TotalEnergies Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
Oliva · September 19, 2026
One of Spain's benchmark cyclosportives, carrying Alberto Contador's name, starting from Oliva Nova for its 15th edition, with two road routes through the mountainous inland of La Safor and La Marina Alta: Gran Fondo (162 km, 2,400 m D+) and Medio Fondo (111 km).
TotalEnergies Gran Fondo Alberto Contador 2026 has already taken place
Start preparing for the next one: arrive with your gear tested and your form dialled in.
Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
The TotalEnergies Gran Fondo Alberto Contador is one of Spain’s most prestigious road cyclosportives, and not only because it carries the name of the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España winner. Starting and finishing in Oliva Nova (Valencia), the event reaches its 15th edition in 2026, cementing itself as a fixed September date on the calendar, with over 2,000 riders and a registration pace that has sold out in a matter of weeks in previous years.
A 162-kilometre route
The main route, the Gran Fondo, covers 162 km and 2,400 m of elevation gain through the mountainous inland of La Safor and La Marina Alta, with a chain of climbs that demands effort management from kilometre zero:
- Llosa Camatxo
- Coll de Rates, the area’s benchmark climb
- Sa Creueta
- Fageca
- Muro de Tollos
- Mirador del Xap
- Vall d’Ebo
- Pego
Riders who prefer a more manageable challenge without giving up the iconic climbs can choose the Medio Fondo, at 111 km, which shares most of the initial layout (including Coll de Rates and Vall d’Ebo) but trims the final kilometres.
An event with history and top-level organisation
The link with Alberto Contador and TotalEnergies’ sponsorship have turned this cyclosportive into an organisational benchmark: roads closed to traffic, abundant feed stations, mechanical support on course, and a rider-expo atmosphere the day before, with an expo and organised pasta party. It’s common for the organisation to feature renowned guest riders from the retired professional peloton, adding to the appeal for those looking for more than just a regular cyclosportive.
Oliva beyond the ride
Oliva Nova, in the La Safor region, combines Mediterranean beach and mountains just a few kilometres apart, making it an attractive destination for extending your stay beyond race day. Riders travelling from outside the Valencian Community can also discover other rides and spots in the area in our Valencian Community rides section.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Gran Fondo Alberto Contador 2026 registration
Places (over 2,000 available) have sold out within weeks in previous editions. Registration costs €79.99 and includes an official jersey, feed stations, closed roads, mechanical support and a finisher medal.
Tips
- Register as soon as entries open: places sell out in weeks
- Choose Gran Fondo (162K) or Medio Fondo (111K) depending on your level, both share the first climbs
Where to stay for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
Oliva Nova, the start point, has beachfront hotels and apartments minutes from the start arch, ideal for not having to get up too early before the 08:00 start.
Tips
- Book in Oliva Nova to walk to the start arch
- There's usually a rider expo and organised pasta party the day before
Bike gear for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
With 2,400 m D+ over 162 km and climbs like Coll de Rates or Vall d'Ebo, a compact chainset and a power meter to pace your effort make a real difference.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a compact or sub-compact chainset for the Marina Alta climbs
- Check brakes and tyres: there are technical descents between Fageca and Vall d'Ebo
Technical clothing for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
An 08:00 September start with cool coastal temperatures that rise once you reach the mountainous interior; layering is key.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Carry a packable windproof gilet for the start and first kilometres
- Photochromic lenses help: you'll switch between coastal sun and climb shade
Nutrition for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
162 km with over 2,000 m D+ demands a well-planned hourly carbohydrate strategy, making the most of the official feed stations on course.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Plan for 60-90 g of carbs per hour, especially before Coll de Rates
- Use the official feed stations to refill your bottles
How to get to Oliva
Oliva is 75 km from Valencia and 100 km from Alicante, both with airports and good motorway access (AP-7).
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Valencia airport usually has more frequent flights for this area than Alicante
- Book parking near Oliva Nova in advance, the area gets busy on race morning
Car rental in the Valencian Community
A rental car makes it easier to move between the airport, your accommodation in Oliva and bib pickup at the rider expo.
Tips
- Book early: September is still high season on the Valencian coast
Sports insurance for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
Registration requires a federation licence or a one-day insurance, essential for a road event at this level of demand.
Tips
- Federation licence or one-day insurance required to collect your bib
Body care for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
Over 5 hours of effort in September under direct Mediterranean sun call for sun protection and muscle recovery after the climbs.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Apply sweat-resistant sunscreen before the start, reapplying on course is hard
- Plan stretching and active recovery after more than 2,000 m D+
Components for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
The chain of climbs through La Safor and La Marina Alta, with Coll de Rates and Vall d'Ebo as the benchmarks, is easier to manage with the right gearing and reliable power data from kilometer zero.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Adjust your cassette before the event: the chained climbs leave no room to adapt your gearing on the fly
Sunglasses for the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador
Over 5 hours under the September Mediterranean sun, with open sections between Pego and Vall d'Ebo, make good eye protection essential.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Choose lenses with good ventilation: September inland from La Safor still gets hot
Frequently asked questions
When is the Gran Fondo Alberto Contador 2026?
On 19 September 2026, starting and finishing in Oliva Nova (Valencia). It is the 15th edition of the ride backed by Alberto Contador.
What routes and prices are there?
Two road routes: a 162 km Gran Fondo with 2,400 m of climbing, and a 111 km Medio Fondo with 1,700 m. Entry costs 79.99 euros through Rockthesport.
What are the key climbs?
The long route links the Coll de Rates and the Vall d'Ebo, in the mountainous inland of La Marina Alta. They are long climbs at a manageable gradient, with the danger in the total elevation rather than the ramps.
How many riders take part?
More than 2,000 riders each edition, making it one of the benchmark events on the Spanish road calendar.
