Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
Cehegín · October 3, 2026
An MTB marathon organised by JP García C.C. in Cehegín, which in 2026 hosts the Spanish XC Ultra Marathon (XCUM) Championship, with 55 and 36 km routes and an open cyclotourist category, capped at 600 riders.
Memorial Luis Fernández XCM 2026 registration dates to be confirmed
The organiser hasn't published the registration dates yet. Get your gear and logistics ready in the meantime.
Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
The Memorial Luis Fernández is an MTB marathon (XCM) organised by JP García C.C. in Cehegín, in the Northwest of the Región de Murcia. In its 2026 edition, the event carries extra weight by hosting the Spanish XC Ultra Marathon (XCUM) Championship, drawing elite-category riders from across the country alongside the usual cyclotourist category.
Two routes with up to 1,900 metres of elevation gain
The event offers two distances, 55 and 36 kilometres, over tracks and trails around Cehegín, with up to 1,900 metres of accumulated elevation gain on the long route. The organisation caps participation at 600 riders, a figure that sells out earlier than usual due to the draw of the Spanish Championship.
Cehegín, host of the 2026 XCUM Spanish Championship
Cehegín hosting the national XC Ultra Marathon title in 2026 is recognition of the technical, demanding terrain the area offers, and turns this edition into a benchmark event for riders wanting to test themselves against elite-category racers on the same day of competition.
Cehegín beyond the ride
Cehegín is one of the historic towns of northwest Murcia, with an old town declared a site of historic-artistic interest, and serves as a gateway to Caravaca de la Cruz, a holy city just 10 minutes away. Discover more rides in the region at Región de Murcia.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Memorial Luis Fernández XCM 2026 registration
As host of the 2026 XCUM Spanish Championship, places (capped at 600) sell out earlier than in a normal edition.
Tips
- Register early: the 600-place cap fills faster because of the Spanish Championship
- The cyclotourist category is open to riders not competing for the national title
Where to stay for the Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
Cehegín has a limited supply of accommodation, so booking early is advisable given the extra visitors drawn by the Spanish Championship.
Tips
- Book several weeks ahead due to the extra crowds from the Spanish Championship
- Caravaca de la Cruz, 10 minutes away, offers more accommodation options
Bike gear for the Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
With up to 1,900 metres of elevation gain on the long route, it is worth checking suspension and carrying a spare tube or tubeless kit.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Carry a spare tube or tubeless kit: the rocky terrain punishes punctures
Technical clothing for the Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
In early October inland Murcia, mornings are already cool, with a noticeable rise in temperature during the ride.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Start with arm warmers and stash them as the morning warms up
Nutrition for the Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
With up to 55 km and 1,900 m of elevation gain, a solid fuelling strategy is needed, making the most of the feed stations along the route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Plan intake every 30-40 minutes: the accumulated climbing demands steady energy
How to get to Cehegín
Cehegín is located in the Northwest of the Región de Murcia, just over 45 minutes by car from the city of Murcia.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Región de Murcia airport (Corvera) is the closest option
Car rental in Murcia
To reach Cehegín from outside the region, the most practical option is renting a car at Corvera airport or in the city of Murcia.
Tips
- Book the car in advance, especially given the extra visitors for the Spanish Championship
Sports insurance for the Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
As a federated event and host of the Spanish Championship, 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 Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
With nearly 1,900 metres of accumulated elevation gain on the long route, muscle recovery after the finish line is especially important.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Prioritise leg stretching and compression after the ride, given the accumulated climbing
Components for the Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
With up to 1,900 m of elevation gain and hosting the Spanish XCUM Championship, tracking pace and effort with a GPS bike computer helps avoid burning out before the final sections.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Set heart rate or power alerts to avoid overcooking the pace on the early climbs
Sunglasses for the Memorial Luis Fernández XCM
The stony, dusty terrain of Cehegín, combined with the early-October sun, makes a full-shield style pair of glasses worthwhile.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- A wraparound shield protects better from stones kicked up by the rider ahead
