Vuelta a España K/QOM Challenge

Managed by the Thomson Spectator Manager, Jacinta McHale, non-riding guests have their own dedicated program, including LIVE Race viewing, guided visits and cultural activities.

Day 1 – Bienvenidos a Barcelona

Your guide Jacinta will meet you at Barcelona El Prat airport and we’ll head to our Hotel on the outskirts of this beautiful city, by private transfer. A welcome lunch will give you the chance to meet your fellow cycling fans and we’ll run through the plans for the next exciting days. In the afternoon we will head into Barcelona and take the cable car. The Montjuïc cable car has been the most special way to discover the charm of Barcelona for many years and its base will be where the Stage 1 Time Trial finishes in two days time. Its 750 meters of route allow you to gaze at unparalleled views, culminating your journey in the Montjüic Castle, on the top of a mountain that represents the living history of the city. Enjoy the most emblematic symbols of Barcelona as never before, as well as visiting the Castle.

Day 2 – Discover Barcelona & the Team Presentation

Beautiful Barcelona! This city has so much to offer and so many sights to behold! We will travel to the city in the morning and visit a few of the most loved sights. We’ll stop at Sagrada Familia, Plaça D’Espanya , Plaça de les Cascades and then head to the Port. You can walk up the famous La Rambla, home to many street entertainers and stalls, or meander through typical Spanish Squares, abuzz with excited chatter and food lovers. You can visit the Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral. Your choice for late lunch spots is endless! Our day will finish off with us going to the Team Presentation. A local event, we will mix and mingle as each team proudly show their cyclists ahead of the gruelling tour.

Day 3 – LIVE VIP Viewing Finish Line Time Trial

The Vuelta a España opens with a team time trial of 14.6 kilometres in Barcelona. The teams start near Barcelona’s Olympic Port and traverse a quick, technical circuit before finishing at the base of Montjuïc, the iconic mountain overlooking the city, which we visit 2 days prior. We will have access to the exclusive VIP Arrival area, where you can watch the live coverage on the screens, as you enjoy the free bar and complimentary snacks, before the teams cross the finish line! We’ll be able to watch time and time again as each team passes! Who will be the first team in red?

Day 4 – LIVE VIP Start Village at Mataró

Today we leave Barcelona behind and take the short drive to Mataró. Its significant marina and beach are some of the main attractions found in this gorgeous coastal town. Today we will head to the Departure Village. We will have access to the VIP departure area, where the sponsors and press all congregate pre race. It’s near to the team paddock, where the teams will arrive 2 hours before and prepare for the stage and sign in for the race. It’s a fabulous experience to see the riders up close and wave them off!  We’ll have some lunch and then we will head to our next destination – the principality of Andorra and the small mountain village of Arinsal.  Many a pro cyclists live and socialise here so we will be on their home turf!

Day 5 – LIVE VIP Finish Line Viewing Arinsal

Today we don’t have far to travel as the mountain top finish is a mere cable car ride away! You will have time in the morning to explore the quaint ski village of Arinsal – in fact it’s where our guide lived her first season overseas and she knows many of the locals and hidden treasures. In the afternoon we will head to our VIP viewing area at the end of the climb. Live coverage, a free bar and snacks will be available, as we soak up the atmosphere on the mountain. The route of today’s stage  is lumpy until the riders reach the border. Once they enter Andorra there are 50 kilometres and two hard climbs remaining. The climb to the line is 6 kilometres long and averages 8% and we will be there to welcome them! After an exciting day we will descend into the village to continue the celebrations – it’s not a long walk home!

Day 6 – LIVE VIP Start Viewing Andorra la Vella

Andorra is a small country that borders France and Spain. It has been under the control of both for centuries, but was never formally annexed to either of them. It continues to maintain its own flag (a vertical tricolor) and its national anthem. The capital of the country is called Andorra La Vella and its here where we will head for Stage 3. You have experienced a start in one country, so get ready for your second in another! It’s a fantastic opportunity to do all the things you wish you had done the first time around and see the teams you didn’t see. After the race has left you will have time to explore the centre of this tax free haven, full of shops and duty free products. We’ll spend a memorable last evening in Arinsal to round up a magnificent trip.

Day 7 – Until next time..

After a fabulous 7 days it’s time to say Adios.. We hope to welcome you again on the Spring Classics, Giro D’Italia or the Tour de France