Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
Donostia / San Sebastián · April 25, 2026
The 24th edition of the Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Donostia-Baiona-Donostia, organized by Donostia's Bera Bera RT together with the French Aviron Bayonnais, is a non-competitive, unranked ride that crosses the border to combine the green interior of the Basque-French borderland with the blue of the coast, over two routes of 90 and 130 km.
Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Donostia-Baiona-Donostia 2026 has already taken place
Start preparing for the next one: arrive with your gear tested and your form dialled in.
Marcha Cicloturista Internacional Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
Jointly organized by Donostia’s Bera Bera RT and Baiona’s Aviron Bayonnais, this cyclosportive is one of the few on the Spanish calendar that crosses a national border along its own route. Non-competitive and unranked, its 24th edition keeps the original spirit alive: enjoying the contrast of landscapes between the green interior of the Basque-French borderland and the blue of the Cantabrian coast.
A route of 90 or 130 kilometers
The ride offers two distances: a traditional 130 km route with 1,800 m of positive elevation gain, and a more accessible 90 km option with 1,600 m for less experienced cyclists. Both routes share the crossing into Baiona, France, before returning to Donostia.
Coast and border in a single day
Beyond the physical challenge, the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia stands out for its scenery: cliffs and beaches of the Basque-French coast alternating with interior valleys. The border crossing without formalities, thanks to the Schengen area, adds a symbolic element few other cyclosportives in Spain offer.
Donostia beyond the ride
Donostia / San Sebastián combines urban beach at La Concha with one of Europe’s best food scenes in its Old Town, packed with pintxos bars. Discover more events in the region in Basque Country.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
Donostia-Baiona-Donostia 2026 registration
The ride is non-competitive and unranked; registration and places are managed through the event's official website.
Tips
- Check the official website early: since it crosses a border, places tend to fill up fast
Where to stay for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
Donostia / San Sebastián, the start and finish point, has a wide hotel offer and is the most practical base for the event weekend.
Tips
- Book early in the Old Town or La Concha area to have the start nearby
Bike gear for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
The long route adds up to 1,800 m of elevation gain combining coastal stretches with interior ramps, so a versatile gearing range helps.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Check chain and drivetrain condition: the route combines coastal tarmac and interior roads
Technical clothing for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
The Atlantic climate on the Basque-French coast in late April can change between start and finish, with a chance of rain.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring a light waterproof layer for the wind-exposed coastal stretches
Nutrition for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
With up to 130 km and 1,800 m of elevation gain, plan your intake well at the route's feed stations, especially before crossing into France.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Bring some of your own nutrition besides the official feed stations, in case your pace slips
How to get to Donostia / San Sebastián
Donostia has its own airport (Hondarribia) and good motorway and rail connections with Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz and France.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- San Sebastián airport is about 20 minutes from the city center
Car rental in Donostia
If you're traveling from outside Gipuzkoa, renting a car makes it easier to move around with your bike between your accommodation and the start.
Tips
- Book ahead: high-demand weekend because of the event itself
Sports insurance for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
Since this is a non-competitive ride that crosses into France, check what coverage the organization requires, especially for non-federated riders.
Tips
- Confirm on the official website whether your insurance covers the French section of the route
Body care for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
With 130 km and 1,800 m of elevation gain on the long route, recovery after arriving in Donostia is key to avoid building up fatigue.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Stretch well after finishing, especially if you rode the long route
Components for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
Crossing the border towards Baiona on roads that mix coast and interior, a GPS bike computer with the route loaded gives peace of mind at the less obvious junctions.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Load the official track before crossing into France: signage changes on the other side of the border
Sunglasses for the Donostia-Baiona-Donostia
The glare off the sea on the coastal sections in late April makes a light pair of glasses with good side protection worthwhile.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- A polarized lens cuts down glare on the sections facing the sea
