La Rioja Bike Race is presented with another successful level of participation

The third edition of La Rioja Bike Race, which will take place from 13th to 15th of May in Logroño, was announced today with the best possible news, another successful level of participation, as there are only about 100 places left out of the 1,000 that were initially available. The registration deadline is April 25, the date on which the last available places are due to be taken.

The announcement was held at the La Rioja Government, with the presence of Mr. Conrado Escobar, Councillor of Social, Family, Equal Opportunities and Justice policies; Mr. Eduardo Rodríguez, Managing Director of Culture and Tourism; Mr. Javier Merino, Councillor of Sports for the City of Logroño; Mr. Diego Azcona, Director General of Sports and the Rioja Sports Institute; Mr. Xavier Bartrolí, President of Octagon, the Organizers; and Mr. Carlos Coloma, winner of the first two editions of the event, winner of an Olympic Diploma, and the event ambassador.

Since its launch in 2014, La Rioja Bike Race has been part of the approved International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar, with more than 15,000 euros in prize money, as well as UCI points that will be determinant for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics. This year, La Rioja Bike Race will be fundamental for the elite category Mountain Bikers, as qualifying for the big event in Rio will close two weeks after the Riojan competition.

Mr. Escobar was very satisfied that the event will be held in La Rioja again, as it involves "promoting sports and, in particular, cycling in the mountain bike category, as well publicising the natural attractions of our region, without forgetting the importance of hosting an event of this professional level, and with this large number of participants, in relation to the touristic promotion of our region, which represents a significant economic impact." "The successful level of participation in the third edition of La Rioja Bike Race makes it one of the biggest sports events ever hosted by our Autonomous Region," explained the Councillor of Social, Family, Equal Opportunities and Justice policies.

Xavier Bartrolí referred to the meteoric growth of the event. "In two years we have managed to consolidate the competition in the UCI calendar, making it one of the favourite events due to the route and all that Logroño entails. It’s one of the favourite tourist destinations due to its territory and its gastronomy, and that, in turn, incites the 1,000 participating Mountain Bikers to always be accompanied by friends or family, which is ultimately great news for the city and the community, as both benefit from extraordinary additional income,” mentioned the President of Octagon.

A thrilling route
The first stage of La Rioja Bike Race (64 km and 1,700 m) will be demanding so that the participants can position themselves. For the first time, the start of the event head towards Clavijo (in previous editions it was towards Moncalvillo), crossing the typical Riojan vineyards. It will then gain altitude and, on this occasion, it will take an unprecedented singletrack between Trevijano and Luezas, to then descend to Nalda through one of the mythical singletracks in the area and in the event. The way back to the finish line will pass through the Prado Salobre velodrome before facing the final challenge of the day, the Pico del Águila trails.

The second stage will be the King of Stages (81 km and 2,000 m). Once again the start is at the Palacio de los Deportes de La Rioja (Event HQ), riding parallel to the Iregua river until reaching Viguera, to then take the famous Calzada Romana, one of the most exciting singletrack sections for the participants. After completing the stretch in Torrecilla de Cameros, and heading towards Nestares, the participants will reach the Peña del Cura, and instead of the uphill stretch to reach the summit at Moncalvillo (as in previous editions), they will take another unprecedented stretch starting at the hillside, and combining abrupt trails and singletracks. Gradually they will climb to link up again with La Regadera, a fascinating singletrack (incorporated for the first time in the last edition), which will become an icon. The final stretch will pass through the Pico del Águila again, but this time avoiding its toughest trails.

The last stage (55 km and 1,400 m) presents a large main climb. It will be the least demanding of the stages in order for the participants to be able to enjoy the spectacular route. The start will be in Logroño, heading towards Pico del Águila, on the way to Moncalvillo. The first climb will be after Sorzano, and having reached the summit, there is the fascinating Las Neveras downhill singletrack, another one of the region’s landmarks. Before returning steeply to Logroño, the participants will go through some wonderful scenic spots close to Daroca de Rioja. The event will finish with the unprecedented singletrack next to La Grajera.

In total, 200 kilometres with some 5,000 metres of cumulative slope that will delight the purest of Mountain Bikers.