Chromatium thiocapsa is the name of a purple bacterium that lies at the origin of one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature: its high sodium chloride content turns water pink. The Salinas de Torrevieja are a case in point: when the salt levels in the water are high the bacterium breeds and grows, and in the sunlight the waters of the lake take on an incomparable rose colour.
The Salinas de Torrevieja in the province of Alicante are classed as a natural beauty spot, and will be decked out in all their finery to welcome the 2019 edition of La Vuelta next August. They will provide an original backdrop for the riders and are sure to give rise to some unforgettable images. It is a spot where history and nature come together. The local economy has long been based on working the Salinas, and just over twenty years ago the area was made a natural park, a status that it well deserves as it is a major tourist attraction, drawing people in search of a different side of Torrevieja.
Alicante province is currently a top area for cycling teams to prepare their seasons. The fine weather, the terrain with its peaks and valleys and the fact that it has both coastline and inland hills make this part of Spain’s eastern seaboard an idyllic backdrop for leading teams as a training and planning ground. 2019 will see the Vuelta officially start in the Community of Valencia for the tenth time, as the region opens up its gates to show the world another jewel in the crown of our colourful geography: and this time the colour is pink.
