Preview. The Vuelta a Colombia 2023 is about to begin and cycling enthusiasts in South America are looking forward to nine exciting stages that promise to be a true test of endurance and cycling skill. This year, the event will take place from June 16 to 25 and will feature an opening prologue followed by eight online stages.
Undoubtedly, the absence of Nairo Quintana, one of the great stars of Colombian cycling, has left a void in the event. However, another cyclist has been confirmed as the big star of the South American round: Miguel Ángel López. With his imposing talent and determination, López is positioned as the favorite to win the Vuelta a Colombia 2023.
STAGES
The prologue, which will take place in the streets of Yopal, will be 7.8 kilometers long and will be crucial to establish the first differences between the riders in the general classification. Although the course does not present major technical challenges, the two long straights and three 90-degree bends will add excitement and adrenaline to the competition.
The first online stage, also starting and finishing in Yopal, will cover 197.3 kilometers. This stage will start with steep terrain and will feature two fourth-category mountain passes that will determine the first leader of the Mountain classification. The final part will be mostly flat, which could provide opportunities for the sprinters.
The second stage, which will stretch over 160.1 kilometers between Tibasosa and Gachancipá, will present an additional challenge for the riders. With three passes on its route, including one second-category and one third-category, this stage could be the perfect stage for attacks and a breakaway from the main group. The Alto de Ventaquemada will offer an exciting sprint at the finish.
The third stage, a circuit through the city of Ibagué of 105.6 km, will present a varied profile. The first part will be downhill, which will allow the riders to reach high speeds, while the uphill finish will not be too hard. This stage may create the first significant differences in the general classification, in addition to the initial prologue.
The fourth stage will be short but intense, with 119.3 kilometers of steep terrain from the start in Ibagué to the out-of-category pass of Alto de la Línea Caseta. This challenging climb will test the endurance of the cyclists and could be decisive for the development of the race.
The fifth stage, with 165.5 kilometers between Dosquebradas and Belalcázar, will present another mountainous challenge. With the first category pass La Virgen-Quinchía Entrada at the halfway point and a second category pass near the finish, the climbers will have the opportunity to shine and look for an advantage in the general classification.
Stage 6, which will stretch over 164.8 kilometers between La Virginia and the second category pass of Apía, will offer constant climbs and descents. The high finish will be a real challenge for the cyclists, especially after the previous demanding route.
The seventh stage will be the decisive one, with a high finish in a first category pass that could define the general classification. With a route of 195.9 kilometers and a tough climb to the Manizales pass at the end, this stage will be crucial for the title contenders.
The penultimate stage, 179.7 kilometers between La Pintada and Túnel, will present a mixed challenge. The first part will be mostly flat, but then they will face a chain of one first-category pass, followed by two third-category passes before tackling the finish. A long descent and a climb to a fourth category pass will test the riders' legs.
The last stage will be an individual time trial starting and finishing in La Ceja, Fernando Gaviria's hometown. This 700 words time trial. 700 words. climb to the third category pass Alto del Nano at the start and then winding terrain to the finish. After so many mountain stages, the time trial could be decisive to define the champion of the Vuelta a Colombia 2023.
UNBEATABLE FACT
With Nairo Quintana out of the competition, all eyes are on Miguel Ángel López. With his experience, strength and climbing skills, Lopez is the main candidate to take the final victory in this edition of the Vuelta a Colombia. However, cycling is unpredictable and other riders will surely look to surprise and fight for the title.
OUR NAMES
Fabio Duarte won in 2022 and 2019 and is Lopez's teammate in Team Medellin. Óscar Sevilla, winner between 2013 and 2015, is also a teammate of the favorite, so anything less than Team Medellín dominance is going to be a surprise.
To draw names from other teams, it is worth mentioning Robinson Chalapud (Team Guayaquil), Juan Diego Alba and the Ecuadorian Santi Montenegro (Movistar) and Jhonatan Restrepo or the Ecuadorian Miguel Flores of Shimano.
Cycling enthusiasts in Colombia and around the world are eager to enjoy the excitement and intensity of the Vuelta a Colombia 2023. During nine stages, cyclists will face diverse challenges, from mountain passes to time trials. It will be an epic battle in which only the strongest and most cunning will be able to triumph. We are ready to witness a race full of passion and determination in search of the champion of the Vuelta a Colombia 2023.
Prediction of the general classification of the Vuelta a Colombia 2023:
*** Miguel Ángel López
** Fabio Duarte, Óscar Sevilla
* Robinson Chalapud, Juan Diego Alba, Santi Montenegro, Jhonatan Restrepo, Miguel Flores
Pick: Miguel Ángel López
La edición 7️⃣3️⃣ de la #VColombia2023 UCI 2.2 estará recorriendo 7️⃣ hermosos departamentos del país. VIVE MÁS de @SegurosSURAcol , es el programa que te acompaña para que transformes tus hábitos. 🌍 Casanare - Boyacá - Cundinamarca - Tolima - Risaralda - Caldas y Antioquia.
