Marcha Cicloturista Sierra Norte

Marcha Cicloturista Sierra Norte

The Marcha Cicloturista Sierra Norte is one of the most recent additions to the Madrid calendar, designed to showcase the heritage of 13 municipalities in the Sierra Norte de Madrid on two wheels. It starts and finishes at the Municipal Sports Center of Buitrago del Lozoya, a walled town on the banks of the Lozoya river that serves as a gathering point for hundreds of cyclotourists every first Sunday of June.

A 143-kilometer route through the Sierra Norte

The Gran Fondo, 143 km with 2,835 m of positive elevation gain, starts at 8:00 am heading toward Gandullas and links some of the toughest climbs in central Spain, passing through villages such as Montejo de la Sierra and La Hiruela. Those who prefer a more accessible distance can opt for the 85 km Medio Fondo with 1,543 m of climbing, starting at 10:00 am toward Mangirón. Both routes share feed stations, technical assistance and a finish-line meal included in the entry fee.

A march with the Sierra Norte as the protagonist

Beyond the physical challenge, the event was created as a tourist showcase: each of the 13 villages along the route has its own natural and architectural heritage, from the beech forests of Montejo to the cobbled streets of Buitrago. The organization pays special attention to the festive atmosphere at the finish, with music and local products for participants.

Buitrago del Lozoya beyond the march

Buitrago del Lozoya preserves one of the best-kept Arab walls in the Community of Madrid and is home to the curious Picasso-Eugenio Arias Museum, featuring works the painter gave to his barber. The Sierra Norte, less known than Guadarrama but equally spectacular, offers hiking routes and reservoirs like El Atazar to extend your stay. Discover more events in the region in Madrid.