Experience La Ciclobrava: a cyclosportive race and stay in Girona
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationCatalonia / Costa Brava
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions32.46 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Take part in an exceptional cycling experience in the heart of Catalonia , during the legendary La Ciclobrava , a flagship event of the Sea Otter Europe festival. Starting from Girona , a hub of international cycling, set off on the training roads of the world's top professionals and experience the thrill of a sporting yet friendly atmosphere.
Three routes to choose from – 70 km, 100 km, or 140 km – invite you to explore the rich beauty of the Costa Brava . Between pre-Pyrenean climbs , winding roads, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean , every kilometer reveals diverse and unspoiled landscapes. On safe routes, the pleasure of riding and camaraderie take precedence over performance.
This trip combines the intensity of the event with cyclist-friendly accommodation , selected for its comfort and practicality. Registration and logistics are taken care of so you can fully concentrate on your challenge.
In addition to the race, enjoy privileged access to the festival: bike tests , discover the latest innovations, meet the brands, and experience the festive atmosphere in the exhibitors' village. A must-attend event to experience cycling in a whole new way.
The highlights
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Turnkey "Bib + Hotel" package, forget the complex logistics
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The world epicenter of cycling
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Immersion at the Sea Otter Europe festival
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision and/or the program will be adapted to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
- Flexible distances: One of the great advantages of this event is the ability to adapt your challenge to your current fitness level. If you feel tired on Sunday morning, you can usually switch to a shorter distance (for example, going from 140 km to 100 km) so that the enjoyment remains intact.
- Logistics and transfers: Travel between your hotel and the starting village in Girona is at your own expense. If you are staying in Lloret de Mar or Platja d'Aro, we advise you to plan your journey for Sunday morning to ensure a smooth arrival at your starting point.
- Bib collection: We highly recommend collecting your bib on Saturday. This will allow you to complete your registration without stress and fully enjoy the atmosphere of the Sea Otter Europe trade show.
- Safety and health: Make sure you have a valid cycling license or medical certificate if required by the organization for bib number collection.
In figures
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 50 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
For this stay, we have chosen to offer you a fully autonomous experience, allowing you to experience the event at your own pace, without group constraints or imposed schedules.
Upon confirmation, you will receive a complete digital roadbook . This interactive guide includes all the essential information for your stay: details of your accommodation, meeting points for bib collection, and GPS tracks for the various routes of La Ciclobrava. It's your ideal travel companion to ensure you don't miss a thing at the Sea Otter Europe festival.
Program
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Arrival in cycling country and setup
- Activity Road bike
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Catalonia! Your stay begins with settling into your chosen hotel (Girona, Lloret de Mar, or Platja d'Aro). Enjoy the afternoon getting your bearings, preparing your bike, and, weather permitting, taking a short warm-up ride on the local roads. It's the perfect time to soak up the region's unique atmosphere before the festival hustle and bustle begins.
Day 1 -
Immersion at the Sea Otter Europe festival
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day is dedicated to preparation and discovery. Head to the Sea Otter Europe start village in Girona to collect your race number (from 9:30 am to 7:15 pm) . Take this opportunity to explore one of the world's largest cycling trade shows: test new models, visit international brand stands, and enjoy spectacular entertainment. A day filled with cycling passion before the big challenge tomorrow. Remember to stay hydrated and pack your nutrition!
Day 2 -
The big departure: La Ciclobrava
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 100 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day has arrived! For those who are late, a final bib collection is possible from 6:30 am to 7:45 am . Then, it's time for action at the starting line!
- 08:00: Departure of the long course ( 140 km ) for the most enduring.
- 08:10: Start of the intermediate route ( 100 km ).
- 8:20 a.m.: Start of the discovery route ( 70 km ). Set off on the scenic roads of the Costa Brava in a festive and safe atmosphere. After the effort and crossing the finish line, you can celebrate your achievement in the village before concluding your stay. End of post-race services.
Day 3
Note
The departure times and final routes are set by the La Ciclobrava organizers. For safety reasons (weather, road conditions), the organizers may have to modify the routes on the day itself.
Accommodation
The Meliá Lloret de Mar is an exceptional 4-star hotel, nestled in a lush and peaceful setting, just minutes from the most beautiful cycling routes of the Costa Brava. Recently renovated, this hotel combines contemporary design with upscale comfort. It's the ideal retreat for cyclists looking to combine athletic performance with absolute relaxation. Its spacious and bright rooms, each with a private balcony, offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean gardens. After your ride on La Ciclobrava, you can enjoy the hotel's serene atmosphere, a true oasis of calm for optimal recovery.
