Vuelta España Femenina - Stage 1

A team time trial in Valencia kicks off the Vuelta Femenina

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Vuelta España Femenina - Stage 1

Dates 28 Apr
Race Length 16 kms
Start Valencia
Finish Valencia
Race Category Elite Women

Published: 23 April 2024

Stage 1: Valencia - Valencia (16km, TTT)

Spain’s third largest city Valencia, positioned on its east coast, plays host to stage 1 of the second edition of the revamped Vuelta Femenina, sponsored by Carrefour.es (previously Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta). As Vuelta tradition dictates, and in keeping with 2023’s inaugural edition, the race opens with a team time trial. Taking place on an out-and-back course, the riders will roll off the start ramp in view of the L'Àgora building, taking in some of the city’s most stunning architecture as they pass through the city centre and head out along the seafront.

The 16km-long parcours presents very few issues, with an almost pan-flat profile. There are a few turns to negotiate – a series of right-handers immediately after the start will require riders to pay attention, and a hairpin turn that marks the halfway point of the route will demand a cautious approach. From there, the route heads back along the CV-500 coastal motorway and it’s once again plain sailing with no technicalities until the final sharp right-hand turn 300m from the finish line. The race concludes in front of the eye-catching Oceanogràfic aquarium, where the first woman to finish from the fastest team will become the owner of the race’s first red leader’s jersey.

While the course isn’t particularly technical and does not contain any climbing, the riders will need to stay focused in order to remain a tight unit throughout the duration of the time trial. While the time gaps are likely to be negligible, there is room for error and in order to avoid sacrificing time on the general classification on day one, it will be important for the teams to be well-drilled and stay in formation.

In terms of the rules, teams will begin in an order determined by the organisers and will set off at three-minute intervals. The team’s time will be determined by the fourth rider to cross the line; any riders finishing outside that time will take the time they finish in – which means it will be important for teams to protect their leaders.

Words by Katy Madgwick