The La Vuelta a España origins
La Vuelta was established much like the other Grand Tours, with the help of newspapers, as Spain also wanted their version of Le Tour and the Giro. In 1935, a Spanish newspaper called Informaciones sponsored the inaugural event with mostly Spanish entrants. This first event enticed 50 entrants who had to tackle an incredible 3,400km over only 14 days! That's 240 km per stage! The Spanish Civil War and World War II put the event on hold, but after 1955, it became an annual event on the cycling calendar and was extended to 3 weeks, including two rest days. Its first-ever winner was the Dutchman Gustaaf Deloor.
Above: The Spanish newspaper Informaciones sponsored the inaugural La Vuelta.
The Special La Vuelta points classification jersey colours
Red jersey The red jersey is the leader's jersey. The leader is the rider who has completed all stages in the fastest time. He is also known as the overall (general) classification leader.
Green jersey The green jersey is the sprint points jersey. Typically won by sprinters, this jersey goes to the rider with the most sprint points at the end of the race.
Polka dot jersey The polka dot jersey is for the king of the mountains. The first rider to cross specific mountains gets the most points, and the rider with the most points wins the mountain classification throughout the race. The jersey is white with large blue polka dots.
White jersey The best young rider wears a white jersey. The winner of the white jersey is the highest-placed rider in the general classification under the age of 26.
The GC jersey colours at La Vuelta
La Vuelta fun facts from the record books
Did you know that:
- Sepp Kuss won La Vuelta in 2023. Jonas Vingegaard was second, and Primož Roglič third.
- The La Vuelta Femenina, which had its first edition in May 2023, was won by the legendary, recently retired Annemiek van Vleuten.
- In 2022, the Belgian Remco Evenepoel, wearing the young rider's white jersey, took the victory and the winner's red jersey.
- Roberto Heras still holds the record number of wins at four victories.
- Alberto Contador, Tony Rominger and Primož Roglič have three wins each to their names.
- Primož Roglič became the first rider since Rominger to win three consecutive Vueltas.
- Spanish cyclists top the list of most victories, followed by France and Belgium.
The Spanish race atmosphere and frenzied vibe
The riders will tackle epic stages through diverse landscapes and scenery, while at the same time, the fans will be drawn to the roadsides in their hordes, shouting and cheering along the route for the peloton and their favourite pro riders to 'Vamos'. The crowds will thicken and draw dangerously closer with their flags and phones drawn as the riders head toward the summits of the steepest climbs. Let's take a closer look first at these climbing focal points!
Highlight iconic and legendary climbs for 2024 La Vuelta Virtual
Puerto de Hazallanas
In Stage 9, the Puerto de Hazallanas climb is a brutally challenging ascent in Granada, Spain's rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range. The climb begins by passing the Canales reservoir in the foothills of the mountains, then takes you through a series of switchbacks and steep gradients, and finally rewards you with panoramic views of the hills and valleys below from the summit.
Above: The Puerto de Hazallanas climb is a brutally challenging ascent in Granada.
Cuitu Negru
In Stage 15, a newer climb, the formidable Asturian colossus returns to La Vuelta 12 years after its debut. The Cuitu Negru is located in the north of Spain at the Valgrande-Pajares ski station and up 19.5 km, at 5.2% of climbing to the summit. The first 7 km is relatively easy, but after that, the challenging part begins from 7,5 km (11%) before the finish, while the last 2,5 km are very steep, with an average of 13% and its steepest gradient of 24% near the top.
Above: Cuitu Negru is located in the north of Spain at the Valgrande-Pajares ski station.
Lagos de Covadonga
The climb in Stage 16 to the Lagos de Covadonga from Cangas de Onis is brutal! The scenery is extremely rugged and isolated along the ascent that winds up to the two lakes. Despite the average gradient being 6.9%, there are many steep inclines throughout the climb, especially in the first 7 km, which are double-digit and brutal.
Above: Climb to the Lagos de Covadonga from Cangas on ROUVY.
Alto Moncalvillo
Moncalvillo, in Stage 19, is considered the most challenging road cycling climb in the Rioja region. The first part of this newer climb to the race is gently undulating with shallow gradients and short hills until you turn off towards the communications towers. From there, the road becomes much steeper. The challenging gradients are unrelenting, leading along a narrow, tree-lined road through pleasant scenery, especially near the lower section of the climb as you ride past the vineyards.
Above: Moncalvillo, in Stage 19, is considered the most challenging road cycling climb in the Rioja region.
Picón Blanco
In the province of Burgos in the Cantabrian mountains, the daunting finishing climb to Picon Blanco in Stage 20 leads to an old military base at 1,468 m above sea level and 761 m of ascent. The average gradient of 9,3% is deceiving, as the ascent starts with relatively moderate gradients and then stretches for kilometres at over 10% in the second half.
Above: Climb to Pico Blanco in the Cantabrian mountains on ROUVY.
Below is one of the flatter route segments to enjoy from La Vuelta 2024 on ROUVY
In stage 17, cycle 20km to Boo de Piélagos, a charming village in the Piélagos region of Cantabria, Spain. This town features a picturesque setting, beautiful green landscapes, and traditional architecture, making it a lovely place for a bike ride. It's an ideal location to experience rural Spain's peaceful, relaxed atmosphere with just 194 m of ascent.
Above: Cycle to Boo de Piélagos, a charming village in the Piélagos region of Cantabria, Spain.
Virtual La Vuelta on ROUVY
ROUVY is the only indoor cycling app where you can ride on hot off-the-press routes of segments from this iconic Spanish race from your home on your trainer. Experience the thrills, sights, incredible scenery, and various terrains with realistic, high-quality video routes, whether you are a rider new to the sport wanting to get a taste of a flat to mildly hilly route or a racing snake or mountain goat. It's your choice, from social and casual group rides to full gas racing! Get fitter, follow the pros, and feel the heat and thrill of La Vuelta! Check out the details below in the Spotlight.
