SCOTT Cala Bandida conquers the Vuelta a Ibiza MTB 2026 with Morcillo and Barroso

The Vuelta a Ibiza MTB celebrated its 25th anniversary with a conclusion in which Enrique Morcillo and Alberto Barroso secured a hard-fought victory until the last day. The Scott Cala Bandida duo managed the accumulated advantage from previous days to close the overall despite not winning the final stage.

Consistency Decides the Vuelta a Ibiza MTB for Morcillo and Barroso

The last stage, far from being a mere formality, once again tested the favorites with 62 kilometers and 1500m of elevation gain, which particularly punished climbs like Puig d’en Serra. In that scenario, Leonardo Páez and Dario Cherchi were the fastest at the finish line, crossing ahead of Morcillo and Barroso, although without enough margin to alter the final classification.

The victory has a special meaning for Morcillo, who races at home and adds his third title in the island's most emblematic event. More than a decade after his first success, the Ibizan once again claimed the overall victory with a solid performance alongside Barroso, who was making his debut in the race. Consistency has been the key in an edition marked by accumulated toughness and the absence of errors at decisive moments.

RECOMENDADO

Why do we use wider tires and lower tire pressure if the tests say otherwise?

3 one-hour workouts to improve speed, strength and endurance

Some workouts for cyclists who don't like series

Can you stay in shape by only going out on weekends?

Buy now or wait? 29“ MTBs vs. the trend shift toward 32“

2026 Tour de France: The Meaning of Each Jersey and How to Win It

Morcillo acknowledged at the finish line the significance of the achievement and the difficulty of maintaining this competitive level in the future. The SCOTT Cala Bandida rider celebrated a victory that was not in his initial expectations due to the demanding pace set throughout the week.

Barroso, for his part, highlighted the team's performance in their first participation in Ibiza, emphasizing consistency as a differentiating factor. The Andalusian comes away strengthened from an event that serves as a boost for his upcoming goals in the national calendar, both in XCO and gravel.

The podium was completed by Stefano Gerbaz and Diego Rosa, while Alejandro Valverde, in his role as national coach, finished in twelfth place alongside Francisco Rus.

In the women's category, the overall was in the hands of Sandra Mairhofer and Adelheid Morath after dominating the first two stages, while the partial victory in the final day went to the Spanish duo formed by Lucía González and Sofía Rodríguez.