Iberica-Traversa Road follows a spectacular coast-to-coast route across Spain, connecting the Bay of Biscay with the Strait of Gibraltar almost entirely on quiet tarmac roads. Created for riders who prefer pavement over gravel, it combines legendary mountain climbs, remote backroads, and historic towns into an unforgettable self-supported road adventure.
Starting in Irun and finishing in Tarifa, the route covers 1,812 kilometres with approximately 27,325 metres of elevation gain. Riders traverse some of Spain’s most iconic cycling regions, including the Bardenas Reales, Sierra Nevada, Granada, and Ronda, before reaching the southern coast. One of the route’s highlights is the ascent of Pico Veleta at 3,398 metres, the highest paved road in Europe accessible by bicycle.
Iberica-Traversa Road follows a strict self-supported philosophy. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. Available in solo and pair categories, the event has no time limit, allowing participants to experience the journey at their own pace while embracing the spirit of ultra-distance cycling.
Combining world-class climbing, quiet roads, and remarkable landscapes, Iberica-Traversa Road is one of Europe’s most ambitious road bikepacking events. It is an epic crossing of the Iberian Peninsula that rewards endurance, careful planning, and a love of long days in the saddle.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
Riders taking on Iberica Traversa – Road will cover 1800 km and climb roughly 23300 m over the course of the route.
For Iberica Traversa – Road, we'd recommend a Endurance Road Bike — plan on 30-35mm Tubeless tires and a wide-range drivetrain, something like a 46/30T-50/34T (2x) chainring paired with a 10-36T cassette, to handle the terrain comfortably.
We rate Iberica Traversa – Road as Extreme overall. Riders should be ready for mostly smooth, fast-rolling surfaces, consistently demanding, with sustained climbing elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
Iberica Traversa – Road runs on September 20, 2026, placing it firmly in the autumn riding season, as conditions start cooling but daylight hours are shrinking.
Surface-wise, expect road throughout Iberica Traversa – Road — 30-35mm Tubeless tires are a safe bet.