Photographs of Maxym Visual
On February 9, 2025, Bescanó will kick off the gravel season in Catalonia with La Bescanonina, a race that also inaugurates the second edition of the Catalan Gravel Cup. They have opened today inscriptions.
The PRO route, aimed at federated categories and counting towards the Catalan Gravel Cup, consists of 99 km and 1,500 m of elevation gain.
We had the opportunity to reconnoitre the route and it is really beautiful. The start presents a demanding climb that will serve to stretch out the peloton and form the first groups. These will probably remain until reaching Santa Coloma, where a beautiful path will take us to the foot of the main mountain pass of the day. With 11 kilometres of ascent, this mountain pass will be decisive and will put everyone in their place right in the middle of the route.
From there, we will face a long descent that, with very fast sections, will take us to l'Estanyol. There we will find the last steep slopes. If we have not managed our efforts well, this "mini port" could be tough, although from its summit we will already see the finish line in Bescanó.
Arantxa Salvadó in La Bescanonina 2024
David Coma at La Bescanonina 2024
The OPEN version offers the same long route, but without the pressure of a stopwatch, plus a more accessible version of 60 km and 700 m of elevation gain. Both versions require the use of GPS to follow the track, although there will be signposting at key points and chip controls.
The organisation is highlighting its commitment to safety with a security capsule controlled by the Mossos d'Esquadra, two ambulances, a medical motorbike driven by a doctor, a closed traffic protocol and a broom vehicle. If they are hit by this, participants will be able to continue under their own responsibility and in open traffic.
The Bescanonina is not just a race; it is a driving force for the community of Bescanó. The event supports the municipality's Cycling School, which trains more than 50 young people, and mobilises the entire town, from volunteers to local businesses. This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of Bescanó, a town with a rich cycling tradition.
The technical direction is in the hands of Jordi Cantal, pioneer of gravel in Catalonia and creator of the emblematic Pirinexus. His experience ensures well-kept routes and impeccable organisation.
The 2024 edition marked a turning point, establishing specific protocols for gravel competitions with closed traffic. This model laid the groundwork for future events and positioned Bescanó as the epicentre of Catalan gravel.
On March 23, 2025, Bescanó will once again be the stage for the Catalunya Gravel Championship, which will feature a more technical route designed to surprise and recover the essence of the Bescanonia BTT. Trails with “flow” and carefully worked sections will make the difference in this event.
The organizing team is working on these trails and new areas. At the moment we cannot reveal any more details, but POLVU will keep you informed.
The Bescanonina not only inaugurates the season; it reinforces the commitment to cycling, nature, the community and club events, which bring so much added value to both participants and the territory.