The Best Price Girona hotel is a modern and functional establishment, ideally located in the heart of Girona. Its strategic location makes it a preferred choice for participants in La Ciclobrava, as it offers quick access to the Sea Otter Europe starting village and the city's historic center. This hotel prioritizes efficiency and contemporary comfort, offering air-conditioned, perfectly soundproofed rooms with high-quality bedding to ensure optimal rest before the big sporting challenge.
The Ibis Girona Costa Brava hotel is a modern, dynamic, and particularly strategic option for cyclists. Located just a few minutes' walk from Devesa Park, home of the Sea Otter Europe festival, it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the race atmosphere without the hassle of travel. Its "Sweet Room by Ibis" accommodations are designed to offer optimal comfort with high-quality bedding, excellent soundproofing, and adjustable air conditioning, guaranteeing a perfect night's rest before heading to the starting line of La Ciclobrava.
The Hotel Planamar is an iconic beachfront establishment in Platja d'Aro, on the Costa Brava. Combining modern design with a Mediterranean ambiance, this hotel is an exceptional base for cyclists who want to enjoy the tranquility of the sea before joining the excitement of La Ciclobrava in Girona. Its bright and contemporary rooms offer high-end comfort, ideal for relaxing to the sound of the waves. It's the perfect choice for those who want to transform their sporting challenge into a truly relaxing seaside getaway.
Access
Your specific meeting point (hotel) will be provided in your booking confirmation. Depending on the hotel, it will be located either in the immediate vicinity of the Sea Otter Europe festival or in Girona city center. Most of the selected hotels have secure bicycle storage . Travel between your accommodation and the starting line of La Ciclobrava usually takes just a few minutes by bike.
How do I get there?
- Train: Girona train station (TGV/AVE) has direct connections to France (Paris, Lyon, Montpellier). This is the easiest option for cyclists.
- By plane: Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) or Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) (frequent shuttles to Girona).
- By car: Direct access via the AP-7 motorway (Girona exit).
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation: 2 nights (from Friday to Sunday) in the hotel selected during your booking (Meliá Lloret de Mar, Best Price Girona, Ibis Girona or Planamar).
- Catering: Full breakfasts throughout the stay, adapted to the energy needs of cyclists.
- Race registration: Your guaranteed race number for La Ciclobrava , with free choice of distance (70 km, 100 km or 140 km).
- Organization services: * Access to refreshments (solid and liquid) throughout the course on Sunday.
- Technical and medical assistance provided by the race organization.
- The welcome gift (often an exclusive event jersey) given when collecting the race number.
- Access to the festival: Free entry to the Sea Otter Europe trade fair throughout the weekend (access to exhibitors, bike tests, entertainment).
- Digital support: A digital roadbook sent before your departure, including logistical information, meeting points and GPS tracks of the routes.
- Hotel services: Access to hotel facilities (swimming pool, gym, Wi-Fi) and, depending on the establishment, access to a secure bicycle storage area.
The price does not include
- Transport to Girona/Costa Brava.
- Lunches and dinners (unless otherwise specified at the time of booking).
- Transfers between your hotel and the race starting village.
- Bike rental (if you don't bring your own).
- Personal insurance and cancellation insurance.
- Personal expenses and paid activities within the festival or hotel.
- Tourist tax (to be paid directly to the hotel if applicable).
Options
- Registration for the 70km Ciclobrava : CHF0.00 / person
- Registration for the 100km Ciclobrava : CHF0.00 / person
- Registration for the 140 km Ciclobrava : CHF0.00 / person
- Insurance & Daily License (Non-federated) : CHF9.15 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Safety equipment and mandatory materials:
- Approved helmet: Mandatory for the entire course.
- Optics: Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Hydration & Nutrition: Two 750ml water bottles. Although aid stations are planned, it is advisable to bring your usual energy bars or gels.
- Repair kit: Two spare inner tubes, tire levers, a pump or CO2 cartridges, and a multi-tool.
Clothing to bring
To fully enjoy your experience on the Catalan roads in September, your equipment should be versatile. Although the weather is generally sunny (between 18°C and 25°C), early morning departures in Girona can be chilly.
Recommended technical clothing:
- Complete cycling outfit: Comfortable bib shorts (long distance tested) and breathable jersey.
- Lightweight thermal protection: A compact windbreaker or sleeveless vest (protective vest) is essential for the first hours in the saddle and for descents from mountain passes.
- Accessories: Removable cuffs are ideal for adapting to temperature variations during the morning.
- Gloves: A pair of short gloves (mittens) for comfort and protection.
- Post-race: Plan to wear casual clothes for walking around the Sea Otter Europe festival and comfortable shoes.
