Race day in Spain: Cycling Competitions

There’s nothing quite like race day in Spain: Streets are closed to cars and lined with flags, cafés overflow with fans, and the sound of cowbells and cheers echoes through mountain passes and seaside boulevards. 

Most events are open only to professional cyclists, but a few even invite amateurs onto the course. Whether you ride or simply cheer, the atmosphere is unforgettable.

Top cycling events in Spain:

1. La Vuelta a España

Participation Type: Professional (spectator event)

When: Late August – Mid September

Where: Rotating route across Spain, final stage traditionally in Madrid

Spain’s Grand Tour is one of cycling’s three biggest races, alongside the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Over three weeks, the peloton tackles high mountain passes, rolling hills, and dramatic sprints.

Plan your cycling holiday to catch a stage start or finish—whether in the Pyrenees, along the rugged north coast, or in the heart of Madrid. Roads close to traffic, villages erupt in cheers, and the atmosphere is electric.

Did you know?

Cycling stars Roberto Heras and Primož Roglič share the record for most Vuelta a España victories—four wins each, a feat that places them among cycling’s true legends.

What makes it even more exciting for our guests is the international story behind the champions. Roglič hails from Slovenia, a country whose soaring Alpine passes and emerald valleys we showcase on our Slovenia Cycling Holidays—the very kind of terrain where world-class climbers are made.

And while Heras carried the Spanish flag, recent winners like Jonas Vingegaard have brought Danish power to the podium. If you’re inspired by that northern grit, don’t miss cycling on his training ground on our Denmark Bike Tours.

2. Volta a Catalunya

Participation Type: Professional (spectator event)

When: Late March

Where: Throughout Catalonia, including Barcelona and Pyrenean climbs

This century-old stage race is a spring classic of the WorldTour calendar. Riders face steep mountain stages and lively city finishes.

If you’re touring Catalonia in March, you’ll share roads with team reconnaissance rides and catch the buzz in towns like Girona and Barcelona. Expect festive fan zones and cafés filled with cycling chatter.

3. Clásica de San Sebastián

Participation Type: Professional (spectator event)

When: Late July / Early August

Where: San Sebastián and the surrounding Basque hills

This one-day classic is famous for its punchy climbs and ocean views. The city’s beachfront turns into a grandstand as fans pack the streets to watch world-class riders battle for victory.

Combine a Basque Country bike tour with race day to enjoy vibrant tapas bars, cheering crowds, and coastal rides that mirror the pros’ route.

4. Gran Fondo Alberto Contador

Participation Type: Amateurs (open to all)

When: Mid-September

Where: Oliva, Valencian Community

Named after Spain’s legendary champion, this gran fondo draws cyclists from around the world to tackle scenic Mediterranean roads.

Join the ride yourself or base a self-guided tour around the event. Expect a festival-like atmosphere, well-supported routes, and the thrill of riding where a Grand Tour winner trained.

5. The Millars UCI Gran Fondo

Participation Type: Amateurs (UCI qualifier)

When: March

Where: Castellón province, near Valencia

Spain’s flagship UCI Gran Fondo World Series event offers challenging climbs and a chance to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

Perfect for ambitious amateurs or spirited spectators, it turns Castellón’s roads into a global cycling arena, complete with cheering locals and post-ride celebrations.

Ready to Catch the Action?

Time your adventure with one of these legendary race days and you’ll feel Spain’s passion for cycling in every cheer, every climb, and every celebration—an experience you’ll talk about long after the wheels stop spinning.

Send us a message and let’s make it happen—your front-row seat to Spain’s most electrifying cycling events awaits!