The story goes that it was Hercules who separated Europe from Africa with a blow of his club. There, the Strait of Gibraltar was born, a passage that has been a border, a link, and a symbol. Today, that same place becomes the common thread of The myth, a gravel cycling event that unites two continents through a route that blends nature, culture, and challenge.
Before you continue with the article, I want to tell you that an unfortunate accident during the first stage forced me to interrupt my participation and go to a medical center, where I ultimately had to undergo surgery.
I was, however, fortunate enough to share many hours and a very good path with Ino Serra, a distinguished man and a great runner, whom I didn't hesitate to contact to complement the information and stories you are about to read. Thanks to Ino, we're able to share all this today, and also in part to Aitor Calle, the organizer, who provided me with valuable information. For this reason, I want to sincerely thank you for your collaboration. All that remains for me to say is that now I have the perfect excuse to return next year and finish what was left unfinished this year.
To give you an idea of what The Myth is all about, here's this article.
Stage 1: From the green of Andalusia to the last European border
210 km / +4,000 m elevation gain
Tomi Misser and Ino Serra
The adventure begins at six in the morning, under heavy rain and darkness, on the iconic Tajo de Ronda. This imposing bridge that unites history and landscape becomes the starting point for this journey. The epic atmosphere is palpable in the air, the weather heightening this feeling before tackling 350 km and more than 7,500 km over the next 36 hours in two stages. The final preparations, brief greetings, and knowing glances anticipate what is to come: kilometers, hours, effort, and beauty.
The first few stages are on asphalt, a kind of respite that allows them to move forward as the sun begins to rise. After leaving Gaucín Station—the only physical checkpoint of the day—where the cyclists find an impromptu breakfast offered by the mayor himself, the climb to the Carrera del Caballo mountain pass begins. On the border between Málaga and Cádiz, amid the thickets of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, the route delves into a majestic setting.
Then come Jimena and Castellar de la Frontera, two white villages connected by stretches of sterrato Between farmhouses. The route continues south to Los Barrios and Algeciras, the prelude to the last major challenge of the day: the Las Corzas mountain pass. Its start, with technical climbs, gives way to open and spectacular trails to the summit, before launching into a dizzying descent towards Tarifa.
There, at the southernmost tip of Europe, the finish line of this first stage awaits. But there's also a countdown: the last ferry to Africa leaves at 9 p.m. That boat is the only way to continue the odyssey, and also the natural break in the journey. Those who don't arrive on time won't cross.
Stage 2: From the winds of Tangier to the light of Tetouan
150 km / +3,400 m elevation gain
The ferry takes just over half an hour to connect the two continents. Upon arrival in Tangier, a different atmosphere is felt. A short walk from the port to the hotel is enough to feel the energy of a vibrant city, where influences and contrasts coexist. A brief cultural introduction by Aitor Calle provides context before we get back on the pedals.
The stage starts off intensely. The first hills force you to grit your teeth: short, steady climbs, with the Atlantic in the distance and a stunning green environment. The route passes through villages, some tiny, others larger, until reaching Castillejos and its bustling market. There, the Mediterranean comes into view, as does Ceuta, visible on the horizon after a long climb along a track.
From above, the landscape expands. You skirt the Smir reservoir and its nearby mountains, trails connect with the sea in the background, and in a remote village, a cup of tea marks a break with a local flavor. There's still one final push: a 10-km track that leads to a plateau where herds graze, and from where the silhouette of Tetouan can already be seen.
The final descent is fast, but many stop to look. On one side, the sea; on the other, the mountains. The arrival in the medina is through Bab Mkabar, one of its oldest gates, where Aitor and Pablo greet the cyclists with sincere congratulations. Their faces are tired, but satisfied. Mission accomplished.
The 12 Labors of Hercules, gravel version
Throughout the 350 kilometers that make up The Myth, participants must complete 12 checkpoints—6 per stage, 4 physical and 8 virtual—using a tracking app. A symbolic nod to the Twelve Labors of Hercules, which, in this cycling version, does not seek the redemption of a hero, but rather the connection of the participant with the landscape, with the experience, and, above all, with themselves.
One of the great successes of this edition was its flexibility: the organizers allowed each cyclist to adapt their checkpoint journey to their level and the circumstances at hand. This allowed those who suffered mechanical problems or needed to readjust their pace to reorganize their route without losing sight of the ultimate goal: reaching Tarifa within the time limit.
This year's edition was a demanding test, with tough tracks and an added layer of difficulty imposed by the weather. Rain, wind, and poor visibility in some sections made the challenge even more intense. Despite this—or perhaps because of it—the passage through breathtaking landscapes left its mark. Just imagine what this route could be like under more favorable conditions, when the skies fully open up and the light reveals everything.
A challenge with a taste of discovery, an adventure that you write
Without signage, without assistance, just a precise track and the determination to discover, kilometer by kilometer, the unknown. The myth It's not a race. It's a journey. A declaration of intent. A challenge in all its dimensions: physical, mental, and logistical. There are no waymarks, but a carefully plotted route that guides participants through some of the most beautiful corners of southern Spain and northern Morocco. And that's precisely what makes it special: enjoying every inch of the journey.
Like every initiative in its first editions, The myth There are still aspects to be fine-tuned, details that will gradually take shape. But if anything defines Aitor Calle and his team—beyond their experience organizing events—it's their ability to listen to participants and transform their contributions into real improvements for future editions.
One of the most striking aspects of this proposal is, without a doubt, the terrain. Green landscapes, endless trails, welcoming villages... At many points, the route surprises with unexpected, almost unreal scenes. Places you never imagined, and once you've visited them, they remain etched in your memory forever.
In short, The myth It's much more than a sporting event: it's a life-changing experience on a bicycle, a window to another continent, and an invitation to immerse yourself in a culture that awaits on the other side of the Strait. A transformative adventure that connects you with your surroundings and with yourself. We'll definitely be back.
There is enormous potential in this proposal. The myth It may not be for those looking solely for a time or a classification, but it is for those who want to take on a meaningful challenge. It requires preparation and a cool head.
The generous time available for taking the ferry also allows you to experience it as a travel experience. Still, it's important to keep this in mind: to complete the crossing, you have to be truly prepared and keep an eye on the clock. There's time, yes, but not too much. The balance between a sporting challenge and a personal journey is remarkable, and the land not only accompanies you, it inspires you.