Friday
03:30 alarm, shower, shave, jump in the van, Hughie Morgan on Radio Two, bus, plane, the two lad beside us are wasted on Magners and red vino already – happy holidays boys. Alicante, ice cold San Miguel – I almost forgave the airport prices.
Damn – It’s hot!
But there’s our boy Al to collect us and the air-con in the Megane works just fine.
Torrevieja, apparently aka “Costa Delle Yorkshire,” there are so many expats here – and venue for the opening nocturne TTT of La Vuelta 2019.
The big industry here is salt – yes, the stuff you put on your chips – and what they scatter on the road to melt the ice and rot your car.
The flamingos fish in the salt lagoons; the more salt in the water, the pinker they get.
There are huge piles of the stuff everywhere.
We find Race HQ and are soon in possession of the all-important credentials.
Time for lunch, 108 Euros for the langoustines? This isn’t the place…
Al takes us to a fave burger joint in the hills, our server is Belgian; we agree that Deceuninck are the boys on the flat but come those big mountains – not so much.
Back to Polop, I have a nap.
Dinner is in the hills, the views are stunning.
Aqua only for Ed, that burger is laying heavy…
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La Vuelta 2019 – Stage One
Despite the best efforts of the donkeys and dogs who conversed well into the night, I slept well.
The forced march from Al’s up to town was worth it; spectacular views of the Leon Dormido and a few Euros buys you a café con leche and a LARGE Veterano up at the café which bears the same name as the huge rock.