spanish cycling holiday experience together over dinner.

Departure Day and It’s unfortunately time for your Vuelta a Espana 2018 to draw to an end and your relaxed Spanish cycling adventure as we transfer you to the Airport and your homeward travel, ‘ adiós’ from PRACTICEBICYCLE until the next time.

*As with all the PRACTICEBICYCLE planned rides you always have the option of taking it easy and enjoying the comfort of the support vehicle and all the spectacle of the day at a more leisurely pace.