Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
Oropesa del Mar · April 25, 2026
A road cyclosportive starting and finishing in Oropesa del Mar (Castellón) for its 6th edition, with three distances over the most iconic climbs in the province: Gran Fondo (196 km, 3,200 m D+), Medio Fondo (160 km, 2,520 m D+) and Fondo (110 km, 1,625 m D+), gathering over 3,000 cyclists from more than 14 countries each year.
Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo 2026 has already taken place
Start preparing for the next one: arrive with your gear tested and your form dialled in.
Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
The Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo is one of the benchmark events on the spring cyclosportive calendar in the Valencian Community. Starting and finishing in Oropesa del Mar (Castellón), the event reaches its 6th edition in 2026, held on Saturday, April 25, and gathers over 3,000 cyclists from more than 14 countries each year, cementing itself as one of the major events on the national and international scene.
A route of up to 196 kilometres
The main route, the Gran Fondo, offers 196 km and 3,200 m of elevation gain across 13 municipalities in inland Castellón, chaining together iconic climbs that demand pacing throughout the day:
- Cabanes
- Vilanova d’Alcolea
- Torre Endomènech
- La Serratella
- Albocàsser
- Puerto de Ares del Maestrat
- La Bandereta
Riders looking for a slightly more manageable challenge without giving up the essence of the route can choose the Medio Fondo (160 km, 2,520 m D+), which shares much of the main course. For those seeking a first long-distance experience, the Fondo distance (110 km, 1,625 m D+) trims the final kilometres while keeping some of the most iconic climbs.
A well-established organisation by the Mediterranean
With Publicom Sport Events behind it and sponsors such as SCOTT backing recent editions, the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo has become an organisational benchmark: roads closed to traffic, abundant feed stations along a demanding route, and a rider expo atmosphere the day before. Starting and finishing in a seaside tourist destination, with hotels and apartments minutes from the start arch, makes logistics easier for those travelling from outside the province.
Oropesa del Mar beyond the ride
Oropesa del Mar, in Castellón’s Plana Alta, combines Blue Flag Mediterranean beaches with a walled old town overlooking the sea, plus the nearby Marina d’Or resort. It’s a perfect destination to extend your stay beyond race day, making the most of the good April weather on the coast. Riders travelling from outside the Valencian Community can discover other events and areas in our Valencian Community events section.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo 2026 registration
Registration for the 2026 edition is tiered by price window, from €69 in the launch promotion up to €85 from April onward, and includes a timing-chip bib, feed stations, closed roads and a finisher medal.
Tips
- Register early: the fee rises in tiers as the date approaches
- Choose between Gran Fondo (196K), Medio Fondo (160K) or Fondo (110K) based on your level
Where to stay for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
Oropesa del Mar and the neighbouring Marina d'Or offer plenty of beachfront hotels and apartments minutes from the start, with wide availability given it's an established tourist area.
Tips
- Book in Oropesa del Mar or Marina d'Or to walk to the start arch
- There's usually a rider expo the day before to collect your bib without rushing
Bike gear for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
With up to 3,200 m D+ over 196 km and climbs like Serratella or Ares del Maestrat, a compact chainset and a power meter to pace a long day are almost essential.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a compact or sub-compact chainset to chain the inland climbs together
- Check brakes and tyres: there are long, technical descents between climbs
Technical clothing for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
An early April coastal start with cool temperatures that rise once you head into Castellón's mountainous interior; layering and photochromic lenses help throughout the day.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Carry a packable windproof gilet for the coastal start
- Photochromic lenses help: you'll switch between coastal sun and climb shade
Nutrition for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
196 km and 3,200 m D+ can mean more than 8 hours on the road, so a well-planned hourly carbohydrate strategy and making the most of official feed stations are key.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Plan for 60-90 g of carbs per hour, especially before the Ares and Serratella climbs
- Use the official feed stations to refill your bottles on a long day
How to get to Oropesa del Mar
Oropesa del Mar is about 90 km from Valencia and 20 km from Castellón de la Plana, with a train station and good motorway access (AP-7).
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Valencia airport is the most practical option if flying in
- Oropesa del Mar has a Cercanías train station, handy if travelling without a car
Car rental in Castellón
A rental car makes it easier to move between the airport, your accommodation in Oropesa del Mar and bib pickup at the rider expo.
Tips
- Book early: April is Easter high season on the Castellón coast
Sports insurance for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
Registration requires a federation licence or a one-day insurance, essential for a road event on a route of up to 196 km.
Tips
- Federation licence or one-day insurance required to collect your bib
Body care for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
Up to 8-9 hours of effort under the April Mediterranean sun call for constant sun protection and solid muscle recovery after 3,200 m D+.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Apply sweat-resistant sunscreen before the start, reapplying on course is hard
- Plan stretching and active recovery after a day of nearly 200 km
Components for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
With up to 196 km and a 12-hour cut-off, managing effort with power data and reliable navigation across 13 towns inland from Castellón is key to staying in control before the Puerto de Ares.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Load the route onto your computer beforehand: with 196 km and so many towns, it's easy to miss a turn
Sunglasses for the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
Up to 8-9 hours under the April sun by the Mediterranean, with very open coastal stretches and inland sections, demand reliable eye protection all day long.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Carry a spare clear lens in case the coast starts out cloudy
Electronics for training the Mediterranean Epic Gran Fondo
Preparing for a 196 km route with 3,200 m D+ means long solo winter rides, where safe headphones for riding on open roads become a regular training companion.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Use bone-conduction headphones on your long rides so you can still hear traffic on open roads
