Bilbao–Bilbao: routes and how to prepare
- Distance
- 122 km
- Climbing
- 1,701 m
- Highest point
- 413 m
- Categorised climbs
- 9 · up to 14 %
- Shape
- Loop
Measured on the course you ride in Cycloscape. The organiser's own figures are below.
Elevation profile
2–413 m · 9 categorised climbsThe 6 biggest of 9 categorised climbs, in the order you ride them.
The Bilbao–Bilbao is an international cyclotourist ride from Bilbao through the hills of Biscay. The 38th edition is on Sunday 14 March 2027, starting at 08:00, with three routes — the Corta of 85 km, La Clásica of 115 km and the Vivero of 125 km — that riders can choose on the day. Starts are staggered and there is no classification.
Bilbao–Bilbao at a glance
- Where
- Bilbao, Spain
- Official website
- bilbaobilbao.com ↗
- Next edition
- 14 March 2027
- Routes
- Vivero: 125 km · La Clásica: 115 km · Corta: 85 km
- Terrain
- Hilly — repeated climbs
- Facts checked
- 4 November 2026, against the sources below
Full preparation and course training require Event Coach Pro.
Ride the real course on your trainer. The route of Bilbao–Bilbao, 122 km, as a 3D world, with your trainer following its gradients — any day, and as part of your Event Coach plan. Part of Cycloscape Pro.
The routes
The Bilbao–Bilbao offers 3 routes.
| Route | Distance | Climbing |
|---|---|---|
| Vivero | 125 km | — |
| La Clásica | 115 km | — |
| Corta | 85 km | — |
What the course asks of you
Biscay is all hills: short and medium climbs, some steep, on roads that wind between green valleys and small towns, with little flat between them.
In March, early-season fitness and the weather of the Basque Country set the tone. Ride steadily, dress for rain, and choose your route on the day according to your legs.
How to prepare
The general shape of a good preparation, which Event Coach turns into a plan for your fitness, time and date:
- Train repeated climbs: several efforts of 8 to 15 minutes close to your threshold, with short recoveries, copy the rhythm of the Bilbao–Bilbao.
- Build the long ride towards 125 km, so the final climbs are not the first time your legs have been out that long.
- Add a few short efforts at low cadence on steep gradients, for the ramps that come late in the day.
Pacing mistakes to avoid
The mistakes that cost riders the most on a day like this:
- Answering every climb of the Bilbao–Bilbao with a surge: repeated climbs reward an even effort, not a burst on each ramp.
- Spending the most on the famous climb when the hardest part of the day is still to come.
- Letting the pace of the group on the flat decide how tired you arrive at the climbs.
Prepare the Bilbao–Bilbao with Cycloscape
Tell Event Coach you are doing the Bilbao–Bilbao, your route and what you want from the day, and it builds your preparation towards 14 March 2027: structured workouts held by your trainer in ERG, Race Pacing for how to spend your effort, and Performance Lab to see whether the work is landing. Full preparation and course training require Event Coach Pro.
Frequently asked
When is the Bilbao–Bilbao 2027?
On Sunday, 14 March 2027, according to the organiser.
How long are the routes of the Bilbao–Bilbao?
Vivero: 125 km; La Clásica: 115 km; Corta: 85 km. The 2027 routes as listed by the Biscay provincial government.
How many riders take part?
About 8,000 riders in 2025.
Can I ride the course of the Bilbao–Bilbao in Cycloscape?
Yes, inside Event Coach with Cycloscape Pro: once you start your preparation, the course is ridden on your trainer as part of the plan.