Montsec-Montsec
Balaguer · May 16, 2026
A cyclosportive with 16 editions, starting at the Inpacsa sports hall in Balaguer and riding through the landscapes of the Serra del Montsec, in the Lleida Pre-Pyrenees, with up to 3,300 meters of elevation gain on its long route.
Montsec-Montsec 2026 has already taken place
Start preparing for the next one: arrive with your gear tested and your form dialled in.
Montsec-Montsec
With 16 editions and the motto “Cycling unites us”, Montsec-Montsec is one of the most veteran cyclosportive events in the Lleida Pre-Pyrenees. It starts at the Inpacsa sports hall in Balaguer and rides through the Serra del Montsec, one of the areas with the least light pollution in Europe and a designated Starlight Reserve.
A route with three distances
The event offers three options to suit different levels:
- MM190: the full route, with 3,300 meters of accumulated elevation gain, one of the toughest profiles on the Catalan cyclosportive calendar
- MM140: a shorter version, with 2,050 meters of climbing, that keeps part of the most demanding route
- MM80: the most accessible distance, with 1,300 meters of climbing, designed for those new to mountain cyclosportives
The Lleida Pre-Pyrenees
The Serra del Montsec offers a transition landscape between the Lleida plain and the Pyrenees, with quiet roads and privileged views over the Terradets reservoir and the Mont-rebei gorge. This setting, less crowded than other Catalan mountain areas, is one of the event’s hallmarks.
Balaguer beyond the ride
Balaguer, capital of the Noguera comarca, preserves a medieval old town alongside the Segre river. Using the weekend to explore the town and the nearby Mont-rebei gorge, one of Catalonia’s most spectacular canyons, rounds out the experience beyond the bike. Discover more events in the region in Catalonia.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Montsec-Montsec 2026 registration
Spots are capped at 1,000 riders and registration closes automatically once the limit is reached, as is tradition for the event.
Tips
- Register at the launch rate: the price rises as the date approaches
- You can change distance or size until April 16, no changes accepted after
Where to stay for Montsec-Montsec
Balaguer has limited hotel options, so it's worth booking ahead or considering staying in Lleida, about 30 km away.
Tips
- Consider staying in Lleida if you can't find accommodation in Balaguer
Bike gear for Montsec-Montsec
The long route accumulates 3,300 meters of elevation gain through the Serra del Montsec, one of the most demanding profiles on the Catalan calendar.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- A wide cassette is almost mandatory for the MM190
- Check brakes and tires: there are long, technical descents in the Pre-Pyrenees
Bike rental in Lleida
If you're travelling without your own bike, the most practical option is renting one in Lleida before heading to Balaguer.
Tips
- Book the rental in advance: options in the area are scarce
Technical clothing for Montsec-Montsec
May in the Lleida Pre-Pyrenees can bring notable temperature swings between the plain and the higher parts of the Serra del Montsec.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring a windproof gilet for the descents at altitude
Nutrition for Montsec-Montsec
The MM190 demands a solid fuelling strategy given the accumulated elevation gain and length of the event.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Plan your hourly carbohydrate intake on the long route
How to get to Balaguer
Balaguer is about 30 km from Lleida, with good road connections from Barcelona via the A-2.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- The nearest airport with regular flights is Barcelona-El Prat
Car rental in Lleida
To get around the Pre-Pyrenees and reach Balaguer, the most convenient option is renting a car in Lleida or Barcelona.
Tips
- Book the car in advance for a May weekend
Sports insurance for Montsec-Montsec
As with any cyclosportive, a federative licence or one-day insurance is mandatory to take the start.
Tips
- Federative licence or one-day insurance required
Body care for Montsec-Montsec
With 3,300 meters of climbing on the MM190, taking care of muscle recovery before and after the event is key.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Schedule a recovery massage for the day after the event
Components for the Montsec-Montsec
With 3,300 m of climbing on the MM190, one of the toughest profiles on the Catalan calendar, a wide-range cassette and power tracking are almost essential to arrive intact at the Congost de Mont-rebei.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a wide-range cassette if you take on the MM190 or MM140
- Pace your effort in power zones so you don't run dry before the final third
Sunglasses for the Montsec-Montsec
The open roads of the Lleida Pre-Pyrenees in May, with long hours of sun and little shade on many sections, make good eye protection worthwhile throughout the route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring comfortable sunglasses for the many hours of sun if you take on the MM190
