Volta a Catalunya set to test climbers in 2022

Richie Porte, Jack Haig and Ben O’Connor will lead a strong Australian contingent at the 101st edition of the Volta a Catalunya as it starts LIVE on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand.

From left- Alejandro Valverde, Adam Yates and Richie Porte in action during the 2021 Volta a Catalunya Source: Getty Images

Catch all the action from the Volta a Catalunya - March 21-27 - LIVE, FREE and in HD this March on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand. Coverage starts in the early hours of March 22, with race replays and highlights available each morning.

This year’s Volta is set to be a test of riders' climbing form, with daunting mountain challenges and hosts of extremely punchy hill stages awaiting them throughout the seven-stage race.

There will be no time trials in this year's race which will take the peloton up to the Pyrenees for two potential GC-deciding mountain stages.

Adam Yates took home the title in 2021 and will return alongside a star-studded Ineos Grenadiers team, including Porte and Olympic champion Richard Carapaz, as he sets out to defend his title.

Looking to pip Yates to the GC title will be Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic), Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe), Tom Dumoulin (Jumbo-Visma) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar).

Aussies Jack Haig (Bahrain Victorious), Michael Storer (FDJ Groupama) and Ben O’Connor (AG2R) will also be in the mix for top honours.

March 21 - Stage 1 – 171km – Sant Feliu de Guixols to Sant Sant Feliu de Guixols

The coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guixols will be the starting point for the 2022 Volta a Catalunya.

The opening stage is a hilly affair with a few Cat 3 climbs to get the peloton an early chance to work on their climbing skills.

Two sprint sections towards the back end of the stage will keep the speedsters on their toes, while an uphill finish should create a thrilling conclusion to the race opener.

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March 22 – Stage 2 – 202km – L’Escala to Perpignan

Stage 2 will send the peloton over the border into France as they head towards the city of Perpignan.

It is a lumpy stage with three Cat 3 climbs and a couple of chances for the sprinters to pick up points.

With the Pyrenees looming, it will be an important stage before the big climbs arrive.

Source: Volta a Catalunya

Extra wildcards make cut for Vuelta a España

March 23 – Stage 3 – 161km – Perpignan to La Molina

Climbing and more climbing will be on the menu during stage 3.

The peloton will cross back into Spain as they head towards a mountain finish on top of the famous La Molina climb which has been a staple of the Volta for many years.

There are three Cat 1 climbs on the stage before finishing up the 12.1km slog up La Molina.

You can feel the lactic acid in your legs already.

Source: Volta a Catalunya

March 24 – Stage 4 – 166km – Seu d’Urgell to Boi Taull

There is no mercy for the peloton on Stage 4 as they face another gruelling day in the mountains.

Once again there are three Cat 1 climbs along the 166km stage, finishing at ski-resort Boi Taull.

The 14.2km final climb will be a true test of endurance with a 5.5% gradient sure to push riders to their limit.

This will be a key stage for any rider chasing General Classification honours.

Source: Volta a Catalunya

March 25 – Stage 5 – 206km – Pobla de Segeur to Vilanova i la Geltru

Another Pyrenean stage is on offer on Stage 5 of Volta a Catalunya.

The race begins in La Pobla de Segur, a historic village in the Lleida Pyrenees, but finishes on the Mediterranean coast – in Vilanova i la Geltru.

This is the longest stage of the race at 206km and features only one Cat 3 climb.

A sprint finish could very well be on the cards.

Source: Volta a Catalunya

March 26 – Stage 6 – 167km – Salou to Cambrils

The start and finish lines on Stage 6 are only six miles apart, but the peloton will have a much bigger day ahead of them as they take on the Prades and Montsant mountains.

The gruelling climb up the Cat 1 Col de les Llebres Mussara will be an early challenge lasting 17.8km at a gradient of 4.3% as riders reach an elevation of almost 1000m.

Two more Cat 2 climbs will follow as the peloton loops back towards the coast with a downhill run towards the finish line.

Source: Volta a Catalunya

March 27 – Stage 7 – 138km – Barcelona to Barcelona

Barcelona’s Montjuic Castle is the focal point of the final stage of the 2022 Volta a Catalunya.

A regular feature of the race, the 2022 edition will once again feature six laps of a hilly 7.8km city circuit.

Expect attacks aplenty as this stage could make or break any hopes for GC honours.

Source: Volta a Catalunya