Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
Andújar · March 21, 2027
The Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón runs over two days through the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, home to the Iberian lynx: a 13 km, 480 m D+ time trial on Saturday, and a 56 km, 1,600 m D+ marathon on Sunday over trails such as Barranco de los Chopos and the Subida de los Caballos climb. It counts towards the 2027 Spanish Marathon Cup (XCM).
Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón 2027 registration dates to be confirmed
The organiser hasn't published the registration dates yet. Get your gear and logistics ready in the meantime.
Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
The Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón, also known as the Lince Bike Maratón, takes place in the heart of the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, one of the most important Iberian lynx habitats in Spain. The race combines sport with environmental awareness: its name and imagery are tied to the conservation of this endangered species that lives in Sierra Morena. For 2027 it forms part of the Spanish Marathon Cup (XCM), raising the participation level and rider profile drawn to Andújar.
Two days, two different challenges
The race format is split across two days: on Saturday, a 13 km, 480 m D+ time trial with an individual start from Avenida de Lisboa and finish at the Ermita de San Ginés after tackling the demanding Subida de los Caballos climb; on Sunday, the 56 km, 1,600 m D+ marathon crossing signature park trails such as Barranco de los Chopos, Sendero del Jabalí and the Caracolillos descents. The course blends a high proportion of technical trail with more open sections, aiming for a balance between toughness and accessibility.
Home of the Iberian lynx
Few MTB races in Spain take place in a setting with such symbolic weight: the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park holds the world’s largest Iberian lynx population, after years of conservation programmes that pulled the species back from the brink of extinction. Riding through the holm oak and rockrose scrub of Sierra Morena in this race is also a way of highlighting that conservation work.
Andújar beyond the race
Andújar retains a historic centre with significant Renaissance and Baroque heritage, and is the gateway to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza, one of Andalusia’s most visited. The city, well connected by train to Madrid, Córdoba and Seville, combines cultural offerings with the wild nature of Sierra Morena right on its doorstep. Discover more events in the region at Andalusia.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Registering for the Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
Registration is managed through RockTheSport and the Andalusian Cycling Federation; it covers both stages (Saturday's time trial and Sunday's marathon).
Tips
- €48 for the marathon entry; it counts towards the Spanish XCM Cup, so licensed categories fill up fast
Where to stay for the Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
Andújar has a mid-sized hotel supply typical of a city its size; book ahead as this coincides with a national-calendar race.
Tips
- Book early: as a two-stage weekend, accommodation demand in Andújar rises more than for single-day races
Bike gear for the Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
The Barranco de los Chopos and Subida de los Caballos trails are technical and rocky; check suspension and tyre pressure before each stage.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Drop your tyre pressure slightly for Sunday's marathon: rocky trails gain traction at lower pressure
MTB rental in Jaén
In Jaén city, less than an hour from Andújar, shops rent suspension MTBs suited to the natural park's technical terrain.
Tips
- Pick up your rental bike on Friday to leave margin before Saturday's time trial
Technical clothing for the Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
In late March, mornings in Sierra Morena can be cool, with a chance of rain typical of inland Andalusian spring.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring layers for Sunday's early start: the marathon begins in cooler temperatures than midday
Nutrition for the Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
With two stages over two days and 1,600 m D+ concentrated in Sunday's marathon, recovery nutrition between stages matters as much as fuelling during the race.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Prioritise Saturday night's recovery: replenish carbs and protein before tackling Sunday's marathon
Getting to Andújar
Andújar has a train station on the Madrid-Córdoba-Seville line; the closest airport is Granada-Jaén, just over an hour away by car.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- The train to Andújar is a convenient option if you're coming from Madrid or Córdoba without a car
Car rental in Jaén
Renting a car in Granada-Jaén or Córdoba is the most practical way to reach Andújar with your bike and get around the natural park.
Tips
- A car with a bike rack also makes it easier to reach the park's access points if you want to scout sections beforehand
Sports insurance for the Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
Registration includes one-day insurance for non-licensed participants; licensed riders must present a valid licence.
Tips
- Check that your insurance covers two-day races and technical mountain descents
Body care for the Sierra de Andújar Bike Maratón
Stringing together a demanding Saturday time trial with a 1,600 m D+ Sunday marathon builds up muscle fatigue; care between stages makes the difference on day two.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Use the foam roller on Saturday night: arriving fresh for Sunday's marathon is key in a two-day race
