The 16th edition of the Andalucía Bike Race by Garmin is here. The Museo Íbero in Jaén hosted this morning the presentation of this now traditional mountain bike event.
The ABR will cross three Andalusian provinces over five days of action, bringing the very best mountain biking to Andalucía. Around 750 riders will race across the region during the competition days, which for the second consecutive year will start in the province of Granada with an individual time trial.
For the sixth consecutive year, the ABR holds the UCI quality seal, positioning it as the leading mountain bike stage race in the world. The event features stages that award points toward the UCI World Championships thanks to its SHC category status.
In total, riders will cover more than 300 kilometers and face over 8,000 meters of elevation gain. These characteristics define the race as one of the most demanding events on the international circuit.
International participation
This year, the ABR will host 55 professional riders from 13 professional teams. Combining professional and amateur participants, nearly one third of the peloton is international. In total, 71 nationalities are represented among the 7,000 athletes who have taken part throughout the 15 previous editions of the Andalucía Bike Race, confirming a strong trend of international participation.
International exposure for a privileged environment
The Andalucía Bike Race continues to promote sustainable and year-round tourism throughout the region. Thanks to the ABR, riders have the opportunity to discover the natural landscapes and unique settings of Granada, Jaén, and Córdoba.
Expanding riders’ events
As is tradition, the 16th edition also introduces new events to broaden its appeal to the public. This year, the ABR presents two major novelties.
The Andalucía Gravel Race will introduce the gravel discipline to the ABR for the first time. A total of 120 participants will take part in this rapidly growing and highly demanded cycling format.
There will also be new activities for younger riders. The Andalucía Race Kids will be the first event specifically designed for children. Coinciding with Andalucía Day, a special edition will take place at Parque de la Asomadilla so that young participants can enjoy the ABR environment. The Andalucía Race Kids has sold out all 70 available spots, demonstrating strong interest in promoting healthy lifestyles among younger generations.
Authorities attending the presentation
The presentation ceremony was attended by:
Jesús Estrella, Delegate of the Andalusian Government in Jaén;
Antonio Martín, Provincial Deputy for Sports and Civil Protection of the Córdoba Provincial Council;
Carlos Rueda, President of the Andalusian Cycling Federation;
Xavier Bartrolí, President of Esedos Events;
Aitor Jiménez, Director of Esedos Events;
Inés Arcos, Deputy for Electronic Government and Internal Affairs of the Jaén Provincial Council;
José Ayala, Territorial Delegate for Culture and Sport of the Andalusian Government in Jaén;
and Beatriz López, Sports Councillor of Jaén.
Statements
Beatriz López, Sports Councillor of Jaén:
“After 16 years of the ABR in Jaén, we can say it is one of the province’s flagship sporting events.”
Aitor Jiménez, Director of Esedos Events:
“This year we faced the challenge of having to cancel one stage, but our experience allowed us to make the right logistical decision. The riders understood the situation and supported the decision.”
“The Andalucía Bike Race enjoys very strong loyalty among its participants. Many return year after year because of the product we are able to offer.”
“Each year we introduce new features that make the ABR even more attractive. This year we launched Andalucía Bike Kids, which sold out all 75 places for children at Parque de la Asomadilla in Córdoba on Andalucía Day. We are also introducing the Andalucía Gravel Ride with 120 participants. The response has been very positive, laying the foundation for this new discipline within the ABR.”
Carlos Rueda, President of the Andalusian Cycling Federation:
“We have the best terrain in the world to practice cycling in all its disciplines.”
“Fifteen years ago, José Antonio Hermida took part in the first edition of the Andalucía Bike Race — and today, the event continues to attract top-level riders.”
Xavier Bartrolí, President of Esedos Events:
“Sixteen years ago, no one talked about sports tourism — you were considered crazy if you mentioned it. Today, mountain biking is a benchmark, and in Andalucía it forms a perfect partnership.”
“We continue to explore the possibility of adding new host venues because the format works. The ABR is the most important mountain bike stage race in the world.”
“This success is the result of synergy between the public, institutions, authorities, and participants. Without them, we could not have continued for 16 years bringing the best mountain biking in the world.”
“Hopefully, we can celebrate another 16 years of Andalucía Bike Race. That would mean we are doing things right.”
Antonio Ramón Martín Romero, Deputy for Sports and Civil Protection of the Córdoba Provincial Council:
“People talk about putting Córdoba on the map, but without initiatives like this — which have such a strong sporting and tourism impact — it would not be possible.”
Jesús Estrella, Delegate of the Andalusian Government in Jaén:
“The combination of efforts makes major events possible. Jaén is the second province in Europe in terms of protected land area, which creates opportunities to protect, promote, and respect natural environments through initiatives like this.”