Vuelta a Andalucía
pie is a cycling events company delivering amazing bespoke bike rides throughout the UK and Europe. We create, develop, manage, operate and deliver fully supported guided group cycling trips for companies, charities and groups of individuals. All to your specific brief.
This UNESCO filled region of Spain offers breath taking views across the olive groves and along the Route of the Caliphate. It also offers one of the greatest cycling challenges with the highest paved road in Europe, Pico de Veleta.
460km total distance
6,000 – 8,000m climbing
3 1/2 days guided cycling
Choice of routes graded by difficulty
Full support crew
Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel day and warm up loop 53km & 560m ascent
Once we land into Malaga airport, pie staff will meet everyone at arrivals and transfer the group to the hotel in Antequera. You will have a chance to meet the rest of the pie crew over lunch before having a briefing and getting out on your bikes for a few hours in the afternoon, depending on flight times. The warm up loop will take the riders out to the town of Archidona, where cyclists can tackle the Ermita Virgen de Gracia climb.
Day 2 – Antequera to Cordoba: 152km & 1771m ascent / 162km & 2220m ascent
This is a long day with some fabulous scenery, deserted roads and Vuelta climbs. The routes are all extremely rural along small tarmacked roads, through olive groves and fields. There are several climb options in the area, before everyone gathers for lunch in Cabra. The final stretch to the finish is along a large quiet road, with more down than up, and will take us all the way to the UNESCO heritage site of Cordoba.
Day 3 – Cordoba to Alcala la Real: 120km & 1780m ascent / 140km & 2300m ascent
The day starts with a classic exit from the city across the Roman bridge and out into the countryside within a few kms. We are very much in rural Spain here where we stay all the way through to lunch in Baena with a Vuelta climb en route at Zuhueros. From there it is fast riding to meet a small valley route which takes everyone over the Puerto del Castillo climb, and then downhill into Alcala la Real.
Day 4 – Alcala la Real to Granada: 117km & 1780m ascent / 143km & 2640m ascent
The last day and the climbing climax of the trip. Everyone will ride the stunning Ruta del Califato, and onto the plains of Granada. From here cyclists will commence the climb up Pico de Veleta. As an out and back, you choose where you turn round but all options are magnificent achievements and will be rewarded with fantastic views as you descend into Granada. That evening everyone will toast their achievements over a celebration meal.
Day 5 – A chance to relax after the trip
Today is a free day to enjoy Granada and the spectacular Alhambra, before your return flight back to the UK.