La Vuelta. Impact on Local Communities

Abstract

Since the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain has gained great prestige as an organiser of sports events, hosting World and European Championships in different sports. However, La Vuelta represents the biggest annual event held in the Peninsula. This event takes place in different places, generating impacts in more than 300 municipalities along the 3000 km route. La Vuelta is held in municipalities of different sizes, including small communities which other major sports events cannot reach, due to lack of infrastructure. Each stage generates a tourist attraction by drawing people from other areas, who come to the town, not only to watch the stage but also for other cultural and leisure activities. Parallel to the event, several activities are organised for the population and children, such as educational seminars and competitions to promote physical activity, at the same place where the best cyclists will finish the stage.