The Ciclobrava: How to prepare, enjoy it, and create a unique memory
The Ciclobrava: a Costa Brava cycling race to remember
The La Ciclobrava cycling race is a great sporting challenge for lovers of cycling tourism and bicycle racing. It's an experience that combines your passion for cycling with the history, culture, and unique landscapes of Girona and the Costa Brava.
Every year, cyclists from around the world gather for this event to ride legendary roads, climb challenging mountain passes, and experience the thrill of pedaling through one of the most renowned areas of international cycling.
Photo from www.laciclobrava.com
Participating in La Ciclobrava isn't just a physical challenge; it's also a way to connect with the cycling community, enjoy historic roads that have seen renowned professionals train, and create memories that will stay with each participant for a lifetime.
In this article, we want to tell you the story of La Ciclobrava , how to prepare for it safely , tips to improve your time , and keys to enjoying it to the fullest . And, of course, how to immortalize this sporting milestone with a personalized print from laminame.studio , a unique and original souvenir of your efforts.
View personalized map La Ciclobrava
What is La Ciclobrava?
The La Ciclobrava cycling race is one of the major events on the Spanish cycling calendar. It takes place in Girona, a legendary destination for cycling enthusiasts, renowned for its mountain routes, secondary roads, and year-round perfect climate.
Where does La Ciclobrava take place?
Girona is the stage for this great sporting event; it has become the Mecca of European cycling, home to professional teams and elite cyclists who train on its roads.
The level of detail and coastline of the La Ciclobrava custom map , available for 150km, 100km, and 70km routes. Explore the mountains, villages, and coastline of Girona with this sporty racing experience.
The race offers several routes adapted to different levels, allowing each cyclist to find the challenge that best suits their training. However, all the routes have in common the spectacular scenery and the physical demands that make every kilometer a challenge.
Maps and routes of the Ciclobrava
Map and route of the 150km Ciclobrava
The 150km La Ciclobrava route is the longest and most demanding of all, with a cumulative elevation gain of nearly 2,000 m. Designed for experienced cyclists who enjoy the long distances and leg-breaking terrain of Girona. Along the route, the route climbs legendary mountain passes in the area, making this route an exciting and challenging route:
- Sant Grau d'Ardenya: a spectacular port with sea views.
- Romanyà and La Ganga: classics in the area and regulars at these professional events.
- Montjuïc: the final stretch entering Girona, with short but demanding ramps.
This route requires strong and intense physical preparation , getting used to long rides of more than five hours, and regularly training for elevation gains of over 1,500 m. It's ideal for those who have already completed other medium- or long-distance cycle tours and are looking to take things to the next level.
Map and route of the 150km La Ciclobrava
Map and route of the Ciclobrava 100km
The 100km route is perfect for cyclists in good physical condition who want a serious challenge without the extreme fatigue of a long ride. With a cumulative elevation gain of approximately 1,000–1,150 m , it offers familiar climbs and rolling sections that allow you to maintain a steady pace and enjoy the scenery.
The protagonists of the tour are:
- Romanyà: with its gentle curves and long climbs.
- La Ganga: another affordable port but one that adds to the toughness.
- Madremanya: which adds a plus towards the end.
- Montjuïc: a classic entrance to Girona that forces you to make the final effort.
Although less challenging than the 150km route, this route requires being accustomed to riding between 80 and 100 km continuously, combining hills and flat terrain. Recommended training includes 3- to 4-hour rides with moderate elevation gain, working on long climbs, and good nutrition management during the effort.
Map and route of the 100km La Ciclobrava
Map and route of the Ciclobrava 70km
The short 70km route is designed for those who want to experience La Ciclobrava without the need for extreme training. With an elevation gain of approximately 800 m , it's an accessible route that combines iconic climbs with comfortable riding sections.
The main ports are:
- Santa Pellaia: a recent addition that adds to the appeal of the route.
- Madremanya: with its rural charm and moderate demands.
- Montjuïc: the final climb up Catalonia's most famous mountain before reaching the finish line in Girona.
This tour is perfect for cyclists already accustomed to 50–60 km rides and looking for their first organized major cycle tour. Ideal training focuses on 2- to 3-hour rides with elevation gains of 600–800 m, practicing changes of pace on hills, and working on cadence on short climbs.
