SS9/12 Riba-roja d’Ebre

14.20 km / Saturday, 10 November 2012 /Start 1st vehicle: 10:26h and 16:17h

General description

Very twisty stage with steep slopes which, despite not being very long, will demand a lot from the drivers, who will have to take care of their tyres, since it is the intermediate stage of a loop that includes El Priorat. A large part of this stage is the asphalt section used (in opposite direction) in the Terra Alta mixed stage. The asphalt is excellent and within only 12 km the route climbs two mountain passes, with slow linked bends that demand for a thorough analysis to decide which of them has to be faced with decision and which to "sacrifice". A festival of lines in which the engine and the brakes do also play an important role. This year, the stage starts 1.93 km before.


Spectator Area ZP-1

A place to be accessed, with a little effort, by foot, with very interesting upward going bends.



Access: Not so easy, as you have to go by car following the forest track of the Sant Francisco chapel starting from La Fatarella (T-733), which is the same route followed in opposite direction for the end of the Terra Alta stage on the previous day.

Services: No car park since the trail is quite narrow. You will have to look for the best place to leave your car without hindering traffic.
Assessment: Location     -    Visibility     -    Spectacularity


Spectator Area ZP-2
This especially interesting area is located in the middle of a sequence of climbs and descents, with loads of tight bends and offering an overall view of the layout....if you manage to find the right spot in the centre of the hill.



Access: A rather complicated access as well, as you have to drive from Vilalba dels Arcs and cover the initial 16.42 km of the Terra Alta stage. Terra Alta is run on the previous day so there will probably still be the tyre signs on the road. During the drive you pass by the curious troglodyte chapel of Sant Pau.

Services: No specific car park. Just like in the previous spectator area, you will have to look for the best way to park your car without hindering the traffic.
Assessment: Location     –    Visibility     -    Spectacularity