Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Cycling
There is something about an international professional cycling race through an urban setting that enthuses even those of us who prefer to follow these kinds of robust sporting pursuits from the comfort of an armchair with a chilled beer and remote control close at hand. Who knows, perhaps also be sufficiently animated to stretch our legs, leave home and follow the action en situ!
This weekend, there is certainly an unassailable reason to head out onto the streets, when one of the world’s premier road races, La Vuelta, begins in Puerto Banús and heads along the Golden Mile to its first stage finish on the Marbella promenade.
This year’s race, the 70th edition, will actually include four stages on the Costa del Sol, allowing cycling enthusiasts and general sports fan to enjoy the whole diverse spectacle of road racing, from time trials to rigorous mountain climbs.
Following a teams presentation at Benahavís Golf on Friday night (7.30pm), the opening stage on Saturday (22 August) begins with the participating teams and cyclists – including 2015 Tour de France champion Chris Froome, Nairo Quintana, Vincenzo Nibali, Fabio Aru, Alejandro Valverde, Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez, Mikel Landa, Tejay Vangarderen, Fabian Cancellara and Peter Sagan – being transported into Puerto Banús by boat.
A short (7.4-kilometre) but very technical team time trial, the race will proceed from the Banús breakwater along a beachfront course specially built for the occasion in many sections, a fact that has attracted some early criticism from riders. Posting the photo featured here, Australian Rory Sutherland tweeted, “Is the UCI serious that this is acceptable?”
This is reportedly the first time a major cycling race in Spain has reached the beach, just a few metres from the water, but controversy aside the course is a boon for spectators with numerous key viewing positions along the way. It will end on a special ramp constructed on the La Venus beach at the eastern end of the Marbella city promenade.
The second stage on Sunday will be a more combative 158.7-kilometre linear route, with the peloton departing from Alhaurín de la Torre (named a 2015 European sports city) and concluding in the rugged surroundings of the Caminito del Rey, including two absorbing mountain challenges in the final 20 kilometres.
Next day (Monday), the riders will head off from La Cala de Mijas, have to overcome three gruelling third-category climbs, pass through Alhaurín el Grande, Cartama and Velez-Málaga, and (after 158.4 kilometres) end with a sprint to the finish line in Málaga city.
For the fourth stage, the race leaves Málaga province from an Estepona starting line and travels over 200 kilometres to Vejer de la Frontera – past Tarifa on the way to Cádiz, where last year’s La Vuelta began.
In all, the 2015 La Vuelta comprises 21 stages covering a distance of 3,357.1 kilometres, with the finish on Saturday 13 September in Madrid.
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@rorysutherland1[/caption]
It’s obviously too late now – for those without a prime vantage point to watch the race from their home terrace – to rush out and buy a conveniently located property, but there’s always next year if the race returns to Marbella. The three-bedroom apartment featured here, for example, is in the exclusive Mare Nostrum development, on Marbella’s paseo marítimo near the Plaza del Mar commercial centre, with a bird’s eye view of the cyclists as they power along the promenade.
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And now for the more active ones among us… BMW complemented its bicycle collection this past spring with the presentation of a tribute to the BMW M automobiles: a limited special edition BMW Cruise M-Bike. The characteristic Austin Yellow Metallic of the BMW M GmbH was adapted for this limited edition of 500 bikes. The BMW Cruise M-Bike features a modern design and lightweight construction elements, including a hydro-formed aluminium frame and carbon components. An individually adjustable, ergonomic handlebar concept allows for a comfortable ride, while hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano guarantee a safe arrival.
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@rorysutherland1[/caption]
It’s obviously too late now – for those without a prime vantage point to watch the race from their home terrace – to rush out and buy a conveniently located property, but there’s always next year if the race returns to Marbella. The three-bedroom apartment featured here, for example, is in the exclusive Mare Nostrum development, on Marbella’s paseo marítimo near the Plaza del Mar commercial centre, with a bird’s eye view of the cyclists as they power along the promenade.
Special Selections
We appreciate your taking the time to read about this exceptional property, but perhaps it is not exactly right for you? If not, we invite you to have a look at our other special selections for: La Zagaleta, Luxury Villas, Golf Properties, Seafront Properties, Apartments and Special Offers. Click on the category of your choice and follow the link. Also please feel free to roam around our website: www.villamarbellanow.com.
And now for the more active ones among us… BMW complemented its bicycle collection this past spring with the presentation of a tribute to the BMW M automobiles: a limited special edition BMW Cruise M-Bike. The characteristic Austin Yellow Metallic of the BMW M GmbH was adapted for this limited edition of 500 bikes. The BMW Cruise M-Bike features a modern design and lightweight construction elements, including a hydro-formed aluminium frame and carbon components. An individually adjustable, ergonomic handlebar concept allows for a comfortable ride, while hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano guarantee a safe arrival.