This non-competitive and non-profit event is organized by the Vitoria-Gasteiz Firefighters' Cycling Group, who consider it “a special honor and joy” to return to this territory. It is sponsored by the Vitoria City Council and the Provincial Council, along with collaborators such as La Brasileña, Udapa, and Bodegas Dominio de Berzal, among others.
“"Last year it was in Mallorca, the year before in Burgos. And in Vitoria, for example, the last one was in 2012. This rotates a bit between venues. It can be organized by fire departments from communities or city councils."
The march will be divided into four stages, which can also be done individually. The route will pass through the Aramaiona valley (Tuesday, May 19), Rioja Alavesa (Wednesday, May 20), the Gorbea Foothills (Thursday, May 21), and the Llanada (Friday, May 22). All stages will conclude at the Gran Hotel Lakua in Vitoria, where visitors will be welcomed on Monday, May 18.
In total, 380 kilometers will be covered with an accumulated positive elevation gain of 5,500 meters throughout this “contrasting” Álava territory. The organizers emphasize that “this diversity makes Álava a paradise for cyclotourism, with well-maintained roads, little traffic, and landscapes that invite you to enjoy cycling”.
Registrations were open until Sunday, and by the middle of this week, there were already around 175-200 participants per stage. Participants come from the fire departments of Vitoria and the Provincial Council, as well as from neighboring territories of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, and various parts of Spain. The oldest participant is 75 years old and the youngest is 23, showcasing the march's appeal across different generations.
As it is non-competitive, there will be no prize giving. The goal is “to do the march, enjoy the surroundings and the people as well”. For this reason, tourist visits are also organized, especially for those staying for the four days, offering the opportunity to discover the local heritage.
