La Molina, the epicenter of European mountain biking: Elite sport and sustainability meet in the Catalan Pyrenees.

 

The presentation event, held in Barcelona, ​​was attended by José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, president of the Higher Sports Council (CSD), who highlighted the inter-institutional collaboration. “The holding of these championships in La Molina is the result of the joint work of the Spanish Government, the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the sports federations,” stated Rodríguez Uribes, emphasizing the CSD's “commitment to the development of sport and the organization of major events.”

 

The Spanish Mountain Bike Championships will be held on July 18, 19, and 20 at the La Molina Bike Park, managed by the Catalan Railways (FGC). Later, from August 1 to 3, La Molina will host the European Championships, where more than 400 top-level athletes from 20 countries are expected to participate, ensuring significant international exposure.

 

Sport, sustainability and tourism in focus

 

Rodríguez Uribes emphasized the added value of La Molina as a venue: "Here, sport and sustainability come together, highlighting the rich natural heritage of the Catalan Pyrenees." This view was echoed by Berni Álvarez, Minister of Sports, who emphasized the importance of these championships in "positioning Catalonia as a world leader in sustainable sports tourism and a leading destination for cycling and mountain sports."

 

Álvarez also emphasized the Government's commitment to sporting events that are sustainable and generate a social and economic return, requirements that, according to him, the La Molina events meet, in addition to contributing to decentralizing and deseasonalizing the offering of major competitions.

 

For its part, Carles ruizFGC President Ruiz reaffirmed the organization's commitment to Catalan sport and the organization of high-level competitions. "At the Ferrocarrils ski and mountain resorts, there are more than 100 days a year when some type of sporting competition takes place. This shows that we are prepared to organize this type of event," said Ruiz.

 

A challenging and spectacular route

 

The La Molina Bike Park has designed a circuit worthy of competition: La Comella. Measuring 2,8 kilometers with a gradient of 458 meters, the route combines natural areas with bike park sections, offering an engaging yet challenging descent fit for a European Championship. Cyclists will start at an altitude of 2.076 meters and descend to 1.658 meters, testing their technique and endurance.

 

The CSD (Center for Sports), the Department of Sports, and the Railways agree that hosting these European Championships will strengthen the positioning of Spain and Catalonia as ideal locations for mountain biking and as a leading destination for cycling and mountain sports.