UCI Gran Fondo World Series La Nucía
La Nucía · October 18, 2026
A UCI Gran Fondo World Series event starting and finishing at the Ciutat Esportiva Camilo Cano in La Nucía (Alicante), 132 km and 2,275 m of climbing through the mountainous interior of the Costa Blanca, with a route designed by Miguel Induráin and qualifying places for the Gran Fondo World Championships.
UCI Gran Fondo World Series La Nucía 2026 registration dates to be confirmed
The organiser hasn't published the registration dates yet. Get your gear and logistics ready in the meantime.
UCI Gran Fondo World Series La Nucía
For 2026, Gran Fondo La Nucía holds its second edition as an official UCI Gran Fondo World Series event, the international circuit that hands out qualifying places for the Gran Fondo World Championships by age group. The start and finish are at the Ciutat Esportiva Camilo Cano in La Nucía, in the heart of the Marina Baixa of Alicante, the same region that dozens of World Tour teams choose as a winter training base.
A 132-kilometre route through the Costa Blanca interior
The main course, designed by Miguel Induráin, combines 132 km with 2,275 m of elevation gain and passes through towns such as Finestrat, Relleu and Fageca before tackling the Sierra de Aitana and the legendary Coll de Rates, where a timed segment sets the benchmark for the classification. Riders who would rather not take on the full distance have a shorter option on the same route, starting further along, ideal for a first gran fondo or for riding with no time goal.
A weekend of cycling in La Nucía
The event shares its weekend with the La Nucía International Criterium, which in 2026 will bring men and women together in the same race around the Camilo Cano complex for the first time. The atmosphere, the mild October weather and the quiet, well-surfaced roads of inland Alicante explain why the Costa Blanca has become one of European cycling tourism’s favourite destinations.
La Nucía and the Marina Baixa beyond the ride
A few kilometres from La Nucía are the beaches of Altea and Benidorm, the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe and the climbs up to Guadalest, Tudons and Confrides, a catalogue of ascents that makes it worth extending your stay for several days. Discover more rides in the region at Valencian Community.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Gran Fondo La Nucía 2026 registration
Registration is handled on the official website and split into three price tiers based on the number of bibs sold, with a reduced rate for RFEC members. It includes a commemorative jersey and a meal on event day.
Tips
- Register early: the price rises as each bib tier sells out
- If you hold an RFEC licence, apply the reduced rate when signing up
Where to stay for Gran Fondo La Nucía
La Nucía, Benidorm and Altea offer plenty of hotels within minutes of the start, with Benidorm the most complete base for services and transport links. The October weekend overlaps with peak tourist season on the Costa Blanca.
Tips
- Book in La Nucía or Altea to sleep close to the Ciutat Esportiva Camilo Cano
- Benidorm has more rooms and better prices if you don't mind a 15-minute transfer
Bike gear for Gran Fondo La Nucía
The 2,275 m of climbing come from long, steady ascents like the Coll de Rates rather than explosive ramps, so a light, well-tuned bike with climbing gearing pays off.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a wide-range cassette to pace the long climbs of Aitana
- Check tyres and brakes before the technical descents down to the valley
Technical clothing for Gran Fondo La Nucía
In mid-October in inland Alicante the mornings are cool and midday mild, with the chance of colder air at the top of Aitana.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Start with removable arm warmers and a gilet for the first hours
- Pack a light windbreaker for the descent from the highest point
Nutrition for Gran Fondo La Nucía
At 132 km and 2,275 m+, most riders are out for 4 to 6 hours, long enough that you need to eat and drink from the start rather than wait for the official feed stations.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Aim for 60-90 g of carbs per hour and start fuelling from kilometre zero
- Use the feed stations to refill bottles, not as your only source of food
How to get to La Nucía
La Nucía is about 45 minutes from Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) via the AP-7 and very close to Benidorm, with TRAM train links from Alicante to Altea or Benidorm.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fly into Alicante (ALC) and arrange a transfer or car for the bike
- If you stay in Benidorm, the TRAM gets you near Altea without a car
Car rental in Alicante
Renting a car at Alicante airport is the easiest way to get around the Marina Baixa and take your bike to La Nucía on event day.
Tips
- Book ahead: October is still high season on the Costa Blanca
Sports insurance for Gran Fondo La Nucía
As an official UCI Gran Fondo World Series event, you need a valid federative licence or the one-day insurance offered by the organisation during registration.
Tips
- Federative licence or one-day insurance required to take the start
Body care for Gran Fondo La Nucía
The Costa Blanca sun is still strong in October and the hours on the bike call for protecting your skin and looking after recovery once the climbing adds up.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Apply sunscreen before the start and top up at the longer feed stations
- Stretch and rehydrate at the finish before heading down to Benidorm
Components for Gran Fondo La Nucía
The long climbs of Aitana and the Coll de Rates go better with generous gearing and power data so you don't empty the tank before the timed segment.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit an 11-34 or similar unless you climb near 4 W/kg
- Set a target power for the Coll de Rates and hold it even if others pass you
Sunglasses for Gran Fondo La Nucía
The contrast between shaded valleys and sunlit high points at midday makes a photochromic or high-contrast lens advisable for the whole route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Choose a photochromic lens for the shade-to-sun transitions on Aitana
