Stage Description

Note : Route and itinerary are subject to change depending on weather and natural changes to the environment throughout the year. Elevation gain / loss, Checkpoint Distances / Closing Times will be listed closer to the event.

This is a summary of the route/stages for the race based on AAUT 2011. A ‘Road Book’ with marked stage maps, descriptions, and grid references will be issued on race registration days, (7th and 8th July, 2012). The route will be marked every 200 – 500m, monitored by Check Point teams with medical staff (approximately every 10 -12 km) and patrolled by motorcycle marshals.
**Smoking is not permitted anywhere along the route or in any campsite.**

( Stage distances are approximate and may alter before the Road Book is finalized ).

Stage 1 : Loja to Alhama de Granada, 37km. Stage 1 - 37km - Elevation Gain : 805m / Elevation Loss : 1,044m 1. Start at Race Hotel Manzanil in Loja. Tarmac road becomes dirt and rock as you climb. 2. A hard ascent through desert landscape. Very little shade. Approx. 10km to CP1, 3. Undulating, arid track to CP2 at approx. 21km mark of stage. 4. Gradual descent on track to CP3 at approx. 31km mark of stage. 5. Approx. 6km to Stage Finish in Alhama de Granada, Municipal Sports Centre. 6. Swimming pool and massage available. Local bars and restaurants in walking distance. View Stage 1 with Garmin >>

Stage 2 : Alhama de Granada to Jatar, 48km. Stage 2 - 48km - Elevation Gain : 1,208m / Elevation Loss : 1,069m 1. Start Alhama de Granada Municipal Sports Centre. Pass market through spectacular gorge. 2. Continue along sections of the GR7 track to CP1, approx. 10km mark of stage. 3. Continue on GR7 track through Jatar to start of single-track. CP2, approx. 22km mark of stage. 4. Begin Sierra Almijara mountain range along a scenic technical single-track to CP3, approx. 31km mark of stage. 5. Difficult mountain track climb. Very little shade until CP4, approx. 42km mark of stage. 6. Approx. 6km of undulating track to finish outside of Jatar, in El Nacimiento campsite, birthplace of famous local mountain spring water. 7. Massage available. Local bars/restaurants in walking distance. View Stage 2 with Garmin >>

Stage 3 : Jatar to Jayena, 39km. Stage 3 - 39km - Elevation Gain / 798m Elevation Loss : 1,107m 1. Start El Nacimiento campsite and climb the scenic, tarmac road out towards Lake Bermejales. 2. A mixture of tarmac and farm track lead to CP1, approx. 11km mark of stage. 3. Gravel road and mountain track through La Resinera. Steep dirt road climb to a forest airstrip and CP2, approx. 18km mark of stage. 4. Mountain tracks continue through incredibly beautiful scenery. Rejoin the GR7 and CP3, approx.. 28km mark of stage. 5. Continues through the natural park. At approx. the 36km mark, start 1km of single-track. 6. 2km of track leads to the Finish at El Bacal campsite, outside of Jayena. 7. Massage available. Optional Spanish paella dinner / Bar provided at campsite (purchase at registration). View Stage 3 with Garmin >>

Stage 4 : Jayena to Alhama de Granada, 68km. To be determined. Stage 4 is under development. Sign up for NEWSFEED to receive updates.

Stage 5 : Alhama de Granada to Loja, 43km. 2012 TBD depending on new Stage 4 finish. 2011 Profile: The final stage begins with a long track ascent followed by 2km of road. From here a descent takes you to Pilas Dedil and onto a new mountain trail via marble quarries before a hard descent into Salar. Undulating tracks through olive groves lead to a short tunnel under the autovia and the final 2km surfaced road to Hotel Manzanil finish. View the Stage 5 with Garmin >>