The Quebrantahuesos 2025 is about to start, and the excitement is already in the air. This iconic cycling event, organized by the Peña Ciclista Edelweiss in Sabiñánigo, will take place next June 20th and will once again bring together thousands of cycling enthusiasts on a route that crosses the Pyrenees, entering France before returning to Spanish territory.
As every year, the more than 9,000 participants can choose between two routes: the Gran Fondo, with 200 kilometers of maximum challenge, and the Treparriscos Medio Fondo, a more accessible 85-kilometer version. Both events have become true benchmarks in the cycling calendar in Spain and Europe, especially for lovers of road bikes, who find in these routes a challenge as physical as it is mental.
The Quebrantahuesos is much more than a sporting event: it is a ritual. An experience that transcends the physical and connects cyclists with nature, camaraderie, and their own limits. Spots to participate are assigned by lottery, which adds an exclusive and almost mystical touch to the event. Whoever gets a bib experiences it as a prize. Because it is not just a ride. It is the ride.
And although the event is especially designed for road bikes, there are quite a few cyclists who combine their training with sessions on mountain bikes, seeking to improve their strength, endurance, and technique on the climbs. Alternating between both disciplines has become a common strategy for many athletes who want to reach the day of the carrera in the best possible shape.
Breathtaking landscapes, legendary mountain passes, and an epic challenge. If you are one of the lucky ones who has secured a spot this year, you are surely already immersed in preparation. But it never hurts to remember some essential aspects to arrive ready for the big day: planning, rest, nutrition, and of course, having your bike perfectly checked. Because in the Quebrantahuesos, every pedal stroke counts.
1- Don't neglect nutrition during the carrera
It's always important to bring some nutrition even when there are several aid stations along the route, but you shouldn't overdo it with the weight. It's enough to carry sufficient hydration, some gels and bars, and a banana to get you from one point to the next. Remember that every extra gram counts double when you're on the bike.
2- Manage your anxiety
Although it's always easier said than done, don't let nerves and excitement block you from making the best decisions during the ride or in the days leading up to the Quebranta. It's important to be in optimal condition not only physically but also mentally.
3- Don't forget your rain jacket
Showers and storms can appear at some points along the route. Don't forget to check the weather forecast. A rain jacket or some arm warmers to protect your arms can be good options to include in your backpack. Even if they add a few grams, you'll be grateful for them due to the changing temperatures and climates found throughout the entire Quebrantahuesos route.
4- Study the pace and cadence for each part of the route
Keep in mind that your pedaling cadence and pace will be very different in the various sections of the route. Make sure your gears aren't too short or too demanding, so you can have proper transmission with each pedal stroke.
5- Enjoy the scenery
You’ll be surrounded by natural landscapes of great value, passing through areas of great natural beauty such as the home of the bearded vulture, the bird that gives the event its name. Take advantage of the stops you make to look up and delight in the colors and different sensations of the environment.