Race Across Spain is a self-supported ultra-cycling event that showcases the diversity of Spain through a series of long-distance road routes designed for riders of different experience levels. Organized as part of the Race Across Series, the event combines fast rolling roads, major mountain passes, remote villages, and Mediterranean landscapes into a challenging endurance adventure.
The flagship route stretches approximately 1,000 km with around 14,000 m of elevation gain, crossing the country from the Atlantic coast near Santander toward the Mediterranean around Valencia. Riders tackle iconic climbs, quiet backroads, and some of Spain’s highest paved roads while managing navigation, nutrition, and sleep in true ultra-distance fashion.
For those stepping into ultra racing, shorter 500 km, 300 km, and 200 km formats provide the same Race Across experience with more accessible distances. The 500 km course uses two loops from a central basecamp near Valencia, while the shorter events offer an ideal introduction to self-supported endurance racing.
With reliable road surfaces, spectacular scenery, a warm late-season climate, and a welcoming atmosphere, Race Across Spain is equally suited to experienced ultra racers chasing a fast finish and newcomers looking to complete their first multi-day endurance event. It is a race that rewards consistent pacing, efficient time management, and resilience over outright speed.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
Race Across Spain covers 1000 km with 14000 m of climbing along the way — a fairly gentle profile from start to finish.
A All-Road Bike is the right tool for Race Across Spain. Set it up with 35-40mm Tubeless rubber and gear it low — a 40-42T (1x) chainring and 10-44T cassette will keep you spinning on the steeper sections.
We rate Race Across Spain as Advanced overall. Riders should be ready for a mix of surfaces, with some rougher sections mixed in, steadily rolling, with a healthy amount of climbing elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
Race Across Spain runs on September 16, 2026, placing it firmly in the autumn riding season, as conditions start cooling but daylight hours are shrinking.
Surface-wise, expect all-road throughout Race Across Spain — 35-40mm Tubeless tires are a safe bet.