In stage 2 of the 2015 Vuelta the riders race through the hilly region to the north-west of Malaga. They pass places like Alora and El Chorro repeatedly, while the stage brings two 3rd category climbs. The finish will be on top of the latter after a 3.4 kilometres climb at 7%.
At the Vuelta presentation it seemed as if the riders were to finish on the narrow path of the Caminito del Rey. But anyone who ever was in the El Chorro gorge, will realize that this is simply impossible. The path is one meter wide and directly beside it is precipice of 100 metres.
The Caminito del Rey is a 3 kilometres path halfway up a cliff and it opened in 1905. Over the years handrails disappeared and in many places you looked straight through holes in the floor down into the depths. In 1992, the trail was closed and the first part was demolished, so no one would be tempted to climb it anymore. Forget it! The surrounding Los Gaitanes with all its steep precipices was popular with rock climbers to start with, and this certainly did not become less. ‘Walking’ the Caminito del Rey became an act heroism. Unfortunately, there were also a number of deaths to regret.
After a long renovation the Caminito del Rey should be back to its former glory when the Vuelta visits. One thing is indisputable: the 2nd stage will yield beautiful pictures.
Results/race report stage 2, Vuelta 2015.
Vuelta 2015 stage 2: Route maps, height profiles, and more
Click on the images to zoom.
I am thinking of going to see the first three stages of the Vuelta. Can you supply me with the times of the stage starts and of the stage finishes of stages 1, 2 & 3 please ?
Hi David,
scheduled times are not known yet, but we will publish them here as soon as they become public.