Spain’s Grand Tour Race - Ride Every Kilometre week 2 - Galicia, Asturias, Leon

We will meet you at Santiago de Compostela Airport and take you to your hotel near Ponteareas. After check in, we will help assemble your bike or fit you to a rental bike and then set out on a welcome ride. Back at the hotel, we will meet for pre-dinner drinks to present the GTP musettes and discuss the logistics for the coming week before enjoying our first dinner together.

Ponteareas is a Galician town in a hilly and fertile region growing white wine, grain and fruit as well as farming cattle. Classified as a mountain stage, there is plenty of flat riding as well. The route heads east to the first climb, Alto de Fonfria. A gentle climb of 22 km and 784 metres ascent but still classified as a category 1 climb. Head south to the river Minho and the border to Portugal. 50 km of flat riding westwards until Tebra and a couple of smaller climbs before the last climb and another surprising category 1 Alto de Mougás (632 m). Then a nice 20 km descent (with a bump) to the seaside town of Baiona.

A very early start to avoid road closures as the race route entails several loops that arrive and depart from Padrón and Gundin. Great for spectators but a race to stay in front for you. Best of all you will experience cheering crowds on the climbs and in the towns. The final climb, Puerto Cruxeiras is about 9% and a real test after 150 km of fast riding.

The hilly classification is a perfect description of Stage 12…also referred to as lumpy! The route passes through agricultural countryside, forests and farming communities before reaching the final challenge, category 1 climb, Estación de Montaña de Manzaneda. A local ski resort with a long climb of 22 km and an average gradient of about 6%. Finish here and ride down to meet the van for your transfer to Lugo.

If you get a chance, visit the historic sites of Lugo’s ‘splendorous Roman past’. A beautiful city situated on the river Minho, it offers a variety of religious festivities, regional delicacies as well as natural environment activities - a place to visit in the future! The route travels through the countryside and includes two category 2 climbs and one category 3. The end finishes on Puerto de Ancares (1,670 m) and a brutal climb with ramps up to 19%! This will break the hearts of many riders.
Ride back down to the van for your transfer.

The longest stage of the Grand Tour of Spain. Starting early from the small town Villafranca del Bierzo in the province of Leon and never visited by the Grand Tour before. And a couple of mountains included on this long day - the short climb from Villablino to Puerto de Cerrdo midway on the route and Puerto de Leitariegos at 1,524 m. Despite the gentle 4 % gradient , the 26.8 km and 1,090 metre climb from Las Mestas will seem endless. The team will transfer you to your hotel near Infiesto in the Asturias province on the Cantabrian Sea.

Infiesto is found in a region known as Green Spain where the maritime climate producing lush vegetation, fields and forests - and frequently compared to Ireland and the UK!! The route heads into the mountains passing twice over Alto de la Colladiella (847 m). But conserve your energy as the finish is at the top of ESP classified Cuitu Negru (1,850 m). That’s 1,468 m of climbing over 25.5 km from Campomanes AND if that is not enough of a challenge - the last 7 km is torture with claims of 17%, 25% and even 28%! Stay at the finish to watch and cheer on the pros as they arrive fragmented and exhausted. Only one way down so the transfer will take place when the road is open. The GTP team will arrange a fantastic final dinner for the Week 2 REK you to celebrate your achievements.

Finally, a sleep-in, and you will be able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Consider booking an afternoon flight so you can relax and perhaps visit the mediaeval old town of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. The GTP team will assist you in checking out and take you to your departure point for your flight home or to your next destination.

One week of 6 full days of riding through diverse landscapes from the Atlantic coast and into Green Spain . A total of 969 kilometres which includes the longest day of the Grand Tour and stages that are mainly classified as mountainous or hilly - the official elevation total is yet to be announced. If you are seeking a summer climbing challenge… this week fits the bill.