This Sunday, the second edition of Granfondo La Nucía will make history as it joins the UCI Gran Fondo World Series for the first time, becoming one of the opening qualification opportunities for the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in France. Based in La Nucía, Alicante, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, the event is expected to attract around 2,000 riders eager to test themselves on one of the most spectacular routes in the region.
Designed by five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Induráin, the Granfondo features a challenging 132 km course with 2,275 metres of elevation gain through the mountains of the Sierra de Aitana. The first major challenge comes with the climb towards Safari Aitana, reaching approximately 1,000 metres above sea level before riders tackle a middle section of rolling roads and short climbs through the picturesque inland villages of Alicante Province.
The decisive moment of the day is expected on the legendary Coll de Rates, one of Spain’s most famous cycling climbs and a benchmark ascent for WorldTour professionals. With the summit located just 27 km from the finish, it could prove crucial in determining the strongest riders and securing qualification places for the World Championships.
A 71 km Mediofondo with 1,076 metres of elevation gain is available for men aged 60 and over and women aged 50 and over. Starting in Gorga, halfway along the main route, riders avoid the demanding Safari Aitana ascent but still face the rolling terrain of the Sierra de Aitana and the iconic Coll de Rates before finishing in La Nucía.
Adding extra star power to the weekend will be special guests Enric Mas and Paula Blasi, this year’s winners of La Vuelta a España and La Vuelta Femenina.
