Teide 360: the cycling marathon that challenges the bravest
Imagine an epic cycling event: 123 kilometers of route, 3,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain, and a course that completely circles Spain's highest mountain and volcano. All of this at a minimum altitude of 1,300 meters and reaching 2,300 meters at its highest point.
And all in a single stage! That is the Teide 360 Challenge, a mountain bike marathon organized by Club Deportivo 7Raid on the island of Tenerife. Cyclists of all levels face this challenge, from endurance competition experts to amateurs looking to surpass their own limits. That was my case: a 46-year-old cyclist with more than 20 years of experience on routes, but who had never participated in such a high-caliber event.
After four months of preparation, on April 29th I took on the challenge. 13 hours on the bike, kilometers of endless climbs, and a course that tested not only my physical endurance but also my mental strength.
Preparation for the Teide 360
It all started with a Three Kings' Day gift: registration for the event I was so excited about. The initial excitement soon gave way to the reality of the challenge, and the need for serious preparation.
With the help of my friend Ale, a sports coach, I structured a training plan:
✅ 2 days of strength training to strengthen my legs and improve endurance.
✅ 3 days of riding, combining mountain bike and road bike outings.
✅ 1 day of track intervals to work on power and speed.
But preparation is not just physical. In the months prior, I battled excuses, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Training in the rain? Sacrificing weekends? The mental battle is part of the challenge.
The day of the carrera
📍 6:30 in the morning. Despite being a little-known race outside the Canary Islands, the Teide 360 has managed to gather 650 riders, filling 100% of the entries. Many of them are local bikers, although there are also cyclists coming from the mainland, attracted by the toughness and beauty of the course.
The race starts with 3 kilometers of uphill asphalt, followed by 12 kilometers of track and 1 kilometer of trail. Then comes the toughest stretch: 20 continuous kilometers of climbing to reach 2,300 meters of altitude at the Izaña Observatory.
🛑 First withdrawals. Before completing the first 50 kilometers, some cyclists have already dropped out. The climb is brutal and the subsequent descent, technical and complicated, tests the mountain biking skills.
📍 Key point: Ramón Caminero (km 50). Here begins the real mental battle:
❌ "I’m going to drop out at the next aid station."
❌ "I’m exhausted, why did I get into this?"
❌ "Who am I trying to prove something to?"
My strategy was key: my partner and my daughter were waiting for me at key points along the route, which helped me to keep going. In addition, the advice from my coach was decisive:
🔹 "Drink every 10 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty. Eat every 20 minutes, even if you’re not hungry."
The last great battle: the final climb
📍 Chío, km 90. By this point, the carrera has completely split up. Each cyclist rides alone, facing their own challenge. You only see other riders at the aid stations or if you happen to match pace.
The final stretch is the toughest. 17 kilometers of continuous climbing on the road to reach 2,200 meters of altitude. Something that would seem manageable in a regular training session, becomes torture with 90 kilometers already in your legs.
📍 Las Lajas, km 107. Here the feeling is indescribable. I had never pedaled such a long distance. But there were still 15 kilometers left… and what kilometers.
🚵 Extreme descent. Dropping from 2,200 to 1,300 meters of altitude in just 10 km requires great concentration. The terrain is tricky, technical, and any mistake can be costly.
🏁 Last 5 km. They are not the toughest physically, but definitely mentally. Fatigue weighs heavy, but the runners’ spirits are unbreakable. Every encounter with another biker turns into an exchange of words of encouragement.
📍 19:30 hours. Finish line! The finisher medal hangs from my neck. I had done it.
An unforgettable experience for any cyclist
The Teide 360 is not just a carrera, it is a test of endurance, mental strength, and love for cycling. If you are passionate about challenges and enjoy mountain bike adventures, this marathon is an experience you must live at least once.
🌍 If you live in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia or anywhere in Spain, this is one of the few opportunities to face a race with such toughness and natural beauty.
If long routes and demanding competitions are your thing, don't hesitate to get on your mountain bike and take on this challenge. See you at the next edition of the Teide 360! 🚵♂️🔥
Do you dare with the Teide 360?
If you are looking for a unique marathon, with a route that mixes endless climbs, technical descents, and stunning volcanic landscapes, this race is for you . Whether you compete in mountain biking or want to test your endurance on a demanding route, the Teide 360 Challenge is one of the most epic experiences you can have on two wheels.
📍 Are you up for the challenge? Registration is open for the next edition.
🚴♂️ It doesn't matter if you're a mountain biker or a road cyclist, the Teide 360 puts everyone to the test. Are you ready for the challenge? 💪🔥