Race Across Spain: The ultimate bike race across Spain's roads
The Race Across Spain invites ultra-cycling enthusiasts to explore Spain in all its natural and cultural diversity. This spectacular bike race, marked by varied landscapes, imposing mountains and numerous natural parks, also offers demanding courses. Indeed, everyone - whatever their level - will be able to find a challenge to suit them thanks to the different races on offer. And whether you're a seasoned cyclist or an amateur looking to outdo yourself, this event promises a unique experience that combines sport, discovery and adventure.
The 1000km route: An unforgettable bicycle journey
The 1000 km Race Across Spain route is an impressive challenge that crosses the country, from the town of Santander on the Cantabrian coast to Riba-roja de Túria, a small town in easternSpain near Valencia. Along the way, cyclists will discover an incredible diversity of landscapes, from the magnificent mountains of Cantabria to the desert-like landscapes of the Iberian plateaus. What's more, the route passes through picturesque villages ranked among the Pueblos más Bonitos de España, such as Liérganes, Albarracín and Vinuesa, and takes in emblematic mountain passes like the Portillo de la Lunada. What's more, between challenging climbs, cultural discoveries and breathtaking scenery, this race combines endurance and exploration, offering an unforgettable adventure across Spain.
Points of interest :
- Leaving from Santander, let yourself be seduced by the magnificent beaches of the Spanish coastline.
- Cabárceno Wildlife Park, a unique place where flora and fauna meet in a spectacular setting
- Liérganes: a picturesque village in Cantabria with the distinction of being one of the "Pueblos más bonitos de España", i.e. the most beautiful villages in Spain.
- Portillo de la Lunada: an emblematic pass in the Cantabrian Mountain Range, with its 30 km length and magnificent scenery. It is also regularly used by the Vuelta a España.
- Puentedey, Vinuesa: 2 villages also among the "Pueblos más Bonitos de España".
- Haro, the wine capital of Rioja and its vineyards, some of which were recently voted among the best in the world in the recent 2024 World's Best Vineyards ranking.
- Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra Cebollera: two natural parks with a great diversity of flora and fauna and long cycling passes.
- A base at the halfway point in Molina d'Aragón, a well-preserved medieval town whose historic center has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
- Alto Tajo, a natural park renowned for its diverse landscapes combining canyons, pine forests, turquoise rivers and impressive geological formations.
- Albarracin, former capital of a Taifa kingdom, has preserved its Muslim and medieval flavor. Its old town has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest and is listed as one of the "Pueblos más Bonitos de España". To stroll through its streets, cross its walls and enter its monuments is to travel back to the Middle Ages.
- Sierra de Gudar-Javalambre with its picturesque villages, including Puertomingalvo, classified as one of the "Pueblos más Bonitos de España", and its many passes that will continue to tire your legs. You'll also pass through the highest village in Spain (Valdelinares at 1692m) and the highest point on the route at over 1800m.
- Puerto de Almedijar and Puerto del Oronet: 2 of the Valencia region's most popular passes for cyclists, located in the Sierra de Espadán and Sierra Calderona respectively.
500km route: A double loop to explore the Valencian Community
For those wishing to try their hand at long-distance bike racing, the 500 km route from Riba-Roja de Tùria is ideal. Comprising two loops, it allows cyclists to return to the Riba-Roja de Tùria base camp, ensuring optimum support for those who wish to do so.
First 200km loop: the bike race begins:
- Departure from Riba-Roja de Tùria: a small town in the province of Valencia, surrounded by hills, mountains, river and fields.
- Dos Aguas: a village full of charm set in the basin of the Jùcar river and surrounded by mountains. You'll have to cross a pass to get there and another to leave, so be careful not to get cold.
- Chera-Sot de Chera Nature Park, where you'll enjoy a magnificent cliffside road and superb panoramic views. It's also an opportunity to tackle the first passes of the tour. A bucolic route from La Portera to Yàtova.
Second 300km loop: For cycling enthusiasts
The second loop starts in the starting town, Riba-Roja de Túria, and takes cyclists through varied and beautiful landscapes. First, the route passes through the charming village of Chulilla, known for its authentic atmosphere and picturesque landscapes. Next, cyclists continue on the roads around the Andilla region, offering splendid views and paths that alternate between lush green forests and peaceful valleys. The loop then continues towards the Sierra de Espadán, an impressive mountain range offering spectacular panoramas and unspoilt nature. Finally, the highlight of this stage is the passage over the Puerto del Oronet, one of the most popular passes for cyclists in the region, offering a demanding but rewarding climb, accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Points of interest:
- Chulilla, a picturesque village with narrow streets, white houses and an enchanting location in the heart of a spectacular canyon.
- The roads around Andilla offer unrivalled beauty and tranquillity, ideal for cyclists in search of peace and unspoilt scenery.
- Exploration of the Sierra de Espadán, a veritable green paradise, leads to the splendid Puerto de Almedijar, combining natural charm with cycling challenges.
- The Puerto del Oronet, one of Spain's most popular and frequented passes, is prized for its breathtaking panoramas and sporting demands.
PARCOURS 300 KM: a test of long-distance bike racing
For cyclists looking for impressive scenery without committing to extreme distances, the 300 km route is an excellent compromise. The route consists of a single 300 km loop around Valence, ideal for testing your limits.
See details above.
