Orihuela will host the start of the 74th edition of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2023
The organization Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana led by an experienced team unveiled the itinerary for the 74th edition, a five-stage race set to run from February 1 to February 5, 2023. The route, while returning to its familiar arc from Orihuela to Valencia, introduces a bold new finish at the Oceanogràfic in Valencia, signaling a fresh challenge for the peloton. Five stages in total—two in Alicante, one in Castellón, and two in Valencia—will showcase the dynamic terrain of the Valencian Community and highlight its diverse topography to cycling fans around the world.
The official kickoff takes place in Orihuela on February 1, with a first stage that will conclude in Altea after roughly 190 kilometers of mid-mountain riding. The route features the demanding Coll de Rates and Bèrnia passes, creating an early test for climbers and a prime opportunity for attackers at the start of the race. The absence of individual or team time trials intensifies the tactical play, inviting riders with strong climbing legs to seize early momentum.
The second stage traverses another part of Alicante, beginning in Novelda and finishing at an ascent up Alto de Pinos de Benissa. Spanning about 180 kilometers, the route includes seven mountain passes, placing a premium on endurance and strategic positioning. The area is a familiar training ground for teams during winter pre-season camps, so riders and teams arrive with intimate knowledge of the roads, allowing for calculated attacks and measured chances to gain time. This stage carries real potential to shape the overall standings early in the race.
On February 3, the peloton moves to the province of Valencia for the third stage, running from Bétera to Sagunto. This mid-mountain course is set to climb notable climbs such as Oronet and Garbí, offering a platform for a decisive move by a well-timed breakaway or a strong show of strength on the climbs that could reshape the GC contenders’ strategy as the finish line approaches.
The final act unfolds on Saturday, February 4, traveling from Castellón to a landmark finish in Altura at the Sacred Cave Sanctuary in La Vall d’Uixó. The queen stage covers 181 kilometers and features five mountain passes, distributed to maximize suspense and determine the overall classification. The race management team, led by Ángel Casero, has signaled changes to the traditional last-day format, tweaking the route between Paterna and Valencia to maintain high stakes up to the final sprint.
Anticipation centers on whether a mass sprint will materialize on the final day. New climbs to Oronet and, notably, La Frontera—an ascent added after a recent reopening of the route—may disrupt the expected finish. Should the general classification still be undecided at the end, the finish line at Oceanogràfic de València will provide a dramatic and memorable backdrop to crown the overall winner. In this strategic landscape, teams and riders will be weighing aggressive late-stage attacks against the risk of losing precious seconds on the more technical or mountainous segments.
“As an organization, we love to show the world the wonders we have in the Valencian Community,” said Ángel Casero, Managing Director of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. The remarks underscore the event’s role not only as a competitive spectacle but also as a showcase for the region’s geography, culture, and hospitality. The 2023 edition is positioned to attract global attention from cycling enthusiasts in North America and beyond, highlighting the Valencian terrain as a vital element of the sport’s rich tapestry. The race continues to be a platform where rising climbers and seasoned performers alike can demonstrate their skill set on a course crafted to challenge every rider’s limits and to celebrate the spirit of professional cycling in both the United States and Canada (citation attribution).