February marks the commencement of one of the most prestigious cycling events on both the national and international stage: the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana (VCV). Now in its 76th edition, the race receives substantial institutional backing from the Alicante Provincial Government and will feature two pivotal stages traversing the Costa Blanca’s demanding terrain.
Key Stages and Route Profile
Stage 1: Team Time Trial – Orihuela to Orihuela Costa
- Date: Wednesday, February 5
- Distance: 34 km (21 miles)
- Discipline: Team Time Trial
- Strategic Importance: Initial General Classification (GC) delineation
The opening stage, a high-speed 34-kilometer team time trial (TTT), will take place in Orihuela and conclude in Orihuela Costa. This technical course will serve as the first competitive differentiation among the teams, favoring squads with aerodynamic efficiency and precise pacing strategies. Given the relatively short distance, execution of formation discipline and optimal power distribution will be critical to securing a strong GC position.
Stage 2: High-Mountain Test – La Nucía to l’Alt de Partegat (Benifato)
- Date: Thursday, February 6
- Distance: 166 km (103 miles)
- Elevation Gain: Substantial
- Key Climbs: Coll de Rates, l’Alt de Benimantell, l’Alt de Partegat (Summit Finish)
- Strategic Importance: First decisive GC battle
Stage 2 introduces a critical mountainous parcours spanning 166 kilometers from La Nucía to l’Alt de Partegat in Benifato. This stage is anticipated to be a defining moment in the race, featuring multiple categorized climbs, including the renowned Coll de Rates—one of the region’s benchmark ascents for professional training—and l’Alt de Benimantell. The stage culminates in a summit finish on l’Alt de Partegat, an unprecedented feature in VCV history, which is expected to favor pure climbers and general classification contenders.
Institutional Support and Regional Impact
The Sports Deputy of Alicante, Bernabé Cano, underscores the province’s strategic importance in elite cycling:
“Alicante continues to establish itself as a premier destination for competitive cycling, leveraging its topographical diversity, optimal climate, and a deeply engaged fan base that consistently lines the routes to support the riders.”
The 2025 edition of the VCV will run until February 9, encompassing five stages and featuring participation from elite UCI WorldTour teams. The Alicante Provincial Government remains a key partner in this endeavor, recognizing its dual role in promoting high-performance sports and reinforcing the Costa Blanca’s tourism profile as a global cycling hub.
Official Ceremony and Representation
The official inauguration of the race will be attended by Vice President Marina Sáez, who will preside over the awards ceremony for the team time trial. Additionally, Bernabé Cano will oversee proceedings at both the start and finish locations of Stage 2, a day expected to significantly shape the final standings.
With its challenging course design and high-caliber participation, the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2025 promises to deliver a compelling spectacle while reaffirming the Costa Blanca’s role as a cornerstone of professional road cycling.
