The 2026 HERO UCI Marathon World Cup will kick off the international mountain biking season with a new addition via the HERO Costa Blanca event in Calpe-Benissa, Spain.
This newest addition to the series will take place on February 21, 2026, in the heart of Costa Blanca’s cycling region. The location is known for the Peñón de Ifach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The event will feature two routes for its inaugural edition:
- 82km with 2,722m of elevation gain; and
- 50km with 1,400m of elevation gain.
The longer route starts with an asphalted climb, then levels out through the streets of Benissa before climbing La Solana and continuing towards the Sierra de Bèrnia, featuring technical stretches with a view of the sea.
The decisive part of the course is the Sierra de Oltà, which includes steep climbs and descents, before heading back to Calpe for the finish line. The area is a blend of wilderness and views over the sea, making it a fitting spot for mountain biking.
The town of Calpe features colourful and lively streets, while Benissa lies to the north, stretching between hilly lowlands and the coast. The nearby Sierra de Bèrnia is a limestone mountain range with rocky ridges, pine mountain forests, and hidden valleys.
A race for younger cyclists, the HERO Kids Costa Blanca, will also take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 09:30 CET.
