Vuelta Puerto Rico

overview

La Vuelta Puerto Rico is a premier cycling event that offers endurance athletes a “pro-like” experience. Over three thrilling days, a fast-paced peloton of international cyclists covers a 375-mile course that circumnavigates the entire island of Puerto Rico. Along the way, riders experience some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes, including lush rainforests, serene coconut plantations, exotic beaches, world-class marinas, and each of the 42 coastal towns.

For many, riding La Vuelta feels like being part of a professional stage race—without the competition. Police escorts and rolling roadblocks guide the international peloton through streets often lined with cheering spectators. Motorcycles transport photographers and filmmakers capturing the drama as it unfolds, while a caravan of support vehicles is always close at hand.

Unlike a race, La Vuelta provides rest stops throughout the day where riders can take a break, enjoy local cuisine and Caribbean hospitality, and soak in the scenery before getting back on their bikes for more pedal-pounding adventure.

The Peloton is what makes us different!

If you’ve ever watched a professional stage race and thought about how great it would be to be part of a peloton of skilled riders gliding effortlessly through pristine countryside, you are in luck. La Vuelta Puerto Rico is all about the peloton(and, yes, peloton riding is every bit as fun as it looks).

At La Vuelta Puerto Rico, riders divide themselves into three pelotons based on the pace they prefer to ride:

Peloton A

Speeds exceeding 28 mph

Peloton B

Speeds between 17–25 mph (average 18 mph).

Peloton C

Peloton C: Speeds between 15–22 mph (average 16 mph).

*Riders are expected to maintain their peloton’s pace for the entirety of the event.

Distance & Topography

La Vuelta Puerto Rico prides itself on its distance—375 miles in three days. Participants will complete:

Day 1

155 miles (elevation gain: 5,799 ft.)

Day 2

80 miles (elevation gain: 2,571 ft.)

Day 3

132 miles (elevation gain: 4,475 ft.)

Expect a mix of terrains, from flats and rolling hills to challenging climbs. While most climbs are steady, a few short, steep pitches will test your endurance.

The Weather (February averages)

High

83°F

Low

Low: 72°F

Rainfall

Between 1.2–2.2 inches.

Be prepared for sunshine and humidity throughout the ride. Staying hydrated is crucial, and every rest stop is fully stocked to keep you refreshed. High-SPF sunscreen, headbands, caps, and arm protectors are recommended to protect against the elements.

Rain showers are possible but usually brief.

Where to Stay & Luggage Transportation

Every year we publish a list of affiliated hotels in San Juan, Ponce, Mayagüez, and Rincón. These hotels offer group rates and bike box storage in San Juan to enhance your stay.

We strongly recommend staying at one of these hotels, as luggage transportation is provided exclusively for affiliated hotels. Participants staying at non-affiliated accommodations must:

1. Limit luggage to ONE standard carry-on size.

2. Make their own arrangements for bike box storage.

Bike box storage is not provided, and luggage is limited to one piece per participant. Please use the personalized luggage tag provided at check-in.

Full Support

La Vuelta is a fully supported cycling event. Rest stops are spaced every 25 miles and stocked with water, juices, sport drinks, snacks, fresh fruit, and delicious locally cooked meals infused with Puerto Rican flavors.

Support includes:

Mechanical assistance

Provided by professional bicycle mechanics.

Medical support

EMS and ambulances available 24/7.

Emergency contact numbers

For medical or mechanical support provided at check-in.

If you are unable to complete a particular day, transportation to your hotel will be provided. For full withdrawals, staff will assist in arranging transportation to San Juan via taxi or Uber.

Equipment, Requirements & Recommendations

All riders must meet safety and participation standards: secure rider numbers (bib, helmet, bike, and wristband), use puncture-resistant tires (minimum 25mm), have front and rear lights (500 lumens recommended), and wear helmets at all times, as required by Puerto Rican law.  Aero bars are strictly prohibited, and cell phones must be carried for emergencies, but no tethered headsets are allowed.  

we provide each rider with a unique number that will help us recognize you. It identifies you as an official rider in La Vuelta to other riders, police, etc. The bib number is required to be pinned to the back of your cycling jersey each day. Same goes with the helmet number, the bike number and the wristband provided at check-in.

Due to the varied nature of the roadways on the island, we recommend using puncture-resistant all-season tires. Minimum 25 mm are very popular among seasoned Vuelta riders and its the size we have been recommending since 2006. Many others use kevlar lining for extra protection and we strongly recommend all tires be at the maximum pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

Due to the early-morning departures, cyclists must have a white light affixed to the front of their bike, as well as a red light affixed (not blinking) to the back. Lights attached to helmets is also allowed. 500 lumens white lights in the front is STRONLY recommended.

Riders are required to wear appropriate safety helmets at all times while actively riding your bike, it’s the Law in Puerto Rico.

Riders should carry cell phones in case of emergency. Speaking over the phone while riding is prohibited unless you use a bluetooth wireless device. Using headsets tethered to your cellphone/iPod/mp3  is stricktly prohibited.

The use of aero bars is prohibited. Please remove them from your bikes prior to the event. We have a zero tolerance for obvious reasons and if you have aerobars, you will not be allowed to participate.