Entries open for next year’s 10,000 del Soplao, 24th May. Ferry to Bilbao or Santander…? Just planting the seed
Done that 3 times now, the third time (in 2012) they had to stop the race due to too many hypothermia cases – it really was awful weather, I was very happy to be turned back!
It’s a beautiful part of Spain, very green and mountainous, with views of the sea (if the weather’s OK). It’s definitely a lycra-clad XC ride, and not the most exciting of races if you’re looking for a technical challenge – the difficulty is all in the distance and climbing. A great atmosphere more than makes up for it, and the race is well run with closed roads, regular feed stations and cheering crowds as you pass through the local villages.
(It’s also a good area for family holidays, with the beach a 20min drive away and some beautiful towns to visit).