Tortosa is situated at sea level at the mouth of the Ebro river. The Volta a Catalunya was there in 2017 for the start of a race to Reus, where Daryl Impey sprinted to victory.
Fast men have no chance this time as the finale is tailor-made for pure bred climbers. Following an early climb – Alt de Bot – most of the race takes place on flat to undulating terrain. The Coll de Som also throws in some uphill gradients before the riders return to Tortosa. Effectually, the 50 kilometres before the finish climb are as good as flat.
Travelling through the Ebro delta, the riders approach the limestone massif of Lo Port. The road to the Mont Caro summit is narrow and brutal. The ascent is 8.4 kilometres long and averages 9%, while it ramps up to 20% at times. The last part is especially draining with some 14% section.
The Volta a Catalunya finished three times before at Mont Caro – in 2017 (Alejandro Valverde victory), in 1991 (‘Lucho’ Herrera victory), and in 1985 (Alirio Chizabas victory).
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while intermediate sprints come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 5 Volta 2023.
Another interesting read: results 5th stage 2023 Volta a Catalunya.
Volta a Catalunya 2023, stage 5: route, profile, more
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