From September 18 to 20, the festival will bring together international-level races, major mass-participation challenges and activities for all ages in a one-of-a-kind weekend dedicated to cycling
Registration is now open and, alongside elite competitions, also includes accessible events such as sportive rides, gravel experiences and many other options tailored to every type of cyclist
Girona, July 9, 2026.- The Shimano Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona by Garmin will return from September 18 to 20 to turn Girona into the European capital of cycling. Coinciding with its tenth edition, the festival will bring together thousands of professional and amateur cyclists, families and fans over three days combining international competition, sporting experiences, innovation, activities for all audiences and a huge international cycling expo area—an absolute benchmark in Europe.
With dozens of sporting events spread throughout the weekend, the festival offers options for all levels and disciplines. From those looking to compete with the best international riders to those who want to enjoy the region by bike or share a day out with the family, Sea Otter Europe offers something tailored to every type of participant.
Four must-do events to experience Sea Otter Europe as an amateur participant
226ERS UCI Gravel World Series: the road to the World Championships
The international gravel race will once again make Girona one of the world’s great stages for this discipline. Part of the official UCI Gravel World Series calendar, the race is a qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships and will bring together some of the best international specialists.
With a course of 109 km and 940 m of elevation gain, the event combines fast tracks, compact dirt roads and technical sections that cross some of the most characteristic landscapes of the Girona region, testing both participants’ endurance and strategy. The organization has designed a completely new route for this edition, with a more flowing layout suitable for all technical levels.
Participation is open both to riders with a UCI federation license and to participants who purchase a one-day license during registration, with a €6 surcharge—offering a unique way to share the stage with the best specialists on the planet.
SCOTT Marathon MTB, XCM Open World Cup and La Tramun Curta: the essence of MTB
Mountain biking will once again be one of the festival’s main highlights with the SCOTT Marathon BTT and the Copa del Mundo XCM Open, two events sharing the stage in one of the world’s most internationally renowned territories for mountain biking.
Participants can choose from different routes tailored to each level. On the one hand, the SCOTT Marathon BTT will bring the season to a close and will feature, as usual, two routes: the long-distance XCM, 55 km, and the short-distance XCP, 40 km. The big MTB draw will be the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup and its Open version, both on the route of the iconic La Tramun.
In addition, this year La Tramun Corta is added for the first time, exclusively in the Open category, for those who want to experience the same sensations on a less demanding route.
All events run through Mediterranean forests, forest tracks, trails and technical sections that let you discover Girona’s natural surroundings while testing participants’ endurance and skill.
Beyond the World Cup, participants can race with a UCI federation license or purchase a one-day license during registration—with a €6 surcharge—and take part in the Open category.
Ciclobrava by Lapierre: discovering the Costa Brava by bike
The Ciclobrava by Lapierre once again offers one of the calendar’s standout sportive rides, with three routes designed so every cyclist can find their own challenge.
Participants can choose between 70 km (1,000 m+), 100 km (1,000 m+) or the long route of 150 km (1,756 m+). All three options take in some of the most spectacular roads of the Costa Brava and the Girona region, combining mountain passes, secondary roads highly valued by cyclists and stunning panoramas over the Mediterranean. A way to bring together sea, mountains and the historic heritage of some of the area’s most beautiful villages.
To take part, you must have a UCI- or FCC-approved license, or purchase the one-day license provided by the organization, at a cost of €10, which includes medical coverage during the event.
Continental Gravel Ride Tour: an experience to discover gravel
For those who want to get started in gravel or simply enjoy a day of cycling in a privileged setting, the Continental Gravel Ride Tour offers an option open to all levels.
The route, 78.29 km with 853 m of elevation gain, heads along tracks and paths in the Girona region on a ride that combines nature, heritage and the essence of gravel—making it an ideal experience to share the kilometres and discover the area in a unique cycling atmosphere.
The event does not require a federation license, and registration includes a €5 surcharge for participation insurance.
Much more than a race programme
These four events are just a sample of the full sports programme of the Shimano Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona by Garmin. Throughout the weekend, the festival will also offer road, MTB and gravel events, kids’ races, trial and other disciplines, activities for the youngest, mass rides, exhibitions, bike test areas, talks, a food zone and a large expo area featuring the leading international brands in the sector.
Sea Otter Europe has established itself as an experience that goes far beyond competition, becoming a meeting point where athletes, families, fans and professionals share the same space around a passion for cycling.