Map and route of the 70km Ciclobrava
Participating in La Ciclobrava is one of the greatest races you can experience, offering a complete experience : from collecting your race number and feeling the excitement beforehand, to crossing the finish line with the satisfaction of having done it. It's an event that combines sport, Girona culture, and the cycling community.
History of La Ciclobrava in Girona
Landscapes of the Costa Brava in Girona with the Ciclobrava. Photo from laciclobrava.com
Although La Ciclobrava is a relatively new event, it has quickly achieved international prestige. It is part of the Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona Bike Show , one of the most important cycling festivals on the continent.
This means that, in addition to the cycling event itself, participants enjoy a unique atmosphere: brands, professionals, exhibitors, and fans come together for a weekend that revolves entirely around cycling.
La Ciclobrava test. Photo from laciclobrava.com
The philosophy of La Ciclobrava is clear: to offer cyclists the opportunity to ride along historic roads, discover dreamlike landscapes, and be part of a passionate community. Each edition strengthens the spirit of achievement and camaraderie that defines this event.
Customizable La Ciclobrava map
The photographs of participants climbing mountain passes, groups of friends sharing the route, or the excitement at the finish line are part of the collective memory of La Ciclobrava. These are precisely the memories we at laminame help transform into a tangible and lasting object with our personalized maps .
How to prepare for La Ciclobrava
Preparing for a cycle tour like La Ciclobrava requires planning. Here are some key points:
1. Progressive training
Start preparing your body at least 12 weeks (or more than 3 months) in advance. Alternate endurance training with interval sessions and strength training. Remember to include long routes on terrain similar to that you'll find in Girona, with slopes and mountain passes.
2. Food and rest
Just as important as pedaling is taking care of your nutrition and sleep . Maintain a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates and proteins , and include hydration as a fundamental pillar . Getting enough sleep will make a difference in your performance.
3. Know the route
Analyze your route profile on La Ciclobrava. Knowing which kilometers contain the toughest climbs or where you'll encounter technical descents will allow you to better manage your energy on race day.
Tour in the Girona Mountains. Photo by Rouleur
How to get your best time on La Ciclobrava
Not all participants are aiming for a personal best, but if your goal is to improve your time, here are some recommendations:
- Manage your effort : don't go out too hard. Save energy for the toughest climbs.
- Train your cadence : Maintaining a constant pace is more effective than sudden changes.
- Plan your eating strategy : bring gels or bars and consume them at strategic times.
- Optimize your gear : Make sure your bike is serviced and has the proper gearing for the slopes.
The Ciclobrava by Orbea photo by Bike
How to enjoy La Ciclobrava to the fullest
Beyond the brand, La Ciclobrava is an experience to enjoy:
- Ride in a group : Riding with someone will give you confidence and make the ride more enjoyable.
- Admire the landscapes : Girona and the Costa Brava offer spectacular views that are worth enjoying even during the effort.
- Experience the Sea Otter Europe atmosphere : discover the latest cycling news and share experiences with other fans.
Participating in La Ciclobrava is both a sporting challenge and an opportunity to celebrate cycling at its finest.
A unique souvenir to highlight your brand
At laminame.studio, we believe that every achievement deserves to be remembered. Crossing the finish line of La Ciclobrava is a moment that shouldn't be limited to memories or photographs alone.
With our personalized La Ciclobrava poster, you can immortalize your route with your name, time, and other special details about the event.
La Ciclobrava personalized tour and poster
Our custom maps are much more than decoration: they're a tribute to your efforts, a tangible memory that reflects miles of training, self-improvement, and passion for cycling.
Each poster is custom-designed with the actual map of the route, so you can have a symbol of your accomplished challenge on your wall.
Plus, they make an original and unique gift for any cyclist. If you have a friend, partner, or family member who has participated in La Ciclobrava , surprise them with this personalized poster.
It will be a way to show him how much you value his achievement.
See customizable poster of La Ciclobrava
More information about the Ciclobrava
The La Ciclobrava cycle race is a must-do for any cycling enthusiast, both for the sporting challenge it represents and for the opportunity to ride in Girona, surrounded by history, culture, and the cycling community.
Proper preparation, careful planning, and the unique atmosphere of the event are key to enjoying it to the fullest.
And when you cross the finish line, don't let that memory remain a lost photo. Bring it to life with a personalized print from laminame.studio , designed to immortalize your efforts.
