The Badlands is much more than a cycling race: it is a test of endurance and mental strength that has established itself as a benchmark in long-distance gravel cycling at an international level. With a limit of 350 participants, the race receives annually around 3,000 applications from more than 50 countries, positioning itself as one of the most popular ultracycling events in the world.
Since its debut in 2020, the Badlands has stood out for a route that crosses some of the most demanding and spectacular landscapes in Europe, such as Gorafe, Tabernas, Cabo de Gata or Pico Veleta, the highest mountain pass on the continent.
Behind Badlands are Azahara and David (along with Rafa and Chris) whose professional lives are reflected in the race. Aza, a designer, and David, a physicist specialising in renewable energy, have brought an innovative approach to design and a strong environmental awareness. The latter is reflected in the creation of Badlands Rewild, an initiative that supports land conservation through collaboration with small local businesses, reforestation projects and waste clean-up. We would like to mention that what Aza does in terms of the design of Badlands seems to us to be of a high calibre.
Photography by Juanan Barros
«What we think makes Badlands special is the diversity of its landscapes»… «However, for me, just as important as this is the hospitality of the people. At the finish line there are always stories of riders telling how the neighbors invite them to their homes to sleep, shower, eat, etc. Badlands has also become very popular among the local people, which makes us very excited.»
David Rodriguez
The route, which starts and finishes in Granada, crosses a variety of terrains that challenge both the technique and endurance of the cyclists. The event, with approximately 800 km and +16,000 m of elevation, is a non-stop race, meaning that once it starts, time does not stop, and it is without assistance: team support and riding on the wheel of another cyclist is prohibited. Here is a map of the race handmade by Alex Hotchin.
Map of Alex Hotchin
The Badlands passes through some of the most remote and difficult to navigate places on the continent: the forests of the Sierra de Huétor, the deserts of Gorafe and Tabernas, the wild coasts of Cabo de Gata, the steep climbs of La Alpujarra and the highest mountain pass in Europe, Pico Veleta (3,396m).
Photography by Juanan Barros
Previous editions: Morton, De Marchi, Cynthia Frazier, Lael Wilcox.
The first edition of Badlands took place on 6 September 2020, during a time marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made organising and participating in the race a challenge. Despite the difficulties, the race was a resounding success, attracting internationally renowned cyclists. Australian Lachlan Morton took the win with a time of 43 hours and 50 minutes, demonstrating his ability to cope with both the terrain and the extreme conditions of the race. Badlands left its mark on all participants.
The second edition was held in 2021 and consolidated Badlands as one of the most important gravel races in the world. This edition stood out for its international participation. On this occasion, it was the Italian Mattia De Marchi who took the victory, completing the course in 47 hours and 54 minutes. Marion Dziwnik was the winner in the women's category. Cyclists such as Ulrich Bartholmös and Sofiane Sehili also participated in this edition.
In 2022, the third edition of Badlands took place, with German Sebastian Breuer taking first place, finishing the race in 43 hours and 36 minutes. This edition was also notable for the participation of Lael Wilcox, one of the world's most prominent endurance cyclists, a benchmark.
The last edition, in 2023, was further proof of the growing popularity of Badlands. This time, Canadian Rob Britton was crowned winner. Cynthia Frazier was the first female and eighth overall.
Next Edition 2024
The next edition of Badlands, scheduled for September 1, 2024, promises to be even more demanding. This year, the participation is particularly interesting, with a top-level female starting lineup. Figures such as Amity Rockwell, Nathalie Baillon, Nathalie Schneitter, Sherry Vivian Cardona and Svenja Betz will lead the competition. Badlands has established itself as a meeting point between traditional gravel cyclists and ultra-distance specialists. Rockwell, winner of Unbound and Traka, and Betz, capable of competing in both MTB marathons and ultra-distance events such as Unbound XL, will compete against experienced ultracycling riders such as Baillon and Cardona, as well as Schneitter, a two-time e-bike world champion.
In the men's category, the competition will be equally tight. Simen Nordhal, one of the most active riders in "short" races (winner of this year's Rift and Gravel Worlds this Sunday) and Justinas Leveika, winner of AMR and TD, are emerging as the big favourites. Leveika, after an outstanding year, will seek to improve on his previous results, where he finished fifth and fourth, to finally reach the podium.
We leave you a link to download the STARLIST with all this year's participants.
Photography by Juanan Barros
Requiring each rider to wear an official GPS tracker in these events allows fans to feel and enjoy the events and generate a buzz on social media during the race. Unsupported ultracycling is gaining popularity as it improves the skills of navigation, strategy, survival, physical endurance and mental toughness that come from cycling’s origins.
If you've ever considered a challenge like this, but it's not on the startlist, this year we must also mention the creation of Badlands Unplugged, which was created due to the continuous request for information from bikepackers who wanted to do the route outside the event. High-quality, precise and detailed information to test or get to know the terrain, provided by the Badlands team itself.