Granfondo La Nucia

Granfondo 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.

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

Entries and full details: granfondolanucia.com