Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
Úbeda · February 13, 2027
The Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior starts and finishes in Úbeda, a World Heritage City, letting amateur riders take on the same 111 km route as the professional Clásica, mixing Jaén roads with dirt sections through the Caminos de Olivos in the heart of the Sea of Olives.
Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior 2027 registration dates to be confirmed
The organiser hasn't published the registration dates yet. Get your gear and logistics ready in the meantime.
Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
Born as the cyclosportive companion of the professional Clásica Jaén Paraíso Interior, this Gran Fondo lets amateurs tackle the same 111 km route ridden by elite cyclists, starting and finishing in Úbeda, a Renaissance city declared a World Heritage Site. In just four editions it has become one of the most distinctive season-opening events on the Spanish calendar.
A 111-kilometer route through olive groves
The route combines secondary Jaén roads with the characteristic Caminos de Olivos, compact dirt tracks that cross the sea of olive trees surrounding Úbeda and Baeza. With 1,590 m of elevation gain spread over short, constant ramps rather than long climbs, the race rewards steady pacing over explosiveness, favoring those who manage their effort well between sections.
A weekend with official backing
The Gran Fondo shares its weekend with the professional Clásica and the women’s Nations Cup, a triple bill that turns Úbeda into the epicenter of Spanish cycling for three days. That professional atmosphere, with World Tour teams based in the city, is part of the appeal for those who sign up.
Úbeda beyond the ride
Together with Baeza, Úbeda forms one of Spain’s best-preserved Renaissance ensembles, with palaces and monuments declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Use the visit to also discover the extra virgin olive oil cuisine that defines the whole region. Discover more events in the region in Andalusia.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior registration
Registration is managed via RockTheSport, with three tiers available (Basic, General and Premium) that vary in feed stations, rider bag and finish-line services.
Tips
- The Premium tier includes showers, bag check and an all-you-can-eat meal after the race
- Capacity usually runs around a thousand riders: don't leave registration for the last minute
Where to stay for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
Úbeda, with its Renaissance old town declared a World Heritage Site, has the closest range of charming accommodation to the start and finish of the race.
Tips
- Book ahead: it coincides with the professional Clásica weekend, bringing more visitors to Úbeda than usual
Bike gear for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
The Caminos de Olivos mix tarmac with compact dirt sections; a slightly wider tire than usual for road riding gives extra safety margin.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- If your bike allows it, run 28-30mm tires for the dirt sections
Bike rental in Úbeda and Jaén
If you're travelling without your own bike, the Jaén provincial capital has specialty shops offering road and gravel rental suited to the race's mixed surface route.
Tips
- Confirm in advance whether the rental includes tires suitable for the dirt sections
Technical clothing for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
In mid-February, mornings inland in Jaén are cold, with possible frost, while the midday sun already warms the open olive groves.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring removable arm and leg warmers: the cold start contrasts with the rest of the route
Nutrition for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
With 111 km and 1,590 m of elevation gain spread over short, constant ramps, it's worth pacing your intake carefully between the official feed stations.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- The route's short, back-to-back ramps favor fast-absorption gels
How to get to Úbeda
Úbeda has no airport of its own; the closest ones are Granada-Jaén and Málaga, just over an hour away by car with good motorway links.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Granada-Jaén airport is about 1h 15min by car from Úbeda
Car rental in Jaén
Renting a car at Granada-Jaén or Málaga is the most practical option to reach Úbeda with your bike and gear, given the city has no airport of its own.
Tips
- Book ahead: the professional Clásica is held the same weekend, pushing up car demand
Sports insurance for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
Non-federated riders need the one-day insurance included with registration; federated riders can show their valid licence instead.
Tips
- Check that your licence covers cyclosportive events with dirt sections
Body care for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
Inland Andalusian sun, even in February, can be intense on the open sections through the olive groves; sun protection is not a minor detail.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Apply sunscreen even in winter: the olive groves offer little shade for most of the route
Components for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
The route's short, back-to-back ramps demand constant changes of pace; a computer that tracks power helps you avoid burning extra energy on every ramp through the Caminos de Olivos.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Set up a screen with lap average power to pace your effort on the short ramps
Sunglasses for the Gran Fondo Jaén Paraíso Interior
The olive groves offer little shade and, by midday even in February, the sun already warms up; on the Caminos de Olivos dirt sections, well-sealed sunglasses also protect against dust.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Clean your lenses well before the dirt sections: dust shows up more on scratched or dirty lenses
