Alcobendas Hosts World Climbing Series Madrid 2026: A Global Spotlight on Sport and Legacy – Insights from Sports Councillor Jesús Tortosa

Alcobendas is set to host the World Climbing Series Comunidad de Madrid 2026 from May 28 to 31, marking the second consecutive year the city welcomes this international elite competition. The event will take place at the Explanada del Polideportivo José Caballero, featuring both bouldering and speed disciplines as part of the global World Climbing Series circuit.

Jesús Tortosa, the Sports Councillor of Alcobendas City Council, emphasized the municipality’s broader vision beyond hosting a single event. Speaking in verified statements from local government sources, Tortosa articulated a long-term ambition for the city: to establish itself as a place where sport is not only practiced but actively projected onto the international stage.

“Our goal is for Alcobendas to continue being a city where sport is lived and projected to the world,” Tortosa stated, reflecting on the impact of last year’s IFSC Climbing World Cup and the significance of the upgraded World Climbing Series format in 2026.

The 2026 edition represents a historic milestone for Spanish sport, as it will be the first time the Community of Madrid hosts two World Climbing Series events in a single competition — one bouldering stop and one speed stop — drawing over 300 athletes from 20 nations. This dual-discipline format elevates the event’s stature within the global climbing calendar.

Tortosa highlighted the legacy of the 2025 event, noting its success in positioning Alcobendas as a reliable host for high-level international sports. He pointed to the collaboration between the City Council, the Community of Madrid, the Spanish Mountain and Climbing Sports Federation (FEDME), World Climbing and Prensa Ibérica as key to delivering a seamless athlete and spectator experience.

The Explanada del Polideportivo José Caballero has been confirmed as the venue, a central outdoor space in Alcobendas that allows for temporary infrastructure to accommodate competition zones, athlete areas, and public viewing. Its selection underscores the city’s commitment to leveraging existing municipal assets for major events.

Beyond the competition itself, Tortosa framed the World Climbing Series as a catalyst for broader sports development in Alcobendas. He referenced increased grassroots interest in climbing following the 2025 event, including higher participation in local climbing walls and youth programs, as evidence of the event’s lasting community impact.

Looking ahead, the Sports Councillor indicated that Alcobendas aims to build on this momentum by exploring opportunities to host other elite sporting events. While no specific future bids were detailed in verified sources, Tortosa’s comments suggest a strategic focus on attracting competitions that align with the city’s infrastructure, organizational capacity, and vision for sport as a tool for global engagement.

The World Climbing Series Comunidad de Madrid 2026 will run for four days, with competition schedules to be released closer to the event. Athletes will compete for points in the overall World Climbing Series standings, with the bouldering and speed disciplines contributing separately to their respective global rankings.

As the date approaches, local authorities are coordinating logistics, volunteer training, and public outreach to ensure smooth operations. The event is expected to draw significant attention from the international climbing community and sports media, further amplifying Alcobendas’ profile on the world stage.

For Tortosa and the City Council, the true measure of success extends beyond the competition days. It lies in the ability to showcase Alcobendas as a welcoming, capable, and ambitious host — where sport is lived locally and projected globally, year after year.

The next confirmed checkpoint is the official release of the detailed competition schedule for the World Climbing Series Comunidad de Madrid 2026, expected in the weeks preceding May 28. Fans and participants are encouraged to follow official channels for updates.

What are your thoughts on Alcobendas’ growing role in international sports? Share your perspective in the comments below.