Cyclists can choose between two routes of either 95 or 140 kilometres, which everyone will be able to enjoy on 31 May.
The Ciclobrava is Girona in a nutshell. The start and finish will be located at the Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona entrance, on Avinguda de Xavier Cugat, and the route takes in a training section with small climbs, safe roads with little traffic (where the professionals living in Girona train) and new landscapes for tour cyclists, as they ride between two opposing terrains: the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
Cyclists can choose between two routes: One, a more demanding 140-kilometre course with 1,750D+ – although it is not extreme, as the intention is that Ciclobrava tour cyclists share their time between visiting the biggest bicycle fair in Europe and cycling. It will have four mountain passes: Sant Grau d’Ardenya, Romanyà (pass from the second stage of the 2019 Volta), La Ganga (pass from the third stage of the 2019 Volta) and Montjuïc, on the approach to the city of Girona, offering incredible views all the way to the Costa Brava.
And the other, a more gentle 95-kilometre route with 1,000D+, offering an easy course in which cyclists can set their own pace and finish around 11 a.m. It will have four mountain passes: Romanyà, La Ganga, Montjuïc and Madremanya, this last one located at kilometre 75.
Emblematic places on the tour
The first mountain pass on the long route, Sant Grau d’Ardenya, is spectacular. Although it is not particularly difficult, it is incredibly picturesque, as riders will head deep inside the forest and, once at the top, come face to face suddenly with the Mediterranean Sea, from where they will begin a dramatic descent down to the Costa Brava.
The third refreshment zone will be located in Monells, a beautiful and very well preserved town, which riders will come to after having passed along very narrow and very quiet roads, perfect for a cycling tour. Once in Monells, riders will be able to see its squares and streets, which are a great example of the evolution of architecture through history. Parts of the Romanesque walls and towers that surrounded the village still stand, while L’Oli Square and various large windows date from the Gothic period.
During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries houses were built adjoining the walls of the fortification. Today, on the façades of many of these houses their construction dates can be seen.
Film buffs will recognise the village as it was a location for the film Ocho apellidos catalanes (Eight Catalan Surnames).
Once in Girona, all that’s needed is one last push to climb Montjuic and receive your reward, spectacular views of Girona’s old town, before quickly descending and crossing the Ter river on the way to Avinguda de Xavier Cugat where a great spread awaits so participants can refuel. After that there will still be time to visit the festival, if you haven’t already done so.
The last cyclists to finish the short course will arrive at around 1 p.m. and those on the long route at 3 p.m., coinciding with the festival’s closing. The most important thing is to enjoy the ride and your time spent together with fellow cycle tour fans.
