Tag: Girona

Without question, the epicenters of European cycling are France, Italy, and Spain. Those three countries, after all, host three of the biggest events in pro cycling every year: the Giro d’Italia, La Tour de France, and the Vuelta Espana. While most of us aren’t pros, Europe, like the United States, has its unique set of event rides open to all participants.

Specifically, though, I’m talking about Girona, Spain. Many pros live there in the off-season to train, and the area has numerous amateur and enthusiastic cyclists. If you want to take part in that fervor or you’ve always wanted to check out Girona, then why not register for the sportive (gran fondo) Ciclobrava.

What Makes Girona a Unique Cycling Destination?

Girona is located one hour north (by train) from Barcelona. It became a city in the region of Catalonia in the 11th century. While Girona is in the north, it maintains a humid Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Because of this climate, many of the structures of the Medieval city still stand and are a big tourist draw.

1997 became the first time when pro cyclists came to Girona to live and train, notably riders like George Hincapie, Tyler Hamilton, and Lance Armstrong. The city and its surrounding hills make it a unique cycling destination due to its beauty, diverse terrain, and its cycling infrastructure.

About the Ciclobrava Event Held in Girona, Spain

Ciclobrava is part of a three day festival called Sea Otter Europe. It’s the biggest cycling festival in Europe. The ride itself is sponsored by Orbea, the famed Spanish frame builder. Cyclists can choose from three routes, the toughest one is 150 kilometers in length and features 2000 meters of elevation gain.

The organizers of the event say this about Ciclobrava: “The route takes in a training section with small climbs, the safety provided by roads with little traffic (where the professionals living in Girona train) and new landscapes for tour cyclists, as they ride between two opposing terrains: the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.”

Ciclobrava is part of the Gran Fondo World Tour Series. Anyone who wants to participate can. All that is required is that you sign up. Every event you participate in that is part of the GFWT series gets added to a scoreboard where you can see your ranking.

Ciclobrava Cost, Registration, and Routes

There are three routes available to Ciclobrava participants. There’s a 150 kilometer ride, which has 2000 meters of elevation gain, a 100 kilometer ride, and a 70 kilometer ride.

The cost to register for the event is 52 Euros for whichever ride you would choose to do. Ciclobrava takes place on September 22, 2024. It doesn’t look like there is anything additional included in the registration cost, such as an event jersey, shirt, etc.

Last Thoughts

This event has many pluses. There’s the event ride, access to Sea Otter Europe, which, as already mentioned, lasts three days, riding on the roads that pro cyclists train on, and it is Spain! That’s exciting just by itself.

After the ride is over and if you have the time and the cash, you can always explore more of Spain or Europe. For 52 Euros (less than $60), you can take part in a unique, challenging ride, so don’t think twice and register soon. This ride will be one you’ll always remember.