The mountain stations of Vallter and La Molina/Coll de Pal, of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), become the epicenters of world cycling this week. PIRINEU365 will be the scene of the finals of the fourth and fifth stages of the 105th edition of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, consolidating the territory as a benchmark in the organization of major sporting events.
Thursday 26 March: The Vallter Challenge (2,135 m)
The fourth stage, starting in Mataró, will culminate at the summit of Vallter. The resort will host a stage finish for the ninth time in this pass, where the link with the race was born in 1986. It is a special category pass with dizzying details:
- Altitude: The finish is located at an altitude of 2,135 meters.
- Route: An ascent of more than 11 kilometers from Setcases.
- Requirement: An average gradient of 7.6%.
- Infrastructure: Specific vertical signage along the entire climb, guaranteeing excitement in a privileged environment.
Friday 27 March: The historic return of Coll de Pal
The fifth stage will leave La Seu d’Urgell to finish in La Molina/Coll de Pal. This is the great novelty of the edition, since the Berguedà port (one of the most demanding in Catalan geography) has only been part of the race route three times in its history. The milestone is especially relevant, since the men’s race had not visited it for more than 45 years. With this commitment, La Molina confirms its technical capacity to host elite World Tour competitions.
More than sport: Real impact on the territory
Hosting the Volta is not only a sporting event, but a key tool for the deseasonalization and promotion of mountain regions. The activity of the FGC mountain resorts generates tangible local well-being and links talent and sporting effort with the territory under the motto: “Skiing (and pedaling) at home leaves a mark“.
This week, Vallter and La Molina/Coll de Pal will offer snowy landscapes and privileged environments that will become the best setting for two stage finals that are as spectacular as they are demanding, reinforcing the link between territory, sports tourism and local development.
