The Spanish cyclists are the ones who gain the most elevation in the world, according to the Garmin report

Garmin has published its latest global cycling report, based on data recorded by users of Edge cycle computers from around the world. The analysis provides a very detailed overview of how cyclists train and ride today, placing Spain among the most prominent countries in several key areas.

Garmin analyzes millions of routes, and Spanish cyclists are among those who climb the most and cover the most kilometers

The data shows that Spanish users are not only among those who cover the most kilometers per ride, but also among those who accumulate the most positive elevation gain in the world.

According to Garmin, the average distance recorded by cyclists globally was 46 kilometers per ride. However, some countries clearly stand out above this figure.

Italy leads the world ranking with an average of 55.89 kilometers per ride, followed by Belgium with 53.19 kilometers and Spain with 52.78 kilometers.

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This means that Spanish users cover almost seven kilometers more per ride than the global average, a considerable difference considering the millions of activities analyzed.

Spain leads one of the most demanding rankings

If there is a ranking where Spain stands out particularly, it is in accumulated elevation gain.

Spanish cyclists recorded an average elevation gain of 519 meters per ride, the highest figure in the world. Following are Colombia, with 511 meters, and Portugal, with 493 meters.

This data reflects both the country's topography and the type of cycling that many Garmin users practice, with routes frequently marked by mountains and climbs.

The global average elevation gain per ride was 353 meters, far from the figures recorded by Spain.

More than two hours per ride

The report also reveals how much time cyclists spend on their bikes.

The global average was 115 minutes per ride, practically equivalent to the duration of a movie.

Spanish cyclists again stand out in this area with an average of 134.4 minutes per ride, only surpassed by Italy, whose users spend an average of 142.7 minutes on the bike.

Colombia completes the podium with 130.3 minutes.

At what speed do cyclists ride

The global average speed recorded by Garmin users was 23.96 km/h.

The countries with the highest speeds were the United Arab Emirates (28.56 km/h), Thailand (27.05 km/h), and Malaysia (26.92 km/h).

Garmin also detected a clear trend related to age: younger cyclists tend to record higher average speeds, while older groups accumulate more time on the bike and more elevation gain.

The more kilometers, the better physical condition

One of the most interesting aspects of the report is the relationship between training volume and physiological performance.

The data shows a direct correlation between the weekly kilometers covered and two of the most commonly used metrics in modern training: VO2 max and FTP (Functional Threshold Power).

The average VO2 max of all analyzed cyclists was 51, while the average maximum FTP reached 224 watts for men and 188 watts for women.

Garmin found that both metrics progressively increase as users accumulate more kilometers each week.

Among the top 1% of the most active cyclists on the platform, those who exceed 225 kilometers per week, the average FTP reached 243 watts. Similarly, users who record more than 257 kilometers per week have an average VO2 max of 62, well above the general average.

Sunday remains the favorite day to ride a bike

The analysis also reveals some behavioral trends.

Garmin users record the majority of their rides on Sundays, and August continues to be the month with the most cycling activity of the year.

Additionally, rides tend to concentrate in the early hours of the morning, mid-morning, and during the afternoon.

A global picture that confirms that cycling continues to grow and that Spain occupies a privileged position among the countries where more cycling is done, more time is spent on the bike, and more elevation is accumulated on each ride.