The city of Orihuela hosted the launch event for the 74th Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, marking the first stage of the race that will begin in Vega Baja and set the tone for the five-day competition. The gathering featured Carolina Gracia, the mayor of Orihuela, along with Ángel Casero, the organizer overseeing the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, Patricia Menárguez, a Member of Parliament for Sports, and Manuel Villalgordo, the regional director for Orihuela Vega Baja Banco Sabadell. The presentation demonstrated the city’s enthusiasm and support for the new edition, highlighting Orihuela as the test start for VCV 2023 and celebrating the region’s welcoming spirit toward elite cycling. The emphasis was on showcasing Orihuela’s capacity to host a world-class sporting event and to promote local cycling culture. Casero recalled the long-standing relationship between Orihuela and the Volta, paying tribute to local cycling legends who have helped shape the sport in the area.
In 2023, the edition is expected to attract around 20 teams, including 10 from the World Tour, underscoring the event’s international prestige and the substantial interest from teams and fans alike. The race director stressed that the opening phase would begin with strong momentum, setting a challenging pace for riders from the outset. The route has been designed to balance fast, high-speed sprint opportunities with demanding climbs, featuring sections with steep ramps and angles that push riders to their limits on several occasions. A notable economic impact has been anticipated, building on the Volta’s recent influence, which extended its reach across European households through broad media coverage in Spain and beyond, increasing the event’s visibility and appeal for sports tourism. This strategic emphasis on media presence is part of a broader plan to attract visitors and celebrate the region through February, aligning with local tourism and economic goals. The organizers have cited the event as a powerful platform for regional promotion, inviting partners and supporters to recognize Orihuela and Vega Baja as vibrant destinations for sport, culture, and community engagement.
The participation and sponsorship network were highlighted by Manuel Villalgordo, Regional Director of the sponsoring organization Orihuela Vega Baja Banco Sabadell. He emphasized shared values such as effectiveness, personal effort, solidarity, perseverance, and teamwork, noting that these principles align with the entity’s mission and the spirit of the Volta. The collaboration aims to reinforce the event as a community-wide celebration that also benefits local businesses and residents, creating opportunities for engagement, tourism, and regional pride.
Novelda will host the start of the second phase of Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana
Orihuela’s leadership and the Volta organization confirmed the city’s role as the host for the opening day, illustrating a strong commitment to delivering memorable cycling moments and a festival-like atmosphere around the sport. The mayor of Orihuela expressed enthusiasm for the start in his city, describing the event as a striking showcase that not only highlights the city’s scenic routes but also serves as a platform to raise awareness of Orihuela’s attractions. The invitation extended to residents and visitors is to warmly welcome the riders and support the competition on February 1, turning the stage into a unifying event for the community.
Community leaders expressed confidence that staging the start of the Volta would boost local visibility and stimulate interest in sports tourism. The organizers thanked the municipal authorities for hosting and encouraged everyone to participate in the excitement, illustrating how the race can act as a catalyst for cultural exchange and regional promotion. The collaboration between the public sector, local clubs, and corporate sponsors is presented as a model of effective partnership that benefits both sport and the broader region.
In closing remarks, Orihuela officials underscored that the Volta represents more than a race. It is an opportunity to celebrate local talent, encourage youth participation in cycling, and showcase the vibrant life of Vega Baja to spectators and athletes from around the world. The event promises to bring a dynamic blend of athletic challenge, community involvement, and regional pride, inviting residents to rally behind the riders and to view the coming stages as a shared festival of sport and hospitality.