Barcelona’s Port Olympic will host the start of the 78th edition of the Vuelta a Espana next August, organizers announced on Tuesday.
The first stage will feature a 14km team time trial through the streets of the city, which has not hosted the first stage of the race since 1962. Mataro will host the start of the second stage — a course of 181 km which will probably be decided on the emblematic climb of Montjuic before the arrival at the Olympic stadium. “Barcelona is a city that loves sport, especially cycling. The return of La Vuelta to Barcelona after 60 years is wonderful news,” said Jaume Collboni, deputy mayor of the city. “La Vuelta 23 will be an opportunity for us to showcase the cultural, social and artistic richness of our city. We want people to come out of their homes and join us in this celebration of cycling, and to take part in the passion and the spirit of this great sporting event.” The race starts on August 26