The 2025 edition of volta Ciclista a la Comunitat Valenciana is in doubt after flash floods devastated the area in late May, killing more than 100 people and leaving nearly 100 missing.
According to the news agency EFE, the race headquarters in Massanassa was flooded with muddy water and destroyed much of the infrastructure used for the race.
Former professional racer Angel Casero, general manager of the race, told the Spanish paper they had been digging mud from the warehouse for 9 days and had lost 95% of their supply.
"We got 1.60 meters (5.25 feet) of water and everything in the shelves and boxes was destroyed," Casero said. "The only thing that was saved was the signpost where we kept the best. We are cleaning and discarding everything, and when we are done, we review the Excel file to quantify the loss."
The 76th edition of the Volta was due to be held on 5/9 and the race had to cancel the announcement of the planned route because the region is still being dug out of disaster.
"We planned to have a presentation in the 12th month, but we can't do that... We will have to wait all 11 months to see what the town is in, how the subsidies will be next year and what will happen," Casero said.
Race organizations had begun to secure routes and permits from start and finish towns, but the flood stopped all their work.
"Now all we do is remove the mud and throw things away. The problem is that it never ends: no matter how clean you are, all the streets are muddy and you get the mud back. We don't have access to get in and out, so we can't replace all the destroyed shelves."
The race lost everything from tents, the inflatables used to mark the finish, and goods to volunteer vests and tools.
"Now it is clear that the only function we have is to keep everything more or less clean, organized and in good condition," Casero said. "Then we'll look at the material we left behind, make an economic assessment, consult on insurance issues, and see if we have time to produce something that needs to be done again."
The disaster had several bright spots, including a group of aspiring volunteers who helped clean up. They were able to recover from jerseys sold to help the region recover.
"We could hardly save, but at least some of the jerseys we washed were some to help people in need.
Valencia was also a woman Setmana Cyclista Volta Femenina dei, who was placed by another organization. ・Host La Comunitat Valencia. The race of the Pro series is scheduled for 2/13 - 16th. The 1.1-ranked Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana1969-Gran Premi València will be held on 1/26.
Comments