The Capitals

The Capitals – Barcelona, Spain

• Date: 19-24 July 2026
• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Distances: 840 km (+14,000m)
• Event Type: Unsupported Ultracycling

The Capitals is a demanding long-distance ultracycling event in Spain, charting an ambitious course to connect the four provincial capitals of Catalonia. Starting and finishing in Barcelona, the event is a testament to endurance and self-sufficiency. Riders are presented with a fixed route that they must navigate without support, managing their own pace, rest, and resources. It is a challenge of navigation, rhythm, and personal resolve set against a backdrop of rich Catalan landscapes.

The 840-kilometre route traces a grand loop through the region, accumulating over 14,000 metres of elevation gain. The terrain is predominantly unpaved, with a mix of roughly 70% gravel tracks and 30% asphalt that demands versatility from both rider and machine. The journey ventures from the coast, across inland plains, and ascends into the Pyrenees mountains via Bagà, offering a continuously shifting portrait of the Catalan landscape.

The narrative of the ride unfolds through its checkpoints, each a significant capital. After leaving Barcelona, the route leads south to the ancient port of Tarragona. It then turns inland towards the agricultural heart of Lleida, before climbing into the mountains for the checkpoint at Bagà. The track descends towards historic Girona, a renowned cycling hub, before beginning the final leg back to Barcelona, completing a comprehensive tour that defines this bikepacking adventure in Catalonia.

As an unsupported event, participants have 134 hours to complete the course. This format places the focus squarely on rider strategy and resilience. Decisions about when to ride and where to rest are a core part of the experience, a common feature in other gravel events in Spain. Whether ridden non-stop or with planned stops, the clock is a constant companion on this journey, a true test for any long-distance cyclist.

The ride begins from the Jardins de Miramar, but the community feeling starts the day before with registration and briefings. This provides a moment of connection before the solitude of the long road ahead. The finish line at the iconic Arc de Triomf marks the journey's end, and this particular ultracycling event in Spain culminates in a closing dinner where riders share stories etched by the road.

This event is more than a test of physical limits; it is an immersion into the landscape of Catalonia. For those drawn to self-supported adventure, The Capitals stands out. The true preparation lies in readying the mind for long hours with the rhythm of the pedals and the unfolding scenery. Discover more about what makes The Capitals a premier ultracycling event in Spain on the official event website.