Les Alqueries lies north of Valencia and Torralba del Pinar is actually very nearby. Just 40 kilometres to the west. Yet, the riders face a race of almost 170 kilometres. The route is going up or down during the entire day, although the climbs are doable.
After almost 70 kilometres on undulating roads the first proper climb comes in the shape of the Alto de Costur, which is a punch ascent of 2.8 kilometres at 9.4%. Roughly 10 kilometres later El Remolcador appears. The 14.9 kilometres climb at 4.3% leads to the highest points of the day at an elevation of 980 metres. Almost 100 kilometres done at the summit.
The route descends to an undulating phase before the last 20 kilometres are more hilly again. The Collado de Ayódar is 3.9 kilometres long and averages 5.4%. Shortly after the descent the riders enter the last and probably decisive uphill test. It’s 4.9 kilometres long and rises at 6.9% to Torralba del Pinar. The finish lies 4 kilometres further at the end of a flat run-in to the line.
Torralba del Pinar is something of a ghost town with an population of just 61 people. Located in the Sierra de Espadán, it’s surrounded by mountains and one of them is the last test for the riders, crested with 3 kilometres remaining.
Last year’s Tour of Valencia was postponed and happened in April. Miles Scotson won the 1st stage, while his team mate Stefan Küng took the GC five days later.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 1.
Another interesting read: results 1st stage 2022 Tour of Valencia.
Tour of Valencia 2022 stage 1: route, profile, tweets
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