Granfondo La Nucia
Date
Sunday 18.10.2026Distances
132 kmCity
La Nucia (Alicante)
Country
SpainGranfondo La Nucia is a new event to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series with a course designed in the famous training region where lots of worldtour teams have their winter training camps. The event is scheduled past the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and is one of the first qualifiers for the 2027 Championships taking place in France.
GRANFONDO COURSE DESIGNED BY MIGUEL INDURAIN
A high-mountain route between the Costa Blanca and the most legendary climbs in Alicante (Spain)
The Gran Fondo Internacional La Nucía features a 132 km route with 2,275 m of elevation gain, designed by 5 times Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain. It offers a complete and unique cycling experience: iconic ascents, historic passes, spectacular roads and a 100% cycling atmosphere from the very first kilometre.
The adventure begins in La Nucía, the “City of Sport”, recognised across Europe for its ability to host major events. From here, participants head into the mountainous interior of the province of Alicante. As soon as they leave the town behind, the road begins to rise towards Finestrat and Relleu, setting the tone for a demanding and unforgettable day of cycling.
Sierra de Aitana: the first major challenge
The peloton enters the slopes of the Sierra de Aitana, the most iconic mountain on the Alicante coastline. After passing through Relleu and Rapelles, the road climbs steadily towards Safari Aitana, one of the highest points of the day and the location of a strategic feed zone where riders can refuel before tackling the second half of the stage.
Once over the top, a fast and technical descent leads the riders towards Penàguila, opening the way to a continuous mountainous section where the terrain offers no respite.
Linked valleys: pure cycling between Aitana and the Coll de Rates
The route crosses a succession of small valleys and charming villages: Gorga, Balones, Benimassot, Fageca, Famorca, Castell de Castells and Benigembla. Quiet roads surrounded by nature, combining short climbs, rolling terrain and linked descents. At kilometre 56.2, riders reach the cut-off point that determines access to the full route. From there, the course heads towards Parcent, a cradle of cycling tradition… and the gateway to the most anticipated moment of the day.
Time trial ascent to the Coll de Rates: the climb where the world measures itself
From kilometre 99 to 105.3, the Gran Fondo activates its star sector: the time trial ascent to the Coll de Rates, one of the most iconic climbs in European cycling. WorldTour teams use it for training, professional riders view it as a performance benchmark, and thousands of amateur cyclists recognise it as an essential ascent. Its constant gradients and flawless tarmac make it the ideal setting to test every participant’s strength.
Final kilometres: Tàrbena, Bolulla and the return to La Nucía
The road drops towards Tàrbena and continues through Bolulla and Callosa d’en Sarrià, where the rolling terrain demands one final effort. From Polop, the route heads back to La Nucía, where the finish line awaits after an unforgettable day.
A Gran Fondo to enjoy, compete and push your limits
The route combines spectacular landscapes, legendary climbs, high-quality roads and the organisation of a well-established venue such as La Nucía, City of Sport. It is a complete challenge, designed for every cyclist to experience a truly exceptional day on the bike.
On the day before the Gran Fondo, participants will be able to enjoy the International Criterium of La Nucía, a unique spectacle in which leading cycling stars compete in a dynamic, crowd-friendly format.
Within this framework, the now-traditional Duel takes place, which in 2024 saw Mathieu Van der Poel face off against a rally driver in a spectacular challenge. In 2025 it is Isaac del Toro who takes over, starring in a new duel against a rally driver. Added to this are legends such as Pedro Delgado and Samuel Sánchez, whose presence turns the event into a true celebration of cycling.
Gran Fondo participants will be able to experience this atmosphere up close, enjoying a spectacle that only La Nucía, City of Sport, is capable of delivering.
PROFILE
GF La Nucia is challenging with 2275m of elevation. A first smaller climb comes directly after 5km and is 3.6km long at 5.5%. The first major climb starts after 20km and reaches its top after 45km when riders reach the Alto de Aitana summit at an elevation of just above 1000m, the highest point of the race and location of the first feedzone. The climb is never very steep at 3-4% and has a small downhill halfway. A second challenge is the Coll des Rates, famous amongst pro riders with a 6.6km climb at 5.4% average. With the top 20km before the finish, this is the last real chance for climbers to make the difference.
COSTA BLANCA
Costa Blanca, the tourist denomination for the province of Alicante, is located in the east coast of Spain and bathed by the Mediterranean Sea. Our privileged location give us warm temperatures all year round. But beyond the sun and the beach, Costa Blanca has become an international reference for its traditional Mediterranean cuisine, inland offer and the practice of a wide variety of Sports.
Futher proof is that the National Sports Council named the town of La Nucia as the best Sports European Village among other sports awards over the years. There are also other villages with sport facilities that are internationally recognized as Torrevieja, Alicante, Benidorm, Elche….
Cycling is one of our most consolidated sport that aims to promote the imposing mountains, extensive beaches and the good conditions of our roads. That is the reason why most of the UCI teams visit our destination to train and prepare their seasons.
You can find everything you need in Costa Blanca, great accommodation, servicies, natural resources, infraestructures, gastronomy and landscapes that will make you say WOW!!!!!!!
The participipants in Gran Fondo LA Nucia will have the chance to enjoy one of the most famous mountains for cycling. “Sierra de Aitana” is the highest mountain in the province of Alicante, 1558 mts. and its roads offer you one of the most amazing views of the whole province and the Mediterranean Sea
There is more to Costa Blanca than you think
LA NUCIA
La Nucía is a picturesque municipality in the Marina Baixa region of Alicante, located in the Valencian Community, Spain. It sits in a fertile valley between Benidorm and Callosa d’En Sarrià, just 8–10 km from the Mediterranean coast and about 51 km north of Alicante city. The town has around 18,700 residents and is known for its blend of traditional charm and modern amenities.
