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Greater support for rural areas

Thirteen Local Action Groups from Castilla-La Mancha launch the 1st Cycling Tour thanks to the LEADER approach


I VUELTA CICLISTA CLM

24 de July de 2025
Dinamización rural
Mujeres
Resiliencia y competitividad

The cycling race will consist of 5 stages that will cover 69 municipalities


  • The cycling race will consist of 5 stages that will cover 69 municipalities
  • The initiative seeks to make rural areas visible and revitalize their territories.
  • The journey will have two stages exclusively for women with the aim of promoting the role of rural women.

From August 20th to 24th, 2025, Castilla-La Mancha will host the first edition of the " Vuelta Ciclista LEADER," an initiative that combines sport, tourism promotion, and rural development. The event will cover the region's five provinces and is part of a cooperative project promoted by 13 Local Action Groups (LAGs) with the aim of making this event a benchmark for national cycling in the elite, under-23, and women's categories.

The event was presented at the Paleontological Museum of Castilla-La Mancha (Cuenca) under the slogan "Boosting the rural environment on wheels," with the presence of institutional leaders, sports federations, and representatives from the participating territories.

Goals

The "Vuelta Ciclista LEADER " was born with a clear mission to generate impact beyond the sporting sphere. The organization has designed a proposal that connects competitive sport with territorial revitalization , through close collaboration between local stakeholders, administrations, and development organizations. The project's main objectives are:

  1. Promote rural areas as active, vibrant spaces with tourism and sports potential.

  2. Boost the local economy by attracting visitors, media, and commercial activity to the municipalities involved.

  3. To showcase the diverse landscape and culture of Castilla-La Mancha through a representative cycling route.

  4. Promote the role of youth and women in rural areas, giving them a leading role in both the organization and the competition.

  5. Promote territorial cooperation , strengthening ties between GAL through a cooperation project.

Stages

The route consists of five stages for the men's elite and under-23 categories, and two women's stages on the final two days of the event. The structure aims to promote the visibility of women's cycling, maintaining the same route but with different schedules. Each stage stands out for its scenic and heritage value:

  • Stage 1: Ontur – Alcaraz (August 20)

Crossing the Albacete region with mountain passes and towns such as Hellín, Elche de la Sierra, and Riópar.

  • Stage 2: El Bonillo – Castellar de Santiago (August 21)

Route from Albacete to Ciudad Real, crossing the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park.

  • Stage 3: Pozuelo de Calatrava – Campo de Criptana (August 22)

This is the longest stage, covering 203 kilometers between Ciudad Real and Toledo. It includes Consuegra, Daimiel, and Miguel Esteban.

  • Stage 4: Pedro Muñoz – Uclés (August 23)

It will be a mid-mountain day with passes through Belmonte, Rada de Haro and Almonacid del Marquesado.

  • Stage 5: Mariana – Molina de Aragón (August 24)

This is considered the queen stage and runs through the Alto Tajo Natural Park to the finish line in Molina de Aragón.

The women's edition will feature the final two stages along the same route, thus helping to strengthen their presence on equal terms.

Strengthening rural areas

The tour is conceived as a tool for promoting rural areas, with strong local involvement. The following benefits are expected:

  • Strengthen the collective identity of rural areas.
  • Promote a sense of belonging among residents.
  • Generate a direct impact on the towns through which the race will pass: accommodation, restaurants, local businesses, etc.
  • To offer a modern and dynamic image of the rural environment, far removed from clichés and stereotypes.

In addition, local press, social media, and television coverage will allow live coverage of the final 60 kilometers of each day, expanding the event's media reach.

Funding and participants

The cooperation project has been funded with €325,000 and is coordinated by the ADR Molina de Aragón – Alto Tajo Local Action Group in collaboration with the Castilla-La Mancha Rural Development Network (RECAMDER) and 12 other Local Action Groups: