Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete
Riópar · April 17, 2027
An international cyclosportive starting in Riópar, deep in the Sierra de Albacete, with up to 2,350 places for its 6th edition: a 155 km Gran Fondo with 3,000 m D+, or a 100 km Medio Fondo with 2,000 m D+ over a new route through previously unridden areas.
Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete 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 Sierra de Albacete
The Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete is one of the toughest international cyclosportives in Castilla-La Mancha. Starting and finishing in Riópar, the race reaches its 6th edition in 2027 with up to 2,350 places available and a refreshed route through previously unridden areas of the sierra, plus a sports expo with family activities that turns the event into a full weekend.
A 155-kilometre route
The Gran Fondo route covers 155 km and 3,000 m of positive elevation, one of the most demanding on the Spanish road calendar, through the Sierra de Albacete. Riders who prefer a somewhat more manageable challenge without giving up the scenery can choose the 100 km Medio Fondo with 2,000 m D+, which shares much of the main course.
An event in the middle of nature
Riópar and its sierra offer a mountain setting unusual for Spanish road cycling, with narrow, winding roads through pine forests. Organisers set up a rider expo the day before and guarantee a post-race meal, feed stations on course, and a family atmosphere that draws riders from outside the region.
Riópar beyond the race
Riópar, in the Sierra de Albacete, is also known for the Nacimiento del Río Mundo, one of the most visited natural sites in Castilla-La Mancha, close to the route. Riders travelling from outside the region can also explore other cyclosportives in our Castilla-La Mancha events section.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete 2027 registration
Up to 2,350 places available for the 6th edition, managed through Rockthesport. The entry pack includes an official jersey, personalised bib, feed stations and a post-race meal.
Tips
- Register early: previous editions saw over 30 riders sign up in the first 5 minutes
- Choose Gran Fondo (155K) or Medio Fondo (100K) depending on how much climbing you can handle
Where to stay for the Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete
Riópar, deep in the Sierra de Albacete, is a small village with rural houses and inland hotels; book ahead given the crowds the event draws.
Tips
- Book a rural house in Riópar months ahead, availability is limited
Bike gear for the Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete
With 3,000 m D+ over 155 km, this is one of the toughest events on the Castilla-La Mancha calendar: a sub-compact chainset and reliable tyres for mountain descents are almost mandatory.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a sub-compact chainset: the total climbing is among the highest on the Spanish calendar
Technical clothing for the Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete
In April, the Sierra de Albacete starts cold and misty at altitude; temperatures can climb several degrees as the morning goes on.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Layer up for the 08:30 start and shed layers as the sun rises
Nutrition for the Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete
155 km and 3,000 m D+ mean several hours of intense effort; use the feed stations on course and plan your intake before the hardest ramps.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Spread out your carb intake before the sections with the most climbing
How to get to Riópar
Riópar is about 100 km from the city of Albacete and over 250 km from Madrid; the most practical option is driving via the A-32 and local roads.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Plan to arrive by car, there's no train station near Riópar
Sports insurance for the Gran Fondo Sierra de Albacete
Registration requires a federation licence or a one-day insurance, mandatory to start on open mountain roads.
Tips
- Federation licence or one-day insurance required to collect your bib