Battle of the Strait

Battle of the Strait (BOTS Race) is a self-supported ultra-distance bikepacking challenge linking southern Spain and northern Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar. Starting and finishing in Tarifa, the route combines the varied landscapes of Andalusia with the mountainous terrain of Morocco’s Rif region, with a ferry crossing between Algeciras and Tangier forming part of the journey.

The provisional 2027 route covers 1,200 km with approximately 27,000 m of elevation gain. Riders follow a fixed GPX track, first heading north through southern Spain in an anticlockwise loop before crossing the Strait and continuing into Morocco. With a 144-hour time limit, the challenge demands sustained climbing, careful navigation and efficient management of the six-day journey.

The race is fully unsupported, with participants responsible for their own food, water, equipment and resupply. Support vehicles, gear drops and pre-arranged assistance are not permitted; only services available to the general public can be used. BOTS offers a demanding cross-border adventure through two distinct landscapes, connected by one of Europe’s most recognisable maritime passages.