Xcorial Xtreme
El Escorial · September 20, 2026
A cyclosportive organized by Club Ciclista Escurialense starting at Plaza de España in El Escorial, covering 112 km and 2,500 m of climbing through some of the most iconic passes in the Sierra de Guadarrama, finishing near the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Xcorial Xtreme 2026 has already taken place
Start preparing for the next one: arrive with your gear tested and your form dialled in.
Xcorial Xtreme
The Xcorial Xtreme is one of the most demanding events on the Madrid autumn cyclosportive calendar, organized by Club Ciclista Escurialense for six editions running. It starts at Plaza de España in El Escorial and finishes near the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, with a route that has earned a reputation as a “classics-style” test among the region’s amateur peloton.
A 112-kilometer route through the Guadarrama passes
The route, 112 km with 2,500 m of positive elevation gain, starts at 8:30 am and links several of the most iconic passes in the Sierra de Guadarrama in a single demanding loop. There’s no short course: the Xcorial Xtreme is designed as a single challenge for well-trained cyclists looking to test themselves on a technical route with constant climbing.
An event with 400 spots that always sell out
Each edition caps entries at 400 bibs, which usually sell out before the official deadline. The new jersey design for each edition has become an added draw for the loyal peloton that returns year after year, attracted by the demanding level and the club atmosphere in the area.
El Escorial beyond the march
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crowns the town that gives the march its name and deserves an unhurried visit after the effort. The Sierra de Guadarrama, with the Valle de la Fuenfría and the Cuerda Larga nearby, offers plenty of reasons to extend your stay in the area. Discover more events in the region in Madrid.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Xcorial Xtreme 2026 registration
Registration is managed through the official website and closes once 400 spots are filled or on the Friday before the event.
Tips
- Register early: the 400 spots usually sell out before the official deadline
- The start is at 8:30 am from Plaza de España in El Escorial
Where to stay for the Xcorial Xtreme
El Escorial and San Lorenzo de El Escorial have a good hotel offer as a regular tourist destination, though booking ahead for the event weekend is advisable.
Tips
- Staying in El Escorial puts you right at the start and finish
Bike gear for the Xcorial Xtreme
With 2,500 m of climbing on classic Guadarrama passes, well-chosen gearing is key to avoid suffering on the final stretches.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Check your brakes before the technical descents in Guadarrama
Technical clothing for the Xcorial Xtreme
By late September in Guadarrama, mornings are already cool at altitude, with descents that increase the feeling of cold.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring a light windproof layer for the descents
Nutrition for the Xcorial Xtreme
The 112 km with 2,500 m of climbing call for a careful fuelling strategy, especially before the longest climbs.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fuel up well before tackling the toughest climbs on the route
How to get to El Escorial
El Escorial is about 50 km from central Madrid, well connected via the A-6 motorway and commuter train.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- The commuter rail station connects directly with Madrid
Sports insurance for the Xcorial Xtreme
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 Xcorial Xtreme
The string of Guadarrama climbs leaves legs heavy; good recovery at the finish helps absorb the effort.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Use a foam roller in the hours after finishing
Bike components for the Xcorial Xtreme
With no shorter escape route, the Xcorial Xtreme's 112 km and 2,500 m D+ demand a comfortable gear range so you don't suffer more than necessary on the route's toughest ramps.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a cassette with a wider sprocket if your legs aren't used to this much sustained climbing
Sunglasses for the Xcorial Xtreme
Over four hours on the road under the Sierra de Guadarrama sun call for sunglasses that hold up well on both the climbs and the technical descents.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Start with clean lenses: sweat on the toughest passes fogs them up quickly
