Starting from Barcelona, La Vuelta a España will kick off in 2023 with a spectacular launch memorable for its maritime setup. On Saturday, August 26, a floating stage will rest just off Somorrostro Beach, near Port Olímpic, where a 14 kilometer team time trial will begin. The route travels through central Barcelona, turning the opening moment into a crowd-pleasing spectacle rather than a decisive race stage. The joint organizers, Unipublic and the Barcelona City Council, emphasize the start as a grand sporting event that highlights the city as a vibrant host and cycling hub. [citation]
As reported by the city sports authorities, a transparent sea platform will be installed on the water. Six sledges will anchor the platform in the Mediterranean, chosen for the calmer stretch of the coast in the area known as the Forbidden Beach. Should sea conditions turn choppy on the day, a contingency plan is in place to ensure the event can proceed as planned. [citation]
Racing habit
In recent editions, La Vuelta has distinguished itself by opening with a dramatic start or by featuring a time trial in the opening days. Past editions have seen dramatic moments, including a start in Pamplona’s arena, a symbolic raft placed on the stairs of Burgos Cathedral, or a showcase near the Arenas of Nîmes in France. These moments set the tone for a race that blends local character with international competition. [citation]
Barcelona offers a unique stage by blending the city’s Mediterranean vibe with the spectacle of professional cycling. A long promenade walk along the sea will give spectators a front row seat to the action as teams approach the coastal zone. Runners will have access to a walking path that stretches along the shore, providing a prelude to the race as riders move onto Marina Street for the formal start. The course will sweep past the city’s most iconic monuments, turning the opening day into a citywide festival. With the event free to attend, thousands are expected to line the route. [citation]
The hard end of the second stage
The second phase will finish near the Olympic Stadium, in a location connected historically to the city’s cycling heritage. The area recalls the finish location of the 2009 Vuelta finish in Barcelona, but with a more demanding setup. The stage will feature climactic elements such as a challenging ascent that can elevate the race’s overall tension. Former grand tour winners and local cycling legends are anticipated to join as supporters for the riders and the sport. [citation]
The day promises significant difficulty with a climb to Castell de Montjuïc. The general expectation is that one of the favorites will seize the stage win, while as many as forty riders could contend for victory in the day’s final moves. The organizers have arranged a sequence that includes a quick pass through Montjuïc followed by a descent and a short ascent toward the outskirts of the Olympic Stadium, aiming to reward bold racing and tactical breakthroughs. [citation]
Additionally, the presentation of the teams, which is scheduled to occur at Plaça del Mar around 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday in late August, will be open to the public as part of the festival atmosphere surrounding the race. The Vuelta a España will culminate in Madrid on a Sunday in September, marking the end of a demanding and celebrated cycling journey. [citation]