The organizers of La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es have announced a 730.3 km long, 7-stage route starting in Trevieja and finishing in Lagos de Covadonga, with a serious challenge to the women's peloton for 2023.

It is 16 km long, averages 7.4%, and is similar in length and difficulty to the Alpe d'Huez. Lagos de Covadonga has been used 22 times in the Vuelta a España, with recent stage wins at the summit by Primos Roglic, Thibaut Pinot, and Nairo Quintana.

It is a Grand Tour climb, has produced a worthy La Vuelta Femenina champion, and is celebrating its 40th anniversary since its appearance as the most famous climb in the Vuelta a España.

Annemiek van Fruten (Movistar), winner of the 2022 Tour de France Feminas and the Serratigit Challenge by La Vuelta, praised the organizers for choosing this iconic climb as the race finale.

"Closing the race at such a famous location is essential for the media impact of the race and consequently increases the coverage of the event. We are glad that La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es has chosen such a famous climb," said van Breuten.

"It's a very tough climb and I'm excited because I know what to expect. It's also nice to have a flat stage. It's a very complete Vuelta."

The women's peloton has versions of the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. With two hours of coverage each day, it approaches the Tour de France in terms of exposure.

The race evolved from the Challenge by La Vuelta, which began as a one-day race in 2015. Organizers added a second stage in 2018, a third in 2020, a fourth in 2021, and a fifth last season.

La Vuelta Femenina opens with a 14.5 km team time trial, followed by three flat stages. The second stage to Pilar de la Horadada has one small climb at 20 km from the finish that will likely be followed by a group sprint. Stage 3 to La Roda is a flat stage, suitable for sprinters.

The fourth stage to Guadalajara will be a warm-up for the mountains for the overall contenders. The category 1 Puerto de Navafria is in the middle of the stage, and the finish is the 5km long Mirador de Peñas Llanas at 1483m elevation.

The final stage is only 106.7 km long and has two climbs, the category 2 Alto de Fuente de las Barras and Puerto de Campo el Hayal. The category 2 Corrado Moandi is in the middle of the stage, with the finale at the top of Lagos de Covadonga.