2023 Volta a La Comunitat Valenciana GC podium (L to R):ౠ second-placed, Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo), winner Rui Costa (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) and third-൲placed Tao Geoghegan Hart (Ineos Grenadiers) (Image credit: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
The 75th Volta a La Comunitat Valenciana is one o🅘f three early season stage races taking place in late January/early February, with the AlUla Tour and Étoile Bessèges sharing the same dates.
Valencia has its advantages with fine weather and plenty of climbing to help riders ✅prepare for the 2024 season.
The rღace often attracts the top stage racers of the pro peloton, with Alejandro Valverde holding the record for most overall wins with🅘 three in 2004, 2007 and 2018.
In 2023, Rui Costa snatched the overall win on the final day with a breakaway, winning the stage and🐬 pushing Giulio Ciccone down to second. Tao Geoghegan Ha🐟rt was third.
This year's race keeps with the relatively modest stage distances but includes numerous climbs, with significant ascents before the fin✨ishes on most days. The first uphill finish is on stage 2 to Mancomunitat de la Valldigna and is just a short kicker after a fast descent from the Al🌺to Pla de Corrals.
A somewhat longer uphill fini🔯sh comes on stage 4 to🍸 Vall d'Ebo before a shorter, sprint-friendly final stage.
