Next May 6th marks the return of one of the most demanding and iconic events on the Spanish cycling calendar: the Rompepiernas, now in its sixth edition. This cycling tour is a real challenge, and as its name suggests, it's not for everyone. It takes place in the stunning Pre-Pyrenees Museum Territory, an area located between Aragon and Navarre, known for its challenging mountain roads and constant ascents and descents.
The route of the Rompepiernas runs through valleys and winding roads, making it the perfect event for lovers of road bikes who want to test their endurance on a leg-breaking terrain full of demanding mountain passes. In this sixth edition, up to 1,500 participants are expected, spread across the four available categories.
Although the event is mainly designed for road cycling, the Aragonese and Navarrese Pre-Pyrenees also offers countless trails and paths perfect for those who prefer mountain bikes. The area features spectacular routes, ideal for those seeking a different experience before or after the competition.
If you haven't chosen your category yet, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge your limits in one of the most impressive settings for cycling in Spain. Do you dare to take on the Rompepiernas?
Rompepiernas: 190 km
The queen category is not for everyone. No less than a 190-kilometer stage climbing up to 8 mountain passes and crossing valleys between Navarre and Aragon. Six of these passes are above 800 meters with more than 3,200 meters of total positive elevation gain. The route is relentless. From kilometer two, the asphalt starts to rise up a narrow road to the Uncastillo Norte pass. Five kilometers of gentle slopes to warm up the legs for what's to come: no less than 3 first-category passes. Around the halfway point, the route eases up, linking descents to relax the legs before the final stretch: 50 kilometers in which you have to climb 3 passes of third, second, and first category, then descend to Sos del Rey Católico.
Rompepiernas Half: 140 kilometers
The same level of technical difficulty, but with a shorter route. This is the second category of the race, which, like its big sister, has the first climb right after the start: the ascent to the Sos pass from its northern side. One of the highlights of this race is the climb to the Mamillas pass. It's 5.2 kilometers with average ramps above 5% and a deceptive finish. Right after cresting the pass, the road descends barely a kilometer before entering a never-ending series of ups and downs with tough inclines along the Los Batzanes road. However, the hardest part is at the end of the route. As soon as you climb to Malpica de Arba, the road goes uphill again to pass the Corte wall and link up with 10 endless kilometers of climbing on the southern side of the Uncastillo pass.
Short Rompepiernas: 96 kilometers
For those seeking a moderate level of difficulty, but still facing the challenge of climbing no less than four mountain passes—three of which are first category—there is the Short Rompepiernas. It's a distance and route designed for those just starting out in the world of climbing, but you still need to train to complete it. It's 96 kilometers of ups and downs, sharing half the route with the Rompepiernas.
Garrillas: 46 kilometers
The Garrillas is considered the baptism race for those coming to the event for the first time without having their legs ready to tackle the previous routes. It's 46 kilometers, but that doesn't mean it's any less intense. The route includes two first-category passes: the ascent to Sos from the north side (6 kilometers of ramps with an average profile of 4.7%) and the climb to Mamillas, which is longer and with a profile of superior (5%).