Vuelta a España

The Vuelta a España, also known as the Tour of Spain, is an annual multi-stage bicycle race primarily held in Spain, while also occasionally passing through nearby countries. The race was first organized in 1935, inspired by the success of the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Despite the early interruptions due to the Spanish Civil War and World War II, the race has been held annually since 1955. The Vuelta a España is a UCI World Tour event, featuring 21 day-long stages over a 23-day period that includes two rest days. The race is known for its challenging terrain, including at least two time trials and the passage through the mountain chain of the Pyrenees or the Cantabrian Mountains, culminating in the finish in the Spanish capital Madrid.

The race route and stages typically include up to three time trials and a number of mountain stages. While most stages are in mainland Spain, it has become common since the mid-1990s to visit nearby countries such as Portugal, Andorra, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The Vuelta a España is one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world, attracting some of the top cyclists from around the globe. The event is managed by Unipublic and has been staged annually since 1955, with the exception of the years impacted by the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

The title "Vuelta a España" is often misunderstood as "The return to Spain," while the correct interpretation is "The Tour of Spain." This is because the preposition 'a' before the country noun in English literally means 'the race around Spain,' and the generalized use of 'Vuelta' as if it is pertinent only to Spain has turned this meaning intrinsic to the Vuelta noun. The Vuelta a España is a significant event in the world of cycling, showcasing the beauty and challenges of Spain's terrain while providing a platform for the world's best cyclists to compete.