Bilbao Bilbao

Bilbao Bilbao is a non-competitive road cycling event that returns for its 38th edition on Sunday 14 March 2027. The start and finish are in the centre of Bilbao, in the Basque Country, with the first departures at 8:00. Riders choose their route on the day, so the same event suits both well-prepared amateurs and those after a shorter spin.

Routes and distances

• Short: 85 km with roughly 800 m of elevation gain.
• Classic: 115 km with roughly 1,200 m of elevation gain.
• Vivero: 125 km with roughly 1,600 m of elevation gain, the most demanding of the three.

The organiser has not detailed the 2027 route sectors on the page we consulted, so check the official website for the latest maps and climbs before you travel.

Registration

Online registration for this edition is open, and the entry fee rises in stages as the event approaches: the organiser’s price table runs from €22 for the earliest window up to €31 for the final one, with an extra €5 for non-federated riders. The table does not state years, so confirm the current price on the official site. Entry includes a finisher’s medal and free parking. Full details are on the official website.

Why ride it

Bilbao Bilbao is a mid-March season opener with a long history, and 2027 marks its 38th edition. Three route lengths at the same price let you pick your challenge on the morning itself, from the 85 km short route to the 125 km Vivero route. Starting and finishing in the city centre keeps logistics simple, and the non-competitive format means you can ride at your own pace.

Where to stay

With a first departure at 8:00 on a mid-March Sunday, it pays to arrive in the Bilbao area the day before, collect your bike from the car or airport box without a rush and get an early night. Staying close to the city also means a quick return after 85 to 125 km for a proper recovery, whether you finish with the Short or the Vivero route. Accommodation certified by Cycling Friendly is limited right around the start, so these two options are worth knowing about.

Hotel Seminario Bilbao – Derio, about 6 km from the start. This three-star hotel in the quiet Txorierri Valley holds the Cycling Friendly Bronze certification and is used to hosting cycling groups, including teams around the Vuelta a España and Vuelta al País Vasco. It has a private area for bicycles, and its listing features bike repair tools and supplies, a bike wash, bike rental, laundry, massage and picnic options, so your bike and your kit are both race-ready. The neighbouring Seminario Jatetxea restaurant serves menus adapted to cyclists, and Bilbao Airport is only about 2 km away if you are flying in.

Zuia Suites – Murguía, about 35 km from the start. If you would rather trade the city for a quiet Álava village, these modern apartments suit riders travelling with friends or family. Guests have a secure room for the bike with a workshop and cleaning area, plus private outdoor bike parking, and breakfast can be ordered to your door. It is a drive to the start line on Sunday morning, so plan your timings, but it makes a calm base for extending the trip into a few days of riding.

Event weekend is busy, so book early, and browse more cycling-friendly accommodation to compare options.