A cycling festival in the Pyrenees: this is how Back Road Cadí will celebrate its 10th anniversary

The Cadí Challenge will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026, and it will do so in style: the Pyrenean march will have Specialized as the main sponsor and will launch a special edition with new routes, proposals for all levels, and a weekend designed to experience cycling in a unique environment. The event will take place on June 6 and 7 in Bellver de Cerdanya, the epicenter of this experience that combines sport, camaraderie, and the essence of high mountain.

Back Road Cadí by Specialized turns 10: special edition with new routes and renewed format

In ten years, the Cadí Challenge has established itself as one of the most unique marches in the Pyrenees. It maintains a limited quota of only 200 participants to ensure a close and well-cared-for experience, which has become its hallmark. Beyond the bib number, it is a weekend that mixes cycling, live music, activities, and an atmosphere that brings together cyclists from all over the country looking for something different from the classic mass march.

For this special edition, the organization is reclaiming its DNA with spectacular routes, high-level services, and a camaraderie where each participant can set their own pace. The event will offer a completely renewed ROAD version and a GRAVEL proposal with a spirit of adventure.

New routes: one or two stages and ROAD + GRAVEL combinations

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The Back Road Cadí 2026 will be the most flexible edition to date. Cyclists will be able to choose between doing one stage, completing the entire weekend, or even combining a road day with a gravel day.

ROAD Modality

Two stages designed to discover the Cadí massif and Cerdanya from its most iconic roads.

Saturday – Full loop around Cadí

• 171 km | 3,400 m+
• Short option: 100 km | 2,500 m+

Sunday – Discovering Cerdanya

• 100 km | 1,900 m+
• Short option: 65 km | 1,500 m+

Both days feature iconic mountain passes of the Pyrenees and open landscapes over the valley, with a balanced combination of challenge and enjoyment.

GRAVEL Modality (Suitable for gravel, e-bike, and MTB)

A proposal that exceeds 2,000 meters in altitude along panoramic tracks and one of the most spectacular locations in the Pyrenees for mountain gravel riding.

Saturday – EPIC

• 145 km | 3,400 m+

Saturday + Sunday – HERO

• Saturday: 60 km | 1,400 m+
• Sunday: 61 km | 1,500 m+

Designed for both those seeking a long-distance challenge and those who prefer to split the experience over two days and explore the area with a more adventurous approach.

All modalities maintain the Back Road essence with secondary roads, perfectly maintained tracks, and a natural environment where the sporting challenge coexists with total disconnection.

Chill-out Specialized, concerts, and a grand final raffle

Once the stages are completed, cyclists can enjoy the Specialized chill-out, a space with music, a DJ, and an open bar where participants can share the experience.

The party will continue in the afternoon with live concerts and the grand raffle of the weekend, where Specialized will distribute top-level cycling gear: helmets, shoes, tires, technical clothing, and more surprises yet to be announced.

More than a cycling march, it will be a true celebration of cycling and the community that has shaped the Cadí Challenge over these ten years.

The organizer, Albert Vilana, assures that this anniversary represents a turning point: “Celebrating 10 years with the support of a brand like Specialized is a recognition of the work done over all these years and a huge motivation to continue growing the Back Road Cadí experience. We want this edition to be a great celebration of cycling, open to all who love the mountains and good routes.”

More information at www.cadichallenge.com.