Volta a Catalunya 2017 Route stage 1: Calella

Volta a Catalunya 2017 Route stage 1: Calella – Calella

Monday, 20 March 2017 – Ever since 2012 the Volta a Catalunya begins with a route from Calella to Calella. The 1st stage of the upcoming edition is 178.9 kilometres and features six categorized climbs. Last peak is crested with 19 kilometres remaining.

Following the start on the coast the route takes in Alt de Parpers, Alt dels Pinars de Badó and Alt de la Pullosa in the first half of the race. The Pullosa peaks at an elevation of 917 metres and following a drop the real action commences.

Next in line are Alt el Muntanyà and Coll Formic, which basically is a two stage ascent. El Muntanyà is a punchy 3.9 kilometres climb at with steepest ramps of 18%. Once atop the route runs on a plateau of 4.1 kilometres to the foot of the Formic. The climb is 8.4 kilometres at 4.7% with a maximum incline of 12%. The peak is crested with 54.9 kilometres remaining.

A 33.7 kilometres descent takes the riders the Alt de Collsacreau, which is the last climb of the day – 3 kilometres at 4.7% omhoog. The last run is to the coast, so mostly in descent, yet the route takes in a 200 metres stretch at 5% close to the finish line.

Last year the 1st stage in the Volta a Catalunya took in five climbs, yet the race boiled down to a bunch sprint with Nacer Bouhanni fastest. That said, those climbs were less tough…

While this is the sixth time in a row the Volta a Catalunya begins with a stage Calella–Calella the route is never the same. The same goes for the outcome. Michael Albasini (2012), Gianni Meersman (2013), Luka Mezgec (2014) and Maciej Paterski (2015) and, as said, Nacer Bouhanni – they all took the win in the sea side resort north of Barcelona.

The first three riders on the line take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds and two intermediate sprints (at kilometre 45.1 and kilometre 98.4) come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds each.

Results/race report 1st stage Volta a Catalunya 2017.