HERO Costa Blanca - Stay tuned for this brand-new HERO UCI World Cup round!

HEROes,

How have you been? We know you’re looking forward to a well-deserved winter break – but before you go and sleep the summer season off, we wanted to pique your curiosity with some exciting news!

The first ‘save the date’ for the HERO will be 21 February 2026 in Spain’s Calpe-Benissa. If you’re still sitting on the fence about whether to take part in the HERO Costa Blanca, we’re here to give you that final push!

Picture the following: Calpe is a small coastal town with a riot of coloured and lively streets and alleys, a place which is the reflection of its long coastal history shaped by the cultures of the different people and nations which lived here over the course of the centuries. Steeped in history, its lively celebrations and fishing traditions ensure its past is never forgotten. Peñón de Ifach is just a stone’s throw away, and the mountain’s 332 metres have been a constant presence in the area, overlooking the sandy beaches and turquoise sea. The town of Benissa lies to the north, nestled between the sea and mountains, stretching out between the hilly lowlands all the way to the sea. A landscape combining vineyards, almond groves, and cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The Sierra de Bèrnia, located nearby but away from the city and coast, is a limestone mountain range boasting rocky ridges, pine mountain forests, and hidden valleys.

But let’s get down to business – the race’s track!

The race features two trails: one boasting 82 km and 2,722 hm, and one featuring 50 km and 1,400 hm. An ideal start to kick off the season. The longer route starts with an asphalted climb to then level out among the streets of Benissa away from the coast, climbing the La Solana and continuing towards Sierra de Bèrnia on technical stretches with a view of the sea. The Sierra de Oltà represents the decisive moment as it features steep climbs and descents, leading all the way back to Calpe to the finish line.

The spotlight will shine on the HEROes of the future during the HERO Kids Costa Blanca, which will take place on Saturday, 21 February at 9:30. A fun way for the younger ones in your group to experience mountain biking! The dedicated Welcome Pack features a HERO race jersey, a HERO cap, and a Trudi pouch - there’s nothing stopping them from joining the HERO universe!

Master and Kids registration: rockthesport.com/en/event/hero_costablanca_2026

STAYING IN CALPE

Enjoy the whirlwind weekend by making the most of the special offer provided by our partner hotel, the AR Diamante Beach Hotel****, which also double as the event HQ. The hotel is near the start and finish line. On 21 February 2026, race day for all HERO participants, breakfast is served at 6:00. The hotel also has an enclosed bike storage area.

For more information on the hotel visit https://www.ar-hotels.com/hotel-ar-diamante-beach/

Ready to jump off that fence and onto your bike?

See you in Calpe!