The inaugural Vitoria-Gasteiz BTT Basque Country event has officially arrived, transforming the natural landscape of the Parque de Olarizu into a high-stakes arena for mountain biking. Held on May 2 and 3, 2026, the event marked a significant expansion of the Basque Country’s sporting calendar, blending elite international competition with popular participation.
The debut of this international gathering saw the crowning of two standout champions: Gexan Albisu, a formidable rider from Gipuzkoa, and Argentine sensation Lucía Miralles. Their victories set the tone for a weekend designed to elevate Vitoria-Gasteiz as a premier destination for mountain bike (BTT) enthusiasts.
La BTT Basque Country de Vitoria se estrena con victorias del guipuzcoano Gexan Albisu y la argentina Lucía Miralles
A Weekend of Versatile Competition
The event was structured to challenge riders across different disciplines, ensuring that both professional athletes and amateur cyclists found a place in the competition. The scheduling split the action between high-intensity sprints and grueling endurance tests.
On Saturday, May 2, the focus was on the XCO (Cross-Country Olympic) modality. This race was integrated into the prestigious Shimano Super Cup Massi calendar, which is widely regarded as one of the most influential circuits in the discipline. The XCO course consisted of a demanding 4-kilometer loop completed over five laps, testing the riders’ explosive power and technical precision.
Sunday, May 3, shifted the focus toward endurance. The event featured two primary distance categories to accommodate different levels of fitness and competitive intent:
- BTT Marathon: A rigorous 70-kilometer trek with a total elevation gain of 1,950 meters, open to both competitive and “Open” category riders.
- BTT Half Marathon: A 50-kilometer challenge designed for those seeking a shorter but still intensive test of stamina.
The Significance of Parque de Olarizu
The choice of the Parque de Olarizu as the venue was not accidental. Located in the southern reaches of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the park provides a diverse terrain that is essential for international-standard BTT racing. Whereas Olarizu is traditionally known for its cultural and religious “romería” (pilgrimage) events—most notably the annual ascent to the cross crowning the Olarizu hill—this weekend it hosted a different kind of pilgrimage: a gathering of the world’s cycling elite.
By hosting the Vitoria-Gasteiz BTT Basque Country, the city aims to secure a permanent spot on the global mountain biking map. Local officials and organizers have indicated that the long-term aspiration is for the event to evolve into a major worldwide appointment, attracting top-tier athletes from across the globe to the Basque region.
Impact and Outlook
The success of the first edition, highlighted by the performances of Gexan Albisu and Lucía Miralles, provides a strong proof of concept for the city’s sports strategy. Integrating a Shimano Super Cup Massi event ensures immediate international visibility, while the Marathon and Half Marathon categories ensure local engagement and grassroots growth.
For global readers, Vitoria-Gasteiz represents a growing hub for outdoor sports in Europe, combining sustainable urban planning with a deep commitment to athletic excellence. The event’s ability to manage a large-scale international field within the sensitive ecosystem of Parque de Olarizu serves as a model for future sports tourism in the region.
Event Quick Facts
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 2–3, 2026 |
| Venue | Parque de Olarizu, Vitoria-Gasteiz |
| Elite Winners | Gexan Albisu & Lucía Miralles |
| XCO Format | 4km x 5 laps (Shimano Super Cup Massi) |
| Marathon Distance | 70km / 1,950m+ elevation |
As the dust settles on this inaugural weekend, the focus now turns to the subsequent stages of the Shimano Super Cup Massi and the regional BTT rankings. Organizers are expected to release full official timings and a complete list of category winners in the coming days.
Do you think Vitoria-Gasteiz has the potential to become a permanent stop for the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
