Prepare for the Quebrantahuesos with this guide | Europe's biggest challenge
Quebrantahuesos 2025: A guide to preparing for one of Europe's greatest cycling challenges
If you're going to suffer, let it be for something epic.
The Quebrantahuesos is not just another march. It is the march .
A challenge that commands respect, excitement, and countless hours of training. Every year, more than 10,000 cyclists tackle its legendary mountain passes between Spain and France, challenging not only the gradient, but also the heat, the wind, the rain... and, above all, themselves.
If you're preparing for the 2025 Quebrantahuesos , or are curious to know what this race is really like, this article is for you. Here you'll find practical information , useful tips , and details about the route , logistics , and everything you need to know before you put on your bib. Because yes, it's tough. But it's also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have on two wheels.
What is the Quebrantahuesos?
The Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo is a 200-km cycle race with over 3,500 meters of elevation gain. It starts in Sabiñánigo (Huesca) and crosses the French border via the Somport Pass. It then tackles Marie Blanque and Portalet , and ends with the short but challenging Hoz de Jaca before returning to Spain.
It's a circular route that combines natural beauty, physical demands, and well-organized logistics.
Since its first edition in 1991, it has gained fame and become one of the most coveted races on the European calendar. In fact, the registration process is based on a lottery: thousands of people apply each year to win a race number. And with good reason. Finishing it is a mental asset for life.
View personalized map of the Quebrantahuesos
What should you keep in mind if you are going to prepare it?
It is not a march to improvise
If you've been awarded a race number or are considering taking one, there are several key aspects you should plan ahead of time. Here are the essentials:
Physical and specific training
✔ Endurance: This is a long ride, requiring you to spend more than 7 hours on the bike. Aerobic fitness is key.
✔ Long climbs: It's not enough to train for steep climbs. You'll be tackling climbs over 15 km long, like Portalet . Plan rides with climbs similar in length and gradient.
✔ Cadence and control: Learn to manage your effort. Many cyclists arrive at Marie Blanque exhausted due to not pacing themselves in Somport.
✔ Endurance + strength: Alternate days of endurance training with specific strength training: gym, core training, and functional exercises to prevent injuries and improve efficiency.
Route recognition
- Having a clear career profile will give you an advantage. Here are the key points:
- Somport (1,640 m): 27 km, very progressive. Ideal for warming up without overdoing it.
- Marie Blanque (1,035 m): Only 9 km, but with gradients of up to 13%. The sifting takes place here.
- Portalet (1,794 m): The longest (28 km), but with constant gradients. Here, wind and heat can be decisive.
- Hoz de Jaca (1,276 m): A short but leg-breaking final effort with sections at 10%. Watch out for cramps!
Nutrition and strategy
- Plan your diet now: whatever you wear during training should be the same as what you'll wear on the day of the race.
- Avoid trying new products on the day of the test.
- Eat and hydrate before you feel hungry or thirsty.
- Bring mineral salts, bars, and gels that you know you tolerate well.
Pre-race logistics
- Arrive at least 24-48 hours in advance. Race number collection, the race fair, and signature checks take time.
- The atmosphere is spectacular: more than 10,000 cyclists, families, brands, interviews, bike tests . Take advantage of the opportunity to soak up the experience, but don't let it wear you down.
- If you can, spend the night in Sabiñánigo or nearby towns . The departure time is early, so it's best to be close by.
Equipment and mechanics
- Bike checked from top to bottom.
- Proper development: compact or medium chainring, and at least a 28 or 30 at the rear.
- Technical clothing designed for both hot and cold weather. It can be cool in the morning and scorching in the afternoon.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, windbreaker, gloves: everything counts.
What if I don't dare to try the Quebrantahuesos?
The organization offers a very interesting alternative: the Treparriscos Medio Fondo . It's 85 km with 1,350 meters of elevation gain, also starting from Sabiñánigo.
It's perfect if you want to experience the atmosphere, ride hard, but without the effort of 200 km. Many cyclists use this race as a stepping stone to taking on the big one.
What makes this test so special?
Beyond the miles and mountain passes, what makes the Quebrantahuesos unique is its ability to connect with the cyclist.
It's not just a physical challenge: it's a personal journey. From the moment you sign up, you're already in. You start training harder, change habits, plan vacations, talk about it in groups, do race simulations, take care of your diet...
When you finally take the start, you do so with a mixture of excitement, fear, and pride.
What happens after crossing the finish line?
The feeling is a mixture of absolute satisfaction, legs that can't take any more, and a head that can't stop repeating what you've achieved.
You'll probably spend days talking about the experience with your friends, uploading photos, and reviewing your performance.
That's why many cyclists are looking for a way to commemorate this milestone more lastingly . And this is where laminame comes in.
Your Quebrantahuesos' personalized map
At laminame.studio , we've designed a personalized map of the Quebrantahuesos with all the route details, including elevation and mountain passes. You can add your name, time, race number, or simply leave it as a visual tribute to your challenge.
Buy a personalized map of the Quebrantahuesos
Each map is printed on high-quality paper and available in a variety of sizes. It's not just decoration: it's a tangible reminder of everything you've experienced and how far you've come.
And yes, we also design maps for the Treparriscos and other iconic cycling events in Spain and Europe.
