La Vuelta effect: Alicante and Murcia riding high

The race brought thousands of visitors, worldwide television coverage and further recognition of Alicante and Murcia as cycling destinations

La Vuelta a España 2026 has moved on, but its two stages through Alicante and the Region of Murcia gave both areas plenty of attention, with huge crowds turning out along the routes and millions watching from home.

Alicante got the biggest day of the two, with the ninth stage taking the cyclists from La Vila Joiosa to the summit of Aitana. The 187.5-kilometre route stayed entirely within the province, passing through 27 municipalities before the final climb into the mountains.

The roads were packed in places, with spectators turning out to watch the cyclists peddle by. Enric Mas won the stage on Aitana and strengthened his position in the red jersey, while the race itself was broadcast in almost 200 countries.

The race also had quite an impact on tourism in both regions. According to HOSBEC, a Vuelta stage brings more than 3,000 people to an area, including the cyclists, teams, organisers and cycling fans, with average spending of around €250,000 on hospitality. Alicante also recorded more than 800,000 overnight stays linked to cycling.

The province has also been recognised for the work it is doing to attract and accommodate cyclists. Six Alicante municipalities, including Torrevieja and Benidorm, received the national “Más Bici” seal this year, alongside Calpe, Castalla, Orihuela and Villena. The awards recognise towns that are investing in cycling, from everyday transport and infrastructure to sport and tourism.

The race then headed into Murcia for its 11th stage, travelling 156 kilometres from Cartagena to Lorca. There was a nice local connection in Cartagena too, with cycling legend Alejandro Valverde turning up to watch the race and meet fans as it passed through his home region.

For a few days, audiences around the world got to see the roads, towns, coastline and mountains of both regions, putting Alicante and Murcia in front of an international audience.

Image 1: Dipu de Alicante
Image 2: Lorca Town Hall

Image 3: Cartagena Town Hall