HERO Costa Blanca

From Coast to Peaks

Ride the Sierra de Bèrnia Adventure

From the Mediterranean coast to the peaks of the Sierra de Bèrnia, this route is a true mountain biker’s dream. Starting in Calpe and passing through the scenic landscapes of Benissa, you’ll climb through vineyards and mountain villages, face challenging ascents, and enjoy thrilling descents—all with breathtaking views of the sea and the rugged Costa Blanca landscape. A journey where every pedal stroke brings you closer to unforgettable adventure.

Start List Elite and Master Licence

LOCATION

Calpe-Benissa

Calpe and Benissa, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, are where the Mediterranean meets the mountains—an all-year paradise for mountain bikers. With steep climbs, rocky trails, and breathtaking views, this region has become a favorite training ground for cyclists worldwide. On 21 February 2026, it will host the opening round of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup, turning this iconic landscape into the global stage of mountain biking.

TEMPERATURES
In February, Calpe-Benissa enjoys mild winter temperatures, typically ranging from 10°C at night to 18°C during the day, making it perfect for outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

	DISTANCE	ELEVATION	TRACK PDF
82 km	82 km	2,700 hm

LA SOLANA-BENISSA CHALLENGE

GPX - 82 km

HERO UCI Race Book

HERO Costa Blanca Race Regulation

1 THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2026

THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2026


09.00 am - 05.00 pm	Unofficial Training

2 FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2026

FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2026


09.00 am - 05.00 pm	Unofficial training
10.00 am - 05.00 pm	HERO Village at Parc de la Creativitat
10.00 am - 07.00 pm	Race Number Collection & Rider Confirmation @Race Office at the AR Diamante Beach Hotel
03.30 - 04.00 pm	Official 2026 UCI XCM Teams Presentation - HERO Village at Parc de la Creativitat
04.00 - 04.40 pm	HERO Race Talk - HERO Village at Parc de la Creativitat
04.45 - 05.15 pm	Team Managers' Meeting - HERO Village at Parc de la Creativitat

3 SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2026

SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2026


06.30 - 07.30 pm	Race number collection for Amateur Races @Race Office at AR Diamante Beach Hotel
08.00 am	HERO Costa Blanca Marathon: Start Elite Men
08.10 am	HERO Costa Blanca Marathon: Start Elite Women
08.20 am	HERO Costa Blanca Marathon: Start Master Licence
08.30 am	HERO Costa Blanca: Start Amateurs 82 km / 50 km
09.30 -10.30 am	HERO KIDS Costa Blanca at Parc de la Creativitat
10.00 am - 05.00 pm	HERO Village at Parc de la Creativitat
11.00 am - 01.00 pm	Live Broadcasting HERO Costa Blanca
12.00 pm	Arrival Elite Men
12:45 pm	Arrival Elite Women
01.00 pm	Official HERO Costa Blanca Prize Giving Ceremony at Parc de la Creativitat
01.00 - 04.00 pm	HERO After Race Paella Party at Parc de la Creativitat

HERO Village Map

HERO Costa Blanca - Short Track

For passionate Amateur riders

The HERO Costa Blanca - Short Track is designed especially for passionate amateurs who want to experience the thrill of racing on the Mediterranean trails. Covering 50 km with 1,400 meters of elevation gain, the route offers a balanced mix of challenging climbs, fast descents, and scenic coastal views. It’s the perfect opportunity to test your limits, enjoy the beauty of the Costa Blanca landscape, and feel the HERO spirit on two wheels.

Register now

GPX file – Amateur Race

TRACK PDF

The HERO Welcome Pack

Everyone who will take part in the 2026 HERO Costa Blanca will get the iconic Welcome Pack. It contains the HERO race jersey and a the Cigar Kit by Crankbrothers X HERO.

€ 25,000 JACKPOT

The 2026 HWC Prize Money

The 2026 HERO UCI Marathon World Cup boasts a total jackpot of € 25,000. The prizes and the winners of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup will be awarded on 20 September 2026 at the final overall HWC Award Ceremony during La Tramun Sea Otter Europe in Girona/Costa Brava (ESP).

All cash prizes are subject to tax withholdings. As per Law 91/1981 (Article 3, Paragraph 2, Letter a) and DPR 600/1973, the withholding tax for Italian residents is 20%, while for non-residents, it is 30%.

Photo Service

You can purchase your own photos of the race on the website www.sportograf.com

To the shop

HERO Kids – Costa Blanca

The 2026 HERO KIDS in Calpe is a non-agonistic race for children from 4 to 12 years of age. The race is intended to allow youngsters who may become tomorrow’s champions to take part in a mountain bike race especially for them. The route is not particularly demanding.

The event take place on Saturday, 21 February at 09:30 am.

THE HERO KIDS WELCOME PACK
Our cyclists ‘competing’ in the HERO KIDS will also receive a dedicated Welcome Pack. They can wear their HERO cycling jersey as well as an adorable HERO cap as they explore the streets of Calpe during their mini ‘marathon’.
The registration fee is €20.00.

Tracks

Register now

LA SOLANA–BENISSA CHALLENGE

The Challenge within the Challenge

A climb that asks everything from you: 2.35 km, 272 meters uphill, 8.5% average slope.
In the heart of the HERO Costa Blanca race, when your legs burn and doubt creeps in, this is where you rise.
The LA SOLANA–BENISSA CHALLENGE is your moment to push beyond limits, to find strength you didn’t know you had, and to show the HERO inside you.
Face the climb. Embrace the effort. Become a HERO.

From LA SOLANA CLIMB START 291 m to MIRADOR DE LA SOLANA 563 m

TIMED CLIMB

2,35 km
272 hm

MAX TIME

ELITE MEN: 10‘
ELITE WOMEN: 12‘
MASTER MEN: 14‘
MASTER WOMEN, AMATEURS: 18‘

Altimetric profile

HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE LA SOLANA–BENISSA CHALLENGE?

Participation in the Challenge is automatic for all riders registered for the HERO Costa Blanca on the long course. The time limit will be measured between the two designated timing points and will be published online after the race.
All athletes who manage to reach the summit within the indicated maximum time will receive the exclusive HERO T-shirt: black for men and white for women.