Sierra Nevada is set for an exhilarating weekend with the debut of the Sierra Nevada Límite MTB Race on Saturday, followed by the classic Subida al Veleta on Sunday. To allow participants to tackle two challenges on consecutive days, TerraIncognita Sport, the organizer of both events, has introduced the new MTB race to complement the traditional climb.
With no snow on the peaks and in the midst of summer, Sierra Nevada remains active by offering new challenges to athletes. The SNL MTB Race takes place in the picturesque surroundings of the Park, mainly on paths, trails, and tracks. The race features two distances: the Marathon, which is 75 km with an elevation gain of 2,700 meters, and the Half Marathon, which is 36 km with an elevation gain of 1,450 meters. Both races will start in the town of Pinos Genil and finish in Cenes de la Vega. Additionally, e-Bike enthusiasts can participate in the event, though only in the Half Marathon distance.
Notable participants in this inaugural edition of the Sierra Nevada Límite MTB Race include Víctor Fernández, winner of the Gran Fondo Sierra Nevada Límite earlier this year, José Ángel Muñoz, winner of the HUEX NON STOP in 2022, and renowned riders Esther Maqueda and Rocío Martín.
On Sunday, the focus shifts to the iconic Subida al Veleta, one of the most famous road cycling events in Spain and Europe, with a finish line at over 3,100 meters above sea level. The 38-kilometer route offers no secrets: it’s a continuous climb from the sports center in Cenes de la Vega to the summit of Veleta. This entails a 2,250-meter elevation gain on a relentless incline. Participants will pass notable landmarks such as El Dornajo and the Las Sabinas pass. To aid them in this demanding circuit, there will be two refreshment stations at kilometers 17 and 32.
One of the major highlights of the Subida al Veleta is that it boasts the highest cycling finish in Europe, above 3,000 meters—a unique feature that will be enjoyed by riders like Fernando Romera, the current champion, and Fran Pozo, who finished third in 2023 and has been on the podium for the last ten years. In the women’s category, Esther Maqueda will aim for a double victory after competing in Saturday’s event as well.
