The ALE Cycling Gandia has quickly established itself as one of the standout Gran Fondo cycling events in the Valencian Community, attracting hundreds of riders each year to Gandía / Gandia. With a challenging route, scenic inland roads, and a strong international field, it offers a perfect mix of competition and experience for amateur cyclists.

The 2026 edition once again delivered on all fronts, with around 500 riders gathering at Grau de Gandia for an early morning start. The atmosphere before the race was a blend of excitement and focus, as cyclists prepared to take on approximately 130km of riding and over 1,500 metres of climbing. From club riders to experienced Gran Fondo regulars, the field reflected the growing popularity of the event.

The route itself is one of the key highlights. After leaving the coast, riders head inland through the regions of La Safor, El Comtat, and Vall d’Albaida, moving away from the busy coastline and into quieter, more demanding terrain. Along the way, several climbs shape the race, including the long and testing ascent of La Llacuna, followed by Beniarrés, and later the steady gradients around Benigànim. The final challenge, Pla de Corrals, comes late in the route and often proves decisive as fatigue begins to take its toll.

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Despite being classified as a cyclosportive rather than a professional race, the pace at the front is anything but relaxed. Strong riders push hard throughout, and as the kilometres tick by, groups begin to split and reform depending on climbing ability and endurance. By the time riders return towards Gandia, the front group is usually well established, setting up a fast and competitive run into the finish.

The official results reflect just how tight the racing was in 2026. Robert Dabrowski, Artur Kondracki, and Tomás Josué Jurado Díaz all crossed the line with the exact same time of 4:07:15 after a sprint finish. In the women’s category, Teresa León Jiménez delivered an impressive performance to finish in 4:14:45 as the fastest female rider.

However, beyond the results themselves, it was the finish line moment that stood out. After more than four hours of effort, one rider appeared to have secured victory and began celebrating just before the line. In those final metres, two riders continued their sprint and surged past, turning what looked like a win into third place in an instant. It was a striking reminder that in cycling, the race is never over until the finish line is crossed.

The accompanying video captures the full experience of the day, from the early morning preparations and mass start in Grau de Gandia to the atmosphere out on the course and, ultimately, that dramatic finish. It highlights not only the physical challenge of the event but also the unpredictability that makes cycling so compelling.

As events like ALE Cycling Gandia continue to grow, they further cement the region’s reputation as a top destination for cycling in Spain, combining challenging terrain, good organisation, and a welcoming atmosphere for riders of all levels.