On the 1st of September, the 12th leg of the Spanish Vuelta Ciclista will set off from Salobreña. In other words, it's not just passing through but starting out from the town.

For some reason (enthusiasts will know why) the cycle race will have its first three legs in the Netherlands, starting today in Utrecht. The clue is probably in the name.

The Spanish side of the tour starts on the 23rd of August in Vitoria and then on the 1st of September, it will begin a new leg in Salobreña, so the Town Council are pretty chuffed (and no doubt so is Aitor).

The 12th leg is from Salobreña to Peñas Blancas, in Estepona, which is a distance of 195.5 kilometres.

The Vuelta Ciclista a España is of world renown and will be watched by millions of TV spectators from 190 countries in the world, which will be a tremendous boost for tourism as the name of Salobreña will be heard far and wide. Then there are some 3,000 people who will descend upon the town as part of the race’s logistic package; the cyclists, their backing teams, the press, guests and, of course, security personnel both private and police.

The Head Quarters of this leg of the race will be set up on the Paseo Marítimo near Calle Oleaje, just a few metres from Chiringuito El Molino. The race begins at 12.25h and no doubt the streets will be lined with spectators.

So for all of you who enjoy this sport, it will be an opportunity to see up close world-famous cyclists and if they are lucky, get an autograph.

The downside is that from the 31st of August at 09.00h to September the 1st at 14.00h, you won’t be able to park on the Paseo Marítimo, nor along the Avenida de Andalucía and Avenida del Mediterráneo. Furthermore on the day of the race you won’t even be allowed to drive along these streets between 09.00h and 13.00h, much less park on them for obvious reasons.

Lastly, on the 4th, a large screen will be mounted on the Pabellón Municipal esplanade so that from 16.00h enthusiasts can watch the 15th and decisive leg, ending on the Sierra Nevada.

(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)