La Cantabrona
Polanco · May 8, 2027
A non-competitive cyclosportive starting and finishing in Polanco, between the Cantabrian coast and the inland valleys, in gran fondo and medio fondo distances.
La Cantabrona 2027 registration dates to be confirmed
The organiser hasn't published the registration dates yet. Get your gear and logistics ready in the meantime.
La Cantabrona
La Cantabrona is the benchmark cyclosportive around Torrelavega and the Besaya valley. Organised with start and finish in Polanco, it is a non-competitive event, with no timing or classification, designed to enjoy green Cantabria by bike with a well-run organisation and complete feed stations.
Two distances through the same landscape
The Gran Fondo, about 170 kilometres and 2,600 metres of climbing, links the coast with the inland valleys in a continuous punchy grind. The Medio Fondo, about 110 kilometres, keeps the character of the event with a more manageable total. Both start together and split after halfway.
The punchy Cantabrian terrain
There are no high-mountain passes, but there is a string of short climbs, walls and linked valleys that add up climbing almost before you notice. It is a demanding terrain that rewards consistency and punishes surges.
Polanco and the Besaya beyond the bike
Santillana del Mar, the Altamira Caves, Suances and the mouth of the Besaya turn the weekend into a getaway through one of the most historic areas of Cantabria. Discover more events in Cantabria.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
La Cantabrona registration
Registration is handled on the official website and has a maximum number of riders. As it is non-competitive, you do not need a racing licence, but you do need insurance.
Tips
- Register early: the cap fills weeks in advance
- Choose your distance with room to spare: you can always shorten at the split point
Where to stay near Polanco
Torrelavega is ten minutes away and Santillana del Mar and Suances a quarter of an hour, with hotels and charming inns. Santander is half an hour away.
Tips
- Santillana del Mar is a beautiful base for the weekend
- Book ahead: May is high season on the Cantabrian coast
Bike gear for green Cantabria
The punchy Cantabrian terrain hammers the drivetrain and brakes with constant changes of pace. And in May it is not unusual to catch rain on some sections.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Tyres with good wet grip
- Check brake pads: there are many short climbs and descents
Technical clothing for May in Cantabria
Spring weather on the north coast is unpredictable. A light waterproof jacket in your pocket is the difference between enjoying and suffering if a front comes in.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- A breathable waterproof jacket always in your pocket
- Arm warmers and full-finger gloves for the start
Nutrition for 170 punchy kilometres
The Gran Fondo has no long passes, but the constant drip of short climbs is very draining. Eating early and regularly prevents bonking in the second half.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Do not wait until you are hungry to start eating
- Use the feed stations to eat solid food
Gearing for the punchy terrain
Here it is not altitude that matters but gradient: many short climbs are around 10 to 12 per cent. A wide cassette lets you keep cadence and spare your back.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- A wide cassette for the inland ramps
- Watch your power in the first half: it is easy to overdo each wall
Protection and recovery
When the sun comes out on the north coast, it burns more than it seems. And the wear of 170 punchy kilometres shows for several days.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Sunscreen even if the day starts cloudy
How to get to Polanco
Polanco is next to the A-67 motorway, ten minutes from Torrelavega and half an hour from Santander. Santander airport connects with several Spanish cities.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bilbao airport is an alternative just over an hour away
- Arrive on Saturday to collect your number calmly
Insurance for La Cantabrona
As a non-competitive ride it does not require a racing licence, but the organisers require insurance, usually included with the entry or bought as one-day cover.
Tips
- One-day insurance included with or added to the entry
Frequently asked questions
When is La Cantabrona 2027?
The event takes place in early May, so the 2027 edition is expected around 8 May, starting and finishing at the Polanco municipal sports hall. The date is confirmed on the official website when entries open.
Is it a competitive event?
No. La Cantabrona is a non-competitive cyclosportive, with no classification or timing, and a maximum number of riders to keep the character of the event.
What distances are there?
Two routes: a Gran Fondo of about 170 kilometres and 2,600 metres of climbing and a Medio Fondo of about 110 kilometres and 1,520 metres. Both share the start and much of the course.
What is the terrain like?
It is typical green Cantabria: no high-altitude passes but a string of short climbs and linked valleys that add up climbing with no respite. The surface is generally good.