Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Occident Bilbao-Bilbao
Bilbao · March 14, 2027
The 38th edition of the Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Occident Bilbao-Bilbao, organized by Club Ciclista BideBike, gathers around 8,000 cyclists every March across three routes of 85, 115 and 125 km through Bizkaia — widely seen as the unofficial start of the cyclosportive season in Spain.
Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Occident Bilbao-Bilbao 2027 registration dates to be confirmed
The organiser hasn't published the registration dates yet. Get your gear and logistics ready in the meantime.
Past editions
- 2026 · March 15, 2026 (held)
Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Occident Bilbao-Bilbao
Organized by Club Ciclista BideBike, the Bilbao-Bilbao is one of the most crowded events on the Spanish cyclosportive calendar: every March it gathers around 8,000 participants on the streets of Bilbao, in what much of the peloton considers the unofficial start of the season. Its 38th edition, set for March 14, 2027, keeps the format of three routes to choose from on the day of the event.
A route of 85, 115 or 125 kilometers
The ride offers three distances — 85, 115 and 125 km — sharing a start and finish in Bilbao, which lets riders of very different levels take part on the same day. The long route accumulates more elevation gain thanks to the characteristic ramps of Bizkaia’s roads, while the short route is more accessible for those looking for their first cyclosportive of the season.
The start of the season in the north
Beyond the sporting challenge, the Bilbao-Bilbao has a strong atmosphere: a mass start, well-organized feed stations and a finish line with a large crowd. Weather in March is changeable on the Cantabrian coast, so the organization recommends being ready for temperature swings during the ride.
Bilbao beyond the ride
Besides the Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo, Bilbao offers one of the best pintxos scenes in Spain around the Siete Calles area. Discover more events in the region in Basque Country.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Bilbao-Bilbao 2026 registration
Registration is managed through RockTheSport, with a reduced price for federated riders and up to 10 simultaneous sign-ups per person.
Tips
- 29 € general, 24 € federated, until January 14
- Groups larger than 10: contact the organization by email
Where to stay for the Bilbao-Bilbao
Bilbao city, the start and finish point, has the largest hotel offer in Bizkaia and is the most convenient option to walk or take the metro to the start pen.
Tips
- Book early: this is one of Bizkaia's busiest hotel weekends in March because of the event itself
Bike gear for the Bilbao-Bilbao
The longer routes exceed 1,500 m of elevation gain over the characteristic ramps of Bizkaia's roads, so it's worth checking your gearing before you leave.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- A wide-range cassette helps on the ramps of the 125K route
Technical clothing for the Bilbao-Bilbao
In mid-March the weather in Bizkaia is changeable, with cold starts and a chance of rain; being able to shed layers as the morning goes on is key.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring a light windproof/waterproof layer, typical of the Cantabrian coast in March
Nutrition for the Bilbao-Bilbao
The route has feed stations spread out according to the distance chosen, enough to cover up to the 125 km of the long route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- On the 125K route it's worth carrying an extra gel between feed stations
How to get to Bilbao
Bilbao has its own airport with national and international connections, plus good motorway and rail links with the rest of northern Spain.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bilbao airport is 15 minutes from the city center by bus or taxi
Car rental in Bilbao
If you're coming from outside the Basque Country, renting a car at Bilbao airport makes it easier to get to the start with your bike and gear.
Tips
- Book ahead in March: demand is higher because of the event itself
Sports insurance for the Bilbao-Bilbao
Federated riders race with their own licence; non-federated riders need the one-day insurance managed by the organization.
Tips
- Check that your federation licence is valid before registering as federated
Body care for the Bilbao-Bilbao
With up to 1,600 m of elevation gain on the long route and cold temperatures at the start, muscle recovery at the finish matters.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Change out of wet or sweaty clothing right after finishing to avoid getting cold
Components for the Bilbao-Bilbao
With 8,000 riders on the streets of Bilbao, a GPS bike computer helps you navigate the dense pack safely and pace yourself on the 125K route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Log the route as a reference for your next gran fondo of the season
Sunglasses for the Bilbao-Bilbao
March weather in Bizkaia is changeable, with intermittent sun and a chance of drizzle, making a pair of glasses with a clear or photochromic lens useful.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- A clear or photochromic lens adapts better to the typical light changes of a March morning on the coast
