La Vuelta 2024:-Stage 1: Saturday 17th August, Lisbon – Oeiras, 12km, ITT ***Spoilers***

Stage 1:- Lisbon – Oeiras, 12km, ITT

August 17th.

Start Time: 16-30BST.

The inaugural stage of La Vuelta will, once again, be an individual time trial – this time consisting of a 12 km route near the mouth of the Tagus River. The riders set off from Lisbon and finish 12 flat kilometres later in in Oeiras. It will be the fifth time in La Vuelta’s 79-year history that the race starts outside Spain. Lisbon also hosted the first foreign start in 1997. The start podium is situated near the Belém tower, where the river flows into the ocean. The route is virtually flat. It will be a powerful, speedy time trial designed for true specialists. The coastal wind may play a pivotal role.

Profile.

Map.

What to Expect.

The only obstacle on the course from Lisbon to Oeiras appears at kilometre 4.2. The road for 300 metres at almost 5% near Cruz Quebrada beach. The likes of Wout van Aert and Josh Tarling will already be licking their lips.

Lisboa

Lisbon has already hosted a La Vuelta stage departure once before, in 1997.

545,796 inhabitants

The Portuguese capital, located along the banks of the Tajo (Tagus) River, will showcase all the charm of its cobblestone streets. From the Fado chords that echo in Alfama to the modernity of the avant-garde Barrio Alto, Lisbon is brimming with life. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Museums like the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum bring the past to life, while music and film festivals mark its cultural pulse. Each and every corner of Lisbon is a masterpiece, while its hills offer a beautiful skyline, making it the ideal starting point for La Vuelta 24.

Petiscos

Petiscos are the lesser-known Portuguese relatives of tapas, essentially small versions of large plates. The practice of eating petiscos originates from the Iberian Peninsula. They can be found in taverns or cafés called tascas, or in petisqueiras, bars and restaurants that serve them with beer and Portuguese wines. These snacks vary from one bar or petisqueria to another, and some of them include salada de polvo (octopus salad), pipis or moelas (chicken giblets), caracois (snails in a garlic broth), bifanas (pork sandwiches), bolinhos de bacalhau (cod croquettes), presunto (cured Iberian ham), pica pau (small pieces of marinated meat and pickled vegetables), porco na banha (pork cooked in lard), choco frito (fried cuttlefish), and many more.

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart that is popular throughout the world. It is believed that for the best result, the filling should not be too sweet and should not have flavors of lemon nor vanilla. Instead, the tarts should be sprinkled with cinnamon and, ideally, paired with a cup of coffee.

Originally, this treat was made before the 18th century by Catholic monks and nuns in Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon.

Oeiras

Oeiras makes its debut hosting a La Vuelta finish-line.

171.658 inhabitants.

The municipality is part of the urban agglomeration of Lisbon and the town of Oeiras is about 16 km from downtown Lisbon. Oeiras is an important economic hub, being one of the most highly developed municipalities of Portugal and Europe. It has the highest GDP per capita in the country

Oeiras, Portugal’s hidden jewel, captivates visitors with its coastal charm and historical heritage. The Marquis of Pombal Palace and its gardens are one of the city’s most treasured assets. The beaches of Oeiras, such as Praia de Santo Amaro, invite us to relax in front of the Atlantic near the mouth of the Tajo River. With its mellow atmosphere and its historic monuments, Oeiras is a truly unique destination, where the peaceful sea comes together with cultural wealth.

Frango assado com piri piri.

Frango assado com piri piri, which is often simply referred to as frango assado (roasted chicken), is a Portuguese dish with vague origins. It is usually made with a whole butterflied chicken that can be marinated in a combination of olive oil, seasonings, and crushed piri-piri peppers.

After it is roasted or grilled, the chicken is served with a piri-piri sauce—a mixture of dry or fresh chili peppers and oil, along with other optional ingredients.