The Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain) 2008 "The Final Weekend" Luxury 4* Hotel Accommodation Guided by Spanish ex Vuelta rider Marcelino Garcia (ONCE & CSC) V.I.P accreditation passes for starts & finishes Entry to the Official Vuelta Party With or Without Bikes Thursday 18th to Monday 22nd September 2008

With the 2008 Vuelta route including mountain stages right up to the penultimate day, this allows us to offer a long weekend trip that includes a mountain stage, mountain time trial, plus the final stage into Madrid.
It is possible that if the GC is very close, the winner of the Vuelta will only be decided on this final weekend.

Thursday 18^th September:
Arrange your own flight to Madrid where our reps will meet you and at 13.00hrs we shall leave the airport and take you direct to today’s stage finish in Las Rozas.
The riders leave the city of Valladolid on a 179km stage that takes them into the region of Madrid and the stage finish in the town of Las Rozas. The main difficulty of the stage is the 3^rd cat climb of Puerto Los Leones, and from here its downhill and flat to the finish, so another chance for the sprinters.

After seeing the stage we shall rejoin the bus and travel to the beautiful Royal town of San Lorenzo El Escorial, where we shall spend the next 3 nights on Half Board basis (Dinner B&B) at the excellent 4* Hotel Victoria Palace (above right) (www.hotelvictoriapalace.com).
Our location in San Lorenzo El Escorial is excellent for accessing the final stages of La Vuelta.

Friday 19^th September:
As the Vuelta enters its final stage, the mountains return and today’s 161km stage between Las Rozas and Segovia sees the riders tackle the two 1^st cat climbs of Navacerrada and Navafria. Segovia is a beautiful city with its famous roman aqueduct, and is also home to Spanish Tour de France winner Pedro Delgado.
Today, we will be able to see the stage twice, and our location in San Lorenzo El Escorialis excellent for accessing the stage, as those with bikes will be able to climb the Navacerrada mountain to see the stage and then descend to the finishing circuit in Segovia. Those without bikes will be taken to the Navacerrada climb by the tour bus and after seeing the riders pass by will travel the short distance to Segovia for the finishing circuit.
After seeing the stage we shall rejoin the bus and return the short distance to our hotel in San Lorenzo El Escorial.

Saturday 20^th September:
The 1^st cat climb of Puerto de Navacerrada will be the scene of today’s crucial 16km Mountain Time Trial, that starts from La Granja de San Ildefonso.
Once again our location in San Lorenzo El Escorial is excellent for accessing the stage finish on top of the Navacerrada climb, and those with bikes will be able to ride to the summit whilst those without bikes will be taken there by the touring bus.

After seeing the stage we shall rejoin the bus and return the short distance to our hotel in San Lorenzo El Escorial.

Sunday 21^st September:
As is a tradition by now in the important tours, the last stage is usually a triumphant ride for the winner up to the start of the Madrid circuit, where the teams with sprinters make sure of keeping the peloton under control to reach the sprint.

Today’s final stage starts on the outskirts of Madrid from San Sebastian de los Reyes and after 110km finishes in the centre of Madrid on the Paseo Castellana.
There will be no option of a bike ride today. You will be taken to by our tour bus to San Sebastian de los Reyes where you will be issued with a VIP Hospitality pass which will allow you access to the riders enclosure and hospitality village.

After seeing the stage start we shall return to the city of Madrid and you will take your place in the official grandstand from where you will be able to see the 8 lap finale and stage finish.
After seeing the stage and riders prize presentation you will have the rest of the evening at leisure in Madrid, but we will provide you with entry to the official Vuelta Party, where many of the riders will be present.

Monday 22^nd September:
You will in the morning the short distance to Madrid airport for your return flight.

Order a full Graham Baxter Sporting Tours cycling kit (short sleeved jersey, bib shorts, socks and cap) for only £70 (list price £85) when purchased with your holiday booking. See clothing page for clothing details and sizes. Clothing order must be paid in full and sent with holiday booking. The offer does not apply if ordered separately from holiday booking.

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