Region of Murcia cycle race will leave from Mazarrón on February 2

With nineteen teams taking part, including 17 Spanish and 2 foreigners, this year's regional cycling competition extends from 383 to 426 kilometres

The seventh annual edition of the Vuelta Ciclista al Guadalentín (Tour of Guadalentín)-Region of Murcia, which will be held from February 2 to 4, introduces important new features. These were presented on Wednesday January 24 at the Plaza de España in Lorca by the Sports Councillors of the Town Councils of Mazarrón, Lorca and Puerto Lumbreras, represented by María Isabel Carrillo, Juan Miguel Bayonas and Antonio López, respectively. The councillors were joined by Miguel Fernández, president of the Cycling Federation of the Region of Murcia; Juan Pérez Correas, president of the organising body, Juan Zurano-Brócoli of Mecánico Sakata Cycling Club, Manuel García, sports director of the event; and Antonio Fuentes and a representative of Salazones Ricardo Fuentes, the main sponsor.

María Isabel Carrillo, Sports Councillor of Mazarrón, expressed her satisfaction saying, "It is a pleasure to begin this year's stage from Mazarrón to Puerto Lumbreras, providing an opportunity to promote tourism and sports, especially cycling, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle."

This stage is the first event of the elite and under-23 category on the 2024 national calendar, considered a stepping stone stage to professional cycling. Indeed, the last two winners, Tomás Miralles and Abel Balderstone, now compete on professional teams. The Vuelta Ciclista al Guadalentín is notable in the Region of Murcia for its route, distance and level of participation, being the most important stage event.

This edition presents an increase in the number of participating teams, with a total of nineteen, of which 17 are Spanish and two from Italy and Switzerland. The total distance of the route has been extended from 383 to 426 kilometres, distributed in three stages. The first stage, of 116 kilometres, begins at 2:00 p.m. on February 2, starting from Mazarrón towards Puerto Lumbreras, including three mountain prizes: one of the second category in Lomo de Bas, and two of the third category in Puerto del Carril and Cañada de Alba. The second stage, of 150 kilometres, includes a circuit route in La Palma (at the Ricardo Fuentes facilities) with ascents to the Cresta del Gallo and El Garruchal. The final stage, the longest at 160 kilometres, will take place entirely in the municipality of Lorca, culminating with the demanding climb to the castle, where the finish line will be located.

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón