Reputation: Regional Spanish event.
[01]
Course Overview
Spanish Castellon gravel challenge.
60 mi
Distance
5,000 ft
Elevation
Castellon, Spain
Location
February 22, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
€50-80
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Maddy NuttSpanish rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Spanish rolling terrain.
SURFACE COMPOSITION
overall
gravel 80%pavement 20%
25
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
38
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
60
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Overall elevation profile
3,000 M of climbing in under 100K described as going to be so so hard
Course is literally just climbing and descending according to riders who love climbing
[04]
From the Field
The course is so up my street like it's literally just climbing and descending and I love climbing... it's 3,000 M of climbing in under 100K so it's going to be so so hard.
Maddy Nutt · 18.5K views
L asked me like what I wanted in terms of setup and like I've set up my two bikes differently and I'll go through the other bike when I race that but this bike I've decided to put a mountain bike cassette on it because this is going to be my race bike for like the really technical rougher races
Maddy Nutt · 18.5K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Castellon Gravel Race? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
February 22, 2026 CASTELLON GRAVEL RACE
RIDERS REPORT
Suspension fork recommended for time savings on descents despite weight penalty in this really heavy race
Mountain bike cassette setup chosen for maximum gear range on technical rougher races
45mm tire width on front for more grip, slightly smaller tire on back for less rolling resistance
[08]
Train for Castellon Gravel Race
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
4
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
7
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Valencia (VLC) 1 hour
Lodging
Castellon has good lodging options.
Food
Castellon has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
3
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Castellon Gravel Race?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 60°F and lows of 41°F, with a 23% chance of rain on any given day, and gusts reaching 32 mph. "temperatures around the 15 degrees Celsius along the race itself" with morning chill giving way to comfortable conditions. The February timing attracts international riders "encouraged... Attracted by the mild weather we are used to having in the Mediterranean area at this time of the year." Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[2]
How are the logistics for Castellon Gravel Race?
You arrive in Llucena to discover "big mountains around you as the only exit from the village" - rural isolation that limits infrastructure. The race sold out at 800 riders with 250 traveling from abroad, but basic travel details remain scarce for what's become "the most internationally popular gravel event so far in Spain."[6]
How adventurous is Castellon Gravel Race?
Racing through every corner of Llucena's municipal territory on 72% gravel roads delivers proper exploration of Spanish mountain terrain most cyclists never see. The course design visiting the entire town area means discovering rural Spain, not just hammering a predetermined loop. February timing adds off-season adventure appeal when most European gravel racing shuts down.[6]
How prestigious is Castellon Gravel Race?
Opening the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series globally and offering Worlds qualification elevates this second-year race significantly. Valverde's repeat victory and the international field of 800 riders builds credibility, but the event is still establishing its reputation against established European gravel races.[2]
Should I race Castellon Gravel Race?
If you're in Europe—yes, it's solid. If you're international—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Cycling-Infocycling-info.com/alejandro-valverde-and-carolin-schiff-tr...
- Reference Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024–25_UCI_Gravel_World_Series
- Other Sources Granfondodailynewsgranfondodailynews.com/2025/02/16/2025-uci-gravel-worlds-...
- Community Redditreddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/castellon-gravel
- Other Sources Ucigravelworldseriesucigravelworldseries.com/en/castellon/
- Other Sources Comunitatvalencianawww.comunitatvalenciana.com/en/castello-castellon/llucena...
- Other Sources Cyclingnewswww.cyclingnews.com/news/alejandro-valverde-and-carolin-s...
- Other Sources Gravelunionwww.gravelunion.cc/article/ride-report-uci-gravel-race-ca...
- Other Sources Gravelunionwww.gravelunion.cc/article/ride-report-uci-gravel-world-s...