Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
Guadarrama · May 16, 2026
An annual fixture on the Madrid cycling calendar that brings together thousands of riders around the passes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, with a single entry that lets you choose on the day between the 158 km long route or the 73 km medium route.
Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama 2026 has already taken place
Start preparing for the next one: arrive with your gear tested and your form dialled in.
Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
The Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama is one of the most crowded events on the Madrid cyclosportive calendar, an annual gathering point for thousands of enthusiasts wanting to pay tribute to the sierra’s most beloved passes. With various sponsors across its editions, the event has kept its essence intact: riding through the natural heritage of the Community of Madrid on two wheels.
A route to choose between 158 and 73 kilometers
The event’s great particularity is its single entry format: riders decide on the day of the march whether to tackle the 158 km, 2,350 m climbing long route or the 73 km, 850 m medium route, depending on how they feel physically that day. This flexibility has made the Desafío accessible for both endurance cyclists and those starting out with long distances. If you’re unsure your current cassette gives you enough range for the chained passes, calculate your bike’s gear ratio before race day.
A celebration of cycling in the Madrid mountains
Beyond the sporting challenge, the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama has become a genuine popular cycling festival in the region, with a spirit of camaraderie among clubs and cycling groups from across the Community of Madrid. The organization pays special attention to feed stations and the passage through the mountain passes, which turn into impromptu celebration points.
The Sierra de Guadarrama beyond the march
The Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, declared in 2013, offers pine forest landscapes and peaks over 2,000 meters just a short distance from central Madrid. Towns like Cercedilla or Guadarrama are the perfect gateway to extend your visit with hiking routes after the ride. Discover more events in the region in Madrid.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama 2026 registration
With a single entry, you can decide on the day of the event whether to ride the long or the medium route, depending on how you feel.
Tips
- You don't need to decide the route when registering: the choice is made on race day
Where to stay for the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
Sierra de Guadarrama towns such as Guadarrama, Cercedilla or Los Molinos offer varied accommodation close to the start.
Tips
- Book ahead near the start area, which is in high demand in May
Bike gear for the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
The long route, with 2,350 m of climbing, rewards comfortable gearing for the string of Guadarrama passes.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Check tire condition before the mountain descents
Nutrition for the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
As a mass-participation event, feed stations are well distributed, but it's worth carrying your own reserve on the long route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Carry your own reserve fuel if you choose the 158 km route
How to get to the Sierra de Guadarrama
The start area is less than an hour from central Madrid, well connected via the A-6 motorway and commuter train.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Traffic toward the mountains can be heavy on race morning: allow extra time
Sports insurance for the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
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 the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
Whether you choose the long or medium route, a few minutes of stretching at the finish helps recovery.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Spend a few minutes stretching in the finish area before heading home
Bike components for the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
Linking the Sierra de Guadarrama passes on the 158 km long route demands a comfortable gear ratio on the toughest ramps; a cassette with an easier range helps you pace your effort.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Check that your cassette gives you a comfortable gear ratio before tackling the toughest passes
Sunglasses for the Desafío Puertos de Guadarrama
The long straights and pass descents expose riders to intense sun and constant wind in the Sierra de Guadarrama; good sunglasses protect your eyes through hours on the road.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Choose sunglasses with good ventilation for the hardest efforts on the climbs
