Name: Marxa Cicloturista de les Tres Nacions
Item: Marxa Cicloturista de les Tres Nacions
Author: Cycling Friendly

Description

Marxa Cicloturista de les Tres Nacions will take place on June 6, with start and finish in Puigcerdà, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees. One of the most historic cyclo‑sportive events in Spain, this iconic ride has been connecting three countries in a single day for more than four decades, offering a truly international mountain cycling experience.

The route crosses Spain, Andorra and France, following a classic Pyrenean itinerary that combines long climbs, high‑altitude passes and extended descents in a spectacular alpine setting. Riders face a demanding course through wide mountain valleys and high passes, with a continuously challenging profile from start to finish.

The full route covers approximately 140 km, with around 2,100–2,400 metres of elevation gain, including legendary ascents such as the Port d’Envalira, the highest paved mountain pass in the Pyrenees, and the Col de Puymorens. The long climbs, altitude changes and sustained efforts make this event a true endurance challenge, suited to cyclists with solid climbing ability.

Marxa Cicloturista de les Tres Nacions 2026 is a non‑competitive cyclo‑sportive event, focused on personal achievement, endurance and controlled riding rather than racing. The combination of high‑mountain terrain, international atmosphere and historic route makes it a unique and demanding experience.

Thanks to its long tradition, spectacular Pyrenean landscapes and exceptional route design, the Marxa de les Tres Nacions remains a reference event for cyclists looking to test themselves on one of the most emblematic mountain routes in southern Europe.

Where to stay

Puigcerdà itself has no certified cycling accommodation on our list, so the smart move is to base yourself within an hour of the start and plan the morning transfer. Arrive the day before, collect your bib without rushing, and leave yourself time to reach the start line fresh. Our certified hotels sit in the Ribes de Freser valley and across the border in Andorra, on the very roads and passes you will ride on the day.

Hotel Sant Antoni – Ribes de Freser, about 24 km from the start. The nearest of our certified stays is a two-star family hotel, run by the same family for over 50 years, with repair tools and supplies, a bike wash, breakfast, picnics and route information. It suits riders who want a warm, unfussy welcome and a restaurant on site.

Lodge Park Hotel – Soldeu, about 27 km from the start. Perched at 1,850 metres on the Andorran side, this five-star hotel offers secure bike storage, a bike wash, basic repair tools and a cyclist-friendly breakfast buffet. After the ride, the mountain spa and sports massage are made for tired legs, and bike rental is available.

La Solana Apartaments & Spa – Encamp, about 30 km from the start. Officially recognised by the Government of Andorra as cyclist-ready, it has bike storage, a workshop, a washing area, an indoor training area and personalised routes. Laundry is handy for kit, and the sauna, hammam and jacuzzi help recovery.

Hotel Ski Plaza & Wellness – Canillo, about 31 km from the start. This four-star hotel stands a few metres from the foot of the Coll d’Ordino climb. Its supervised bike room holds up to 15 bikes, each secured with its own chain and padlock, and there is a maintenance stand with tools, a pressure-wash area, picnics on request and a wellness area.

Hotel Coma Bella – Sant Julià de Lòria, about 35 km from the start. At 1,300 metres, it offers a welcome pack, adapted menus and hours, and a secure bike room with repair and washing station. Circular routes start from the door, and guides and massages can be arranged.

Event weekend fills quickly, so book early, and browse more cycling-friendly accommodation to find the right fit for your ride.