Official route
14 de July de 2022This Thursday, July the 14th, has been announced the official route of the third edition of the ŠKODA Titan Desert Almeria. A route that maintains the great classics of past editions of the race, but incorporates new features that will make the youngest of the three Titan World Series universe races unique.
370 kilometers and more than 7,000 meters of elevation gain over four stages and a prologue entirely disputed in the province of Almeria. Between October the 7th and the 11th, the Tabernas desert will again be the protagonist of a unique mountainbike experience.
ŠKODA Titan Desert Almeria faces its third edition, after those of 2020 and 2021. In 2020, Almeria emerged as a refuge for the ŠKODA Titan Desert Morocco. Due to the pandemic, the race had to look for a new home and the province of Almeria was offered with generosity and ambition. Today, it is a race with a strong identity and personality of its own.
“It is a very recognizable route and will be familiar to all those who have already participated in the ŠKODA Titan Desert Almeria,” explains Manu Tajada, sports director of the race. “However, it is not going to be an easy challenge. Riders will have many tests and will have to measure their strength, especially for the ŠKODA We Love Cycling stage, which aims to be the queen stage of this edition,” he says.
Despite being young, the ŠKODA Titan Desert Almeria already has its differentiating elements that are a hallmark of the race. The prologue, for example, determines the starting order of the first stage or mountain passes that are synonymous of cycling history, such as Alto de Velefique.
After the 20-kilometer prologue, the first stage of the ŠKODA Titan Desert Almería will run in a loop around El Toyo. 102 kilometers along the Cabo de Gata, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The final stretch will be marked by sandy roads that will test the peloton.
The second day will be shorter but more difficult. 65 kilometers of medium mountain stage, between El Toyo and Tabernas, with hard climbs and very technical descents. A day to measure forces before what is presented as the queen stage.
The ŠKODA We love Cycling stage is presented as the main challenge for all participants. 116 kilometers and more than 2,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain. Alto de Velefique, which has been the finish line of La Vuelta up to five times, will be the section included in the ŠKODA Challenge. A 16-kilometer time trial climb sector, which will reward the fastest rider to complete it.
Finally, the Legion Spirit of March stage will conclude, once again, the ŠKODA Titan Desert Almeria. A route of 61 kilometers that will have as a highlight the passage through the Military Base Alvarez de Sotomayor. An emblematic last day that will crown all those who cross the finish line and become Titans.
