Basajaun: 900km Bikepacking Race Through Natural Wonders

The Basajaun ultracycling race has rapidly become one of the world's leading bikepacking competitions, drawing 250 cyclists for a challenging nearly 900-kilometer journey. The event begins and concludes in Vitoria-Gasteiz, following a circular route that crosses five remarkable natural areas.

Participants traverse the sierra of Urbasa, the Irati forest, the Bardenas Reales desert, the Demanda sierra, and the Montes de Vitoria. After only four editions, the race generates such demand that a waiting list exists for entry. The competition starts with traditional txalaparta music in Plaza del Machete, setting a reverential tone for the endurance challenge ahead.

The Basajaun race has quickly risen to prominence within the international ultracycling community. What began as a new competition has transformed into a major reference point for bikepacking enthusiasts worldwide. The event's rapid growth is evidenced by its current status: there is now a waiting list for cyclists wishing to participate.

The race attracts a substantial field of 250 competitors who prepare for the grueling journey ahead. These cyclists load their bikes with aerodynamic travel bags, known as alforjas, preparing for the extensive distance that awaits them. The atmosphere at the starting line in Plaza del Machete is described as reverential, with participants maintaining a respectful silence before the race begins.

The Basajaun route covers nearly 900 kilometers, forming a complete loop that starts and ends in the capital of Alava. The course is designed to test cyclists across diverse terrains, utilizing both trails and gravel tracks. The journey is particularly notable for the specific natural landmarks it connects.

Cyclists must navigate through five distinct and challenging landscapes:

• The sierra of Urbasa
• The Irati forest
• The Bardenas Reales desert
• The sierra of the Demanda
• The Montes de Vitoria

Each of these areas offers unique scenery and obstacles, contributing to the race's reputation as a comprehensive endurance test.

The Basajaun experience begins long before the cyclists start pedaling. The race kicks off in Vitoria-Gasteiz at Plaza del Machete, where the sound of the txalaparta reverberates off the walls. This traditional wooden percussion instrument produces a rhythmic, primal sound that has been described as arrhythmic, in crescendo, and ancestral.

The music creates an atmosphere that feels wild and primitive, perfectly matching the nature of the competition. The sound echoes through the plaza like a heartbeat, setting a dramatic stage for the 250 riders waiting to depart. This cultural element adds a unique layer to the athletic challenge, connecting the modern sport of bikepacking with deep-rooted local traditions.

The Basajaun race represents a significant achievement in the world of endurance sports. By combining a nearly 900-kilometer route with five of Spain's most spectacular natural environments, the event offers a unique challenge that has captured the attention of the global cycling community. The inclusion of traditional cultural elements like the txalaparta enhances the experience, making it more than just a race but a journey through both landscape and heritage. As the event continues to grow in just its fourth edition, it solidifies its position as a must-attend competition for serious bikepacking athletes.