SS 3/SS 6 • Riba - Roja Special stage guide

14,21 km

Friday, 15 october 2021 • First car due: 11:42h y 17:59h

General description

This stage was used in 2012 and in other editions as part of the Terra Alta mixed stage. The special stage starts at the Riba-Roja d'Ebre reservoir, where after a few metres there is a steep slope full of hairpins and braking, combined with areas of good switchbacks. This first part ends at the top next to the Berrús hermitage and with spectacular views of the river Ebre.

The descent is very steep and full of switchbacks that lead down into the valley where the stage begins a rapid climb towards the end of the stage in the direction of La Pobla de Massaluca. Before the end of this special stage, the competitors will have to face some hairpins and heavy braking, but where the "cut-offs" can also leave the asphalt dirty.

Spectator Area ZP-1

This is an area where you arrive at high speed, after winding close to the Riba-roja d'Ebre reservoir, but where the stage starts to get more complicated. With steep slopes, the curves and hairpins appear one after the other in a very marked ascent that offers great visibility of the beginning of the stage.

Safe area on the different slopes of the mountain and the crops near the road.

Access: By dirt road following the forest track to the hermitage of Sant Francesc, which is taken from the village of La Fatarella (from the T-733).

Parking: There is no parking as the forest track is very narrow. Be careful not to block the access road, it is very narrow. Always leave one lane free, all the accesses are escape routes in case of emergency.

Spectator Area ZP-2

The stage reaches the summit very close to the Berrús hermitage. The views of the river Ebre are spectacular and the road begins a vertiginous descent. The mountain itself acts as a natural grandstand so that you can follow a good part of the descent of the cars. Safe location on the hillside.

Access: Complicated. From La Fatarella, take a track called "Camí dels Valencians"; after 6 kilometres take a junction on the left. Follow the signs to the Berrús Hermitage, the stage is about 15 km from La Fatarella.

Parking: limited parking around the hermitage itself. Be careful not to block the road as it is very narrow and dirt.

Spectator Area ZP-3

The road continues to wind its way downhill and then takes a steep climb back up towards La Pobla de Massaluca. Very good visibility to follow the drivers' lines on the descent and a safe area in the fields near the road.

Access: Complicated access of about 16 km, to get there you have to take the dirt road from Vilalba dels Arcs (what used to be the old Terra Alta stage), in the direction of the Sant Pau hermitage. Once past the hermitage follow the road, at the first crossroads do NOT follow the signs to La Pobla de Massaluca.

Parking: very complicated as you can only park on the access road itself. Remember to always leave a free lane to be able to circulate. Be aware that the access roads are escape routes in case of emergency!