la Vuelta 2018

Caz · August 22, 2018, 06:12:56 PM

For those interested la Vuelta (Tour de España) starts this Saturday with the first stage being Málaga to Málaga. https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-1

The exciting bit for us it that stage 3 is coming through our village (Benalmádena Pueblo) on Monday 27th right past our gate. It is going to be fun watching them come through the narrow bit of the village that is very narrow as it is controlled by traffic lights for alternate traffic direction flow, should cause quite a bit of bunching. The map shows Benalmádena as being on the coast but that's Benalmádena Costa and not the pueblo, the pueblo is to the left of the purple box just after the route crosses the A7 motorway.

https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-3

port perran · August 22, 2018, 06:55:19 PM

I'm no cycling fan Caz but like you, if they were coming past my gate then I'd be out watching and taking in the atmosphere.
Enjoy.

GroupC · August 22, 2018, 07:13:53 PM

I love the Vuelta but it's also bittersweet: at the start of the event I can watch the highlights and afterwards cycle to the shops and back OK. After the event if I go to the shops at the same time I need lights on my bike.

Never mind, my newish job and its early morning starts means that that sort of thing is now after bedtime anyway, so instead of needing bike lights I'll be able to get to sleep without feeling it's the middle of the afternoon. Always look on the bright (or darker) side of life.

It also reminds me of the time quite a few years ago when I was in Spain when it was on. I gave up watching on telly as I couldn't understand the commentary but I did have possibly the nicest ever fish-based meal (excluding fish and chips which trumps all other fishy pretenders) I've ever had while there.

But back on topic, give us a wave Caz! Perhaps do some land art to ensure coverage of yourself.

Newportnobby · August 22, 2018, 09:16:34 PM

A great shame ITV4 are only showing highlights each evening

Saturdays is at 10pm and all others at the usual 7pm.

Bealman · August 23, 2018, 12:13:36 AM

Should be fantastic, Caz! I can just picture you out in front yard with a glad of red in hand, cheering them on!!

Philip. · August 23, 2018, 07:56:52 AM

la Vuelta is my favourite of the 3 Grand Tours, always seems a little less frenetic than the others. Plus I have a fondness for Spain too which helps.

Caz, get yourself a big NGF banner for Monday so we can spot you

Bealman · August 23, 2018, 08:18:53 AM

What a brilliant idea! Free global advertising for the NGF!!

Caz · August 23, 2018, 07:58:16 PM

I'll see what I can do for the sign, I'll guess we'll wait in one of the bars having a glass of red or two, just to be sociable of course

I want to see them come through the restriction of the pueblo high street (pic below) as it should be fun watching them bunch. Guess we will be just after they emerge from the end of the narrow bit and just after they pass the traffic lights and will try and have a NGF sign to hand

They've already put signs up everywhere saying the roads are going to be closed betwen 1500 & 1800 hrs on Monday so have to make sure the car is back home before then.

Benalmadena Pueblo High Street.

Mito · August 23, 2018, 08:58:37 PM

That's more modeling time gone for a burton!

Compulsive viewing for both of us. We'll keep a lookout for you.

TrevL · August 23, 2018, 09:00:14 PM

I'll keep an eye out for you Caz, I'll hopefully be watching the whole thing on eurosport.

RailGooner · August 23, 2018, 09:46:11 PM

What a lovely street.

Newportnobby · August 27, 2018, 09:38:56 AM

Featured in ITV4s coverage of La Vuelta last night, as someone who gets vertigo standing at the kerb, check out "El Caminito del Rey". Would you see me up there? Not on your nelly

http://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/#3

Philip. · August 27, 2018, 09:53:16 AM

Quote from: Newportnobby on August 27, 2018, 09:38:56 AM
Featured in ITV4s coverage of La Vuelta last night, as someone who gets vertigo standing at the kerb, check out "El Caminito del Rey". Would you see me up there? Not on your nelly

http://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/#3

Saw it on Eurosport, looks absolutely stunning. One for the "to do list"

Caz · August 27, 2018, 05:47:10 PM

Quick reply as out and about with visitors. You have to book for the Caminito de Rey and it IS spectacular.

Link to video as la Vuelta passed through Benalmádena

Philip. · August 27, 2018, 05:53:50 PM

Great video, I believe you had a bit of a wait? According to the commentary, they were running about 40 minutes late