SS 8-SS 11 - El Pont d'Armentera Special stage guide

21.29 km (tarmac)

Saturday, 7 October 2017 • First car due: 09:07h and 14:15h

General description

Radical change to this special stage that was called Querol last year (opposite direction). Now the stage goes upwards most of the time and takes the name of the village from where it starts: El Pont d'Armentera.

The special starts on very good tarmac, with medium-radius bends. Speed is the dominating feature in this first section until reaching the village of Querol. From then on, the race continues on good tarmac but with some stronger braking sections.

The stage changes completely after the intersection in Esblada, which is a tight left-hander this time. From then on, the road becomes very narrow and twisty, and the bends are linked with each other until reaching the stage finish in Pontils.

Spectator Area ZP-1

The main attraction of this area is the passage through the village of Querol, a safe place to watch the cars passing through the village. This year, just after the village, there is a section with a strong braking point and some linked bends with a good location for spectators above the raised road sides.

Access: It is a bit complicated considering that it is a track with quite broken asphalt. The track starts from TV-2441, at kp 11. Take the road TV-2441 from Santes Creus and continue to Les Pobles/Pontons.

At the intersection with the asphalted track follow the indications to Querol/Sant Jaume de Montagut. Continue to Sant Jaume de Montagut until km 3.4 and then on the asphalted road until Querol (3.8 km).

Parking: Very limited, on the access road to Querol. Be careful not to block the access as it is a very narrow track.

Spectator Area ZP-2

It is an intersection where the cars will turn to the left, and continue upwards, including a change of road, passing right in front of the famous church of Esblada. Moreover, in the section before the intersection, there is good visibility to follow the cars driving up, with raised roadsides, right next to the road.

Access: You can only reach this point following C-37 coming from Igualada, Santa María de Miralles and La Llacuna.

Parking: Very limited on the C-37 that will be closed 2km from the intersection. Always remember to leave enough space available for traffic circulation.

Spectator Area ZP-3

Last section of the stage, with a narrow road coming from Esblada to take the bend that will lead participants to the stage finish (200 metres) in Pontils. The previous section is very fast and the spectators must locate themselves on the hillsides surrounding the road. The high speeds and the fact that it is a narrow place, turn it into an area with difficult access and location.

Access 1: Following TV-2011 from Santa Maria de Miralles and La Llacuna.

Access 2: From the AP-2 highway, take exit 9 Montblanc and continue to Sarral (TP-2311) and Rocafort de Queralt (C-421). 5 km after this village, turn to the right to follow TV-2015 to Vallespinosa. Before reaching the village there is a track on the left hand side leading to Pontils.

Parking: Limited in the area of Pontils. You may also park on the access roads, always respecting the traffic regulations and avoiding blocking the roads.