More than 700 cyclists descend on Spain’s Costa Blanca as international cycling stars join La Nucía race

More than 700 cyclists representing 17 countries travelled to La Nucía on Saturday, November 7, for an international race that brought some of the biggest names in professional cycling to the Costa Blanca.

The third edition of the Gran Fondo La Nucía attracted competitors from across the world, with former world champion Alejandro Valverde and former Giro d’Italia winner Stefano Garzelli among the high-profile participants.

The event also marked an important milestone for the town, with the race joining the prestigious UCI Gran Fondo World Series for the first time.

International cycling stars take centre stage

The event was held at the Ciutat Esportiva Camilo Cano, which became the meeting point for hundreds of amateur and professional cycling enthusiasts.

Valverde, who won the UCI Road World Championships in 2018 and the Vuelta a España in 2009, was among the biggest attractions. Now serving as Spain’s national cycling selector, the Murcia-born rider joined competitors on the course, giving participants the opportunity to share the experience with one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

Italian cycling legend Stefano Garzelli also attended. He secured overall victory in the Giro d’Italia in 2000 and enjoyed a successful international career, which included victories in other major European stage races.

Both former champions spent time with participants, posing for photographs and chatting with cyclists during the event.

Challenging 132-kilometre route through Alicante

The main Gran Fondo covered 132 kilometres, with 2,275 metres of accumulated elevation gain.

Designed by former professional cyclist Miguel Induráin, the demanding route started at Avenida del Estadi Olímpic Camilo Cano before taking competitors through the mountainous interior of Alicante province.

Riders passed through several municipalities, including Relleu, Penàguila, Gorga and Famorca, while tackling some of the area’s best-known climbs, including the challenging Puerto de Aitana and Coll de Rates.

A shorter alternative was introduced for this year’s edition, allowing participants to choose a 71-kilometre course with almost 1,000 metres of elevation gain. This route started in Gorga before finishing at La Nucía’s sporting complex.

The main race got underway at 8.30am, with cyclists setting off for a demanding morning on the roads of the Marina Baixa and surrounding countryside.

British cyclist claims women’s victory

There was international success in the results, with British rider Felicity Milton taking first place in the women’s category.

She completed the course in four hours, four minutes and six seconds. Dana Rozlapa finished second, followed by Joanna Kucinska in third.

In the men’s competition, Dutch cyclist Nick Van der Lyke secured victory in three hours, 34 minutes and eight seconds, repeating his success from the 2025 edition.

Valverde finished second, recording exactly the same time as the winner, while Guillaume Gerbaud took third place.

Road to the 2027 World Championships

This year’s race carried additional significance because it was included in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series for the first time.

The international series provides qualifying opportunities for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, scheduled to take place in France in 2027.

The inclusion placed La Nucía on the international amateur cycling calendar, attracting riders hoping to secure valuable qualification points.

The event received support from the Generalitat Valenciana, Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes, Alicante Provincial Council and La Nucía’s Ciudad del Deporte initiative.

The Estadi Olímpic Camilo Cano served as the event’s start and finish area, with facilities also provided for competitors preparing ahead of the race.

After completing their challenges, participants were welcomed back with a communal barbecue and paella, bringing the sporting weekend to a celebratory close.

For La Nucía, the successful turnout further strengthened its reputation as a destination for major sporting events, while showcasing the Costa Blanca’s mountainous landscapes to an international cycling audience.